The MSc Sports Business and Management offers students a master's level understanding of the global business of sport - its organisations, stakeholders and the disciplines which make it operate successfully - with a business focus on the challenges and opportunities within the global sports business.
Our MSc Sports Business and Management is ranked 1st in the UK, 3rd in Europe, and 14th in the world in the 2023 SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings.
The programme provides students with the opportunity to study an MSc Sports Business and Management in a Russell Group University which has an excellent reputation and network within football, horse racing, cricket, rugby and other sports based on its provision of high-quality education in the business of sport over the past 15 years.
The MSc Sports Business and Management programme was designed in consultation with industry employers, including Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs, St. Helens RFLC (Rugby League) and Deloitte, to identify and incorporate the skills required by industry both now and in the future.
Modules cover the global context of sports business, sports marketing and sponsorship, sports operations and events, and leadership in sport.
In the capstone ‘Sports Business Practice’ module students will have opportunities to visit Premier League Football Clubs as well as high-profile sports businesses from cricket, rugby and other sports. Students will have access to excellent sports business speakers to enhance their understanding of the practical aspects of working in the global sports business market.
The Management School has a range of additional funding opportunities for outstanding master’s students, including the Management School Excellence Scholarship which offers tuition fee discounts of 50%. Eligibility and more information can be found on the School’s scholarship pages.
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.
AACSB Accreditation Standards require a high quality teaching environment, a commitment to continuous improvement, and curricula responsive to the needs of businesses. This achievement means that the Management School meets specific standards of excellence. It also means it's committed to on-going improvement in delivering high quality education.
AMBA is the highest standard of achievement in postgraduate business education. MBA students and graduates, business schools and employers all recognise it as a gold standard. AMBA's rigorous criteria and assessment process ensure that only programmes that demonstrate the highest standards in teaching, learning and curriculum design; career development and employability; and student, alumni and employer interaction achieve accreditation.
The School is also accredited by EQUIS, which is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. Institutions that are accredited by EQUIS must demonstrate not only high general quality in all dimensions of their activities, but also a high degree of internationalisation and corporate connections.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Please note the structure of this programme remains subject to approval following exciting developments for our September 2025 students. If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be advised of any amendments that are made prior to the programme’s start date.
During the first semester, you will undertake three compulsory modules of 20 credits each (60 credits in total).
COMPULSORY MODULES
Incorporating a focus on modern business analytics and marketing technology, the module introduces students to the tools and techniques that drive decision-making and performance measurement in sports marketing. Students will reflectively and critically engage in debates around how data analytics, digital platforms, and marketing technology are transforming fan engagement, brand exposure, and sponsorship ROI, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the future of sports marketing and sponsorship.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Please note the structure of this programme remains subject to approval following exciting developments for our September 2025 students. If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be advised of any amendments that are made prior to the programme’s start date.
During the second semester, you will undertake three compulsory modules of 20 credits each (60 credits in total).
In terms of finance, the module will focus on the balance sheet, breaking it down into the main assets that are used by a sporting institution and the alternative means through which those assets are financed. The concept of profitability and breakeven (for private and non-profit making organisations) from the income statement will be used to identify the main revenue streams and costs involved in running a sporting institution along with the differences between profit and cash flows. This will enable students to analyse the financial statements of a sports based business through the use of financial metrics and key performance indicators. Additionally, ownership models will be analysed with the emphasis between those which focus on sporting versus financial achievements. Different techniques and models will be used to show how to value a sporting institution, along with the risks of using some of these models.
The module will also provide students with a better understanding of the main analytical techniques to understand some key issues in sports economics. Sports economics will be used as a laboratory to study general economic problems. While the module does not require any previous knowledge in econometrics and quantitative analysis, the ultimate aim is for students to learn to interpret some of the main results found in relevant research papers on the different aspects of sports business.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will complete your course with a final 60-credit applied research project or dissertation.
For your final project you will be supported by an academic supervisor
Choose one:
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
On our MSc Sports Business and Management, modules are taught using the latest active learning techniques. These include the use of real-world case studies from the world of professional sport, authentic assessment tasks that mimic sports organisation activities and requisite outputs, business scenario and negotiation simulations, use of interactive participation software, and lecture capture. We also ensure that each module has a distinctive contribution from an industry guest speaker, and host a broader “in conversation” series where C-suite executives from the sports industry contribute to engaging discussions with faculty and students.
The principal forms of teaching are lectures and seminars with lectures normally being supported by material such as hand-outs and presentations. Seminars allow for a more detailed discussion of a topic under the direction of a tutor. You are normally expected to prepare work in advance for seminars and may be expected to present work or give presentations.
Following semester two you will complete either a dissertation or the Strategic Business Research for Sport project with the support of an academic supervisor. This final project enables students to specialise in an area of the sports business discipline to deepen their knowledge, understanding and capabilities in this area.
Teaching time will account for an average of 10 hours per week and you should anticipate an additional 24 hours of self-directed study and group work per week.
In semester one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The dissertation or research project completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and students will be supported by their academic supervisor.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, but students can expect to be assessed via coursework, essay, group work, presentations, case studies, negotiation exercises, reports and examinations. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
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.
This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School.
The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Sports Business and Management MSc has given me incredible opportunities and I've cultivated friendships that will last for the rest of my life.
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You will graduate from this programme with the skills necessary to work and engage in business-related roles of sports organisations. These include marketing, finance, strategy, international development, data analytics and research, relationship management, and human resources. Students may also pursue operations-related roles.
The programme makes extensive use of guest speakers from current industry professionals which are woven into modules and smaller, informal networking events.
You will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.
Graduates from our Sports Business and Management MSc course have secured jobs with companies such as:
In roles such as:
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.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Part-time place, per year - £7,000
Full-time place, per year - £30,000
Part-time place, per year - £15,000
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.
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.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student with a first-class degree, or equivalent? Join an MSc in the Management School and you could be eligible to receive £2,000 off your tuition fees.
Join an MSc in the Management School and you could be eligible to receive a 50% discount off your tuition fees. You’ll be considered for this award based on your academic record, CV and the personal statement from your course application.
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 | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
|
| 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.
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Last updated 19 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions