Sports Management BA (Hons)

Contemporary Marketing Practice (Core)

The dynamics of the marketing environment, namely buyer behaviour, product pricing and product promotion, are all explored within this module. You will examine the role marketing communication plays in business and some techniques used to generate interest and purchasing decisions. As part of this module, you will develop an understanding of the significance of research in market development and product innovation.

Introduction to Management (Core)

This module introduces students to the management skills they will need to develop as they embark on their university studies and into their careers, and to the broad functional disciplines that underpin the study of management and provides an integrative platform upon which to build on in later modules. This will be achieved by examining the discipline of management from both a theoretical and practical perspective. This will be done whilst identifying and building essential management and study skills which will be important for successful progression through the programmes of study.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Sport, Culture and History (Core)

This module aims to develop your professional understanding of sports communications and marketing, in order to appreciate the cultural significance of sport in media and society. It provides a comprehensive introductory survey of sport, media and culture focusing on the historical evolution of the sport in the media from the late nineteenth century to the present day. You will learn about the cultural development of sport and the influential role that print, radio, television and social media play in communicating sport.

Introduction to the Sports and Leisure Industries (Core)

This module puts in context the different elements of the sports and leisure industries, both from the perspective of suppliers in the industry and from that of the end-users. The role of sports and leisure within the economy is also investigated.  Other topics include the importance of sponsorship within sport, the role of globalisation, broadcasting rights, and managing risk in sport. The module aims to give you an overall understanding of contexts of sport (past, present and developing) in order to give you a thorough grounding in the areas of sports and leisure.

Financial Management (Core)

This module introduces you to methods of research and data collection, data analysis, and some financial mathematics used by decision makers in a business or organisational context. It gives a broad appreciation of the role of key methods and approaches essential to commercial decision-making processes. Emphasis will be placed on the application of essential techniques and methodology, and the interpretation of results. This should help you to understand the value and limitations of data and financial information in decision making.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Human Resource Management in Sport (Core)

This module will explore the strategic role of the human resource function from both an organisational and employee-centred perspective. The module will define the function of human resource management (HRM) and analyse human resource planning. Particular reference will be made to the sports and leisure industries, drawing upon domestic and international aspects within a comparative framework.

Fundamentals of Accounting (Core)

This is a core module for all business management programmes and recognises the importance of accounting and solid budgetary control. This module introduces you to the role and nature of financial accounting in business operations and highlights the concepts that encompass responsible financial management. You will learn to understand key items of information contained in the published financial statements of companies and other organisations. The module includes the preparation of accounting statements, with emphasis on their use, interpretation and limitations.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Certificate Level.

Research Methods in Sport (Core)

This module aims to provide you with a solid grounding in the theory and practice of research in sport management as preparation for the year three independent project and dissertation work. You cover relevant theory from a research perspective and are presented with realistic research situations through which it is possible to consider different approaches to the study of sport management and the major research methods and techniques employed. 

Experience and Employment in Sport (Core)

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to experience the workplace and to develop skills and knowledge in relation to working within the sport sector.

The module will help prepare you for the workplace by raising awareness of workplace issues, and encouraging you to reflect on your own personal and professional development. It will also help you to define and then develop the specific work-related skills that you need in order to become more employable in a sporting field. You will be encouraged to share experience in order to encourage learning and to help you articulate your strengths.

Sports Journalism and Media Relations (Optional)

This module is designed to enable you to develop a solid knowledge and understanding of how sports news operates in the context of global communications. It will allow you to explore the core principles of journalism to sports reporting and public relations. In addition, you will be able to write about sport to a minimal professional and ethical standard and will have the opportunity to produce different types of sports media content for multiple platforms.

Sports and the Law (Optional)

This topical module aims to examine the laws that apply within the sports context. It will give you a sound understanding of the legal principles surrounding professional and amateur sport and its regulation including dispute resolution, anti-doping, employment law, criminal law and negligence in a sporting context.

Starting a Business Venture (Optional)

Starting a business is an exciting venture for anyone to take up. In this module, theory and practice combine to provide you with the skills to set up your own business. This module takes you on a journey starting with identifying gaps in the market right through to preparation of a business plan and all stages in between. This module is designed to ensure you are aware of the best conditions for business success, and are given the opportunity to present your business idea to a panel of business leaders in a Dragon’s Den format.

Marketing Strategy and Implementation (Optional)

In order for a business to survive or grow it needs to employ marketing techniques as part of a strategy to generate awareness, interest desire and then action. This module looks at current approaches and techniques for managing the development and implementation of marketing strategies. Sessions cover various marketing models that are used in business and public service. You are also made aware of the integral role social responsibility and ethics has in marketing. You will discover the analytical tools that help marketing managers make effective and important marketing decisions.

Managing Sports Events (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Investigation in Employment Practice (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Investigation in Employment Practice (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Behavioural Economics (Optional)

Do people act rationally? This module introduces you to some of the most fascinating human and behavioural insights accumulated by the marketing and communications industries, combining behavioural psychology with economic analysis. You will explore the contrast between what rational agents are supposed to do, according to standard economic theory, and how humans actually behave.

Independent Project in Sport (Core option)

This module aims to equip you with the skills necessary to carry out effective and meaningful research in the field of sport, management and business. You will be introduced to the nature of research from both an academic and practical perspective and will develop a broad understanding of the methodology of research. The module will seek to place research into a conceptual framework that will allow for the practical application of project findings to current management practices.

Independent Study (Core option)

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an extended final year piece of independent study which is a value and integral element of Higher Education. The Independent Study will culminate in an extended essay or report which will be defended and discussed in a viva. The process of undertaking the independent study will require students to develop skills in time management, project management and develop their academic and professional writing and communication skills.

Students will be allocated a supervisor and will receive a combination of small group and individual supervision. Throughout the process, students will be responsible independent learners who will be rewarded for their self and project management and their initiative and problem-solving ability. The independent study should demonstrate and develop students’ ability to think critically and professionally and to synthesize complex ideas through their writing and their discussion.

Contemporary Issues in Sport Management (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility (Optional)

This module progresses themes of business ethics embedded earlier in the degree, in terms of management of finance, human resources, and marketing. It also enables you to engage critically with a number of other issues identifiable in the theory and practice of business ethics, such as different approaches to business ethics, corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, transnational corporations, ethical investment and whistle-blowing. It, therefore, equips you with a critical insight into becoming an ethical and responsible business practitioner.

Digital Business (Optional)

Online and digital business is now central to the development of most businesses and economies. This module will help you understand the impact of digital technology on different sectors – private, public and charitable/third sector and apply digital ideas to developing strategies and tactics.

The information and communications technology foundations of digital change are covered, as well as the emergence of new business models (such as two-sided information platforms) exploiting digital techniques, and how they challenge conventional models. Hands-on practical experience of developing your own ideas and applying them are also central to the module, and issues of privacy and security are covered.

Sports Sponsorship and Promotions (Optional)

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop a deeper understanding of sports sponsorship and promotion as it applies to the sector. You will be able to gain applied experience in the use of sports marketing and promotion with respect to sports marketing tools, techniques and practises. 

Global Perspectives on the Sports Industry (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Managing in the Workplace (Optional)

In this module, you will consider the challenges of leadership and management. You will learn how these practices impact on the culture and success of an organisation through real-life examples. You will identify, observe and develop skills required to promote positive management practice and will analyse your own management style. You will be encouraged to consider leadership qualities and how you can demonstrate these at all levels in an organisation.

Sports Marketing Campaign (Optional)

Consumers, especially sports fans now expect brands to communicate with them through multiple platforms in a way that is personalised and relevant. Digital marketing takes place across the internet and social media, but also in emails, mobile phones, instant messaging, apps, games and video marketing. On this module, you will learn the fundamentals of sports marketing and will collaborate with industry professionals to design, develop and produce a digital sports marketing campaign for a specific client or audience.

International Strategic Management (Optional)

This module analyses the operation of strategic management in corporate, public and not for profit organisations. The module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the formulation and development of strategy from both an organisational and individual perspective. You will consider external factors such as industry trends and environmental impacts, and particular emphasis will be placed on the relationship between corporate strategy and the achievement of competitive advantage.

Management Consultancy Project (Optional)

This module seeks to develop your practical managerial skills within the context of a live business assignment, for example developing marketing plans, business strategies or organisational behaviour recommendations. You will act as management consultants, linking with an appropriate industrial or commercial organisation in order to prepare your final consultancy report. Through both practical experience and exposure to appropriate theory, the module will develop the key skills of analysis, fact management and contextual decision making.

Social Enterprise (Optional)

This module will examine the theory and practice of social enterprise. You will gain a unique outlook on enterprises that reinvest surpluses into society. As part of the module, you will explore the nature and impact of social enterprise in a wider socio-economic context. You consider some challenges and opportunities that social enterprises present and develop a social enterprise proposal for action. On completing the module, you will be equipped with the skills to develop your own entrepreneurial business in the social sector.

Contemporary Issues in Marketing (Optional)

This module is designed to keep you up-to-date with the latest developments in marketing. These are coming thick and fast, mainly because of the rapid rate of change stimulated by digital marketing techniques, but also by the disruption in markets that digital technology causes and new business models, including platform-based ones. This module uses the latest research from the teaching team and inputs from visiting senior marketers.

Marketing Consultancy Project (Optional)

Marketers often act as consultants to their organisations, bringing the customer’s perspective into decision-making. You’ll learn that marketers are also big buyers of external consultancy, but must learn to buy consultancy well and interpret it productively. You’ll learn to carry out a marketing consultancy project, which involves not only research, analysis and presentation but also learning how to manage clients to produce good relationships and results.