Sports Master’s Degree In The UK
Sports master’s degrees in the UK. A sports master’s is a must-have degree if you’re looking to become a leading expert in one of the top sports industries in the world.
Football is the most popular sport worldwide and in the UK, it’s no different. If you are an avid follower of one of the most prestigious football leagues in the world, you would know today is the last day of the Premier League winter transfer window.
But football is more than just stars kicking a ball to win a match. In fact, a football club is similar in every aspect to other businesses – each role is crucial to the overall success of the team.
The bigger the club, the heavier the qualifications you require. But did you know that there are postgraduate degrees available to help you reach for those backroom staff roles?
In the UK, you can choose to study sports through vocational or academic routes, through apprenticeships or through courses. These are awarded a diploma, foundation degree, bachelor’s, postgraduate, and professional qualifications (or equivalent type). The following are a few sports subjects you can study;
- Activity Leadership
- Sports Administration and Governance
- Sports Coaching
- Leisure Operations and Management
- Physiotherapy
- Sports and Exercise Science
- Sports Journalism
- Sports Performance
- Sports Photography
Below we will touch on most of the masters available for a backroom staff sports career.
Sports Business & Management
What is sports business & management?
The sports business is the role of any off-field or behind-the-scenes managerial role which is related to the daily operations of the business. Sports business incorporates a number of positions including advertisement, broadcasting, sponsorship, purchasing/selling assets etc.
What will you learn in a sports business degree?
With a sports business degree, you will learn and develop your skills and knowledge in a range of business and management disciplines which would enable you to effectively work in a range of positions in the industry. You will learn many operations, financial, marketing and legal skills in addition to developing certain knowledge in national and international sports.
Sports Management
What is sports management?
Sports management is the management of various functions in sports and recreation organisations. Depending on your title, it can be anywhere from sports management, budget manager, direct manager, or a similar role.
What will you learn?
A master’s or postgraduate qualification in sports management will offer the student an opportunity to develop their managerial skills and simultaneously build confidence to work within the global sports business.
The global sports market is expected to grow to above $707 billion dollars by 2026. The UK is the leading market for sports and sports tech in Europe and sports contributes £40 billion to the British economy in addition to providing many career opportunities.
The courses are designed to develop your skills and knowledge in a range of business areas and management disciplines – allowing you to work in a range of roles within the industry both nationally and internationally.
What can you do with a sports management & business degree?
Outside of the obvious managerial or business role within sports, you can also use a sports management qualification in a number of external roles such as;
- Community Sports Manager
- Consultant
- Fitness Instructor
- General management
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing Manager
- Sports Lecturer
Sports Engineering
What is sports engineering?
Sports engineering is an increasingly fast-growing industry which involves the design and production of sports-related equipment and facilities, performance measurement, and athletic feedback system.
It brings together sports and the technical applications of maths and physics to bring success to the team.
What will you learn?
A sports engineering degree is designed to educate students on the ever-changing challenges of the rapidly changing global sports equipment industry. In addition to learning about cutting-edge technologies, you will also develop a biochemical and physiological understanding of athletes
With a sports engineering course, you will learn key principles and gain practical experience in techniques relevant to the industry. In addition, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts across the industry of your preferences.
What can you do with sports engineering?
Sports engineering is a versatile degree which can lead a graduate through a number of different career paths. Although the degree with lead you into an engineering role, it could also lead you through unexpecting roles. Such roles
- Business Analyst
- Design Engineer
- Innovation Executive
- Product Manager
- Sports Equipment Manager
- Sports Science Engineer
- System Operator
- Technology Engineer
- Test Engineer
Sports Science
What is sports science?
As the qualification states, sports science is the understanding and learning of the science behind sports and social policy. These tend to focus on the areas of the body and mind in areas such as the muscular system, metabolism, cardiovascular system, trauma and fitness.
With a qualification in sports science, the student will be able to choose their focus on a number of science pathways including;
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Science
- Fitness Coach/Trainer
- Nutritionist
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sports Medicine
- Therapy
What can you do with a sports science degree
A sports science degree leads to a wide range of possible career opportunities and professions. These can include academic researchers, the public health industry, sporting bodies/clubs, NHS, public health, and many more.
Which Universities in the UK can you study for a sports master’s degree?
There are a few universities you can choose in the UK to study a postgraduate sports degree, however, we won’t be noting every single institution. Below are a few options;
- Leeds Beckett University
- Loughborough University
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Teesside University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Derby
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Lincoln
- University of Liverpool
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Roehampton
- University of Worcester
Entry requirements & fees
Each university and specific sports degree will typically have slightly different entry requirements but will typically be similar. For most masters, you will require a 2:2 grade in a relevant subject (or any subject) with relevant work experience to help strengthen your application.
The fees will vary depending on qualification, course, and university. Most courses can be taken as a master’s, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate. The master’s are the most expensive as it delves deeper into the subject, and a postgrad cert being the cheapest given lasts a duration of a few weeks/months.
With most masters, you may choose to take a full-year course or a part-time 2-year course. A master’s in sports is typically awarded as a Master of Science (MSc), but they can also be awarded a Master in Management (MiM) or Master of Arts (MA).
Key areas of employment
Sports is a big diverse industry with many different skills and employability opportunities. Some of the more common employment roles across the board include;
- Activity Leader
- Broadcasting and Media Administrator
- Fitness Instructor
- P.E. Teacher
- Physiotherapist
- Product Engineering/Developer
- Public Relations Officer
- Sports Actor/Artist
- Sports Coach
- Sports Journalist
- Sports and Leisure Management
- Sports Nutritionist
- Sports Player
- Sports Psychologists
Funding your course with a Lendwise Loan
Make your dream come true by seizing the opportunity to take your career-changing postgraduate degree. *Apply online and we’ll support you on your path to success.
Representative Example: Assumed borrowing of £30,825 over 120 months at 12.73% APR representative. Monthly cost of £509.26. Total amount repayable of £61,199.65. Interest rate of 11.62% p.a.(fixed) and total fees of £925.00. Available for loan amounts between £5,000 – £100,000.
(Representative Example date: October 2024)
*Credit is subject to status and loan approval is not guaranteed. Over 18’s only. Terms and conditions apply.
