The Online Football Industries MBA (Online FIMBA) is a new, online MBA dedicated to the global football industry. As an MBA programme, it has a real business focus that management positions in football and sports demand.
Wherever you are in the globe, through our Online FIMBA programme, you’ll gain a critical awareness of football issues and the wider sports world, enabling your holistic development as a football or sports executive trained through our triple-accredited Management School.
Our Online FIMBA programme is based on our highly ranked on-campus Football Industries MBA which was established over 25 years ago. Offered part-time over two years, the programme combines the core MBA curriculum created by our world class faculty that includes modules in leadership, managing financial resources and marketing alongside specialist football modules.
The football specific curriculum has been designed by our academic staff from the Centre for Sports Business, a leading hub for sports business research and practice who bring expertise and industry experience from sports analytics, economics, governance and finance.
If you want to kick-start your career in football management or up your game in the sports business, this programme is for you!
Many of our candidates who join the FIMBA come from other sectors but have a lifelong passion and ambition to work in the game or start their new business within the football industry.
Typically, you will have a minimum of 3 years of relevant management/leadership experience in the private or public sector. If you do not hold a degree or the required degree classification, you are welcome to apply. For more information about eligibility, please get in touch with the MBA team at ulmsmba@liverpool.ac.uk.
We’re offering 50% scholarships for candidates starting the programme in September 2025.
Places are limited, so we encourage you to apply to the programme early to avoid disappointment. Awards will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, with applicants to the programme assessed automatically for eligibility. Find out more about our scholarships today!
Our students come from a wide range of sectors, industries, backgrounds, countries and cultures. Read our campus-based students’ stories and find out more about why they chose the Management School, highlights of the programme to date, and valuable advice if you’re considering an MBA.
Our campus based Football Industries MBA features in the top 20 global SportBusiness postgraduate rankings for 2024.
If you already hold an MBA or are working in the industry and would like to study the football-specific modules only, we offer a Certificate in Business Administration (Football Industries).
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.
Please note – modules for this course have not yet been finalised and may be subject to change.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Project (with research methods element)
This module provides the opportunity for students to undertake the MBA Project, a self-managed process of systematic practitioner inquiry, to address a management challenge with the option of working with an organisation. This project enables students to integrate, apply and develop the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during the MBA programme.
Students will be allocated a supervisor for their MBA project who will support their process of independent learning and inquiry. Supervisory contact hours will include feedback on one draft chapter, progress check-ins, and ongoing Q&A.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The course curriculum
Teaching and assessment
The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship.
You’ll take modules totalling 120 credits, with the dissertation or consultancy based project completed at the end of your studies being worth 60 credits. You’ll be supported by your academic supervisor during the dissertation or consultancy based project.
You’re required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MBA. Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, you’ll graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
How you’ll study
Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
With online FIMBA, you can study in your time and wherever through live and recorded sessions. All our online programmes are delivered through Canvas, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, enabling you to thrive in a flexible and engaging hybrid approach.
Key features include:
Canvas provides a flexible, engaging learning environment that combines the benefits of online study with the interactivity of traditional classrooms.
Assessments
Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting. There is also one exam (delivered online) within the Managing Financial Resources module.
The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module handbook at the start of each module.
Online learning experience
We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on Canvas.
Typically, your learning experience will include the following:
On average, you will need to dedicate a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per module, per week.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Dedicated MBA careers support
Whatever your experience as a manager and whatever your professional ambitions, you’ll be supported with your future career planning from the very first week.
FIMBA is at the centre of one of the best existing global networks in the football industry, with alumni working for the top football/sports clubs, governing bodies, media and commercial organisations in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa.
Some of our most recent graduates are now working in:
INTERESTED IN HOW OUR ALUMNI HAVE PROGRESSED?
Find out how Mario achieved his long-term goal of becoming a football agent following his graduation from the FIMBA programme in 2016. You can also read more of our alumni stories.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Part-time place, per year - £12,975
Part-time place, per year - £16,475
Fees are for academic year 2025/26. Please note our MBA programmes include one optional international study trip to a European destination. The University covers the cost of accommodation and excursions only. This is scheduled to take place in the January of your first part time year of study. The University does not cover any additional costs associated with the trip, such as flights and visa applications. The School cannot guarantee that visa applications connected with the study trip will be successful. The visa application process is managed by the student independent of the university. The University in its decision making, ensure the choice of destination has reasonable visa requirements and costs. Fees will not be refunded to students who do not participate in the international study trip.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 paying for your studies..
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re an MBA offer holder, with four or more years of professional or managerial experience and a strong academic background, you could be eligible to receive a discount of 50% off your tuition fees.
If you’re a female offer holder for our Football Industries MBA, with three or more years of professional or managerial experience and a strong academic background, you could be eligible to receive 50% off your tuition fees.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | Candidates will normally be expected to hold a 2:1 Honours degree (which may be in any discipline) from a UK university, or an equivalent professional qualification from a similar non-UK institution. Non-graduates who possess extensive professional experience (more than 5 years) and/or a postgraduate qualification are encouraged to apply.
Non Standard Entry Non Standard entry relates to applicants who may not hold a degree or the required degree classification. We would still encourage applications if you have
Each application is considered on a case by case basis and will include an informal, online interview with the MBA team. The interview is an opportunity to discuss your suitability to MBA programme, your experience and interest in the MBA programme. Applicants should apply via the normal route. For more information on this non-standard entry process, please contact ulmsmba@liverpool.ac.uk. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110 |
| 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 |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 6 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions