MSc Football Business (Online)

The Global Institute of Sport is an embedded college of the University of East London. All GIS graduates will receive a degree from the University of East London.

Click here for the course specification for this degree

• Football Fan Engagement
• Football Operations Management
• Football Finance
• Global Sports Leadership
• Applied Professional Project
• Global Sports Consulting and Analysis (Option)
• Sport Law and Governance (Option)

Students will choose one option at the beginning of their course.

The main educational aims of the course are to:

• To unite, inspire and equip the current and future leaders of the global sports industry, with the skills knowledge and network to take the world of sport to continually new heights.
• Develop students’ ability to think critically and creatively about football business.
• Provide opportunities for students to solve complex problems related to the football industry.
• Facilitate opportunities for students to conduct research and enquiry into football business issues.
• Provide opportunities for students to communicate complex ideas and arguments about the football industry.
• Enable students to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience within football business settings.
• Develop awareness of the importance of change within diverse situations impacting upon the football landscape.
• Enable students to believe in bold, passionate leadership with a focus on success.
• Develop students’ ability to develop a diversity of thought, and recognise and apply ethical practices which shape the choices within the football industry.

You will already hold a Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 classification in a sport-related degree. Applicants who hold a sport-related degree classification of 2:2 or below or, a non-sport related degree, or significant professional experience will be considered on a case by case basis and may be required to submit a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate sports management experience.

Students with relevant previous study at postgraduate level or with extensive experience may also be considered eligible.

Applicants from non-majority English speaking countries will be asked for an English qualification which tests Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing and will be asked to achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each section) or recognised equivalent.

Applicants will be expected to participate in and pass an academic led interview with senior members of the UCFB team, as well as submitting an outstanding personal statement and highly supportive academic and professional references.

Interviews can be held over Skype or, if based in the UK, at UCFB campuses. Successful applicants will be invited to attend one of our interview sessions following a review of their application.

• Strong knowledge in the field of sports management suitable for Masters level academic work
• Evidence of engagement with professional and academic literature/publications relevant to CPD
• Ability to manage self-learning and professional duties where applicable
• Evidence of ability to manage work independently
• Proven track record of dealing with complex and multidisciplinary issues relevant to their chosen subject area

To apply for this degree, please click here and follow the instructions to complete your application via our Learner Portal.

At GIS we bridge the gap between education and business, allowing a unique approach to education. We provide two curricula; the academic curriculum which encompasses exams and coursework and the Employability & Enrichment programme – a journey of professional and personal development.

As an online student, you’ll have access to best-in-class industry guest speakers whose sessions will be uploaded the UCFB Online Hub. There may also be the opportunity to visit one of UCFB’s iconic campuses to chat with guest speakers face-to-face. Students may also be able to add additional qualifications and attend unique events such as the Future Leaders in Football & Sport Conference at St. George’s Park.

You also have the optional opportunity to attend Orientation Week at UCFB Wembley to experience the home of football, Wembley Stadium.

Find out more about Employability & Enrichment

The Global Insight Series is a thought leadership series, exclusively collated and made available for all UCFB on-campus and online students. The Global Insight Series provides unprecedented access to GIS’ elite sports network; including interviews with LMA managers and other guest speakers, and content from our Global Sports Summits at New York’s Red Bull Arena, Atlanta’s brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Toronto FC’s BMO Field and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Find out more

Delivered across all GIS Master’s programmes to provide a foundation of knowledge of leadership and its application in sport, the Global Sports Leadership module provides a global sporting context to underpin each degree specialism.

Covering fundamental leadership principles including culture, performance analysis, diversity and inclusion, leadership styles and innovation within a contemporary sporting context, this module allows students to develop a broad appreciation of the sports industry and become leaders in their field.

A core aspect of the module is to bring in global leaders from the pitch, the boardroom and the industry to enable student to access and reflect on real life and current industry experiences and insight. Many of the sessions will be shared across multiple GIS degree programmes, allowing students to learn from and network with each other throughout the Global Sports Leadership module.

Visit our dedicated page about fees and student finance.

For part-time courses the tuition fee will be split accordingly per year i.e 50% in year 1 and 50% in year 2 (for a two year programme) as per below table.