Brayford Pool
3-4 years
N900
Sport is a social and economic phenomenon and this degree has been designed to examine critically the business decisions that shape this lucrative global industry.
From the outset, the programme focuses on the business and management of the sports sector, and explores the culture, policy, impact, and delivery of sporting opportunities, particularly in a commercial context. It aims to develop students' skills for the critical analysis of sport, sport spaces, products, services, and operations.
The course examines the breadth and power of sports participation and business on individuals and societies. It looks at the global structure of sports and the complexities, challenges, and issues that are often involved in reconciling government objectives with personal and community aspirations.
Hands-on experience during a professional practice year
Optional study visits to sports industry destinations
Hear from industry experts and sports business practitioners
Work on client-based projects and sports research
Choose from a wide range of optional modules
Subject area ranked 3rd overall in the UK*
*Complete University Guide 2025 (out of 56 ranking institutions)
During the first and second years, students are able to study sport-specific modules to further their understanding of the sector, and grasp the foundations of sports management and sports studies. Modules on finance, sports club management, marketing, organisational behaviour, and visitor experiences underpin students' learning.
During their final year, students can choose to work on client projects or develop their own independent, sports-focused research.
Students on this course are able to take a year-long work placement after their second year, providing a chance to gain experience and apply their learning in practice. Students are expected to source their own placement, but tutors can provide support during the process if required. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
Harry is the Male and Disability Football Development Officer at Wiltshire FA, after securing a placement here during his time on the course. "My time at Lincoln was amazing. The placement helped get my foot in the door and give me valuable industry experience. The course was a driving force for me to get into the sports industry and the modules I undertook gave me the knowledge to succeed in my current role.”
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All full-time students on this course have the opportunity to take a year-long professional practice placement after the second year. A placement enables you to gain valuable experience and apply your knowledge in a real business setting. Previous placements have included Pompey (Portsmouth) in the Community, Northampton Saints RFU, Wiltshire FA, Birmingham FA, and Hertfordshire Lawn Tennis Association.
A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
All full-time students on this course are able take an optional year abroad encompassing study at one partner institution (one term) with the option to work, volunteer, or continue your study abroad (second term). The International Year Abroad takes place between years two and three. Successful completion of the International Year Abroad will be reflected in the award title - BA (Hons) Sports Business Management (International Study Year).
A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
Students may be able to take part in optional study visits throughout the course to sports industry destinations. Students can expect to pay between £15 and £40 for each visit, which may be used for food, drinks, and admission fees to events and venues. Previous destinations have included London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and major UK football clubs. Compulsory study visits that are linked to core modules will typically be free of charge.
Students can hear from guest speakers who will share their industry expertise and professional practice experience. Previous speakers have included Lincoln City FC Marketing Manager, who explained the digital marketing and marketing strategies at Lincoln City FC; Commercial Director for Squash England, who discussed sponsorship of the sport; Legal and Governance Director from England Golf who outlined the role of governance within the sport and how changes have recently been made; Race Director for Hull Marathon, who detailed the organisation of an event; and RAF Personal Training Instructor, who applied his experience to business outside of the military.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports, or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, visual poster presentations, demonstrations, and performances through live events or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. Assessments will mostly be individual tasks, but students may also be expected to work in a group on an assessment task.
Students will receive feedback throughout the term to help them prepare for assessments. This may be through formative assessment (such as ungraded presentations or mock questions), directed activities in seminars, or informal discussions with the seminar tutor. Formative feedback may not be written down, and maybe directed to a group as well as to an individual.
Students will also receive feedback on graded assessments. This usually includes comments detailing the quality of the work and how the student could improve their performance, as well as a highlighted criteria grid identifying performance against the assessed learning outcomes.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
The course has played a huge role in my career in the football industry. I gained valuable knowledge and learnt from some very talented lecturers and tutors, which was crucial in helping me secure my job.
Jake Longworth
BA (Hons) Sports Business Management
Sports Business Management graduates have gone on to work in a variety of sectors and industries. Some have gained employment at professional football clubs, national governing bodies, sports marketing agencies, and in the hospitality industry, business management, logistics, digital marketing, and advertising.
Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.
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96 to 104 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: CCC to BCC
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Merit Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 to 104 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Please note application assessment criteria may vary by country and we may close to applications from some domiciles. Please view the Your Country pages of our website before making an application.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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