Sports management in the UK | Eligibility, top universities, admissions, and more

About sports management courses in the UK

The sports industry is experiencing remarkable growth in developed regions such as the UK. There is an increase in the popularity of sports management courses offering students abundant career prospects in this field. These courses blend management principles with HR skills, enabling students to cultivate successful sports teams. Pursuing sports management in the UK offers expertise in leadership and innovative marketing strategies.

Universities in the UK provide a comprehensive learning experience for sports management students, combining practical and theoretical approaches. Through these programs, students gain hands-on experience in various activities within the sports industry. 

Let’s discuss the best universities to study sports management courses in the UK.

Best universities for sports management in the UK

The UK is renowned for its top-notch universities offering excellent sports management programs that equip students with enhanced managerial skills in various sports industry sectors. Here is a list of the best universities for management in sports the UK.

University of Edinburgh

It is a prestigious and historic public research university in Scotland, offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in sports management. These programs cover various aspects of the subject, enabling students to develop essential skills in communication and management. The university boasts strong connections with major sports organizations. These universities offer excellent placement opportunities to gain practical experience in the field and it is one of the best university for sports management in UK.

Programs

• BSc (Hons) Sports Management- 4 years
• MSc in Sports Policy, Management, and International Development- 1 year

Program Fees (Annual)

Approx

• BSc- GBP 12,47,93.30  (INR 11,96,1494)
• MSc- GBP 25,300 (INR 23,92, 059)

University of Bath

Located in Bath, Somerset, it is a reputed public university that received its royal charter in 1966. The university offers a sports management course combining theoretical and research approaches, providing students with a highly regarded experience and valuable real-world exposure. The course covers a diverse range of sports-related aspects through theoretical teachings, with an emphasis on practical application in real-world scenarios. Students can expect to gain knowledge and skills that have direct relevance to the sports industry and it is one of the top sport management colleges in UK and it has the best Undergraduate Sports Management Courses.

Programs

• BSc (Hons) in Sport Management and Coaching- 4 years
• BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science- 4 years
• MSc Sports Management- 1 year

Program Fees (Annual)

Approx     

• BSc- GBP 24,500 (INR 23,16,420)
• MSc- GBP – 9,377.24 (INR 89,88,12.68)

University of Liverpool

Regarded as a prominent sports management institution in the UK, the University of Liverpool offers an exceptional MSc Sports Business and Management program. The program adopts a business-oriented approach. It provides comprehensive knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in the global sports industry. Students will develop a high-level understanding of the global sports business, including its various organizations, stakeholders, and disciplines, contributing to its success. By completing this program, students will gain valuable insights into sports business management.

Programs

• MBA in Football Industries – 1 year
• MSc Sports Business and Management- 1 year

Program Fees (Annual)

• MBA- GBP 30,500 (INR 28,83, 707)
• MSc- GBP 25,200 (INR 23,82,604)

University of East London

Situated in the London Borough of Newham, the University of East London is a public university. Their course offers an interdisciplinary approach, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the highly competitive field of sports management. This program covers a wide range of topics, including strategies, innovation, the global sports environment, and other relevant areas. By completing this course, students will gain valuable insights and abilities required for success in the sports industry.

Programs

• BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance- 3-4 year
• MSc Sports Therapy- 1 year
• BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy- 3-4 years
• MSc- Sports Analytics- 1 year
• MSc Applied Sports and Exercise Physiology- 1 year

Program Fees (Annual)

Approx

• BSc- GBP 13450 (INR 12,71,667)
• MSc- GBP 14,340 (INR 13,55,815)

Coventry University

Coventry University is famous as one of the top colleges in the UK. By successfully completing their course, students will acquire the necessary skills to become professional practitioners. The program provides theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and enhances personal attributes essential for becoming leaders in the chosen sports sector. As the demand for sport management graduates with relevant expertise continues to grow, Coventry University equips students with the expertise needed to meet this demand.

Programs

• BA (Hons) Sports and Leisure Management-3-4 years
• MSc Sports Management- 1 year

Program Fees (Annual)

 Approx

• BA- GBP 15263.36 (INR 14,63,000)
• MSc- GBP 1,333 (INR 12,77,974.06)

Eligibility criteria and admission requirements for Sports Management in the UK

Educational Qualification

International students interested in pursuing management courses in the UK need to have the following qualifications

For Bachelor’s

You need to provide a qualifying certificate of 12th grade with 50-60% from any registered educational institution. Having a background in management can be an advantage.

For Master’s

Students need to present a 3-4 years bachelor’s degree in management or related fields with a minimum 2.1 GPA and 60-70% score.

English language proficiency test scores

Students, while applying to the best universities in the UK, need to submit the score of the English Language Proficiency test. However, the score requirement may differ according to the university in the UK.

For Master’s

•     TOEFL iBT- 90-100
•     IELTS-5.5-6.5
•     PTE- 69 or more

For Bachelor’s

• TOEFL iBT- 60-80
• IELTS- 6.5- 7.5
• PTE- 51-60

GRE or GMAT Test Scores

Work Experience

Irrespective of the level of course you are pursuing, work experience isn’t completely mandatory. However, to study at any best university for management in the UK, especially for master’s or MBA level, universities might ask for 3-4 years of work experience.

UK student visa

To obtain a UK study visa, international students must possess an acceptance letter from the university they have applied to. The processing time for a UK study visa typically is around three weeks, although it may be longer during periods of high demand.

Documents required for admission

• Statement of purpose
• Letter of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Academic documents
• A valid passport is compulsory
• Financial support proof
• GRE/GMAT score

Admission process

• The steps for the admission process are as follows-
• Review the official university website to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for your desired program.
• Familiarize yourself with the necessary documents and permits that must accompany your application.
• Complete the online application form and submit the application fee.
• Upon submission, access the admission portal to track the progress of your application.
• Simultaneously, gather all the required documents for a UK study permit application.
• If you meet the necessary requirements, the university may invite you to take an entrance exam.
• The college administration sets a cut-off score for the entrance exam. Meeting or exceeding this cut-off score leads to the next step.
• Once the university accepts your documents and exam scores, you will receive an acceptance letter from the university.
• After receiving the acceptance letter, you can proceed to apply for a UK student visa.

Key takeaways

• Sports management courses in the UK provide a blend of management principles and HR skills, offering abundant career prospects.
• Top universities in the UK, such as the University of Edinburgh, University of Bath, University of Liverpool, University of East London, and Coventry University, offer excellent sports management programs with practical and theoretical learning experiences.
• The programs cover various aspects of the sports industry, including strategies, innovation, global sports environment, and more, preparing students for leadership roles.

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FAQs

Q1. How much does sports coaching pay in the UK?

Ans- The starting salaries for newly qualified sports coaches employed by local authorities typically range from £15,000 to £25,000, depending on their qualifications and the location of the position. Senior coaches working for National Governing Bodies (NGBs) or professional sports clubs can expect a typical salary range of £30,000 to £35,000.

Q2. Which other country is best for sports management?

Ans- The United States of America is famous as a top destination for studying Sports Management abroad. It offers exceptional educational opportunities to students, enabling them to pursue their desired careers.

Q3. Is there scope in sports management?

Ans- The field of sports management opens up a wide range of career prospects for professionals and individuals in diverse sectors. It holds importance across various levels, encompassing educational institutions, local tournaments, national competitions, and global divisions.