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BA (Hons) Sport Business Management

UCAS CODE: N880 (Full-time) or N88F (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
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  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2023

In the sports business, professional and commercial practices of management, marketing and coaching are inextricably linked. Having a good understanding of one area enhances your knowledge of the other.

Our Sport Business Management programme is ideal if you are interested in developing business knowledge and sport management skills, as you'll cover a mix of global business practices, sustainability, people management, data analysis, finance and marketing skills in a shared first year (Level 4) before being able to further specialise on a particular pathway. We blend these areas to give you an understanding of the sports world and the topical issues affecting us.

Pathways

Our Sport Business Management programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big career decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen career.

Make your application to BA (Hons) Sport Business Management. You'll then choose one of the below pathways after your first year and your final degree award will be the pathway you have chosen.

These pathways are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

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Sport Business Management

What will I study on this pathway?

If you are looking to kickstart your professional journey in sport, then this Sport Business Management degree provides the perfect opportunity to explore the worlds of sport and business, with the added benefit of gaining a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) degree. You will develop organisational leadership, finance and strategy knowledge, plus an in-depth understanding of key areas of the sports industry such as sport facility operations, events, marketing and the media.

 

You will graduate with BA (Hons) Sport Business Management.

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Sport Business Management and Marketing

What will I study on this pathway?

Delve into the exciting and dynamic world of sports marketing with our hands-on Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Institute of Digital Marketing (IDM) accredited degree. From broadcasting, commerce and brand relationships you’ll develop a solid foundation of marketing principles and combine this with an in-depth look at the sports industry and gain the core marketing skills needed to make your mark.

 

You will graduate with BA (Hons) Sport Business Management and Marketing.

Why study this subject?

Sport England estimates that sport and its industry contribute £39 billion to the UK economy as well as making a profound difference to wider UK society. There are a range of opportunities for those with knowledge of business management combined with sport in economic, social and cultural settings. Equally, the diverse and inclusive nature of sport means openings exist for a range of people. Studying a sport business management related degree will equip you with all the sport and business know-how you need to begin your career. It will help you develop decision-making in a range of cultural settings and enhance your profile with a range of sport organisations looking for knowledgeable and qualified individuals.

In the ever-growing sports sector, there is an increased demand for qualified and knowledgeable graduates, who can demonstrate both knowledge and experience of working within the sports industry. We are proud that our courses are industry accredited by professional bodies, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Institute of Digital Marketing (IDM). Graduating with an accredited degree provides you with a qualification that is recognised nationally and internationally, opening doors for you and giving you a competitive advantage.

Studying a degree in this specialist area will allow you to develop sought after leadership and marketing. The courses allow you to develop your ability to make business decisions, alongside qualities such as empathy, problem-solving and creativity, to ensure employability.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

BNU is a vibrant and diverse university that has Student Experience at its heart. We are proud to have a high lecturer to student ratio, ensuring that you receive continual and first-hand support during your studies. Our lecturers are on hand to answer any questions, recommend resources and point you in the right direction making sure you always feel confident and in control of your studies.

Our industry experienced academics work to ensure that the course is delivered in a way that will help you develop personal enterprise, an innovative and curious nature, and entrepreneurial capabilities. We strive to give you opportunities to learn inside and outside of the lecture theatre. You will gain real world experience through working with companies on live projects, which will prepare you to step confidently into your future career and allow you to make valuable industry connections.

For over 15 years BNU has been a leader in developing sport-related degrees and we are proud of our first-class reputation with industry groups. By studying with us you will be able to benefit from our connections and partnerships with public and private sector sport organisations. We are passionate about ensuring you are fully prepared to make your mark once you graduate.

Being so close to the business hub in London means there are opportunities for you to complete placements and work experience during your time at BNU. In addition to this we welcome guest speakers from the industry, including alumni, so you can get a real feel for the doors that will be open to you when you graduate, meaning you’ll interact with lots of different people within the sports and business industries.

It is not just about learning in the lecture theatre, we believe there is no substitute for practical, industry experience. There is plenty of opportunity to jump right in thanks to our strong relationships with the National Sports Centre at Bisham Abbey, Stoke Mandeville Hospital (the birthplace of the Paralympics), pro basketball team - London United, and Reading Ladies Football Club. We are especially proud to be one of the only universities in the UK to focus on disability sport, an area of increasing performance.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

What facilities can I use?

In addition to modern classrooms and digital facilities, we have a state-of-the-art gym and our human performance laboratory is home to an indoor, three-lane running track that has 3D motion-capture technology. These facilities enhance athletes’ performance through improved technique, and also assists with injury prevention and rehabilitation. Our lab is equipped for assessing a range of physiological, biomechanical and psychological parameters.

How will I be taught and assessed?

The teaching team fosters an interactive and student-focused teaching style where we blend lectures, workshops, group work, independent study, case studies, live briefs and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience. We aim to provide you with a balance of industry knowledge and experience as well as the underpinning academic theory, meaning you will have important transferable skills making you into a culturally aware, prepared and confident graduate. Our assessments reflect our employer-led course philosophy, they are real world centric with live briefs from businesses and cases that challenge students to produce a tangible result and not simply demonstrate knowledge of a subject. We set a variety of assessments across the three years of the degree including: coursework, reports, essays, presentations and projects.

BA (Hons) Sport Business Management Programme Specification

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Open Days

We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.

Book your spot today
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Application Guide

For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.

Read more
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Students' Union

At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why we’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities through our SU – all to enrich your university experience.

Get involved

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

 

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. Find out more.

Sport Business Management Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module introduces you to the different business functions within an organisation, including finance, marketing and HR. You’ll learn about the business environment, including the internal and external factors which impact on businesses. This module will equip you with appropriate business language and terminology ready for undergraduate study.
This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will consider the core competencies, intellectual and personal skills needed to become a successful people manager. This includes managing relationships with colleagues, subordinates and customers. You’ll also study key HR elements, development of people and sustainability employability strategies.
Business is an interconnected series of systems, networks and operations that span the globe where it is possible to conduct business at any hour of the day. You’ll learn about the impact and challenges of technology and the growth and benefits of emerging markets.
This module examines the importance of collecting and managing data to facilitate informed business decision making. You’ll study both qualitative and quantitative forms of data collection and use of appropriate software for the analysis and interpretation of data to provide insight into business and management research issues.
Develop your understanding of the purpose of financial accounting information, the structure of main financial statements, and the influence of economic factors on decision-making. You’ll learn about the importance of finance and accounting in the world of business and economics, its value and relationship with the other business functions.
This module will cover fundamental concepts and functions of marketing within a commercial business activity. You’ll explore the marketing planning process: segmentation, targeting and positioning of a brand offering with respect to the competition. You’ll also cover topics including, context, market research and decisions.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will explore the role of a business consultant and the realities of undertaking live projects. You’ll develop skills include working effectively in a team and pitching for business. You’ll be provided with live project briefs from real-life business clients and will relate your skills and knowledge to the requirements of the client.
Develop your knowledge of sport industry structure through the mapping of the roles of key stakeholders such as government agencies, sport governing bodies and sector wide organisations. Industry culture will be explored from a business perspective with insights into the production, distribution, and consumption of sport.
You’ll explore sport facility design, ownership and finance as key features of pre-operations that inform the management of sport operations and events. A focus on service quality will enable insights that link facility marketing, event planning, risk, security and performance management to an optimal sport facility operation and event experience.
This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform applied research of quality and rigour. You’ll study both the conceptual issues and practical considerations through the entire process, including theory-building, questions and objectives, proposal writing, collecting and analysing data, and reporting on findings.
Optional Modules
Credits
You will develop your social awareness by introducing the challenges of responding to diverse needs, capabilities, and preferences in sport and physical activity. You’ll learn the knowledge and skills to engage and deliver sustainable inclusive sport and physical activity for diverse and hard-to-reach groups.
Project management ensures that the associated risks are identified and managed and objectives and benefits are achieved. You’ll gain experience of project management techniques using industry standard methodologies. You’ll focus on the design and management of products, processes, services and supply chains for sustainable operations management.
Opportunity Modules

In addition, you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will equip you with the necessary skills for understanding, designing and assess strategies from an orthodox and agile perspective in a fast-moving business environment. You’ll develop resilience, time management, leadership of self, teamwork, creativity and innovation in deconstructing and creating an agile strategy.
You’ll examine the different schools of leadership and complete various leadership, management and personality assessments to build on your strengths. Graduate and placement applications, volunteer activities and working with careers teams and advisers will also form part of the activities when required.
You will build on knowledge gained from levels 4 and 5 marketing modules to develop a deeper understanding of key concepts, theories and contemporary debates in international marketing. This module will enable you to recognise the opportunities, issues and complexities surrounding the international markets and marketing decisions.
You’ll use strategy to identify key features of industry, business, and market environments that shape enterprise, leadership, and the sustainability of sport organisations. The effects of social, technological, and regulatory trends on sport governance models are evaluated and strategic management is practiced.
You’ll complete a major piece of independent research that will enhance your employability. This module will allow you to examine a contemporary business management issue or address a specific organisational management issue whilst using your time management, professionalism and personal discipline skills.
Sport Business Management and Marketing Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module introduces you to the different business functions within an organisation, including finance, marketing and HR. You’ll learn about the business environment, including the internal and external factors which impact on businesses. This module will equip you with appropriate business language and terminology ready for undergraduate study.
This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will consider the core competencies, intellectual and personal skills needed to become a successful people manager. This includes managing relationships with colleagues, subordinates and customers. You’ll also study key HR elements, development of people and sustainability employability strategies.
Business is an interconnected series of systems, networks and operations that span the globe where it is possible to conduct business at any hour of the day. You’ll learn about the impact and challenges of technology and the growth and benefits of emerging markets.
This module examines the importance of collecting and managing data to facilitate informed business decision making. You’ll study both qualitative and quantitative forms of data collection and use of appropriate software for the analysis and interpretation of data to provide insight into business and management research issues.
Develop your understanding of the purpose of financial accounting information, the structure of main financial statements, and the influence of economic factors on decision-making. You’ll learn about the importance of finance and accounting in the world of business and economics, its value and relationship with the other business functions.
This module will cover fundamental concepts and functions of marketing within a commercial business activity. You’ll explore the marketing planning process: segmentation, targeting and positioning of a brand offering with respect to the competition. You’ll also cover topics including, context, market research and decisions.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
You’ll explore sport facility design, ownership and finance as key features of pre-operations that inform the management of sport operations and events. A focus on service quality will enable insights that link facility marketing, event planning, risk, security and performance management to an optimal sport facility operation and event experience.
The marketing of sport and its tangible forms – governing bodies, leagues, clubs, teams, and events - will enable the application of sport marketing concepts and the development of commercial models. Exploring sport as a content provider will enable consumer insights and an understanding of the relationship between sport, the media, and consumers.
This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform applied research of quality and rigour. You’ll study both the conceptual issues and practical considerations through the entire process, including theory-building, questions and objectives, proposal writing, collecting and analysing data, and reporting on findings.
This module will explore the role of a business consultant and the realities of undertaking live projects. You’ll develop skills include working effectively in a team and pitching for business. You’ll be provided with live project briefs from real-life business clients and will relate your skills and knowledge to the requirements of the client.
Optional Modules
Credits
Delivering an exceptional customer experience is a challenge which requires skill and in-depth knowledge of customer requirements. You’ll learn to understand and assess customer expectations and develop and deliver activities that meet expectations. It introduces customer experience frameworks, and how to monitor and measure customer satisfaction.
This module outlines the importance of all the key stages within the marketing planning process, from the audit, through strategic decision making, to the implementation of plans. You’ll study the importance of managing resources and employing monitoring and measurement techniques to enable the achievement of strategic marketing objectives.
Opportunity Modules

In addition, you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge of brands in both theory and practice. You’ll learn branding theories and the contemporary issues shaping practice, especially digital technology and communication channels. Examine brands as seen by the consumer and recognise the relevance and significance of brands for organisations and consumers.
You will build on knowledge gained from levels 4 and 5 marketing modules to develop a deeper understanding of key concepts, theories and contemporary debates in international marketing. This module will enable you to recognise the opportunities, issues and complexities surrounding the international markets and marketing decisions.
You’ll use strategy to identify key features of industry, business, and market environments that shape enterprise, leadership, and the sustainability of sport organisations. The effects of social, technological, and regulatory trends on sport governance models are evaluated and strategic management is practiced.
You’ll learn about the importance of effective internal and external communications and social marketing alongside studying how marketing communications have evolved. You’ll examine consumer tastes and lifestyles and the impact of these factors and the power of communication as a tool to drives customers' behavioural responses.
You’ll complete a major piece of independent research that will enhance your employability. This module will allow you to examine a contemporary business management issue or address a specific organisational management issue whilst using your time management, professionalism and personal discipline skills.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£15,000 per year

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

Contact our Enquiries Team:

0330 123 2023

advice@bnu.ac.uk

What are my career prospects?

Your journey with us is more than a degree, we are committed to supporting you to carve out the route to your chosen career and life beyond university. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good business leaders. We could also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more. Our sport business management degrees will help prepare you for a wide range of sport management roles in private, public or charitable areas of the sport industry including:

  • Sport Marketing
  • Sport Media and Communications
  • Sports Events Management
  • Sports Facility Management
  • Sports Entrepreneur
  • Health and Fitness Industry
  • Self-employment in sport business
  • Sports events management
  • Sports entrepreneur.

You might also think about a career in community sports trusts and professional sports clubs – the opportunities are endless.

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course like our PGCert Business Leadership or IMBA.

Did you know?

We are one of the Top 10 UK universities mostly likely to produce graduates who go on to own or manage a business (Capital on Tap, 2021), find out more about this excellent news.

Course leader

Andrew Rankin staff profile photo
Andrew Rankin
  • Senior Lecturer
Read full profile
A head shot of a smiling Penny Bradshaw, a BNU lecturer, looking directly into the camera
Penny Bradshaw
  • Senior Lecturer
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