BSc (Hons) Sport Business Management with Foundation Year

Full time, 3 years

September and January.

Important update: The January 2026 intake has been deferred to May 2026 as a one-off intake.
From the 2026/2027 academic year, intakes will resume in September and January (start dates subject to confirmation with PMU).

BSc (Hons) Sport Business Management degree at SSS includes a number of strategies designed to develop professional, high-quality graduates for the global sports industry:

• You will be supported by experienced highly qualified lecturers with knowledge across the sport business management sector.
• Gain professional experience by completing professional work placements in settings that reflect new and exciting roles in the sector.
• Your modules will be focused on a range of skills and knowledge that can be directly applied to working within the sport business management sector.
• Develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed by employers to provide services such as goal setting, resource allocation, coordination, decision-making, performance monitoring, and improvement assessment within sports organisations.

From day one, you’ll explore how sport operates as a business across public, private, and third-sector contexts. You’ll learn about sport leadership, marketing, operations, and finance, and apply these concepts in practical, industry-facing modules. Throughout, you’ll develop a strong foundation in business management while examining the socio-political, ethical, and cultural factors shaping sport today.

In your second year, you’ll deepen your expertise by delivering live sport events, managing budgets, and working directly with organisations through a dedicated work-based learning placement. You’ll study modules in People Management, Player Care, Sports Law, and Equity and Inclusion, helping you gain experience in both commercial and socially responsible aspects of sport. This year builds your professional confidence and gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in authentic environments.

The module details given below for the Sport Business Management programme are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available in this course of study. Students will study core modules across their three years of study. 

Foundation Year

Core modules (students are required to take):

• Academic Skills (40 Credits)
• Introduction to Organisations (20 Credits)
• Business Information and Data (20 Credits)
• Principles of Business (20 Credits)
• Foundation Year Project (20 Credits)

Year 1

Core modules (students are required to take):

• Starting Out in Sport Management (20 credits)
• Digital Sport Marketing and Communication in Action (20 credits)
• Leading in Sport: Foundations of Influence and Change (20 credits)
• Sport, Society and Social Change (20 credits)
• Inside the Sport Industry: Systems, Power and Policy (20 credits)
• Smart Finance: Building Business Skills in Sport (20 credits)

Year 2

Core modules (students are required to take):

• Sport Event Design and Delivery (20 credits)
• Sport, Justice and Leadership: Law, Equity and Inclusion in Action (20 credits)
• Sport Finance in Action: Budget, Tools and Strategy (20 credits)
• Professional Practice and Industry Experience (20 credits)
• Managing People and Teams in Sport (20 credits)
• Building Your Professional Brand (20 credits)

Year 3

Core modules (students are required to take):

• Managing Events: From Concepts to Delivery (20 credits)
• Sport Marketing and Fan Engagement (20 credits)
• Innovating in Sport: Social Enterprise in Action (20 credits)
• Insight to Impact: Applied Research in Sport (20 credits)
• Transforming Sport Organisations (20 credits)
• Building Sport Ventures: Enterprise and Strategy (20 credits)

At Level 4, the learning, teaching, and assessment strategy is designed to support students' transition into higher education and provide a solid foundation in sport business management. The approach prioritises active, experiential learning through workshops, scenario-based tasks, and peer collaboration. Modules such as Starting Out in Sport Management and Smart Finance develop academic confidence, digital literacy, and applied business skills using real-world sport examples and formative assessment techniques. Teaching emphasises the acquisition of core knowledge and the development of key academic and professional behaviours, including communication, reflection, and critical engagement. Assessments are scaffolded and varied, including portfolios, reflective journals, digital media outputs, and short academic commentaries, offering inclusive and supportive entry points into higher education assessment practices. Across all modules, students are encouraged to explore the structure, function, and social relevance of the sport industry, building the foundational understanding necessary for success at Levels 5 and 6.

At Level 5, the learning, teaching, and assessment strategy is focused on refining students’ understanding and developing their ability to apply knowledge and skills in professional and industry-relevant contexts. Learning becomes more applied and project-based, with students engaging in real-world tasks such as delivering live briefs, conducting research, and working in teams to plan and manage sport events. Modules like Work-Based Learning in Sport, Sport Marketing in Practice, and Sport Finance in Action provide structured opportunities for students to engage directly with organisations and explore authentic business challenges. Teaching approaches encourage independence, collaboration, and critical reflection, while continuing to provide guidance through workshops, tutorials, peer learning, and directed study. Assessments are designed to be practical, developmental, and professionally oriented, ranging from strategic reports and reflective portfolios to marketing pitches and event documentation. These experiences deepen students’ conceptual and operational understanding while preparing them to take on greater responsibility and leadership at Level 6.

At Level 6, the learning, teaching, and assessment strategy is centred on enabling students to lead change, influence practice, and demonstrate autonomy in complex sport business environments. Teaching is structured around advanced inquiry, critical dialogue, and industry engagement, with students expected to take increasing ownership of their learning through independent research, consultancy, and innovation projects. Modules such as Business Reality: Consultancy in Action, Leading the Future of Sport, and Insight to Impact: Independent Research Project position students as problem-solvers and strategic thinkers, applying theory to real-world contexts and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Learning experiences are enriched through client interaction, peer feedback, scenario planning, and supervision, all of which support students in synthesising knowledge across themes such as leadership, marketing, finance, and enterprise. Assessments reflect graduate-level expectations and include strategic plans, critical commentaries, research reports, and live presentations, developed to mirror professional practice and prepare students for employment, further study, or entrepreneurial ventures in the sport industry.

The BSc (Hons) Sport Business Management integrates a range of assessment methods is used on the programme in recognition of the impact assessment has on student learning and approaches to learning. The teaching team is committed to engaging with the emerging innovations in assessment, particularly in relation to recognising and valuing the variety of learning styles within any given cohort and the importance of taking into account students’ academic and professional learning needs. Consideration is given to the development of particular key skills which may be developed through assessment, for example presentation skills and collaborative working skills.

• Three A-levels at grades CCC or above 
  Or BTEC triple grades MMM or above 
  Or Access 23-45 D/M with min 6D 
  Or T level P (C+) 
• And GCSE English Language at grade 4 or grade C or above 
• Applicants with other qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis.  
• A DBS check is required. 

UK & EU Students (with settled status):

• Tuition fees cost £9,535 a year for this course in 2025/2026.
• Depending on government policy, tuition fees may rise with inflation in future years.
• Living costs, e.g.travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration.

When you apply for your student loan you will need to supply the correct UCAS code for your course of study. This code will depend on your study location, course, and start date.

Our intake dates are September and January. Our next intake is starting January 2026. If you need any more help or information on applying, please email our Admissions Team at admissions@scholarsschool.ac.uk; or call on +44 (0)207 183 3647

The contemporary curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Sport Business Management will open doors to careers in marketing, event management, facility operations, athlete representation, sports analytics, and sports development within the vast sports industry, including professional sports, fitness centres, and sports brands.   Common career roles in this field include Sports Development Officer, Event Coordinator, Leisure and Fitness Manager, Sponsorship Executive, and Sports Agent.  

With experience and further training, graduates can move into senior executive roles. Postgraduate study in Sports Management or other specific areas such as finance, digital marketing and international sports business will also open doors to specialised roles.

Information on how to join the Students’ Union will be given to you when you begin your course.

Birmingham