The Certificate in Business Administration Football industries programme provides those who hold an MBA (or international equivalent), with the opportunity to study the MBA Football industries football-related modules.
Introduction
The Football Industries MBA (FIMBA) programme is the original, and still the only, Football industries MBA. As an MBA programme, it has the real business focus that management positions in modern sports demand. Focusing on the professionalism and business of the beautiful game, if you want to work in the global football industry— with clubs, governing bodies or related marketing, media and sponsorship companies— this is the MBA programme for you.
The specialist football modules apply business concepts to modern football. You’ll gain a critical awareness of issues in football management, finance and law. Crucially, you’ll receive vocational training for the industry, including the Becoming a Football Executive module and Sports Operations Management module. The broader skills you’ll acquire include analysis, problem-solving, creativity and decision-making. The Becoming a Football Executive module will also strengthen your career management skills and hone your interpersonal communication abilities.
Who is this course for?
Candidates join our MBA programmes to achieve a number of professional goals. Typically they will have a minimum of three years of relevant management experience in the private or public sector.
Students may be planning to:
Start a new business
Move into a more senior strategic role
Improve the performance of their current company
Change the function, sector or country they work in.
Accreditation
The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
FOOTBALL ECONOMICS AND ANALYTICS (ULMS804)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
The module will provide students with insights and advance knowledge of the economics of football. Students will be able to distinguish between conventional industries and the football industry by way of economic theory. Students will explore the economics of a range of core issues including the football players’ and managerial labour markets, the economic design of leagues and the demand for and supply of football across different media. From an analytic perspective, students are not expected to have a prior understanding of statistics, econometric or analytics. However, students will be able to interpret analytical results found in relevant literature and journal articles. Students will engage in data management and analysis and will be able to appreciate the role that statistics, econometrics and analytics (might) have in decision-making within the football industry.
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL INDUSTRY (ULMS763)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the structure and organisation of football across different international settings. The module will critically examine the relevant concepts, theories, models and structures of professional football leagues and other factors that influence decision-making across the various sectors of the football industries. The module will also examine the role and influences of major stakeholders including football federations, football leagues, football clubs, players and their agents, and consumers. The nature of and changes in the supply of and the demand for football will also be critically examined. Finally, the football economies in developed and emerging markets will be assessed. The use of concepts, theories, and principles from a range of business and management disciplines will underpin the module’s critical assessment of the international football industries.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
BECOMING A FOOTBALL EXECUTIVE (ULMS824)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module enables students to develop the skills and attributes that they will need to succeed in executive careers in the football sector. Students will be provided with the opportunity to apply theory to practice in order to solve practical management problems within the sport business context, through the use of a management simulation. This will enable students to critically reflect on their performance within a high pressure situation. The module will also develop transferable career skills such as self-awareness, football industry analysis, job searching, networking, negotiation, conflict management, personal branding, CV development and personal development planning. Assessment includes a formative report at the beginning of the module, an assessed management simulation and a career development presentation.
FOOTBALL AND FINANCE (ULMS724)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module covers the financial aspects of the football business, in particular the operations of clubs and leagues; ownership, investment, debt and insolvency; and the links between financial management and successful strategy. Students are expected to contribute fully to classes, both individually and in groups, and assessed via two assignments.
SPORT AND THE LAW (ULMS721)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the ways in which the forces of domestic, European and international law impact upon the sports industries. It considers how the law is a fundamental force in driving the development of regulation in sport internationally and how long-standing practices can be challenged in the courts. Topics covered include: arbitration; employment law; discrimination; competition law; free movement; intellectual property and combating ambush marketing.
Optional modules
SPORTS OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (ULMS829)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module deals with theory, principles and practicalities of managing sustainable sports operations and events. The module covers: operations design, demand forecasting, managing the customer experience, safety and security, event management and broadcasting and logistics.
Advanced Analytics for Business (ULMS885)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The module will introduce students to the use of data analytics to aid decision making. Through the use of case studies from a variety of industries (e.g. aviation, health, sport), students will learn how different industries and organisations use analytics to gain insight from data in order to improve their operations. It also establishes the importance of data science for business intelligence, and describes opportunities and limitations in the use of analytics.
Upon completion of the module students will be able to interpret analytical results found in organisational reports, industry press, relevant literature and journal articles, and be able to make objective judgements on the quality, validity and usefulness of analytics performed by others.
Students will engage in data management and analysis, and familiarise themselves with existing platforms and software tools to develop core skills and expertise needed to process and visualise big data. The software package R will be used throughout the module and students will be able to perform analysis, including using machine learning, themselves.
The module will be delivered in an interactive style. Student participation and class exercises will allow students to gain a practical understanding of why data analytics has become an important tool in the business environment.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
MBA students are taught in a dedicated, purpose-built teaching space, the Brett Building. Its facilities include state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a lecture theatre, break-out spaces, and social zones.
Delivery of the programme syllabus is via lectures, practical work, case studies, group work, some tutorial work, seminars (for optional modules), and occasional industrial and commercial visits. Lectures provide the principal approach to imparting subject knowledge and, with group activities, constitute most of the formal contact time with students.
In addition, a concerted effort has been made to include a significant amount of case-study material and practical work in order to demonstrate the application of principles and theories delivered within the main lecture programme. The practical elements of the programme take the form of both team-based and individual or self-directed exercises.
How you're assessed
You will take six modules totalling 60 credits. These will be assessed by means of examination and/or coursework.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Each year our MBA students form lasting friendships and build a supportive global network. The MBA student community meets regularly, following a calendar of social events to make the most of all Liverpool has to offer.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
FIMBA is the one and only MBA with a focus on football, worldwide. It provides the who’s who of football industry professionals and lecturers. Giving you the chance to be part of the strongest and most diverse football network.
Our MBA Career and Leadership Development Programme is designed to enrich your MBA journey by challenging your thinking about your own professional, career and leadership development. Active participation in the Programme will deepen your awareness of yourself, your strengths, motivations and aspirations, and support you in confidently articulating and leveraging your MBA with impact and influence.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
One to one individual coaching from our dedicated MBA Professional Development team
Tailored psychometric assessment with guided feedback
Workshops: Leadership – to develop behaviours and attributes of the whole person as a future leader
Workshops: Career – practical sessions to navigate recruitment processes and leverage your MBA learning
Masterclass Guest Speakers: With significant networks to draw upon, we attract leaders and MBA Alumni from diverse sectors. Bringing a monthly ‘Consultancy Challenge’, a real-world issue, our students are encouraged to make authentic contribution
Access to a wide range of online careers resources to support career decisions, job searches and recruitment processes.
Networking is a central part of the MBA journey, network with peers, MBA Alumni and Guest Speakers. The programme enhances professional networking skills both in person and virtually.
Careers support doesn’t end when you graduate from your MBA programme. You are a lifelong member of the MBA community and we encourage you to stay connected and in turn become mentors to the next generation. You will also benefit from access to a wide range of careers and professional development support, advice and webinars up to five years after you’ve graduated.
Some of our most recent graduates are now working in the following football clubs and related organisations:
Adidas
AEG Europe
Asian Football
Confederation
BATE Borisov [Belarus]
Celtic FC
Chinese Football
Association
England Netball
European Broadcasting
Union
FC Bayern Munich
FC Colo-Colo [Chile]
FC Seoul [South Korea]
Gremio FBPA [Brazil]
Liverpool FC
Manchester City FC
NBA
Nike
Octagon
Rugby Football Union
Santos Laguna [Mexico]
Scottish Professional Football League
The [English]Football League
UEFA.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£8,900
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£11,200
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
It is essential that students already hold an MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree (which may be in any discipline) from a UK university or an equivalent professional qualification from a similar non-UK institution. Students who possess a Masters-level qualification in Business/Management/Finance may also be considered.
Candidates are normally expected to have a minimum of 3 years of substantive managerial experience in the private or public sector, having managed budgets/people/projects.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this PGCert, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have you got a question about this course? Email the admissions team.
