Best Masters in Sports Management | Student Reviews & University Rankings EDUopinions

Best Masters in Sports Management

12/10/2020

A Masters in Sports Management can be a great way for those interested in both athletics and business to merge their passions. The sports industry bears resemblance to the entertainment industry, both with large-scale events, celebrities and huge numbers of fans. If you would like to be a part of this exciting and fast-paced industry, graduate studies related to sport business and entertainment may be for you. Luckily, EDUopinions have compiled a list of the best masters in sports management to help narrow your options.

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What can you do with this masters?

Basically, a masters in sports management sets up graduates for a wide range of positions within the sports industry. Students from the universities on this list have gone on to work in marketing, sales, finance, human resources and general operations for sports teams across Europe. As well, this degree can allow graduates to work for sports federations like the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and others. Or, students in this degree have been hired by companies to manage their partnerships with specific sports teams. In short, while this degree is quite specialised, there are many options for after graduation.

What subjects does it cover?

While each of the programmes on this list varies slightly, a masters in sports management broadly covers what an MBA might cover but with a heavy focus on the sports industry. Subjects may include basic business administration and strategy, marketing, event planning, operation management, human resources and finance. In addition, many programmes offer the opportunity for an internship during your studies.

What are the highest paid jobs in sports management?

The world of sports management can be highly lucrative, especially for a few specific positions. Sports promoters/marketing managers work to increase attendance and popularity of sporting events and are rewarded very well for their job. In addition, those who work as sports accountants (or other positions within finance) also earn a significant amount. Finally, team managers/athletic directors may be the highest-paid job within the sports industry, but understandably there are few positions available.

EDUopinions’ list of the best masters in sports management

University of Portsmouth

This MSc in Sports Management at the University of Portsmouth provides both the theory and practice of sports management. It builds on your knowledge and understanding of sport and provides a specificity related to the sports business industry, governance in sport and strategic leadership, amongst other subject areas. UOP has internationally established partnerships with organisations such as UEFA, the RFL and the MCC too so you can apply your studies to research directly related to developments within the sector. This MSc has an experienced teaching team driven by academics who have delivered sports management programmes in the community, nationally and internationally.

EU Business School

EU Business School - students1

The MBA in Sports Management offered by EU Business School combines cutting-edge teaching methods within the areas of professional sports, managing events and corporate sponsorships. This MBA prepares students to meet the latest challenges through courses including sports marketing & management and financial management. It can be full-time or part-time and it is available in Geneva or Montreux in Switzerland as well as in Barcelona. Also, it offers students the opportunity to earn a second qualification, from the University of Roehampton in London, U.K.

Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea

Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea offers a unique Master’s in Sports Management – MBA. This 9-month programme taught in English and Spanish is designed for those who want to acquire all the tools necessary to succeed in the sports industry. It focuses on the academic quality and gives the best view of successful business models in the sports industry worldwide. Besides this, graduates will have the chance to complete internships in top sports organisations, including Real Madrid C.F.

Munich Business School

Developed by leading experts in the sports sector, the Munich Business School programme Master Sports Business and Communication combines Sports Management and Sports Marketing in a unique way. What makes courses at MBS unique are the small groups with very personal contact to the lecturers, the interactions with companies and a strong alumni network. Practical projects with renown companies such as Adidas or German sports associations like the DFB or DOSB give students some real-life experience. Another highlight is the mentoring programme where professionally experienced alumni will support students with assistance and advice, help them to achieve their career goals, and provide them with valuable contacts through his or her network.

Rome Business School

students throwing graduation caps in the air

Rome Business School’s master in sport and lifestyle management is another top-notch programme for those looking to work in the sports business. With campuses in both Rome and Barcelona, the business school gives students the choice to study where it makes the most sense for them. The 12-month degree is split into two equal parts, the first consisting of lectures and classroom learning. The second half of the year is dedicated to student’s international internships and project work. Another advantage of this programme is its emphasis on developing soft skills, essential for work in the sports industry.

EMLyon Business School

EMLYON Business School - campus

For a highly international educational experience, consider EMLyon’s MSc in Sports Industry Management. The programme takes place across 18 months across both the Paris and Shanghai campuses. In addition, students take field trips to important locations within the sports industry, like the Alps, Munich and London. The programme aims to immerse students in the “multiculturality” of the sports industry during their studies. Ultimately this helps students find work quickly after graduation, as they have an understanding of the real needs of recruiters. This is just part of why graduates of EM Lyon Business School have a 95% employment rate within six months of graduation. Without a doubt, this programme is easily one of Europe’s best masters in sports management.

Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia

UCAM campus

Located in Murcia, a town in south-eastern Spain, the Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) is an excellent option to consider those interested in the sports industry. Their masters in sports marketing covers how to effectively direct sports organizations, with a focus on planning campaigns and managing their image. A unique advantage of this degree is that it is students at UCAM can take part in programmes offered by the Barça Innovation Hub, a space created by FC Barcelona for sports industry professionals to collaborate. For this and many other reasons, UCAM is one of the best places in Europe to study a masters in sports management.

ESIC Business & Marketing School

esic campus in madrid

For Spanish-speakers, the ESIC’s masters in sports marketing is another fantastic way to launch your career in the sports industry, for example in Sports Brand Management or Sports Marketing Management. This programme distinguishes itself from others in similar fields by focusing on how marketing strategy can be integrated into a business model in a more meaningful way than merely through events and sponsorships. The course is oriented towards the integration of strategic and tactical marketing in club, company and sports brands and offers its students a Lab where they can experiment with specific technologies such as E-Sports, E-Games and analytics. With campuses in both Madrid and Barcelona, the programme lasts just nine months, making it ideal for those in search of a fast-paced intense masters. Unique on account of its new approach to sports marketing, this degree is one of the best in Europe.

Geneva Business School

geneva business school classroom

Next on our list of the best masters in sports management is a programme offered by Geneva Business School. Their Master in International Management is a 18-month programme in which students can choose a specialisation track. One of these tracks is in sports management, making this an ideal programme for those who may not want to restrict themselves exclusively to sports management. With campuses in both Geneva, Barcelona and Madrid, this business school offers students flexibility in their studies without compromising on the quality of their education. On account of this flexibility, the Geneva Business School is an incredible option for a masters in sports management.

United International Business Schools – UIBS

uibs graduation ceremony

The United International Business School provides a unique masters in sports management. Offering eight different start dates per year and options to complete the degree full time in nine or twelve months or part-time in two to three years, UIBS is another highly flexible business school. Their flexible study programmes are based on the American model of higher education, allowing students to choose their courses based on program requirements, previous studies, current interests and future ambitions. Another exciting element of the master in sports management at UIBS is the opportunity to study in several of the school’s campuses in Antwerp, Barcelona, Brussels, Madrid, Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne. For students looking to experience life and the sports industry all across Europe, this programme may be for you.

ESEI International Business School Barcelona

ESEI INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL campus

ESEI’s masters in Sports Management which is based in Barcelona. The city is home to one of the world’s most famous football clubs, FC Barcelona. This alone leads to many great opportunities for students, who benefit from a powerful network of contacts thanks to the university’s connections in the city. In addition, the university maintains partnerships with companies like Adidas, Asics and Prince, allowing their students to gain professional experiences even before graduating. Altogether ESEI’s masters in sports management is one of the best of its kind.


Conclusion about the Best Masters in Sports Management

Hopefully, this list of Europe’s best masters in sports management has pointed you in the right direction for your future studies. If you have any further questions or did not take to any of the schools on this list, do not hesitate to get in touch with EDUopinions. Our personalised advice can help you make the most of your university education.

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Check out these articles on other types of specialised masters degrees like the best masters in quantitative finance or the best masters in luxury brand management.

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Written by
Drew
Drew Harper is a recent graduate of University College London, where he studied history, politics and economics. As a content creator at EDUopinions, he is passionate about broadening access to international learning opportunities for students around the world.

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