BSc (Hons) Sports Management

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Sports Management at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a dynamic and hands-on undergraduate degree designed to immerse students in the diverse business landscape of the global sports industry. This three-year program provides a comprehensive understanding of key management principles, including marketing, finance, and leadership, all specifically applied within a sporting context. Students will gain insights into the operational, commercial, and strategic aspects of sports organisations, from grassroots clubs to international governing bodies. The curriculum is structured to boost employability by developing essential transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Situated in London, a global hub for major sporting events and organisations, St. Mary's offers students unique opportunities to engage with the industry through volunteering at major events and visiting iconic venues, preparing them for a wide array of leadership and administrative roles in the growing global sports market. Furthermore, the program offers dual accreditation, where students can complete specific modules to achieve a Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), subject to CMI moderation. 1  

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Sports Management program at St. Mary's is progressively designed to build a strong foundation in business and management, with a clear focus on the sports and fitness industries. In the first year, students are introduced to the principal areas of business and management, alongside an overview of the sports and fitness industries, with a specific focus on managing people in sport. The second year delves deeper into core disciplines such as Marketing and Financial Accounting, specifically examining the business of sport within the current economic environment. The marketing module, for instance, applies fundamental marketing concepts through case studies relevant to the sports and leisure industries. In the final year, students can enhance their knowledge through a range of dedicated optional modules, allowing them to specialise in areas such as sports event management, sports sponsorship and promotions, applied sports management, and global perspectives on the sports industry. A significant component of the final year is the opportunity to undertake a piece of independent research on a particular aspect of the sports and leisure industries, culminating in a dissertation.

Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Sports Management program at St. Mary's University is underpinned by a commitment to research-informed teaching, with academics actively engaged in exploring contemporary issues within the sports business and management sector. While there isn't a single, overarching research centre solely dedicated to this undergraduate program, the faculty's expertise and ongoing research interests directly influence the curriculum and the opportunities for student inquiry. Research within the department often covers areas such as sports finance, marketing effectiveness in sport, leadership challenges in sports organisations, event management best practices, sports law and governance, and the sociological impact of sport. The final year "Research Project" (dissertation) provides a key opportunity for students to conduct their own original research on a topic of their choice within the sports management field, fostering advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, often drawing on real-world issues within the industry.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core strength of the BSc (Hons) Sports Management program at St. Mary's University, providing invaluable practical experience and significantly boosting graduate employability. The university leverages its prime location in London, a vibrant hub for world sport, to cultivate close relationships within the sports industry. Students are provided with extensive opportunities to volunteer at major sporting events and visit iconic venues such as Wimbledon, Wembley, and The Kia Oval, gaining firsthand insight into the operational and commercial aspects of large-scale sports organisations. The program also facilitates work placements, allowing students to build their skills and expand their professional networks within professional clubs, sports agencies, and fitness centres. These practical experiences are further enhanced by presentations from top management professionals and practitioners within the sports industry, ensuring that the curriculum remains highly relevant and directly applicable to current industry demands.

Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Sports Management program at St. Mary's University inherently incorporates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the increasingly international nature of the sports industry. The curriculum explores global trends in sports management, governance, marketing, and event organisation, preparing students to operate effectively in an interconnected global market. Modules and case studies often delve into the management practices of international sports federations, the complexities of global sports events, and the cultural nuances of sports business across different continents. The program encourages an understanding of international sports law, finance, and leadership dynamics, providing graduates with a broad and adaptable skill set. This global outlook, combined with exposure to a diverse student body and the international sporting landscape of London, ensures that graduates are well-prepared to pursue career opportunities with international sports organisations and contribute to the global advancement of sports management.