Business Administration (Sport Leadership and Management) (Taught)

This MBA is one of the first of its kind in the UK. It equips you with an advanced practical knowledge of strategic leadership alongside the skills you need to prepare you for work in this expanding sector. Drawing on expertise from our Business and Sport Science schools, you develop your critical understanding of the issues facing sport and physical activity in the UK and around the world. Designed to develop your strategic thinking, you uncover a range of approaches to widen participation in physical activity, setting you up for impactful leadership in this thriving field.

Course accreditation/endorsement

We increase the employability of our graduates by being a Higher Education Partner of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Facilities and specialist equipment
Situated at our friendly, collegiate Bedford campus with its excellent sport science facilities including CASES-accredited sports laboratories and a national-standard sports arena.
Access to our state-of-the-art data lab, equipped with top-tier business analytics software and platforms, including Vensim simulation software, allowing hands-on learning and exploration.
Benefit from a range of learning resources, such as Oracle OPERA, to support you on your learning journey.

Career-powered links
We are official education partners of Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues Rugby Club, and collaborate with other clubs and organisations across the region, such as Bedford Tigers RLFC, MK Dons, Cricket East and Be Active, giving you the opportunity to put your learning into practice through work placements.

Your student experience
Acquire essential professional skills aligned with bodies like the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Benefit from opportunities for placements with our official partners Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC and Foundation as well as other sporting organisations such as Bedford Tigers RLFC, MK Dons, Cricket East and Be Active.
In Business, join our Global Guest Speaker series, featuring academics, industry leaders and professionals from organisations like Luton Borough Council, the European Commission and bodies such as the Association of Project Management (APM).
In Sports, access regular industry speakers through our research institute’s seminar series; recent speakers are professionals from MK Dons, PGA, Northampton Saints and our education partners, Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC.
Participate in field trips to exhibitions like the Great Business Exhibition and Tech Show London as well as visits to sports-related sites such as St George’s Park, the home of England Football, Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC.
Solve real-life problems working with the University’s Research and Innovation Service (RIS) where you can assist local businesses and SMEs to up-skill and innovate.

Intermediate qualifications available: Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Master's level, Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Master's level

Course modules

Sport in the global context – How sport is developed and delivered across the globe, particularly in terms of it being a ‘commodity’ as well a force for social good.

Leading and managing sustainable organisations – Explore responsible leadership and ethical decision-making in sport while developing practical skills to take on 21st-century challenges.

Applied innovation and entrepreneurship in sport – Work with a sporting organisation to produce a research proposal in an area they are looking to develop, change or innovate.

Strategy analysis in the global environment – Learn to analyse data and industry information, make informed strategic decisions and address sports-specific management challenges.

MBA applied project – Work with a sporting organisation to solve a pre-identified problem, demonstrating your ability to gather data and evidence; analyse that evidence; and make effective decisions and recommendations.

Every effort is made to make sure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.