MBA Master of Business Administration Sports Management

The MBA in Sports Management at the University of Sunderland is a programme shaped by employers to give you the chance to specialise in the world of sports business. This course builds the skills you need to succeed, whether you want to progress in event management, sports marketing, or venue operations.

The course is strongly connected to industry, and so much of what you learn is linked directly to real opportunities in the sector. The learning style is practical and interactive, with guidance by expert teachers to provide lectures, seminars, workshops, and group projects where teamwork is encouraged. The remaining of your learning hours is left to apply your learning to real-world case studies from events such as the Olympics, World Cup, or Premier League matches.

For your assessment, you can expect a mixture of essays, business reports, group presentations, case study analyses, and exams. This is to ensure that you not only gain knowledge, but also the practical abilities that are needed in sports management.

The University of Sunderland is a modern public university with a long history that dates back to 1901. Over the years, it has grown into an institution known for combining academic excellence with strong industry connections, while keeping employability at the centre of training the students.

Today, Sunderland welcomes students from over 100 countries, making it a large and inclusive community across all its campuses. This means students can benefit from a mixture of different views and experiences that prepare them for careers around the world.

The university offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields such as business, law, health, engineering and technology, social sciences, education, and the arts. Sunderland also focuses on practical learning in delivering education, whereby students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings through opportunities like placements, projects, and close links with employers.

To apply for this course, you will need to submit a personal statement that highlights your interest in sports management and outlines your professional or academic background. A reference from an employer or academic is required, and a CV to highlight any relevant experience.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants require a minimum 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a business-related field.
• Equivalent international qualifications are accepted.

English Proficiency:

• If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5.
• Alternatives like TOEFL or PTE are fine—check the university’s site for exact equivalents, and pre-sessional courses are available if you need a top-up.

The tuition fee for the MBA Master of Business Administration (Sports Management) at the University of Sunderland is £19,000 for international students.

The University of Sunderland offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate students, including tuition fee discounts like the International Scholarship worth up to £4,000 for high-achieving overseas applicants, or the Loyalty Discount for alumni. Most are automatically considered once you apply, so browse their scholarships page for the latest options and eligibility.

The MBA Master of Business Administration (Sports Management) programme can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Sports event manager
• Venue operations director
• Marketing executive for sports brands
• Business development in fitness or leisure
• Consultant for sports governing bodies

Applicants can apply for the MBA Master of Business Administration (Sports Management) at the University of Sunderland through the university's online application portal or UCAS. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.