BSc Sport Business Management

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Sport Business Management at the University of Exeter combines the passion of sport with the principles of business, helping students understand how sports organisations operate, develop strategies and create commercial success. Designed for students interested in the global sports industry, the programme covers areas such as sports management, marketing, events, finance and innovation while building the practical skills needed for a career in sport-related organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in sport business and management while exploring how the sports industry works from a commercial perspective. Modules such as Introduction to the Sport Business Industry, Discovering Management Theory, Fundamentals of Marketing, Introduction to Accounting, Sports Enterprise and Innovation and Statistics for Business will help you understand key business principles, develop analytical abilities and explore opportunities for innovation within sport.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on applying your knowledge to practical sport business situations and developing professional skills. Through modules including Work Experience to Enhance Career Potential, Event Planning and Organisation, Sports Consultancy Project, Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, you will gain experience in managing events, solving industry challenges and understanding how people and organisations work within the sports sector.

Year 3:
Your final year allows you to explore more advanced business concepts and current challenges affecting the sports industry. Modules such as Strategy, Dissertation, Technology and Responsible Innovation and Managing Change and Crisis in Organisations help you develop strategic thinking, conduct independent research and understand how sport organisations respond to changing markets and global trends.

Professional Placement/Study Abroad Option:
You can choose to complete a Professional Placement year or Study Abroad year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience, expand your professional network and apply your classroom knowledge in a workplace or international environment.

Focus Areas: Sport Business Management, Sports Marketing, Sports Events Management, Sponsorship, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, International Business, Organisational Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Business Strategy, Sport Industry Development.

Learning Outcomes: Develop knowledge of the global sport business industry, understand how sport organisations are managed, apply marketing and business strategies, analyse industry challenges, develop innovative solutions, manage projects and events, use data for decision-making and build professional skills for careers in sport management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The programme focuses on industry-relevant business skills through practical projects, work experience opportunities and career-focused learning, helping students prepare for professional roles within the sport business sector.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Exeter provides strong employability support through its Business School environment, employer connections and career-focused approach to learning. Students benefit from opportunities such as professional placements, industry engagement activities and skills development designed to improve graduate career prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BSc Sport Business Management at the University of Exeter gain practical experience by applying business knowledge to real challenges within the global sports industry. The programme combines academic learning with consultancy projects, event planning activities, employer engagement and professional experience opportunities, helping students build the leadership, communication and strategic skills needed for careers in sport organisations. Students benefit from learning across the University of Exeter Business School and sport-related departments, with access to specialist teaching spaces, digital resources and industry-focused learning opportunities.

Through practical projects, industry engagement and hands-on activities, students develop experience in areas such as sports events, sponsorship, entrepreneurship, innovation and business strategy:

Complete the Sports Consultancy Project, where you work as a sports consultant to investigate industry challenges, analyse problems and develop strategic recommendations for a client.
Gain practical experience through Event Planning and Organisation, developing skills in designing, managing and evaluating sports events, including planning, logistics, marketing and delivery.
Build professional skills through the Work Experience to Enhance Career Potential module, which includes employer engagement activities, career workshops, work experience opportunities and virtual internships.
Explore innovation and entrepreneurship through Sports Enterprise and Innovation, where you develop creative solutions and apply business thinking to challenges within the sports industry.
Work on industry-focused case studies and projects covering areas such as sponsorship, fan engagement, sports marketing, digital transformation and commercial development.
Gain valuable workplace experience through the optional Professional Placement year, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a professional environment and develop industry connections.
Choose the Study Abroad option to experience international learning, broaden your understanding of global sport business and develop cross-cultural skills.
Learn from guest speakers, employer sessions and industry activities that provide insight into current trends, challenges and career opportunities within sport.
Develop awareness of digital innovation in sport through learning activities that explore the impact of technology and emerging trends on modern sport organisations.
Study across the University of Exeter’s campuses, including facilities that support sport, business and interdisciplinary learning.
Learn from academics and industry professionals who bring expertise in sport management, business strategy, innovation and the commercial side of the sports sector.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BSc Sport Business Management degree from the University of Exeter prepares graduates for careers across the global sports industry by combining business knowledge, leadership skills and practical experience. The programme develops expertise in areas such as sports management, marketing, events, sponsorship and innovation, helping students progress into roles such as Sports Marketing Manager, Sports Event Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator and Sports Business Consultant. With industry-focused projects, placement opportunities and career support, graduates gain the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the competitive sports sector or continue to advanced study.

The programme supports your career development through practical experience, industry engagement and dedicated university services:

Benefit from the University of Exeter Careers Service, which provides career guidance, employability workshops, networking opportunities, CV and interview support, and access to career events that help students prepare for graduate roles.
Develop professional skills through employability-focused activities integrated into the degree, including career planning, workplace preparation, practical projects and employer engagement opportunities.
Gain valuable industry experience through the optional Professional Placement year, allowing you to apply your learning in a professional environment, build industry connections and strengthen your career profile.
Develop real-world business skills through consultancy projects, volunteering opportunities and virtual internships where you apply sport business concepts to practical challenges.
Engage with the sports industry through guest lectures, employer talks and industry activities that provide insights into areas such as sponsorship, sports marketing, fan engagement, digital innovation and event management.
Benefit from learning delivered by both the University of Exeter Business School and sport specialists, combining expertise in business strategy, management and the commercial side of sport.
Graduate from the University of Exeter, which is recognised for strong employability outcomes and is consistently ranked among the UK universities most targeted by leading employers.
Build transferable skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, strategic thinking and digital confidence, which are valued across the global sports industry.
Explore career opportunities across professional sports organisations, sporting events, fitness and wellbeing companies, sports marketing agencies, governing bodies and entrepreneurial ventures.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc Sport Business Management, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Sports Management, Business Management, Marketing, Leadership, Strategy or related specialist fields. The combination of business expertise, practical projects and industry experience provides a strong foundation for further academic development or professional specialisation within the sports industry.