Research Excellence
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria ranked 5th in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
Entry year
2027/28
International Sport Management MSc
- Typical Annual Fee Scholarship & Discount eligibility may apply
- Modules
- Entry Requirements
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Mode of Study
2 years Part Time1 other option available
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Start Date
September 2027
International Sport Management at Northumbria
Our part-time International Sport Management programme has been created to critically analyse the decisions that drive this profitable global market.
Within each module of study of our part-time course, you will develop vocationally relevant experience and skills. This includes strategic planning, human resource management, organisational theory and leadership, sport sponsorship, marketing and finance.
The course empowers current and future leaders to acquire advanced knowledge and intellectual skills necessary for career progression. It encourages you to develop an understanding and respect for a globalised society with diverse needs. It is suited for those who wish to become a more effective and enterprising manager in a knowledge-based global sports economy.
Northumbria's Sport Management course balances an inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary approach to study. The course prides itself on the importance of contemporary theory and practice within its delivery. You will apply models and theories in a critically reflective and creative approach to address real-life industry problems. Additionally, you will also be encouraged to study contemporary practices that promote sustainability. This includes changes being made to facilities, events, campaigns and widening participation across all aspects of the sector.
The specialised sport focus within this Masters connects you directly to the network of sport regionally, nationally and internationally. The esteemed reputation of the programme has been developed through the unique insight into the global sports industry. This is offered via engagement with various sports organisations within the modules.
Our unique learning and teaching experience enable you to graduate equipped with transferable management skills. This well-rounded knowledge base is very desirable to a variety of postgraduate-level employers.
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria is ranked 5th for research power in the UK (REF 2021).
Learning & Assessment
Teaching combines face-to-face sessions, interactive workshops, and independent study, drawing on real industry case studies and collaboration with peers from diverse international backgrounds to enrich your learning.
Real world learning
During your time at Northumbria, there are lots of opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. We call this experiential learning. Our Real-World Learning hub provides more information about how at Northumbria, learning goes beyond lectures.
Real world learning
During your time at Northumbria, there are lots of opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. We call this experiential learning. Our Real-World Learning hub provides more information about how at Northumbria, learning goes beyond lectures.
- School of Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation
- City Campus, Northumbria University, Newcastle
Module Information
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
Year One Core Modules
In this module you will be provided with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of, and a practical approach towards, the theories and principles of sport marketing. You will develop a critical appreciation of the skills of marketing through the study of industry examples and case studies from the world of sport. You will engage with contemporary theory and research to inform, develop and expand strategic/tactical planning and control techniques in organisational sport marketing. Finally, you will benefit from the international context of this module in terms of content, examples and the experiences of your fellow-students.
This module locates sport in a socio-political context. To facilitate a broad understanding of sport policy it considers the economic, social, and cultural importance of sport in contemporary society. You will develop a critical view of governance in, and between, organisations across key parts of the sector, including federations, events, and business. This will include comparing governance design archetypes in relation to organisational values, structure, and capacity. You will learn how sport governance differs from other sectors, considering the concepts of authority, autonomy, and legitimacy. Leadership as individual, leader centric and/or collective behaviour, understood as interactions and networks of relationships that shift and change over time is explored. Overall, the module encourages students to engage with the ‘sociological imagination’ to explore issues, tensions, and contradictions surrounding the process, role, position and outcomes synthesised across sport; policy, governance and leadership.
Year One Optional Modules
Optional modules may include:
- Sport Professional Practice
- Sponsorship and Strategic Sport Brand Management
- International Sport Event Management
Year Two Core Modules
This module provides you with the opportunity for independent study in an area of relevance to your degree. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in modules as the basis for an in depth investigation of specific issues in the discipline. The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to carry out an extensive, empirical investigation related to a topic of your own choice, where you will develop skills in communication, critical thinking and independent enquiry.
In this module you will be provided with the opportunity to develop knowledge, competencies and skills in resource management and planning in an international context. Managing people and finances is the key to successful international sport organisations. ‘International Resource Management for Sport’ allows you to develop your knowledge, skills and competencies in these two key facets of management by focusing both the teaching and the assessment to specific resource issues in sport organisations. You will be considering recent and relevant research articles to supplement practical application which will enhance your employability. Finally, you will benefit from the international context of this module in terms of content, examples and the experiences of your fellow-students.
You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of a methodologically-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.
Year Two Optional Modules
Optional modules may include:
- Sport Professional Practice
- Sponsorship and Strategic Sport Brand Management
- International Sport Event Management
Entry Requirements 2027/28
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, ideally in a sport-related subject, or an academic qualification in a non-sport discipline with a demonstrable interest in sport.
International qualifications
If you have studied a non-UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language requirements
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Fees and Funding 2027/28 Entry
Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
*if your course is longer than one year
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
There are no Additional Costs
Scholarships and Discounts
Apply Now
Start your application
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
WHY NORTHUMBRIA?
Industry Connections
Engage with leading sports professionals through guest lectures and venue visits. Build your network whilst learning from practitioners shaping the global industry.
Global Graduate Network
Become part of our inspirational alumni community. Graduates can go on to pursue careers across professional clubs, governing bodies, and international sports organisations around the world.
Reliable Schedule
All teaching aims to take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, giving you time to balance commitments beyond your studies.
Applied Learning
Tackle real-world challenges through strategic case studies and industry projects. Graduate with a professional portfolio showcasing your capabilities to sport employers.
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Research Excellence
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria ranked 5th in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
-
Industry Connections
Engage with leading sports professionals through guest lectures and venue visits. Build your network whilst learning from practitioners shaping the global industry.
-
Global Graduate Network
Become part of our inspirational alumni community. Graduates can go on to pursue careers across professional clubs, governing bodies, and international sports organisations around the world.
-
Reliable Schedule
All teaching aims to take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, giving you time to balance commitments beyond your studies.
-
Applied Learning
Tackle real-world challenges through strategic case studies and industry projects. Graduate with a professional portfolio showcasing your capabilities to sport employers.
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Career Prospects
The course’s emphasis on strategic thinking, resource management and contemporary practice can equip you with capabilities for diverse roles in event management, sport marketing, sponsorship, governance, and business development. These skills are built through industry engagement, with guest speakers, venue visits, and networking opportunities connecting you with potential employers.
Our alumni network showcases diverse career journeys, with some progressing into roles across the global sports sector. Graduates of this course can aspire to advance into careers such as partnerships management, strategy consultancy, and roles across international federations and professional clubs.
Our alumni network showcases diverse career journeys, with some progressing into roles across the global sports sector. Graduates of this course can aspire to advance into careers such as partnerships management, strategy consultancy, and roles across international federations and professional clubs.
Student Projects
Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to apply strategic thinking to real-world scenarios. Build comprehensive marketing plans for sports organisations, analyse market position and campaigns, and design creative storyboards for sponsorship activation. Produce professional reports on resource management challenges, from human resource planning to financial strategy for events.
Your final research project investigates a topic aligned with your career ambitions, allowing you to explore areas that interest you whilst demonstrating your research capabilities. These applied assessments help build your portfolio, whilst enhancing the critical analysis and presentation skills employers value.
Your final research project investigates a topic aligned with your career ambitions, allowing you to explore areas that interest you whilst demonstrating your research capabilities. These applied assessments help build your portfolio, whilst enhancing the critical analysis and presentation skills employers value.
Facilities
Based at Newcastle City Campus, you'll have access to our industry-standard Sport Central. Here you can find professional spaces including indoor sprint track, strength and conditioning suite, biomechanics laboratory and physiology facilities.
Our City Campus Library and Digital Commons are open 24/7 during term time, offering specialist resources, software, collaborative study spaces, and quiet zones. Benefit from Skills Support including workshops on critical thinking, statistics and academic writing. If you're an international student, you can access tailored language support through our Academic Language Skills provision.
Volunteer opportunities are often available within university sport, allowing you to gain practical experience whilst building your network.
Virtual tours
Experience Northumbria University from the comfort of your own home. Our immersive virtual tours and interactive 360 images allow you to explore our vibrant campus and dynamic learning spaces, all from anywhere in the world.
Our City Campus Library and Digital Commons are open 24/7 during term time, offering specialist resources, software, collaborative study spaces, and quiet zones. Benefit from Skills Support including workshops on critical thinking, statistics and academic writing. If you're an international student, you can access tailored language support through our Academic Language Skills provision.
Volunteer opportunities are often available within university sport, allowing you to gain practical experience whilst building your network.
Virtual tours
Experience Northumbria University from the comfort of your own home. Our immersive virtual tours and interactive 360 images allow you to explore our vibrant campus and dynamic learning spaces, all from anywhere in the world.
Teaching Staff
Learn from research-active academics who are recognised experts in sport policy, governance, marketing, event management and international business. Our teaching team publishes widely on contemporary issues in global sport, from sustainability to governance reform, bringing latest research insights directly into your modules.
Any Questions?
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901.
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Page last reviewed: 16 October 2026
