Business of Football

The BSc (Hons) Business of Football degree has been developed through consultation with Manchester United FC, Salford City FC, Altrincham FC, the Manchester FA and the English Football League. This unique collaboration means you will understand the biggest challenges and greatest opportunities football clubs tackle in the evolving world of professional football, as well as the strategies used to transform clubs into multi-billion-pound enterprises.

This course gives you a 360-view of the business side of football, with an in-depth insight into how clubs capitalise on current and emerging revenue streams. Get ready to gain valuable on-pitch and off-pitch experiences, discussing topics such as governance, player care, talent recruitment, sales, marketing, fan engagement, operations and cutting-edge AI applications, with a focus on the rapidly growing women’s game.

Dive into real-world scenarios, including innovative stadium and estate re-development at Real Madrid, Ryan Reynolds’ social media transformation of Wrexham AFC and Salford City FC’s journey from non-league to the football league. Evaluate how clubs such as Man Utd identify talent and support players. Benefit from guest lectures by Gary Neville and the Class of 92, alongside current football executives, and access exclusive internships, live projects, work experience opportunities, mentorship and guest speakers from Salford City FC and other partners.

So, if you are looking for a Football Business course in Manchester, our BSc (Hons) Business of Football degree is the perfect choice for you.

Alongside your course modules, you will engage with the 92 Programme, which is built into every degree and tailored to each subject area.

Engaging with the 92 Programme is a requirement for all students and will count towards your overall grade.

Through taught sessions, immersive experiences and coaching, you will build confidence, resilience, wellness, self-reflection and professionalism, skills designed to support your future success.

Level 5 Modules

Operational Excellence in Sport

You’ll study the Operations Management frameworks and techniques used to proactively develop strategies in order to design, plan, and control operations and explore ways to improve football business performance.

Football Law, Ethics and Social Responsibility

This module tackles the legal, ethical, and social side of football. You’ll learn about the laws that govern transfers, contracts, and even fan behavior. We’ll also explore the ethics of doping and how decisions impact the rules of the game. Plus, you’ll dive into the social responsibility of football clubs and their impact on communities. No legal jargon here – just how to be a responsible leader in the world’s most popular sport.

Talent Identification, Analysis and Player Management

Want to know how clubs find future football superstars? In this module, you’ll learn the secrets of talent identification in both youth development and professional football. You’ll delve into player management and explore how clubs create the perfect environment to develop and nurture future talent. Finally, you’ll get to grips with player and match analysis, discovering ways to collect and interpret data in order to assess player performance.

Football Policy and Community Development

This module looks at how football policies impact society in the UK and worldwide. Learn about the economic and social impact of the sport, policy implementation, and how football can be a force for good! You’ll explore different ways clubs fund local community initiatives, especially for underrepresented groups. Plus, you’ll gain hands-on experience with a 30-hour placement at a local community-based club.

Level 6 Modules

Leadership in Sports

You’ll develop a critical understanding of the evolution of leadership theory, its function in contemporary football business environments, the role and responsibilities of a business leader and the organisational principles that contribute to contemporary business leadership issues.

Football Governance

This module will give you the knowledge to understand the challenges and opportunities facing football clubs today. You’ll analyse ownership models, legal structures, and how to balance the interests of fans, investors, and players. Think about competition fairness, financial sustainability, and navigating the media. This isn’t just about the game – it’s about the business behind the game.

New Trends in Sport Business Management

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of new trends in the football industry. You’ll explore the key issues, approaches and challenges related to emerging trends within football business and management.

Project

In this module, you will complete either a live project from one of our partners or a dissertation on an area of interest, that demonstrates your research and problem-solving skills.

Level 4 Modules

Management and Organisations
Explore the business environment; understanding the internal and external forces that impact on organisations (including football clubs) the historical and contemporary issues affecting the management of people in organisations and the skills and attributes required to become an effective leader.

Introduction to Sports Event Management
Develop an in-depth understanding of what it takes to organise, manage and deliver memorable and successful football events; covering event design, development and practical fundamentals as well as managing the health, safety and security of all stakeholders.

Sports Finance and Economics
Cover the basics of business finance and the economics of professional football. Develop the fundamental knowledge and skills you need to become familiar with sports financial management, specifically the financial statements and economic factors within professional football.

Fan Engagement, Marketing and Commercialisation of Football
This module dives into the world of football marketing and commercialisation. You'll learn how clubs build a passionate fanbase, manage relationships with customers and stakeholders, score big sponsorship deals, and build a recognised brand with socially responsible values.

https://ua92.ac.uk/study-with-us/undergraduate/courses/business-of-football-bsc-hons/