International Online Master in Sports and Lifestyle Management

Program Overview

The International Online Master in Sports and Lifestyle Management from Rome Business School equips students with management skills and an innovative perspective for the sports and lifestyle industries. The program covers managerial core skills, branding, sales, technology, and sustainable practices through a mix of online and offline learning, including bootcamps and a Business Practice Lab with Adidas. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Sports Marketing Manager and Sports Event Manager, with an average salary increase of +27% after one year.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The International Online Master in Sports and Lifestyle Management offered by Rome Business School aims to develop management skills and an innovative perspective within the sports and lifestyle industries. The program focuses on various areas of the sports industry, including live events, media (TV and internet broadcasting), management and development of professional sports teams and exclusive sports clubs. It addresses the evolving needs of the industry by emphasizing innovation and sustainability, preparing students to become ethical and responsible leaders. The program boasts a strong link with industry professionals and companies, offering opportunities for company visits (previous visits included FC Sion, Lazio Football, F.I.R Italia, Fulham FC), learning from real business cases, and networking. The master's program aims to equip students with the skills to identify key economic aspects of the sports industry, analyze and solve real-life business problems, acquire wellness coaching and lifestyle management techniques, create brand identities and implement effective branding strategies, and create and manage sales of sports merchandising and related products/services. The program is built around four pillars: real link with companies, internationality (including bootcamps in various locations), professional impact (career services, company meetings, coaching), and higher purpose (CSR and sustainable business approaches).

Outline:

The International Online Master in Sports and Lifestyle Management is structured around three main modules and a Capstone Project, along with elective courses.

Module 1: Develop Managerial Core Skills (10% of the program):

This module focuses on foundational business knowledge. Specific courses include: Managerial Economics (essentials of entrepreneurship and business planning), Management Accounting for Decision Making (financial aspects of business decisions, cost management, budgeting, etc. It includes: Sports International Governance, Economics and Organizations; Sport Industry in Europe – Trends, Analysis & Statistics; IOC, FIFA, UEFA and the Sports Industry; Brand Management & The Role of Advertising for Sports and Lifestyle Management; Pricing, Sales, e-commerce & Selling in Sports Merchandising of Sports and Lifestyle Offerings; Digital Sports and Lifestyle Influencers; eSports Management and Marketing (tournament organization, branding, sponsorship, community building); and Football Business Management (football business, club management, financial reporting, sports agents).

Module 3: Embrace New Tech for Sports, Innovation and Sustainable Sports Business (10% of the program):

This module explores technological advancements and sustainable practices in the sports industry. Courses include: Sports and Lifestyle Event Management (media rights, sponsorship, event management, PR); Innovation & Sport Tech of Sports and Lifestyle Management (ESG trends, sports data analytics, new technologies, sports law, building ethical organizations).

Electives (10% of the program):

Students can choose from electives across seven main areas of interest: Innovation & Growth, AI4 Business, Tech & Digitalization, Industry Business Excellence, International Business, Global Electives with RBS international partner Business Schools, and Introduction to preparation for professional certifications.

Business in Action (15% of the program):

This section includes a Business Practice Lab with Adidas, where students work on real-world challenges such as rebranding a sports company strategy, creating peak performance programs, and developing communication strategies.

Capstone Project (20% of the program):

Students work on a real business challenge, either from their own company or a company in the industry. Modules end with Q&A sessions and assessment presentations guided by the professor.

Teaching:

The program uses the Flexon Online Disruptive Learning Model, which combines synchronous and asynchronous activities. Teaching methods include interactive lectures, case study analyses, exercises, discussions, teamwork, video conferences, business analysis, and student presentations. The approach is student-centered, emphasizing learning by doing. The online methodology includes live, interactive lectures led by professors, using tools like discussion forums, chats, emails, breakout sessions, whiteboards, and audio/video sharing. Pre-master courses are self-paced, using pre-recorded interactive sessions, PPT presentations, exercises, and self-assessments. The program adheres to EFMD's highest standards of teaching methodology. The faculty consists of international university professors, trainers, and business managers from various fields.

Careers:

The program prepares students for roles such as Sports Marketing Manager, Sports Journalist, Sports Event Manager, Sports Centre Manager, Sports Hotel Communication Director, Sports Media Marketing & Sales Manager, and Sports Federation PR Manager. The average salary increase for graduates after one year is reported as +27%. Examples of companies where graduates work include DAZN, Technogym, and Ozamba.

Other:

The Rome Business School is described as the most international business school in Italy. The program includes international bootcamps in various locations (Silicon Valley, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Tuscany, Lagos, Qatar, London, China, Grand Tour of Italy, Porto, Dublin). The Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) plays a key role in the quality assurance process, providing input from 103 leaders, managers, and professionals. Student testimonials highlight the value of networking opportunities and the Business Practice Lab. The program's learning methodology is based on the Planeta Formacion y Universidades online model, emphasizing both faculty-centered and team-centered learning.