Delivered online, this Football Industries MBA programme has the real business focus that management positions in modern sport demand.
Introduction
The online Football Industries MBA is delivered by the Centre for Sports Business (CSB) at the Management School. Centre staff bring expertise from a wide range of backgrounds, including expertise in sports analytics, marketing, economics, leadership, governance and finance, to make the Centre a leading hub for sports business knowledge and practice.
Who is this course for?
Candidates join our MBA programmes to achieve a number of professional goals. Typically they will have a minimum of 3 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.
Students joining this programme will want to undertake distance learning, rather than on-campus.
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.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Please note – modules for this course have not yet been finalised and may be subject to change.
Compulsory modules
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION (ULMS847)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
This module explores topics in organisational behaviour at the individual, group, and organisational levels. At the individual level, the module looks at individual differences in key attributes that lead to work effectiveness such as personality and motivation. At the group level, the module builds on earlier content to establish how teams function and explores the role of effective leadership in influencing teams. At the organisational level, the module looks at organisational culture and change and consolidates the content by looking at a range of organisations and sectors. The module will offer students several reflection points on their work behaviours on which they will receive targeted feedback.
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.
Managing Financial Resources (ULMS701)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the nature of financial resources available to an organisation; how resources can be managed to add value; how business activities are summarised and the relationships between different activities summarised and predicted; and how the core skills and competencies of an organisation are identified and managed.
Marketing in the Digital Age (ULMS842)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
Marketing in the Digital Age is a forward-thinking MBA module that puts diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and responsible marketing at the forefront of modern marketing practices. In this transformative journey, we explore the intersection of these critical dimensions with the evolving world of digital marketing. This module empowers students with the knowledge and skills to excel in contemporary marketing. Students will gain insights into the power of inclusive marketing, understand the vital role of sustainability, and embrace responsible marketing practices.
STRATEGY AND ORGANISATION (ULMS822)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
Leaders and managers of organisations today face many types of challenges. The essence of strategy is in successfully achieving the appropriate fit between resources and environment in an increasingly dynamic and turbulent world. The aim of the module is to provide the students with a comprehensive overview of strategic analysis, strategy formulation and implementation, and to enable them to develop and implement strategies in their own organisations. The module pays particular emphasis on helping students to understand the environment in which strategising takes place, including the industry and country environment. Furthermore, the module aims to enable students to understand and appreciate the organisational context in which strategic decisions are made. The module takes a critical approach. It draws on insights from a variety of sources and disciplines, including managerial and industry economics, but also behavioural perspectives and organisation theory in order to provide an integrative perspective on strategy.
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.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
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.
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.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT (ULMS849)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides an understanding of the major drivers of the internationalisation of business activities. Based on the understanding gained from lectures, seminars and individual and group research activities throughout the module, students will be able to analyse the strategic implications of internationalisation for organisations and assess how to manage international business activities effectively. The module outlines the main theories and latest research evidence on major issues of international business management and explores key factors that make international business management different from domestic strategies and operations. The application of theoretical models and concepts to practical issues in the management of organisations is central to the module’s objectives. The module provides students with a sound knowledge of not only the theory and evidence on key topics in the internationalisation processes of organisations, but also applies this to how to manage effectively in the context of a complex and evolving international business environment. Examination of the major drivers of evolution of the international business environment (for example, the rise of emerging economies, and economic, technological, political and cultural changes affecting international trade and investment) provides the basis for assessing how organisations may best adjust to the changing patterns of internationalisation. By the end of the module, students will understand how business strategies and operations fit into the fast changing global arena and will have a good appreciation of the strategic challenges and opportunities facing organisations that operate internationally, as well as of implications for their personal careers in an international context.
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.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ULMS704)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The objective of this module is to integrate the two fields of innovation and entrepreneurship focusing upon management practice and creating change in a range of sectors. It will approach the analysis of innovation and entrepreneurship by drawing attention to relevant theories and research but placing more emphasis on applying these to practice in a broader context including the private, public and third sector and ways of creating new business models, opportunities, value and change. In particular, the module will examine issues and dilemmas in “doing” innovation and entrepreneurship.
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.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
ULMSXXX – 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.
How you'll learn
This programme will be taught online.
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.
Your experience
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
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.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
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:
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)
Part-time place, per year
£12,975
International fees
Part-time place, per year
£16,475
The total UK fee for this course is £25,950. The total International fee for this course is £32,949. This will be split pro rata each year as detailed above.
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 paying for your studies..
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.
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
Significant management experience (more than 5 years),
Below 2:1 or no formal university degree
Substantial record of achievement in business and leadership (for example accredited training courses, learning & development courses).
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
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
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
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 a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
