BSc (Honours) Sport Business Management with Foundation Year

Year of Entry 2025/26
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BSc (Honours)

Sport Business Management with Foundation Year

Prepare for a career in the sports industry with our hands-on approach to business management – driven by cutting-edge expertise, global connections and excellent sporting heritage.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: See fees section below
    International/EU: £17,155 per year

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    4/5 Years

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    Collegiate Campus

  • Bookmark

    What are the entry requirements?

    64 UCAS Points

  • Checkmark

    What is the UCAS code?

    A108

  • Date

    When do I start?

    September 2025

  • Avatar

    Placement year available?

    Yes


Course summary

  • Gain valuable insights from our experienced experts and international networks
  • Apply your practical skills and knowledge in real-life situations with work placements
  • Use our strong ties with professional teams and organisations to forge industry connections
  • Cultivate leadership and strategic skills to assess and thrive in the sport business arena
  • Gain local and global experience, including with the University of Madrid

Our unique advantage lies in our close association with elite sports clubs, organisations and leading facilities. You’ll study key business concepts and theories, and examine best practices in management to navigate the dynamic sport business landscape. 

You’ll study in an environment that encourages the exploration of new ventures and the development of a strong business mindset. You’ll graduate as a motivated and innovative business leader.

The foundation year is suitable either if you don’t meet the entry requirements for the degree, or if you’d like further preparation before you start. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence you need to progress onto the course.

Accredited by
  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

This course has been awarded Recognised Degree Status by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)  Students are able to take advantage of CIM membership and its benefits and complete modules on any or some of the CIM modules if they wish (please contact CIM for current studying membership and assessment fees).



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How you learn

At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive. 

On this course, you will be taught by business experts who are highly experienced in the sporting world. You’ll develop your skills and knowledge through teaching, working and doing – exploring the business of sport from a global perspective, while also delving into the intricacies of the UK sport industry.

You’ll also enhance your digital capability, critical thinking and inclusive approaches that value equality and diversity.

You’ll learn through:

  • Lectures, seminars and workshops 
  • A virtual learning environment (VLE) 
  • Work-based learning experiences
  • Placements
  • Field trips 
  • Practical activities in both simulated and in-situ environments 
  • Independent study 
  • Research opportunities

Key themes

You’ll gain the hard and soft skills you will need to succeed in the competitive industry of sports business. You’ll see the importance of effective communication, ethical practices, deep consumer understanding, and a willingness to embrace calculated risks.

While you study you will also enhance your proficiency in technical, supervisory, and managerial aspects of sports business, equipping you for a range of career paths.

You’ll explore theoretical, philosophical, and practical foundations for sports business management – across marketing, finance, leadership, sports event management and enterprise. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of the sport and physical activity sector and the broader business world.

Course support

The course is designed to help you demonstrate your learning outcomes – with authentic assessment activities relating to real-world scenarios, your specific goals and your skills development. Throughout your studies, various individuals will support your learning and target setting – guiding you towards resources for academic, professional and personal development. 

These support roles include: 

  • Course and Module Leaders
  • Your Academic Adviser 
  • Your Student Support Adviser
  • Your Employability Adviser 
  • Central services like counselling, Library and IT

Course leaders and tutors

Vicky Norman
Vicky Norman
Senior Lecturer in Sport Business Management

I have worked in the sports industry for the last 11 years, before that completing my undergrad at Sheffield Hallam

Becky Ashworth
Becky Ashworth
Lecturer

Lecturer

Graduate View

BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management graduate Ellis is promoting and advancing women's football, striving to elevate the sport's profile and create more opportunities for female athletes, as the general manager of Blackburn Rovers Women's Football Club

Applied learning

Work placements 

There’s a mandatory short placement at the end of your third year. Over a minimum of 120 hours, you will be learning while you work and preparing to progress into employment after you graduate. During your placement, you will have the invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand the practical application of management and business in the industry.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements between your third and final years. This gives you further valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. 

Past placements have involved working with local councils, national governing bodies such as the English Football Association (the FA), and professional clubs. We also maintain strong connections with local kit equipment manufacturers.

Additionally, there are often chances for you to volunteer in media sports events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympics.

Field trips 

On field trips you will discover how your learning is applied first-hand to real-world situations, gaining valuable insight into working practice.

In previous years, students have visited prestigious venues such as Headingley Cricket Ground, Emirates Stadium and Aintree Racecourse.

Sheffield Hallam University has developed a strong and collaborative partnership with the University of Madrid, enabling students to benefit from an enriching international experience. Through this close tie-up, there is an opportunity to take a field trip to Madrid.

Guest lectures 

You’ll hear from specialist industry experts who share context-specific examples of the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will need for your career ahead.

Previous students have heard from influential guest speakers at UEFA, Arsenal FC, England Hockey and England Cricket.

Networking opportunities 

Your employability is enhanced by the involvement of employers and industry partners – from the real-world projects you complete to the opportunities to build networks at careers fairs and workshops. 

Our global networks really set us apart and give you the upper hand in a career field that truly is international. From our University of Madrid link-up to the chance to volunteer at global sporting events, you will create invaluable connections with individuals and organisations around the world.

On top of this, students have the opportunity to participate in numerous events, such as SportsPro Media Hackathon, a weekend-long event where groups of students come together to create and pitch new solutions, products or businesses that have a positive impact on the world.


Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in: 

  • International, regional and national sporting bodies 
  • Professional sports clubs and leagues  
  • Major venue and facility management 
  • Major events and event management 
  • Sport consultancy 
  • Social media, sponsorship and marketing 

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for: 

  • Professional sports club (Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Arsenal FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Everton FC) 
  • National sport governing bodies (England Cricket, The FA, Netball England) 
  • Sport brands (Adidas, Kitlocker, Sportfive, Raab, DAZN) 
  • Sport media (Sky Sports, SportsPro Media, EA Games) 
  • Business graduate roles (M&S, Enterprise, Aldi) 
  • Major sport events (Commonwealth Games, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, England Golf)

Equipment and facilities

On this course, you will work with world-class digital resources and databases to support your learning, including access to sport-specific cases developed by academic colleagues around the world.

Media Gallery

Learn more about your department

Sports Facilities Tour

Take a look around Sheffield Hallam University's sports facilities with Wellbeing, Sport and Physical Activity Officer Ellie.

Academy of Sport and Physical Activity
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UNIPRO Football Coaching

At Sheffield Hallam you’ll have access to UEFA licensed football coaching from UNIPRO Football Academy. This programme is delivered independently of your degree at an additional cost.
Learn more

Entry requirements

All students

UCAS points

  • 64

This must include at least 24 (Grade D) from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:

  • DDE at A Level.
  • MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
  • Pass overall from a T level qualification with D or E from core.
  • A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

  • English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent.
  • Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent.

GCSE English and mathematics equivalent
equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

ACCESS

  • Access to HE Diploma, with at least 45 level 3 credits.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.


Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Foundations Of Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 60
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Introduction To Investigating Contemporary Issues In Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 60
Assessment Coursework(40%) , Practical(60%)
Year 2

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Contemporary Issues In Sport Business Management
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Introduction To Sport Business Management
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Leadership And Management In Sport
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(50%) , Practical(50%)
Sport And Physical Activity Landscape
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Year 3

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Finance In Sport
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sport Innovation And Entrepreneurship
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sport Marketing And Brands
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(50%) , Practical(50%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Alternative Physical Activities
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Analysis Of Sport And Games
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Event Management For Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Exercise Prescription For The Prevention Of Disease
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sport As A Tool For Social Change
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sports Club Development
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sports Facility Management Simulation
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Study Abroad - Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 60
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Technology For Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Testing And Analysis In Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Year 4

Optional modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Placement Year
Credits -
Assessment
Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Independent Project In Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
International Strategic Management
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Approaches To Talent Development
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Coach Education And Development
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Economics And Finance Of Sport
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Entrepreneurship And Innovation For Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Exercise Prescription For Long Term Conditions
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Health Promotion
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Innovative Practical Pedagogy
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Major Sport Events
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Nutrition For Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Performance Analysis Of Sport
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Programming And Prescription Of Training In Sport And Physical Activity
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Psychology Of Sport And Exercise
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sport And The Media
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Sport, Brands And Culture
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Sport Data Analytics
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sport Injury
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sport Journalism
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Teaching As A Profession
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2025/26 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

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Financial support for home/EU students

How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.

Learn more

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sport and Physical Activity (PDF, 144.2KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

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You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

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