Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme develops knowledge and skills across management, marketing, finance, law and operations, with a specific focus on the sports and leisure industries. Teaching blends academic study with applied practice, using case studies, live briefs and industry projects.

• Core management modules – principles of management, strategic planning, leadership and human resources as applied to sport organisations.
• Sport business and finance – financial management, budgeting and commercial models for clubs, venues and governing bodies.
• Sport marketing and sponsorship – consumer behaviour, brand management, digital marketing and sponsorship activation in sport.
• Events and venue management – planning, operations, logistics, health and safety and delivery of sport and leisure events.
• Governance, policy and law – sport law, governance frameworks, safeguarding and regulatory issues affecting the sector.
• Research methods and analytics – applied research skills, performance and business analytics used to inform decision-making.
• Professional practice and placements – work-based learning, industry placements or live consultancy projects to build practical experience and networks.
• Optional modules – choices commonly include sports development and community engagement, entrepreneurship in sport, facility and operations management, or sport science modules such as performance analysis, depending on the programme structure.

Assessment typically includes a mix of essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, group projects and professional practice assessments. Many students undertake an extended independent project or dissertation in their final year that addresses a real industry issue.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to a UK A-level or a level 3 vocational qualification (for example, a BTEC Extended Diploma) and meet Bournemouth Universitys overall entry criteria. Typical offers are based on a combination of qualifications and UCAS tariff points; equivalent international qualifications and the International Baccalaureate are also accepted.

Practical experience or demonstrable interest in sport through volunteering, coaching, officiating or work experience strengthens an application. Mature applicants and those with substantial industry experience are considered on an individual basis. GCSE (or equivalent) passes in English and Maths are normally required or appropriate functional skills qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across professional sport, leisure and the wider events and hospitality sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Sport development officer, community sport coordinator or participation manager
• Club or team operations manager, facility manager or venue coordinator
• Event manager or events coordinator for sport competitions and festivals
• Commercial roles such as sponsorship manager, ticketing manager or partnerships executive
• Marketing and communications roles within clubs, governing bodies, leisure trusts and sports tech companies
• Roles within national and local governing bodies, leisure trusts, private facility operators and charitable organisations

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study (for example in sport management, business, marketing or coaching), professional accreditation through industry bodies, or start their own sport-related businesses.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises professional practice and employability, linking academic study with industry engagement. The university offers strong connections with regional and national sport organisations, regular guest lectures from practitioners, and opportunities for work placements and live industry briefs.

Students benefit from modern campus facilities for teaching, simulated business and event planning environments, and access to sports performance and fitness resources. The curriculum is designed to reflect current industry needs and professional standards, with an emphasis on practical skills, applied research and career-ready experience.