What would the world be without sports? As we have seen, the Earth stood still when the Premiere League and NBA seasons were postponed. Managing and maintaining sports teams are just as important as the athletes who play. Keep reading to find out how to pursue a Sports Management career in the UK.
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Academic Routes Technical RoutesAcademic Routes
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Further Education Higher EducationWhat do I need?
Sports Management sees many people in the industry coming from varying career and education backgrounds. While careers within Sports Management are vast, each requires the basic knowledge of how to think business-minded from a science-based and strategic perspective.
To stand out, you can learn a second language or complete an internship in an international country. Get involved with sports marketing and journalism. High-level jobs will more than likely require a related postgraduate qualification. However, there are other roles in the field you can immerse in. We explain further below.
Further Education
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A-Levels BTEC Diploma and AAT Accounting Access to Higher EducationFurther Education is considered Level 3 education in the UK (England, Northern Ireland, and Wales). The most common further education route is A-Levels, but it is not the only option. There are coursework based courses like BTEC. To pursue a Bachelors degree (Level 4) or any other undergraduate qualification, you must complete this level of education first.
A-Levels
A-Levels are exam based courses taken post-secondary education. Usually, people take from 3 A-Level subjects as most university courses require at least 3. Sports Management is essentially a business discipline, hence an A-Level in Business would be a wise decision.
If you have decided what career you would pursue within Sports Management (football manager, sports coach) you can pick other A Levels subjects that are similar to it. Depending on the route you take, a career in Sports Management can become heavily science-based. Hence an A-Level in a science subject and Physical Education would fit nicely in your subject basket. Nonetheless, the other A-Level subjects you choose can be varied.
Do note that A-Levels are not practical. Which means if you do not intend on pursuing further study, you should be building experience in your field while studying. Read more about Internships here.
What qualifications do I need for A-Levels?
A-level courses will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are mandatory to possess. Qualifications like CSEC/IGCSE Business may be required but not always mandatory. It is best to check the specific requirements of the university or college you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find A-Level courses search online or Contact us for help.
BTEC Diploma
The process of obtaining these qualifications are more practical in comparison to the more theory-based academic A-Level. You are assessed solely with coursework.
These qualifications are available at different levels from Levels 1-3. At Level 3, the diploma can be equivalent to up to three (3) A-Levels. BTECs can be taken alongside other qualifications (such as an A-Level) and can permit entry to university.
For Sports Management, universities typically are interested in students who have Business, Sport and Science knowledge. Therefore a BTEC in Business, Applied Science or Sport is a great way to go.
What qualifications do I need for BTEC?
Depending on the BTEC diploma you’re pursuing; Level 3 BTEC diplomas will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the university you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find BTEC courses search online or Contact Us for assistance.
But what if I’m over 18 and I have no Level 3 qualifications? We got you below.
Access to Higher Education
Access to Higher Education aka Access to HE is tailored for students aged 19+ who intend to apply for an undergraduate course. These courses take one year, performing as a fast track to higher education.
Universities will typically be looking for students with a business-based background. Access to Higher Education courses in Business, Sports Sciences etc. are among good options for subjects related to Sports Management.
What qualifications do I need for Access to HE?
Access to HE diplomas will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are customarily mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the school you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find Access to Higher Education courses search online or Contact Us for assistance.
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Higher Education
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Foundation Degrees Undergraduate Degrees Postgraduate DegreesFoundation Degrees & Foundation Years
Foundation courses can be taken if your results/tariff points accumulated in a Level 3 qualification were not high enough to allow entry to a standard three-year Bachelors course.
There are two foundation options:
- Foundation Degree – a standalone qualification (1-2 years) equivalent to one or two years of a Bachelors degree. A top-up degree can be taken afterwards to get the full Bachelors degree.
- Foundation Year – this is the first year of a four year degree consisting of = 1 foundation year + 3 years of a standard Bachelors degree. At the end of the four-year course, you will receive the same qualification as a three-year Bachelors degree student.
For example, Liverpool Hope University offers BA Business Management and Sport & Physical Education including a Foundation Year, which lasts for four years. Taking the foundation version would require at least 72 tariff points while the standard three-year degree route would require at least 112 tariff points.
After you complete the Foundation degree qualification you can complete a top-up which takes one year to achieve the full Bachelor’s degree.
What qualifications do I need?
It varies often per university and course but usually, universities require at least 60 tariff points. Check the entry requirements per course on UCAS.
To find Foundation courses, enter your area of study and search Foundation degrees here. In the filters select Foundation to only view Foundation courses.
Undergraduate Degrees
All applications to undergraduate courses are accessible via UCAS. Undergraduate courses can come in the form of foundation degrees, HND or Bachelors level.
Sports Management is offered as a degree in the UK. As explained Sports Management can take you into various careers, therefore you do not have to do a degree titled Sports Management to work in this field. Loughborough University is top in the country for Sports and Sports related studies.
If you are unsure which sector you would like to get into; you may benefit from doing a standard Sports Management degree. For more varied choice, Combined/Joint Honours courses or courses with a variety mix of subjects may be better suited to you.
Examples include Sport Management and Coaching, Sport Media, Sport and Recreation Management, Sports Event Management, Sports Marketing Management, Sport Science and Management etc.
Searching Urban Development courses on UCAS throws a wealthy bunch of universities for you to choose from.
How do I choose which degree?
With the copious choices given, it may make it difficult to decipher which is best for you.
To start narrowing it down, we suggest you first look at the entry requirements to the course and assess your existing or prospective exam/coursework results.
Next, have a look at the modules done by the university and assess if those are relevant to your career if you’ve already chosen. Also view the teaching quality at the university.
Finally, use comparative websites like Discover Uni or the Complete University Guide to compare course satisfaction and other statistics to make informed decisions.
If you have sports or other extracurricular interests you can research universities which offer these to keep your hobbies alive.
Tip: Some university courses offer an integrated placement year (otherwise known as a sandwich) where you get the option to work in your industry. This provides you with at least one year of experience in your field before graduation.
To view all higher education options and courses, enter your area of study and search courses here.
What qualifications do I need?
It varies per university but largely universities require at least 112 tariff points. Grades in A-Level tend to be at least BBC-AAA for Urban Development related courses. BTEC diploma grades required tend to be at least DMM. Check the entry requirements per course on UCAS. Some courses have foundation entry options which allow you to gain the Foundation qualification and continue the course with lower entry requirements.
Postgraduate Degree
If you already have an undergraduate degree and would like to make a career swap, or you would like to pursue further education we’ve got options for you.
To progress in your career specialisation is key and a good method of doing this is through postgraduate study. Sports Management is also offered at Postgraduate level so that can be your avenue to specialisation. For high-level professional sports club, at least five (5) years of experience and postgraduate level education is required (unless you’re crazy rich and can buy an NBA team).
If you have never done a Sports Management or any Business related degree, volunteering or any means to generate experience while pursuing the postgraduate qualification would be essential.
Similar to applying for an undergraduate degree, click here to view options and courses, enter your area of study and search courses. Filter options to Postgraduate. (Some postgraduate courses may not be listed on UCAS so do independent searches online).
Technical Routes
Possible entry-level job routes into the Sports Management sector without a degree can be found as a PR assistant, HR assistant, media intern and more.
Familiarise yourself with different aspects of sports around the world to build your knowledge. Building relationships with professionals in the industry can build your network and knowledge base and this can be done through volunteering and internships.
The following are technical developments to improve your chances within a career.
Apprenticeships
On an apprenticeship, you’re employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or training centre. By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level. – Prospects
To find an apprenticeship through Gov.uk in the UK click here >>
Internships
Complete an internship to gain crucial experience. These can be found via LinkedIn, UK Sport, Sport England and or simply via Google.
You can source internships directly by researching sports clubs and applying there or with media companies who cover sports.
Have a browse of some internships in the UK here >>
Volunteering
Try not to decline unpaid opportunities especially if you have no experience if you can afford it. Eventually, you may become a paid worker. Additionally, remember you are building a network which is invaluable and you will gain a head start due to on the job learning.
Enquire at various business companies to do work shadowing or voluntary work to gain experience.
For volunteering opportunities in the UK click here >>
Currently, at university pursuing Sports Management studies? Join your university journalism society to gain experience covering sports as an analyst, blogger, cameraman or whatever opportunity presents itself. You can also join a business-related society or sports club even if you do not play, to gain a position as a Head of Media or Marketing for your sports club.
Independent Research
Use online resources to build knowledge in your field. Keep abreast with the news, and listen to podcasts or books about your field. For example, if you’re a sports enthusiast listen to these podcasts recommended by Complex Sports.
YouTube is your best friend. There are many videos available teaching you more about different sports, business, sports science, etc. Find your niche and the information will be easier to research.
To find out what immigration hurdles you must pass to pursue education in the UK click here. For financial 411s click here.
Unsure about what Sports Management is? Read our explanatory post here.
Need help applying for university in the UK? Click here >>
Listen to the ‘Brainie of the Month’ podcast episode for Sports Management, Jarrett Forbes here:
Brain Food TCI 