| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full-time 2 years part-time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham and St Luke's, Exeter |
| Discipline | Sport and Health Sciences |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A minimum 2:2 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
Overview
- Explore a wide array of crucial current concepts in Sports Management from a powerful, multi-disciplinary perspective
- Benefit from our links with external partners such as Exeter Chiefs Rugby Union Club, Exeter City Football Club, Yeovil Town Women’s F.C. and Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
- Tailor your programme to your career ambitions or academic interests with our range of optional modules spanning business, marketing, entrepreneurship, sport and exercise psychology, and sport and leadership
- Join our vibrant postgraduate research community and benefit from direct access to the latest research from the Business School and the Department of Public Health & Sport Sciences
- Gain the expertise needed to pursue a range of careers such as consultancy, management, sport facilities management, international sport development or sport social enterprises
- Option to study part-time and progress your continuous professional development (CPD) alongside work, or pursue sport while studying as part of Exeter Sport's high-performance teams. Part-time study provides further flexibility for extra-curricular experiences such as committee roles in societies, mentoring, and employability activities to enhance your career potential.
Top 5 in the UK for Sports Science
5th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Complete University Guide 2026
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Top 30 in the world for Sports-related subjects
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 10 for Business and Management
9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 5 in the UK for Sports Science
5th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Complete University Guide 2026
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Top 30 in the world for Sports-related subjects
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Entry requirements
Applicants to this programme must have a minimum 2:2 or equivalent in a related discipline.
We do consider all applications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience or professional qualifications. Applicants wishing to select optional modules within the Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences must have a foundation in sport and exercise sciences at undergraduate level or equivalent.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
You will explore strategic management and leadership approaches across a variety of sporting contexts, and learn how to critically consider and appraise their importance to sporting governance and development. We will discuss the role of sport in changing and reacting to societal agendas and the models that support effectual operational governance at a local, national and international level.
You can choose to undertake an academic research-based dissertation or complete a sports management business plan. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules covering fields such as marketing, consumer behaviour, leadership, sport and exercise psychology, sport and exercise medicine, HRM and innovation management.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Compulsory modules
60 credits of compulsory modules, 120 credits of optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SHSM039 | Sport Management, Leadership and Strategy | 30 |
| SHSM062 | International Sport Policy, Governance and Contemporary Issues | 30 |
Optional modules
Students must choose one of two routes:
a Select these modules if you wish to pursue the Academic Dissertation route
b Select these modules if you wish to pursue the Business Plan route
c These modules require students to have a foundation in sport and exercise sciences at undergraduate level or equivalent.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SHSM031 | Research Toolkit (a) | 15 |
| SHSM041 | Sport Management Dissertation (a) | 30 |
| SHSM063 | Sports Management Business Plan (b) | 30 |
| BEMM042 | Resourcing and Talent Management | 15 |
| BEMM178 | Innovation Management | 15 |
| BEMM394 | Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation | 15 |
| BEMM059 | International Human Resource Management | 15 |
| BEMM148 | Marketing Strategy | 15 |
| BEMM120 | Understanding Consumer Behaviour | 15 |
| BEMM068 | Managing Competitive Strategy | 15 |
| BEMM118 | Strategic Innovation Management | 15 |
| BEMM071 | Leadership and Global Challenges | 15 |
| BEMM128 | Brand Design | 15 |
| BEMM786 | Service Design and Innovation | 15 |
| SHSM053 | Event Management | 30 |
| SHSM035 | Introduction to Sport and Exercise Medicine (c) | 15 |
| SHSM030 | Research Methods and Analytical Procedures (c) | 15 |
| SHSM022 | Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease (c) | 30 |
| SHSM014 | Paediatric Exercise and Health (c) | 30 |
| SHSM036 | Preparation, Pitch, Rehabilitation (c) | 15 |
Why should you study Sports Management at the University of Exeter?
Hear why our current students feel the MSc Sports Management course is helping them to develop their leadership and management potential and accelerate their career in the dynamic and growing sports industry.
I think the Masters will definitely set me apart from others when trying to get into sports management. Many of my peers have studied sports science or business. As I come from a history background, I’m one of the few who hasn’t already been exposed to this area. Applying for jobs in sports management from just doing a history undergraduate would have been intimidating. The Masters has been really refreshing and has improved my confidence and sense of belonging in the sporting world.
I studied history at Exeter for my undergraduate degree. I chose Exeter because not only was it really good for history, but there was a very strong hockey and cricket programme here. After graduation, I was looking to do a Masters in history or potentially a PGCE and train to become a teacher. As I was going through Exeter’s programmes, I saw MSc Sports Management and I thought that it would be a really good way to gain some business knowledge.
Sport takes up most of my social life! I’m part of the performance programme for cricket and play for the Women’s 1s. I also play hockey for the Women’s 4s for BUCS. Playing sport alongside my studies really complements the Masters. I only joined the performance programme for cricket this year, so this paired with learning about sports management has been really interesting.
Evie
MSc Sports Management
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£13,300 full-time; £6,650 part-time
International fees per year:
£28,900 full-time; £14,450 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships *. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details..
Teaching and research
Teaching methods
A diverse range of teaching and learning methods are employed on this programme. This combination aims to facilitate interaction, optimise the use of contact time, provide practical experience and allow flexibility through independent study.
Methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical laboratory sessions
- Practical clinical sessions
- Group work and discussion
- Independent study
- Applied placement in a performance sports setting
Additional guest lecturers will provide specific applied expertise for some modules.
Tutorial support
Each student is allocated a personal tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There is also a postgraduate tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
Careers
MSc Sports Management offers the expertise needed by graduates looking for jobs in or related to sports industries. You are able to access a huge range of opportunities and support when considering your future career options. After graduating, you might expect to pursue careers in a variety of professions in or related to the sport industries, including consultancy, management, sport facilities management, international sport development or sport social enterprises.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
I chose to study MSc Sports Management at Exeter because I am looking to make a career change. Sport is a growing market across the globe, and it has always been my ‘thing’. I follow a lot of sports and I used to play back in my school and college days. It gives me a real adrenaline rush and I aspire to work for a club or a team, or even for a corporate consultancy or sporting company.
I have been working for many years across industries in banks, real estate and healthcare into corporate operations, finance and business development, so coming back to studying is a completely different ball game. The course at Exeter is great because it gives you that leadership edge in the field of study as well as other domains and industries. It teaches you how to be a leader and equips you with the skills to take up leadership roles. Other universities didn’t seem to have such a focus on leadership, so that’s why I picked Exeter.
The course has been very enriching so far and the teaching has been great. The atmosphere at the University is absolutely lovely and I have felt very welcomed and secured which is the most important aspect when an expat or international student joins from a different country and settles down.
Khusrav
MSc Sports Management
Top 10 for Business and Management
9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and The Complete University Guide 2026
