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  • Sport Management and the Business of Football (MSc / MRes)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • A mixture of coursework, examinations and a dissertation. The dissertation accounts for one third of the MSc and half of the MRes.

  • Attendance
      • Two-three evenings a week part-time; four evenings a week full-time.
      • From October.
  • Duration
      • Two years part-time or one year full-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Normally at least a second-class honours degree in any subject area from a UK university or a non-UK equivalent; other qualifications will be considered.
      • Non-native English speakers need to provide proof of English language ability (equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all sub-parts). TOEFL (paper-based: Score of 600, plus 5 in TWE; internet: Score of 100, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing subtests), the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (Pass at grade B) or the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (Pass at Grade A) will also be accepted. If scores are slightly below the required level, students should apply anyway, as a pre-sessional English course may be recommended.
      • A professional or other qualification obtained by written examinations approved by the College.
      • Relevant experience, supporting statements and references may be taken into consideration, especially in the case of non-standard applications.

      Find out about our international entry requirements

  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2012/13)
      • Part-time (home/EU students): £4975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £7050 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £9950 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £14,075 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • Each module is taught via lectures and seminars lasting one academic term (either autumn or spring). Some lectures will be offered by guest lecturers and speakers. Visiting speakers include experts from the legal profession, football clubs and football regulatory authorities such as the Football Association. You will also have the opportunity to attend the weekly Business of Sport seminar series. These seminars are designed to provide a forum for debate on key management challenges facing the sport industries.

      Revision sessions are also held before the examination period. Some modules taught in the autumn term will be examined at the end of that term. Research supervision is provided for the dissertation.

      We also offer student support and study facilities.

Sport Management and the Business of Football (MSc / MRes) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • This programme is designed to give you the skills and expertise you need to compete in the sport industry and related businesses and organisations, by combining specialist teaching about the principles and practice of sport management and economics with general training in management, business organisation, strategy and research methods. It covers several key areas, such as governance and regulatory issues, with emphasis on the wider sport sector and the business of football.

      It will help you develop a deeper understanding of management, governance and regulatory issues within the business of sport and particularly within the football industry. It is ideally suited to the needs of executives within football and sports clubs and media organisations, officers of football and sport regulatory bodies, members of supporters’ organisations, and local government officials with responsibilities in the leisure field, as well as people with a general interest in the sport, football and media industries.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • A comprehensive review of the theory and practice of the business and management of sport with particular reference to the football industry.
      • Visiting speakers include experts from the legal profession, football clubs and football regulatory authorities, such as the Football Association (the FA).
      • Linked to Birkbeck's Sport Business Centre, one of the world's leading centres for sport business and football research, teaching, training, consultancy and policy advice.
      • Watch our video: postgraduate management courses at Birkbeck.
  • Course structure
  • Study resources

    • Course teaching is underpinned by the work of the Birkbeck Sports Business Centre. The Centre is currently involved in a number of research projects analysing various aspects of the governance and regulation of sport, particularly football.

      We engage in significant collaborative research and have excellent contacts with many public and private sector organisations, professional bodies and researchers at other academic institutions.

  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information

    • Graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of sport organisations, such as: AEK Larnarca Football Club, Marleybone Cricket Club (MCC), Chelsea Football Club Football in the Community Department, the Football Association (the FA), Leaders in the Football, FIFA, Sportfive, and the Premier League, primarily as consultants and/or business/administrative managers. Others are working for the media and in the retail sector.

  • Apply now