MSc Sport Management, Politics and International Development

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
• DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.

International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.

Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.

Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: These are available for international students applying for postgraduate taught programs at Loughborough University. Scholarships typically range from £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the student’s academic qualifications and the program they are enrolled in.

Loughborough University International Research Scholarships: For international students who wish to pursue a research-based postgraduate program, Loughborough offers research scholarships that cover full tuition fees, along with an annual stipend to assist with living costs.

Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.

Graduates of the MSc Sport Management, Politics, and International Development program at Loughborough University are well-equipped to pursue a diverse range of career paths across multiple sectors. The program’s interdisciplinary nature, blending sport management, international development, and political analysis, ensures that students have the skills and expertise needed to address complex issues at the intersection of sport, politics, and society. 

Sport Policy Analyst: Graduates can pursue roles as sport policy analysts, working with national and international organizations such as government bodies, sports federations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In this role, they will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing policies that govern sport at local, national, and international levels. Their work will influence how sport is regulated, funded, and used to address social issues such as inequality and development.

International Development Specialist: Loughborough University’s program emphasizes the role of sport in development. Graduates can work as international development specialists, focusing on using sport as a tool for social change and addressing issues like poverty, education, and gender equality in underserved regions of the world. These roles are typically found in NGOs, international organizations like the United Nations, and grassroots development initiatives.

Sport Management Professional: Graduates with an interest in the business and organizational side of sport can pursue careers in sport management. This includes roles in the administration and management of professional sports teams, leagues, event management companies, and sports marketing agencies. Graduates will manage operations, marketing, sponsorships, and strategic planning for sports organizations, helping to enhance their financial sustainability and global reach.

Sports Marketing and Sponsorship Manager: The program's emphasis on sport management and international development provides graduates with the skills needed to work in sports marketing and sponsorship. These professionals work to enhance the commercial value of sports events, teams, and athletes. They are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies, negotiating sponsorship deals, and building partnerships with corporations and media outlets.

Sport Diplomacy Expert: With its global focus, the MSc program opens up opportunities for careers in sport diplomacy. Sport diplomacy experts work with governments, international sports organizations, and civil society groups to use sport as a means of fostering international cooperation, promoting peace, and addressing conflicts. This role often involves navigating the complex political landscape of international relations, leveraging sport as a tool for dialogue and peacebuilding.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager in Sport: Many organizations in the sport industry have developed corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that focus on using sport as a vehicle for social change. Graduates of the MSc program can work as CSR managers in sports organizations, developing initiatives that use sport to improve education, health, and equality in communities around the world.

Event Coordinator for International Sporting Events: Graduates may also choose to work in event coordination, particularly for large-scale international sporting events such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, or regional tournaments. Event coordinators are responsible for the planning, logistics, and execution of events, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and meets organizational and political objectives. They also manage relationships with sponsors, vendors, and participants to ensure the event’s success.

Humanitarian and Development Projects Manager: Many graduates choose to work for organizations that focus on humanitarian issues and sustainable development, where sport plays a key role in addressing societal challenges. These professionals manage programs that use sport to bring communities together, educate young people, or promote healthy lifestyles. They often work for NGOs, governmental agencies, or international development organizations, managing projects that aim to improve lives through the power of sport.

Academic or Research Careers in Sport Management and Development: For those interested in continuing their academic careers, Loughborough University offers opportunities to engage in further research or pursue PhD programs. Graduates may become researchers or lecturers at universities, publishing research that explores the relationship between sport, politics, and development, and influencing policy and best practices in the sport industry.

Consultant in Sport and Development: Graduates may work as consultants, advising organizations, governments, and international bodies on sport management, development, and policy. Consultants are often called upon to provide expertise on strategic planning, program evaluation, or the design and implementation of sports-based development programs. These roles may involve travel and working in diverse cultural and socio-political environments.