MBM (MSc) with specialisation Sport Business

This exciting MSc, Master of Business Management specialised in Sports Business, challenges students to study at a high academic standard, combining case studies and research. However, the degree programme also has a real, practical approach in its design - through project weeks, professional enquiry and a module of professional-based learning, in which students complete a short work placement often linked directly to their final project.

The programme offers a combination master of business administration subjects and broader modules in economics and management. Through modules looking at global economics and strategic management, globalisation, society & culture, the programme will enable students to further develop their deeper knowledge of business management and administration.

The specialisation in Sports Business specifically analyses and evaluates the commercial and management forces that have contributed to the success of the sports business. It offers flexibility with an innovative combination of block and online delivery, making it suitable for those working in the sports sector and recent graduates who are looking to develop their knowledge and understanding of this fast growing and important industry.

Semester 1

(Core Modules)

• Marketing Management
• Globalisation, Society & Culture
• Research Methods Introduction (Final Project)
• The World Economy
• Professional Inquiry

(Specialisation Modules)

• Critical Perspectives in Sports & Leisure
• Sports in the Global Marketplace

Semester 2

(Core Modules)

• Research Methods (Final Project)
• Micro Economics - Global Perspectives
• Strategic Management
• Project Module (3 Project Weeks, linked to Final Project)

(Specialisation Modules)

• Strategic Sports Business Management
• Ethics & Social Responsibility in Sports 

Semester 3 (Work Placement & Graduation)

• Professional-Based Learning 
• Final Project

The master's programme is delivered in a block format, with 2 modules being covered every 6 weeks. Core module classes are inter-disciplinary - you study shared modules with master's students from different business management specialisations. Due to the rolling entry (6 times a year), groups are dynamic, extremely international and diverse.

The modules are delivered intensively over consecutive days in the block format, which means that each module has 6 days of teaching split into two blocks of 3 days. Teaching methods include group work, case studies, presentations, and live projects. The course is delivered through a variety of approaches including lectures, presentations, tutorials and case studies, with an emphasis on interactive learning. Each module is taught by two lecturers, often a full-time Wittenborg lecturer and a guest lecturer from a partner university. Modules include regular guest speakers from industry.

Spectator and participatory sport is a global phenomenon and has recently become one of the fastest growing economic sectors for both developed and developing countries. Through engaging with and analysing the commercial, media and political drivers of change, you will be able to identify the factors that have created such growth and critically discuss the implications for business, society, nation branding and identity.

Sport is a sophisticated and complex international business with billions of consumers watching and engaging with sporting events on a weekly or daily basis. This course aims to develop professionals in the provision, promotion and marketing of sport who are able to fully capitalise on the opportunities that the sector presents.

Through studying marketing, sponsorship, media and law – and after spending time in a sports organisation on a professional work placement – you will gain academic understanding and practical knowledge of the issues involved in successful sports business management. This will help you to engage, manage and shape the sports businesses of the future.

This MBM specialisation in Sports Business is aimed at a broad spectrum of students and practitioners. It is suitable for those who want to pursue senior management positions within the sports industry or to prepare for doctoral study.

Professional experience

The Professional Enquiry module requires students to engage in the professional world. Personal and professional growth take place through implementation of change in professional practice and concomitant reflective practice. Students also perform some goal settings exercises and assess weaknesses and strengths with regard to employability skills to allow for adequate self-development and vision beyond the MSc. Some students may identify a need for them to develop their knowledge of innovation, entrepreneurship and small business management, which forms the basis of one of our optional modules.

Consultancy project 

If you elect to undertake a consultancy project, you will work with a commercial or not-for-profit sports organisation  both independently and with the support of tutors, to fulfil the objective set by the client. This is invaluable experience of designing and agreeing a project with commercial aims and objectives.

Employment prospects

Management positions exist within marketing, sales, planning, sporting events, sport administration and facility management. Organisations that offer these positions include professional sports clubs, sporting goods companies, sports marketing agencies, sports event organisers, sports governing bodies, sports public agencies, sports community recreation departments, health and leisure clubs and athletic service organisations.

The course will enable you to enhance your skills, sector-specific knowledge, expertise and employability attributes, making the transition from study to a meaningful career a more seamless process.

Skills for your CV

On successful completion of the course, you will have:

- A detailed understanding of international sports, particularly in relation to: the scope, principles, strategies and activities of the sector, relevant management approaches and theories, its relationship to wider processes of global change, and ethical and cultural issues.

- A knowledge of core debates, theoretical challenges, developments, tensions and contradictions within international sports business.

- The ability to define, explain and appropriately use key terms, models and concepts in the context of sports business management.

- The capacity to assess the wider implications of a rapidly changing socio-economic, cultural and political environment on various actors and stakeholders in the international sports business.

- The ability to examine your own norms, values and belief systems in the context of socio-economic, cultural and ideological discourses.

- A set of vocationally relevant management, problem solving and communication skills, enabling you to succeed in a global working environment and to contribute critically and creatively to the further development of international sports business.

The admission requirements (criteria) for the Master in Business Management programmes (all specialisations) are as follows:

• a bachelor's degree or equivalent recognised qualification.
  • ​Applicants are requested to provide an academic reference from their previous education institute.
  • It is necessary to have obtained a bachelor's degree from the domains of business, management, economics or trade. In their bachelor's degree applicants must have completed an academic piece of work (final project or dissertation) that demonstrates a degree of academic writing and research experience.
• No professional experience is required for these master's programmes.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent. Click here for an overview of the equivalent scores.
TOEFL Code of Wittenborg is 4889.

The English language proficiency level requirement is ½ a point higher than the minimum national requirements in the Netherlands.

Selection procedure

There is no specific selection criteria for students wishing to enter the master's programmes at WUAS; however, all students are interviewed and must demonstrate motivation. Students will be advised of their suitability prior to signing an initial study agreement as a pre-requisite to obtaining admission (offer letter).

Non-EU students requiring sponsored visa for study

Non-EU (visa) students are “screened” according to their background, in order for the institute to be able to guarantee their immigration status.

The screening comprises an interview, collection and correlation of all IND required documents, including proof of sufficient funds, taking into account any scholarships provided by Wittenborg (Orange Tulip Scholarship, for instance) or by third parties (NUFFIC, EU, etc).

Details on Scholarships at Wittenborg can be found at http://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-financial-assistance.htm

Applicants are required to provide a motivation letter in which they describe the reasons for choosing Wittenborg’s programme, as well as the reason for wanting to study in the Netherlands (international students). Student motivation is important as the programmes are demanding and especially for international students there is a criteria that they complete at least 50% of all their credits in a year.