Degree available as a Full-time (one year) or Part-time (two years) option, starting each September and January.
Degree overview
The Global Institute of Sport's (GIS) unique MSc International Sport Management (Online) degree provides an unparalleled educational and experiential opportunity for aspiring sports leaders. This pioneering programme has been developed as a transformational journey suited for graduates of all disciplines, as well as for current professionals working within various sectors of the sport industry, for example in management, marketing or operations.
This programme is ideal for those who already work, or aspire to work, in senior positions within the sports industry, and offers the flexibility to allow participants to gain a Masters degree qualification around their busy lifestyle.
By having the opportunity to learn from the comfort of their own home, programme participants will be able to gain a further qualification to enhance their career prospects in a format that offers flexible hours and the chance to dictate their own work-life balance to fit around other commitments.
The programme is available through the UCFB Online Hub, which is accessible on mobile devices including tablets, phones and laptops. The UCFB Online Hub also has app which you can download to access the programme content. This means you can truly study while on the go and around your other commitments.

FAQs

Degree content
By having the opportunity to learn from the comfort of their own home, programme participants will be able to gain a further qualification to enhance their career prospects in a format that offers flexible hours and the chance to dictate their own work-life balance to fit around other commitments.
This programme is ideal for those who already work, or aspire to work, in senior positions within the sports industry, and offers the flexibility to allow participants to gain a Masters degree qualification around their busy lifestyle.
The programme is available through the UCFB Online Hub, which is accessible on mobile devices including tablets, phones and laptops. The UCFB Online Hub also has an app which you can download to access the programme content. This means you can truly study while on the go and around your other commitments.
Our online students have access to the UCFB Global Hubs and Insight Series - an unparalleled offering in the sports industry with Wembley and Etihad stadiums in the UK, and iconic stadiums in North America and Australia providing students with the opportunity to gain a truly global educational experience.
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.

Multiple time zone delivery
From the 2021/22 academic year, our MSc International Sport Management (Online) programme will be delivered in three time zones for the Americas, Europe and Africa, and Australasia. Synchronous, live sessions will be delivered for the GMT/BST, AEST/AEDT and EST/EDT time zones to provide the greatest studying flexibility. To further enhance the learning experience around the world, there will be various touchpoints throughout the year for all students, including guest speaker sessions and networking opportunities.

Taking on this degree in the online format has allowed me to shape my course workload around busy times at work, and having the lectures in the evenings means I do not have to take time off to participate in them.
Your Programme Leader
Modules
- Global Sustainable Sports Operations
- Managing Global Strategy
- Global Sports Marketing and Digital Communications
- Global Sports Leadership
- Applied Professional Project
- Contemporary Issues in Sport (Option)
- Sports Law and Governance (Option)
- Entrepreneurship in Sport (Option)
Students will choose one option at the beginning of their course. A minimum of two options will be available each academic year.
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.
- Enable students to focus on the skills needed to work effectively as a manager in the international sports industry and enable them to become active, autonomous learners.
- Equip students with a range of research skills necessary to carry out effective research in international sports management and encourage independent learning.
- Encourage students to develop a critical awareness of the financial implications of managerial decisions.
- Equip students with the tools to develop an effective coordinated international marketing strategy.
- Identify the current business environment and the strategic considerations facing sports managers when developing a strategic plan in the international sports industry.
- Develop the skills necessary to successfully manage a sporting venue and sporting events.
- Produce a research project that can be in conjunction with a key stakeholder in the sport industry which offers insight into a key management issue within an international sports context.
- Engage with and critically evaluate current themes in international sports management.
- Create an environment in which students are able to relate theory to practice, solve problems, apply new and existing skills and show a critical awareness of the emerging issues facing the international sports industry.
Entry requirements
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 GIS 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
"The programmes I examined give appropriate opportunities for students to be in involved in the latest developments in professional practice. This is a clear strength of the UCFB-GIS provision.
This is a strong course with a passionate teaching team. In the years that I have external examined the programme, the course offering has not only grown but also developed into the online market and is a clear national leader in this domain."
Dr Mike Rayner, External Examiner
Career prospects
The programme has been developed for those with aspirations towards senior management positions within the core functional departments of the football industry, spanning financial and accounting roles or operational roles within football, including the ability to rise to senior managerial roles due to the management aspect of the degree.
The broad, applied elements of this degree provide students with the skills and experience to progress and work either domestically or abroad in a multi-billion-pound global industry. GIS’ ability to provide further Employment & Enrichment opportunities engages students in career development allowing students to find their place in the football industry.
82% of Masters graduates are working in the football and sports industry within six months of graduating.
At GIS, we are proud that over 92% of our 2017 graduates are in full-time employment within six months and 82% of these graduates work in sport.
UCFB's Global Institute of Sport was also ranked in the top 5 'Best Universities for Employability' in 2021.
At UCFB's Global Institute of Sport (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 GIS Online Hub. There may also be the opportunity to visit one of GIS'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 at UCFB's Global Institute of Sport (GIS)
The Global Insight Series is a thought leadership series, exclusively collated and made available for all UCFB & GIS on-campus & 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 GIS' 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).
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.
MSc International Sport Management Online student Mihir Pandya reaps the benefits of studying online as he continues to work at the heart of the US sports industry.
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Rugby-mad Jeni was already working at Twickenham for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) as a Rugby Events & Competitions Assistant when she took it upon herself to study a Masters degree. However, she was keen to continue doing her job at the governing body so looked at her options.
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Fees
These discounts are open to any UCFB, Buckinghamshire New University and University of East London graduate who has received and accepted an offer to study at postgraduate level with UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport.
- 15% fee tuition discount on all Master's programmes, excluding MSc Sports Directorship
- 15% fee tuition discount on MSc Sports Directorship and CEO of a Sports Organisation
If you’d like to extend your time with us, we’re pleased to offer all GIS graduates:
- 15% fee tuition discount on all Master's programmes, excluding MSc Sports Directorship
- 15% fee tuition discount on MSc Sports Directorship and CEO of a Sports Organisation
We're pleased to offer all UCFB and GIS business partners 15% fee tuition discount on all Undergraduate, Master's programmes.
Visit our dedicated page about fees and student finance.
If Online students wish to attend Employability & Enrichment networking opportunities such as the Future Leaders in Football & Sport Conference, Careers Fair, Leadership Challenge or Graduation, then they can do so at their own expense. Costs will include travel to the events.
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.
Full-time (one year) | Part-time (two years) | ||
Home Students |
International Students |
Home Students |
International Students |
£10,950 | £10,950 | £5,475 | £5,475 |
Please click here to read our online degree FAQs.

Online students have the opportunity to participate in GIS’ global hub events in some of the world’s most exciting sports destinations, learning about the sports industry in the US, Canada and Australia at Inter Miami CF Stadium, New York’s Red Bull Arena, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Toronto FC’s BMO Field and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
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