Sport Management

A Brighton Sport Management degree prepares you for a variety of careers in the sporting sector, including marketing, analytics, facility or event management, athlete representation and sport media.

The degree is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) – the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. CIMSPA endorsement confirms that the course meets industry standards and will provide you with the knowledge and skills that employers have identified as most valuable.

You’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. The course is packed with opportunities to gain real-world experience, including an optional paid placement year, working on challenges and live projects with our partners, field trips, plus hands-on experience throughout your degree in our extensive sport facilities. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Brighton graduates have secured roles including marketing executive at Chelsea FC, athlete manager at ITS Talent, marketing executive at Soccerex and countryside, leisure and sports events manager at Kent School Games.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

• Sport courses at Brighton have received the 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for quality from CIMSPA.

• Work placement opportunities allow you to gain hands-on professional experience and make valuable industry contacts.

• Work on challenges and live projects throughout your studies with our partners.

• Option modules to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations.

• Extensive on-site sport facilities.

• Guest speakers from industry add to your learning experience.

• Learn with experts and innovative researchers.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Sport Management
Brighton is less than an hour from central London, and Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s stadium is right next door to the Falmer campus where you’ll be studying. The city hosts many large-scale sporting events, including the UK’s third largest marathon, and was chosen as a host city for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Brighton is named one of the best cities on the planet and the third best city in the UK by Time Out.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll explore how sport is governed, funded and delivered, while gaining a solid foundation in business, finance and event management tailored to the sport industry. You’ll also develop key academic and professional skills and examine the powerful role of media in shaping sport culture and consumer behaviour. Through practical experiences and real-world case studies, you’ll begin building the knowledge and confidence needed for a career in the dynamic world of sport business.

Core modules
Who Runs Sport?
Introduction to Sport Management
Preparing for the World of Sport
Understanding Sport Media
Finance and Economics for Sport Management
Sport Events

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll gain hands-on experience in sport management through a professional placement, applying your knowledge to real-world challenges in leadership, strategy and client-based research. You’ll also explore the political and social dimensions of sport, while developing key skills in reflective practice and preparing for your final-year dissertation.

Core modules
Power and Politics in Sport
Conducting Research in Sport
Leading and Managing People in Sports Organisations
Client-based Research in Sport Organisations
Personal and Professional Development in Sport Management
Reflective Practice in Sport Management

Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in industry – testing your skills in real projects, making professional connections and returning to your final year with valuable experience that sets you apart.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll apply strategic thinking and marketing expertise to real-world sport business challenges, while deepening your understanding of how sport organisations adapt to change. You’ll also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice and can choose to specialise in areas like entrepreneurship, community sport development or sport event tourism through option modules.

Core modules
Dissertation
Strategic Change in Sport Management
Marketing for Sport Business

Options*
Community Sport Development: Policy and Practice
Sport Event Tourism
Critical Social Issues in Sport
Sport Business Entrepreneurship

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.