| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Sport Management Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma equip professionals and aspiring individuals with industry-focused knowledge, professional skills, and networking opportunities to advance their careers or launch ventures in the sports sector. The program offers flexibility in delivery, allowing students to choose between full-time or part-time study, and provides a comprehensive learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Graduates are well-positioned for a wide range of career paths within the sports industry, including event management, marketing, sponsorship, governance, and sport development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview
The Sport Management Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma are designed for professionals in the sports sector or those interested in entering the field. The program provides participants with the skills and knowledge needed to advance their careers, transition into new roles, or launch their own ventures in the sports industry.
Objectives
This program aims to equip students with the following:
- Industry-focused knowledge: Through a curriculum centered on practical application and real-world scenarios, students will gain a deep understanding of the various facets of sport management.
- Professional skills development: The program emphasizes the development of key skills valued in the sports industry, including leadership, marketing, event management, digital skills, and ethical considerations.
- Critical thinking: Students will develop a critical perspective on contemporary issues impacting global sport, such as ethics, governance, and social, economic, and cultural contexts.
- Networking opportunities: By interacting with industry professionals, fellow students, and guest speakers, participants will build valuable connections and expand their professional network.
Description
The program offers a comprehensive learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students will gain insights into diverse areas of sports management, including:
- Marketing in Sport and Cultural Events: Learn about marketing strategies specific to the sports industry and develop the skills needed to effectively market sporting events and cultural initiatives. This program offers flexibility in its delivery, allowing students to choose between a full-time or part-time format depending on their individual circumstances. The Postgraduate Certificate requires the completion of any two modules, while the Postgraduate Diploma necessitates the completion of all four modules.
Outline
Program Content
The program delves into a broad range of topics within sports management, covering:
- Sport, Events, Governance, and Ethics: This module examines the global sports landscape, focusing on mega-events, governance structures, and ethical considerations. It delves into the organization and management of events, commercial aspects, and case studies of ethical challenges in sport.
- Marketing Principles in Sport and Cultural Event Contexts: This module explores marketing opportunities within the international sports and cultural events sector. It covers traditional marketing concepts like segmentation, targeting, and positioning, as well as marketing communications, sponsorship, branding, and consumer behavior.
- Sport Heritage: This module delves into the growing field of sport heritage, exploring how organizations and clubs leverage their history through initiatives like halls of fame, museums, stadium tours, and heritage-based merchandise. It includes visits to key sports sites and museums, offering hands-on learning experiences.
- Events Leadership: This module equips students with the skills needed to lead and manage events effectively. It analyzes the advantages and drawbacks of various ownership models and explores the competencies required for motivating staff, managing resources, and organizing successful events.
Structure and Schedule
The program offers participants the flexibility to pursue a full-time or part-time course of study. The full-time option can be completed in two consecutive terms (autumn and spring terms, in either order). The part-time option allows students to spread the course over two academic years, completing two modules of the same term each year. The program typically involves around 12 hours of timetabled sessions per week, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and studio sessions. Additionally, students are expected to dedicate roughly 23 hours per week to independent study, preparing for and reflecting on the course material. Each module also offers a two-hour weekly surgery session for individual consultations with the lecturer.
Modules
#International Sport: Events, Governance, and Ethics
This module focuses on:
- Global sport landscape: Mega-events, governance structures, and ethical considerations.
- Event organization and management: History, structures, administration, commercial aspects.
- Ethical challenges in sport: Doping, violence, discrimination, child protection, environment, transgender issues, human rights.
- #Marketing Principles in Sport and Cultural Event Contexts This module covers:
- Marketing opportunities in sports and cultural events: International and global settings.
- Traditional marketing concepts: Segmentation, targeting, positioning, marketing mix, communications, sponsorship, branding.
- Consumer and audience behavior: International and global contexts.
- #Sport Heritage This module focuses on:
- Sport heritage as a phenomenon: Historical showcasing, initiatives like halls of fame, museums, stadium tours, merchandise.
- Hands-on learning: Visits to key sports sites and museums (when travel permits).
- Presentation and promotion of heritage: Strategies and techniques.
- #Events Leadership This module covers:
- Leading cultural, commercial, and sport events: Skills and competencies required.
- Public vs. private ownership: Advantages and disadvantages.
- Motivating staff, managing resources, organizing events: Effective leadership strategies.
Assessment
Assessment Methods
The program employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These methods may include:
- Essays: Written assignments requiring in-depth analysis, critical thinking, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Group projects: Collaborative assignments fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize information from diverse perspectives.
- Examinations: Formal assessments testing knowledge and comprehension of key concepts and theories covered in the modules.
Assessment Criteria
The program utilizes specific criteria to evaluate student work, ensuring fairness and consistency in assessment practices. These criteria may include:
- Critical analysis: Ability to critically examine and evaluate issues, theories, and evidence.
- Communication: Clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of written and oral communication.
- Originality: Evidence of independent thought, creativity, and the ability to formulate original ideas.
- Presentation: Professional presentation of work, adhering to academic standards and formatting guidelines.
Teaching
Teaching Methods
The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to various learning styles and promote active engagement. These methods may include:
- Interactive lectures: Engaging presentations delivered by experienced faculty, encouraging student participation and discussion.
- Seminars: In-depth group discussions exploring specific topics and promoting critical thinking and exchange of ideas.
- Case studies: Analysis of real-world scenarios, fostering problem-solving skills and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
- Guest lectures: Industry professionals sharing their expertise and insights, providing valuable perspectives on the sports industry.
- Workshops: Practical sessions focused on developing specific skills, such as marketing strategies, event planning, and digital communication.
Faculty
The program is led by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who possess extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of sports management. These faculty members are active researchers and industry practitioners, bringing real-world insights and practical experience into the classroom. The program also benefits from guest lectures and mentorship opportunities provided by renowned industry professionals. These individuals offer valuable perspectives on current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the sports industry.
Unique Approaches
The program incorporates innovative teaching approaches to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for success in the sports industry. These approaches include:
- Digital skills development: Integrating digital tools and technologies into the curriculum, equipping students with the skills required for effective communication, collaboration, and content creation in the digital age.
- Global perspective: Exploring the international dimensions of sports management, preparing students to work in a globalized industry.
- Sport-specific focus: Tailoring the curriculum to the unique needs and challenges of the sports industry, ensuring that students acquire the specialized knowledge and skills required for success in this field.
Careers
Career Paths
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue a wide range of career paths within the sports industry. Potential career paths include:
- Event management: Organizing and managing sporting events, from local competitions to international championships.
- Marketing and communications: Promoting sporting events, organizations, and athletes through various marketing channels.
- Sponsorship and partnerships: Securing sponsorships and building partnerships between sports organizations and businesses.
- Governance and administration: Working within governing bodies and federations to manage the rules, regulations, and development of sport.
- Sport development: Contributing to the growth and accessibility of sport at the local, national, or international level.
- Sport media and journalism: Reporting on sporting events, athletes, and issues, or creating sports-related content for various media platforms.
- Sport law: Advising clients on legal issues related to sport, contracts, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
- Academia: Pursuing research and teaching careers in the field of sports management.
Opportunities and Outcomes
The program provides graduates with a competitive edge in the job market, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment in their chosen field. Graduates have found success in a variety of organizations, including:
- Governing bodies and federations
- Professional sports clubs
- Event management agencies
- Marketing and communications firms
- Sponsorship and partnership agencies
- Media organizations
- Sport development agencies
- Academia
Employability Skills
The program emphasizes the development of key employability skills that are highly valued in the sports industry. These skills include:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Digital literacy
- Commercial awareness
- Ethical decision-making
- Project management
Other
International Experience
The program offers opportunities for students to gain international experience through study abroad programs, internships, and field trips. These experiences allow students to expand their horizons, develop a global perspective, and enhance their cross-cultural understanding.
Additional Support
The program provides a range of support services to help students succeed in their studies. These services include:
- Academic advising
- Career guidance
- Personal tutoring
- Mental health and well-being support
- Learning skills development
- Disability support
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must typically hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as business management, marketing, media, event management, sport, or humanities. Applicants with other professional qualifications and industry experience may also be considered on an individual basis.
Application Process
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the university's online portal. The application process typically involves submitting a personal statement, academic transcripts, references, and any other required documents.
Conclusion
The Sport Management Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the sports industry. The program's unique combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, and industry connections equips graduates with the tools and confidence to succeed in this dynamic and competitive field.
