9 things you need to know about studying Sports Management abroad

A Sports Management degree is ideal for candidates looking to combine their passion for sports with business skills and make a mark in the industry. What’s more, Sports Management is a billion-dollar industry. So if you are thinking of making a career in sports, go ahead and fulfill your dream without worrying about how much you will earn.

Now that we have addressed a huge concern, let’s dive into the course and look at some universities you can consider applying to. 

#1 What is Sports Management? 

Sports Management is a field of study that analyzes the business principles of today’s sports industry. The field focuses on the administration, financial, and management aspect of recreation and sports. 

It will enable you to enter the career of your choice in the sports domain-

• You can work with athletes and coaches, or get a job as a sports economist, manager, promoter, etc. 
• If you are inclined towards the financial and economic aspects of sports, consider focusing on finance-related subjects.
• Similarly, the Sports Managers who want to enter international sports organizations should opt for international marketing courses.

As a student of this course, you are sure to build a detailed understanding of-

1. Sports governance
2. Policy
3. Marketing
4. Law, and
5. Finance

You will be exposed to contemporary trends while also witnessing key challenges faced by the industry. The course will help you develop the skills, expertise, and knowledge needed to get started in this evolving field!

#2 What about the program structure? 

At the undergraduate level, Sports Management can be studied as a BA or BSc course. Both these courses have a duration of 3 years and majorly cover similar content. The main point of difference is that a BSc program has more finance and accounting subjects. So, it can be opted by someone who has an inclination for that sector of sports. 

Some graduate programs have a 12-month placement during the final year of study. Placements act as an incredible way of gathering work experience, networking, and putting your learnings to practice. It will help you understand how the sports industry works. 

If your preferred country of education is the United States, pursuing Sports Management is a great option. The United States requires four years of full-time study for a bachelor’s in Sports Management. 

The first two years of the program will mainly include attending general education classes. After this, you can concentrate on sports-specific modules for the following two years. 

These programs are a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experiences. Thus, the timetable is structured around seminars, lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials, and laboratory exercises. 

#3 What are the focus areas of Sports Management courses?

The course content varies from university to university and also depends on the level of the program. However, most courses cover these fundamental areas- 

• Introduction to Sports Management 
• Principles of Sports Marketing 
• Sports Management Theories 
• Financial Accounting for Sports 
• Sports Law 
• The Sports and Leisure Market 
• Managing Sports Events 
• Sports Organizations

#4 Which are the best countries to study Sports Management? 

The best countries to pursue a Sports Management degree are-

1. USA
2. Spain
3. UK
4. Switzerland
5. New Zealand, and
6. Cyprus among many others

Sports Management courses in Canada are gaining popularity due to their high focus on the quality of education and diverse culture. Most students choose Canada for higher education to later find jobs and immigrate as permanent residents. 

#5 Top universities for Sports Management courses abroad

Listed below are some of the best and most popular universities around the globe for pursuing a Master’s in Sports Management-

• Adelphi University, New York City, USA 

⾝ Rank- 1335 

⾝ Acceptance rate- 74% 

• Arizona State University, Phoenix, USA 

⾝ Rank- 51 

⾝ Acceptance rate- 83% 

• Bournemouth University, Poole, UK 

⾝ Rank- 818 

⾝ Acceptance rate- 20% 

• Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, Canada 

⾝ Rank- 4443 

⾝ Acceptance rate- 82% 

• Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand 

⾝ Rank- 440 

⾝ Acceptance rate- 72%

#6 Tuition fees for Sports Management programs 

While there are other costs to keep in mind, tuition stands as one of the most important factors for selecting a study program abroad. These costs vary a lot depending on the program and country you pick. 

A Bachelor’s in Sports Management program would cost anywhere between USD 1750 to USD 24,000 per year. On the other hand, a Master’s in Sports Management starts from USD 1250 and goes up to USD 35,000 per year. 

#7 Average salaries of sports professionals 

A Sports Management degree opens up various career options for candidates who want to pursue their passion. Once you have decided your area of focus, the sky is the limit! 

According to statistics, the average annual salaries of some of the most popular jobs in the US are as follows- 

• Athletic Director – USD 60,000 
• Contract Manager – USD 80,000 
• Sports Agent – USD 58,000 
• Fitness Manager – USD 43,000 
• Athletic Coach – USD 43,000 
• Event Coordinator – USD 41,000 

#8 How to turn your passion for sports into a successful career

Getting a degree in sports from abroad is one of the best ways to appreciate the power of this industry worldwide. It is an opportunity to see how different the running of sport is across the globe. Along with gaining top-quality international education, you get to travel the world, build confidence, and have an experience of a lifetime. 

Many students wonder whether a degree in sports is worth the time, effort, and money spent on it. The simple answer to that is, it depends on your professional goals.

To be successful in the sports industry-

1. You need to have a passion for both sports and business.
2. Most of the jobs in this industry involve communicating and coordinating with other people. Therefore, make sure you are comfortable working with people.
3. As always, we are here if you need any help with choosing the right course or university. Reach out! 

#9 FAQs 

Q1. Is Law school a requirement to become a Sports Agent? 

Absolutely not! The most important factor for becoming a Sports Agent is to establish relationships that would lead to the future signing of clients. Once you have the ability and confidence to represent clients, you can become a successful agent.

Q2. Do I need to be a prior or current athlete to qualify for a Diploma in Sports Management? 

Although most students in this program are prior or current athletes, this is not a requirement for diploma programs. All you need is a passion for sports and a desire to pursue a career in this field. 

Q3 What is the difference between Sports Management, Sports Leadership, and Sports Administration? 

In higher education programs, these terms are used interchangeably for degrees that train professionals for the management of sports organizations. In these programs, students learn to lead organizations through the general business, leisure, management, leadership, socio-cultural theory, and communication in sport-specific settings.