Sports Management with Foundation Year

Degree Overview
A career in sports management is both challenging and exciting. Students will learn many operational, financial, marketing, and legal skills required for many management roles at the same time as developing specific and detailed knowledge of complex and contemporary developments in national and global sport.

As a student, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the business and operational aspects of the sports industry, from marketing and finance to event management and media relations. This degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in various roles, whether you dream of managing a sports team, working in sports marketing, or launching your own venture in this dynamic field. Take the first step towards your future in sports management at UCFB!

Degree Content
This degree course explores the world of sports business, including finance, marketing and law, as well as best practice in people management and the planning of major sporting events, such as Olympic Games and World Cups. BA (Hons) Sports Management will explore the vast global sports industry and use modern and historical examples of good and bad practice from the industry to add context and further understanding to your studies.

Your first year will provide a strong foundation in sports business practice, with particular attention to understanding the sports industry, key sports marketing principles and fan and consumer behaviour. From here the course will advance your knowledge and skills development by focusing on sports-specific organisation management, legal issues in sports governance, entrepreneurship, before the final year teaches you how to engage with contemporary issues in sports management and build specific strategic management competencies.

Studying at UCFB comes with a number of valued benefits to enhance your career and employment opportunities through our Employability and Career Planning provision.

Teaching Locations
UCFB Wembley

• Wembley Stadium

• Arch View House, First Way

UCFB Manchester Campus

• Exchange Quay

• Quay Plaza

In addition to our teaching locations, we also use specialist facilities throughout the academic year as well as additional facilities where required.

Degree Specifications
University Campus of Football Business is an embedded college of the University of East London. All graduates will receive a degree from the University of East London.

Career Prospects
Career prospects for graduates of the BA (Hons) Sports Management degree include sports business development, sports management and administration, club directorship, sporting facilities management, sports agency, sponsorship and commercial management, sport operations management and sports entrepreneurship.

UCFB Employability & Career Planning Programme
Over 90% of UCFB graduates are in employment within six months of graduating, with 62% of those graduates working within the global sports industry.

At UCFB, your career starts from day one. Alongside your academic studies, our Employability & Career Planning programme supports your development, helping you build the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in the sports industry.

Through a range of tailored opportunities - including best-in-class industry guest speakers, Premier Events, and work-based learning - you’ll gain valuable real-world insight and connections. With ongoing career support and access to placements, you’ll graduate as a well-rounded, career-ready professional.

Course Modules

Foundation Year

• Skills for Learning

• Mental Wealth

• Research Project

• Contemporary Issues in Sport

• Introduction to Business and Management

• Managing Football Operations and People

First Year

• Introduction to Marketing

• Understanding Sports Business

• Industry Competencies (Mental Wealth)

• Understanding Sports Fan Behaviour

• Financial Management Information Systems and Internal Controls

• Sport, Media and Society

Second Year

• Negotiating and Winning Contracts

• Managing Sports Organisations

• Industry Readiness (Mental Wealth)

• Research Methods

• Legal Issues in the Governance of Sport

• Entrepreneurship

Third Year

• Strategic Management

• Event Delivery

• Professional Project

• Industry Engagement (Mental Wealth)

• Contemporary Issues in Sport Management