Sports Business Management | BA (Hons)

Course Overview

Sport is a social and economic phenomenon and this degree has been designed to examine critically the business decisions that shape this lucrative global industry.

From the outset, the programme focuses on the business and management of the sports sector, and explores the culture, policy, impact, and delivery of sporting opportunities, particularly in a commercial context. It aims to develop students' skills for the critical analysis of sport, sport spaces, products, services, and operations.

The course examines the breadth and power of sports participation and business on individuals and societies. It looks at the global structure of sports and the complexities, challenges, and issues that are often involved in reconciling government objectives with personal and community aspirations.

Why Choose Lincoln?

Hands-on experience during a professional practice year

Optional study visits to sports industry destinations

Hear from industry experts and sports business practitioners

Work on client-based projects and sports research

Choose from a wide range of optional modules

Subject area ranked 3rd overall in the UK*

*Complete University Guide 2025 (out of 56 ranking institutions)

How You Study

During the first and second years, students are able to study sport-specific modules to further their understanding of the sector, and grasp the foundations of sports management and sports studies. Modules on finance, sports club management, marketing, organisational behaviour, and visitor experiences underpin students' learning.

During their final year, students can choose to work on client projects or develop their own independent, sports-focused research.

Students on this course are able to take a year-long work placement after their second year, providing a chance to gain experience and apply their learning in practice. Students are expected to source their own placement, but tutors can provide support during the process if required. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.

Student Stories - Harry's Journey

Harry is the Male and Disability Football Development Officer at Wiltshire FA, after securing a placement here during his time on the course. "My time at Lincoln was amazing. The placement helped get my foot in the door and give me valuable industry experience. The course was a driving force for me to get into the sports industry and the modules I undertook gave me the knowledge to succeed in my current role.”

Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Business Environment (Micro) 2025-26ECO1032Level 42025-26This module explores a range of economic concepts and basic analytical techniques. The focus of the module is the Financial Times (FT). The FT covers issues relating to operations management, accounting, HRM, economics, and finance, all of which are relevant to a business degree. Students are encouraged to keep abreast of current events in the commercial environment, which can help when competing for placements and employment opportunities in the commercial world.CoreData Analytics for Business 2025-26ECO1031Level 42025-26This module develops some quantitative techniques that underpin research and business analysis. It promotes a critical awareness and understanding of some of the processes, techniques, and technology by which numerical information can be collected and analysed. In addition to helping students become competent in relevant numerical techniques, it anticipates the requirements of later modules, such as independent study, that entail analysis of numerical information using statistical tests.CoreFinance for non-specialists 2025-26FIN1012MLevel 42025-26This module is designed to provide an introduction to basic business finance for non-specialist students. The module explores the essential elements of business finance, which are required for a career in business, in any discipline.CoreOrganisational Behaviour 2025-26MGT1022MLevel 42025-26This module is intended for students who are interested in understanding the way people work, as individuals and as group members in firms. The module explores essential topics in a clear, concise and informative manner, aiming to introduce students to the interpersonal perceptual processes in a work environment; the key behavioural factors determining effective and ineffective groups; the usefulness of theories on leadership/management styles; and the difficulties in implementing change in organisations.CorePrinciples of Marketing 2025-26MKT1001MLevel 42025-26This module introduces marketing theory and practice, covering key concepts, terms, and issues in both specific business contexts and the broader social landscape. It emphasises analysing the business environment, focusing on the marketing mix and both micro and macro elements, while developing an understanding of the consumer's role in this process. Additionally, the module explores different types of marketing, such as sustainable, ethical, and social marketing, and their evolution in the current marketing area. Students will also benefit from examining specific case studies and reflecting on their own brand selection for assessment. Furthermore, they will develop important skills like creativity, cognitive flexibility, and emotional intelligence, essential for success in the future workforce.CoreSports Business: Principles and Concepts 2025-26SBM1008MLevel 42025-26This module introduces the students to the business of sport. Students can gain an understanding of the contexts within which sport business managers operate and the technological changes and innovations which affect the way sport is experienced, viewed, and managed. The globalisation of sport business is explained along with changing governance structures. There is a focus on the impact of participation and the drivers and barriers the population face as Sports Business Managers need to be aware of the changing landscape of sport. There is an ever-increasing demand to deliver effective sports management at international, nation, regional and local levels. This requires systems with accountable delivery mechanisms. Sport no longer stands alone and there is an increasing need to work in partnership with other stakeholders. These partnerships not only provide a complex network structuring the management of sport business, but also pressure it to be sustainable, equitable, and empowering. This module is designed to offer students an introduction to the world of sports business management and for them to consider and reflect on the range of impacts sports can have within business. A lecture programme will frame and set out the main content of this module’s syllabus, while seminars will provide a student-centred learning approach to be applied across topic areas. Guest lectures will provide students with an added understanding of management issues from a practitioner perspective. Students can develop skills in discussing and describing the dynamic concepts of sports business management alongside learning how to present and portray their understanding through presentation software. The module will be assessed by an individual digital presentation (for example Adobe Spark) allocated to 100% of the module mark. The individual digital presentation will utilise presentation software and will be created to allow the students to demonstrate their understanding of one of the key themes outlined within the module handbook.CoreBusiness English Culture and Society 1 2025-26MOD1407MLevel 42025-26OptionalBusiness English Culture and Society 2 2025-26MOD1408MLevel 42025-26OptionalGlobal Case Studies in Tourism, Events and Sports Business Management 2025-26TOU1230MLevel 42025-26In a highly competitive and globalised tourism, events, and sports business industry, businesses active in these fields are constantly struggling to attract local national and international visitors, attendees, fans, or funding. These are truly global industries, constantly struggling for resources. Crucial to their development and success is being able to research the needs of their customers and other stakeholders, the impacts they have on the industry, markets, and destinations, as well as their available resources. Research is an integral part of the tourism industry and tourism management. Upon completion of this module, students should be able to evaluate the significance and use of published data and original research within tourism, events and sports business management; develop and implement research strategies appropriate to the study of these interconnected industries and their stakeholders; and collect, analyse, interpret, and present data that supports local and global tourism, events and sports businesses in their decision-making process. This knowledge will be of relevance and will enhance the academic work produced during their second and final year of study across the three programmes. The module will discuss a range of highly popular global case-studies with the areas of tourism, events, and sports business management such as the Olympics, Eurovision, or the MICE industry (meetings, incentive travel, conferences, exhibitions). It is vital to introduce key concepts to the successful running of such case-studies such as experience management (the visitor experience or the tourist experience for tourism management; the venue experience or the event attendee experience for events management; the fan or the club experience for sports business management) before proceeding to more complex issue in the 2nd and final year of study. The module achieves that with the help of a range of theoretical and practical case-studies. The module complements the year 1 core tourism, events, and sports business modules very well because it focuses on the practical application of these key concepts, and it allows their observation in practice with the help of fieldtrips and fieldwork. Students will engage with practical activities related to these three themes and in addition they will push their knowledge and skills further by investigating the themes through fieldwork and data collection. This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a range of research skills, both quantitative and qualitative. It enables students to understand the nature of evidence in research as well as undertake their own independent research. In doing so, it aims to prepare students for their final year dissertation (or consultancy project) by giving them the chance to develop skills, ideas, and confidence to undertake a major piece of primary research. The module also encourages students to evaluate research using the key concepts of reliability and validity.OptionalProfessional Development 2025-26MGT1027MLevel 42025-26This module is designed to enable students to identify potential career paths, understand power, emotional intelligence, and responsibility in a professional context. Moreover, the module can enhance the students' understanding of the graduate job market and the skills they need for meeting employer requirements and securing a job. Assessments enable the students to map their skills and competences based on the analysis of job descriptions and practise interview and presentation skills. In addition to lectures and seminars, the students can learn from industry guest speakers who will share their personal career journeys and provide detailed advice on specific graduate job opportunities.OptionalCommercial Sports Club Management 2026-27SBM2012MLevel 52026-27The module examines significant areas of club activity including participation, fan engagement, community interaction, and event/ tournament management. The module also examines legal and financial considerations in the management of members and memberships, players, staff and visitors. Analysing sports business challenges incorporates contemporary considerations such as environmental impact, sustainability, responsible management, safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, social injustice and community issues.CoreEthics, Sustainability and Responsibility 2026-27MGT2291MLevel 52026-27This module builds on the principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the ‘purpose’ of the Principles of Responsible Management Education, as well as the ‘essence’ of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Vision 2050, to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of students to be future creators of sustainable value for business, and to work towards an increasingly inclusive society and a more sustainable global economy. This involves rethinking and reengineering business strategies and activities, to understand organisational constructs and influences, as well as that of their ’own agency’, to be the change that produces and secures economic, social, and environmental value for current and future generations. This means systematically examining contemporary business, economic development, and the historic relationships with a ‘Eurocentric’ social-cultural construct within global commerce and management, to discover a fairer and increasingly viable future. As a consequence, this module will ask students to explore and reflect on responsible management, sustainability, and ethical practice, as well as the resultant effects on global society, and the environmental costs created by human interaction as they analyse and evaluate contrasting strategies and approaches. This will not only provide a better understanding of the challenges of responsibly managing sustainability and ethical practice but will also identify and emphasise the questions to be addressed in respect of their future management endeavours.CoreManaging Events, Tourism and Sports Projects 2026-27TOU2037Level 52026-27By examining stakeholders, supply chain management, project management tools and techniques, and financial and legal issues, students on this module are encouraged to think more deeply about the concept of project management. Students on this module can also explore areas of digitalisation and regeneration which are key to project management in tourism, sports, or live events.CoreBusiness English and Communication A 2026-27MOD2370MLevel 52026-27This module is only for students whose first language is not English. The aim of the module is to enable students to communicate successfully in the international business world. The module focuses on a range of business skills that can be applied in a global context, as well as the skills and themes associated with working in a foreign country or dealing with international businesses. The module places an emphasis on independent study. The module aims to strengthen and consolidate existing communicative competence and introduce new skills. Students can learn persuading, influencing, negotiating and problem solving skills. There is the opportunity to develop a broad critical understanding of cultural issues and their impact on businesses.OptionalBusiness English and Communication B 2026-27MOD2371MLevel 52026-27This module is only for students whose first language is not English. The aim of the module is to enable students to communicate successfully in the international business world. The module focuses on a range of business skills that can be applied in a global context, as well as the skills and themes associated with working in a foreign country or dealing with international businesses. The module places an emphasis on independent study. The module aims to strengthen and consolidate existing communicative competence and introduce new skills. Students can learn persuading, influencing, negotiating, and problem solving skills. There is the opportunity to develop a broad critical understanding of cultural issues and their impact on businesses.OptionalClient Based Project 2026-27TOU2034MLevel 52026-27The basis of this module is that students work in groups to undertake a ‘live’ project, with a particular critical focus, for a tourism/events/sports local employer as client. Students are encouraged to think of themselves as graduate trainees, who under the direction of their tutor as a consultancy project director, undertake research, evaluate and synthesise the information acquired, and present it to their client with recommendations. This process will enable students to gain insights into the internal and external environments in which organisations operate, and put into practice some of the frameworks acquired in the degree programme to date as a response to a client brief.OptionalDesigning Immersive Visitor Experiences 2026-27TOU2236MLevel 52026-27The purpose of this module is to critically examine the meaning of visitor experiences within the context of tourism, events, and sports business management to allow graduates of the undergraduate suite of degrees to be able to design and deliver positive and impactful experiences. The module focuses on how meaning is anticipated, created, and remembered in a variety of contexts and how experiences, and meaning, can be enhanced through the development and delivery of inclusive and immersive practices in a range of contexts. To that end the module engages students with multi-faceted, interdisciplinary, debates around several key themes: - The concept of ‘experience’. - The innate human need to have tangible and intangible experiences and the role of tourism, events, and sports business management in meeting those needs. - Intersectionality and inclusive experiences. - Multi-sensory approaches to creating accessible, inclusive, and memorable experiences. - Emotion in visitor experiences and its impact on the acts of engagement and remembering. - The role of experiences in the creation and communication of narratives around identity/ies through souvenirs and social media. - The importance and impact of Decolonisation in creating multivocal and representative cultural experiences. The themes will be critically examined through three-hour workshops that cover the theoretical concepts underpinning them, case studies of how these themes are represented in practice, and the application of theory and practice to solve a real-life problem relating to the theme. It is intended that this will not only develop students’ theoretical and practical knowledge, but will build time management, research, communication, critical analysis, team working, and problem-solving skills. We will embed case studies and application exercises covering each cohort’s subject, and whilst students will focus on their area they will share their findings with the whole group in the sessions and via Black Board to help build their knowledge of the theme in other contexts.OptionalDigitalisation and Cultures in Tourism, Events and Sports Business Management 2026-27TOU2233Level 52026-27The purpose of this module is to explore how digitalisation and automatization are impacting the fields of tourism, events, and sports business management. The emergence of digital cultures because of this aggressive digital expansion is fascinating within the three fields. Known for their need for a high number of employees and people management, the three industries are being automated and digitalised at an unprecedented speed. AI and chat bots are replacing customer service; service and social robots are efficiently replacing the human workforce across these three sectors. The remaining human workforce is required to adapt and embrace technological advances at an unprecedented speed. This leads to changes in thought patters, work patterns, organisational structures and cultures across the board. The emergence of a digital economy has significantly influenced the nature of tourism, events and sport business management and marketing. Cultural and technological shifts seem to have not only led to a further proliferation of events for example but altered expectations as people place higher value on innovation and creativity. Moreover, the way destinations, attractions, and other tourism related activities and aspects, or events are developed, promoted, and experienced, or sports clubs and fan engagement is designed, continue to change as cultures and technologies interact. Participatory cultures mean that audiences and delegates interact in physical space and cyberspace in different ways; the experience can no longer be scripted and controlled. The way people consume experiences shifts, as they engage in social media, in an environment which is both diverse and rich in content and networks; events are multi-media, mixing traditional ‘face to face’ interaction, with animated, visual, augmented and audio channels. Attendees expect to be able to communicate, connect, learn, and work whenever and wherever they want including while engaging with tourism, events, or sports, whilst travelling or at leisure. industry narratives are being constructed in cyberspace, shifting the way destinations, events, attractions, and service providers are understood and imagined. This module explores the interaction of contemporary cultural shifts (including networked and participatory cultures) and technological change.OptionalInternational Business Environment 2026-27ECO2205Level 52026-27This module explains the gains to be made from economic integration and the globalisation process. It examines the main patterns of trade and exchange and shows how free trade can be influenced by the government and the future risks of protectionism. Trade is also supported by international capital markets and exchange rate determination as well as international policy coordination and these factors need to be well understood.OptionalLIBS International Year Abroad 2026-27MGT2286MLevel 52026-27Lincoln International Business School (LIBS) believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. The optional year is intended to: - enable students to benefit from studying similar subjects within a cross cultural environment, by exposing students to a wider academic and cultural experience; - facilitate reflexivity in learning and personal and professional development; - enhance their future employment opportunities by increasing their cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for all taught on campus undergraduate students within Lincoln International Business School. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend time studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships it is anticipated that some students will elect to combine study (minimum one semester equivalent) with work and or a period of volunteering. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard (normally with an average of a 2.1 or above, dependent upon partner requirements) standard and successfully completed the application process. Upon completion of the study period abroad, each student will be required to submit a portfolio including a reflection on the experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalProfessional Practice 2026-27MGT2037MLevel 52026-27This module is aimed at those students who have decided to take a year out of formal studies to gain accredited work experience and are registered on a degree programme with an accredited professional practice element. The Professional Practice Year aims to give students a continuous experience of full-time work within an organisation. It should be a three way co-operative activity between employer, student and University from which all parties benefit. Students can choose to pursue a variety of options including a placement year, a consultancy project or a work-based dissertation. Potential costs relating to this module are outlined in the Features tab.OptionalSponsorship in Sport and Events 2026-27SBM2021Level 52026-27In this module you can gain insight into sponsorship as a form of integrated marketing communications which incorporates sponsorship planning, objective setting, and evaluation. By using real world examples, you can explore the principles of buying and selling sponsorship packages and understand how a prospective sponsor would compare opportunities. This module aims to give you the knowledge to package and sell sport and events marketing and sponsorship programmes.OptionalSport, Culture and Society 2026-27SBM2020Level 52026-27This module will examine the complex and intersecting social and cultural world in which sport belongs. The physical, emotional and social space that sport is rooted within provides the basis for this module which explores the intricate way that athletes and sporting stakeholders engage with sports culture.OptionalStudy Abroad Replacement Credit (1) 2026-27MKT2157MLevel 52026-27Students can elect to study up to 60 credits abroad at one of our partner universities , usually in the second semester. Usually students will elect to study for a semester and take 60 credits of study.OptionalStudy Abroad Replacement Credit (2) 2026-27MKT2158MLevel 52026-27Students can elect to study up to 60 credits abroad at one of our partner universities , usually in the second semester. Usually students will elect to study for a semester and take 60 credits of study.OptionalStudy Abroad Replacement Credit (3) 2026-27MKT2159MLevel 52026-27Students can elect to study up to 60 credits abroad at one of our partner universities , usually in the second semester. Usually students will elect to study for a semester and take 60 credits of study.OptionalStudy Abroad Replacement Credit (4) 2026-27MKT2160MLevel 52026-27Students can elect to study up to 60 credits abroad at one of our partner universities , usually in the second semester. Usually students will elect to study for a semester and take 60 credits of study.OptionalCritical and Intersecting Issues in Sports Management 2027-28SBM3009MLevel 62027-28This module will critically examine international contemporary sports business management issues and how these relate to wider socio-cultural issues.CoreCritical Industry Insights 2027-28TOU3124MLevel 62027-28The purpose of the module is to expose students to relevant industry insights, perspectives, opinions, and experiences and facilitate a critical understanding of working in the tourism, events, and sports business industries. Life-long learning and value creation are necessary elements in the successful development and progression of a tourism, events, and sports business professional. The module aims to empower students and guide their development into reflexive, ethical, and responsible tourism practitioners by exposing them to industry practitioners, their practices, and experiences. As a result, students will be able to demonstrate that they have life-long learnings skills to sustain effectiveness and value creation in a global-local business environment within the tourism, events, and sports business industries and beyond. Throughout the module, students will be able to apply graduate knowledge and a local and global mindset in a manner which is consistent with sustainable development goals. The module content, theories and guest speakers will facilitate a critical discussion on the nature of the tourism, events and sports business working environment and will support their job hunting and career mapping after graduation. Exposure to concepts such as cultural capital and emotional capital, as well as coaching in the workplace will help develop student employability, resilience, and emotional intelligence. The module will discuss practical applications of change management, industry resilience, innovation, and creativity management for the three sister industries, as well as in relation to professional development and the student as future industry professional. It is vital to reflect on how change management, creativity management and innovation management theory can help the industry as well as the tourism, events, and sports business professional. Understanding of industry application of these key theories enhances the resilience and adaptability of those working in them. Students will be able to utilise evidence and critical thinking as the basis for creative problem solving and to inform responsible decision-making within the tourism, events, and sports business industries. Exposure to industry professionals and networking opportunities will support students to be effective communicators within diverse stakeholder contexts within the tourism, events and sports business industries and the wider economy. After completion of this module students should be able to contribute to the development of inclusive, responsible, and resilient tourism, events, and sport business industries.CoreGovernance and Policy in Sport 2027-28SBM3008MLevel 62027-28This module is designed to explore the development of governance and policy for sport within a business environment. The evolution of sports policy development will be investigated and will provide the historical context on which this module is based. The important role of national agencies in developing their governance structures and policies will be considered in some detail at local, regional, national and international levels. Furthermore, sport policy, planning, and governance will be a key focus of this module and the relationships between the different sectors will be addressed. Theoretical examinations will be based on sociological, financial, political, and economic principles in relation to the position of sport in society. Students are encouraged to research a range of contemporary issues in sport policy and planning formulation and where possible to relate them to industrial practices. The lecture will be theoretically based and used to provide insight and depth to the socio-political world surrounding sports governance. The seminar activities will provide a student-centred learning approach and are designed to provide relevant, critical content in a collaborative manner. Students will be enabled to uncover their unconscious biases and will conduct wider research and reading into diverse ethnic, racial, social, and cultural perspectives which are ingrained within the governance structures and help shape the structure of policies. This module will be assessed by two individual assessments. A policy brief (worth 30% of the overall grade) will critically evaluate a contemporary sports policy issue / or governance structure of a sport with a view to recommend an improved future alternative. The second part of the assessment is a report worth 70% of the overall grade which will critically investigate sports policy and governance with a focus on social and economic factors. Students will present a critical argument looking at the current content of sports policy and governance within the UK. This will be compared with other countries planning which will allow students the vision to look at wider ethnic, racial, social, and cultural perspectives.CoreStrategy 2027-28MGT3286Level 62027-28This module aims to introduce the concepts, theories, and techniques of strategic management, enabling learners to develop a well informed and critical understanding of the business environment. Students can also develop the tools and frameworks to analyse and evaluate complex, changing, and emerging issues facing 21st century organisations, help them to know and conceive how organisation can create and sustain competitive advantage over rivals in the marketplace.CoreIndependent Project - Research 2027-28TOU3128MLevel 62027-28The Final Independent Research Project, allows students to undertake a substantive piece of research in the context of both their chosen degree specialism and Lincoln International Business School's commitment to principles of responsible management. Research areas will be framed by areas of research expertise existing with relevant departments. Students will progress through guided research and workshops to supervised independent study.OptionalEntrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship in Tourism, Events and Sports Business Management 2027-28TOU3125MLevel 62027-28The purpose of the module is to expose students to various theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship and new business venture creation in tourism, events, and sports business management. The role of entrepreneurship within the fields of tourism, events, and sports business management is vital. The current global economic and business climate requires graduates within these fields to be entrepreneurial and proactive. The module introduces students to key concepts related to entrepreneurship and new business venture creation, but also considers intrapreneurship and the application of entrepreneurial mindsets within the workplace, as well as dynamic careers where full time employment is complemented by a small entrepreneurial venture. The module aims to equip students with confidence and a desire to take their exploration of entrepreneurship further. The module will be delivered using a range of teaching and learning approaches. This strategy includes contemporary case studies designed to develop an understanding on theory application into practice. Where relevant, entrepreneurial academics, business start-up graduates, intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals will be invited to share their knowledge and experience. Through the formative and summative assessment strategy, students will be encouraged to develop their own approaches to entrepreneurship, business start-up, intrapreneurship and consider entrepreneurial careers. The module considers entrepreneurship in different country contexts, the social and cultural dimensions of entrepreneurship, case studies from a wide range of tourism, events and sports business sectors, and industry perspectives and examples are included.OptionalFuturology in Tourism, Events, and Sports Business Management 2027-28TOU3122MLevel 62027-28Futurology or futures studies, futures research, or futurism is the systematic, interdisciplinary, and holistic study of social and technological advancement, and other environmental trends, often for the purpose of exploring how people will live and work in the future. In a changing world and industry, highly vulnerable to outbreaks, climate change, political and social unrest, and other highly damaging disruptors, studying the potential futures of tourism, events and sports business management is important. The purpose of the module is to introduce students to tools and approaches related to the study of tourism, events, and sports futures such as scenario planning. The skills developed throughout the module will support students navigate their post-graduation and job-hunting period, in their workplace, as well as in their long-term professional development. The methods studied here can be applied in a wide variety of contexts, from professional to self-development.OptionalIndependent Project - Responsible Enterprise 2027-28TOU3130MLevel 62027-28Students can elect to undertake their final project as an enterprise project, culminating the development of a business plan for a new enterprise. Planned ventures will be framed by Lincoln International Business Schools commitment to Principles of Responsible Management and as such prospective start-ups will need to evaluate their proposed venture in the context of sustainable development. Student will be provided with appropriate academic support and business advice.OptionalIndependent Project- Negotiated Client Based Project 2027-28TOU3129MLevel 62027-28The Negotiated Client Based Project is an elective which develops the skills and understanding of what makes a successful consultant, whilst reviewing industry sustainability issues and what is needed to support a company through change. The Negotiated Client Based Project (NCBP) sits alongside other forms of independent study at Level 6 including (but not exclusively) Independent Research Project, or Independent Responsible Enterprise Project. Students are encouraged to learn and understand the challenges, opportunities and skills required by organisations to make effective decisions on behalf of a client in a “live business” environment. This module enables students to consider success and failure aspects of business and marketing within the context of LIBS commitment to Principles of Responsible Management and sustainable development.OptionalLive Events Management 2027-28TOU3121MLevel 62027-28The purpose of the Live Events Management module is to support the development of students as event managers. Students will build upon the knowledge acquired in the first and second year of their degree and put theory into practice to establish themselves as event organisers. Throughout the module students will acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in planning and executing a live event. The module will cover key areas in event management such as event design, sustainability in event practice, or event evaluation and legacy. Both highly successful event examples, complex event failures and a wide range of event management case-studies will be used to help students understand the events industry and events from a practical angle. Students will be able to organise a live event and reflect on their development as event mangers. Within each workshop group, students will be split into one of four sub-groups, namely a project management team, a marketing & PR team, an operations team, and a finance team. Each workshop group will work within these teams to organise an event for their chosen charity or university society. Students will then be able to reflect on and write about their experience organising a face-to-face, online or a hybrid event.OptionalNew Ways of Managing and Leading 2027-28MGT3287Level 62027-28This module gives student the opportunity to investigate current research into the practice of business and management. Students can explore the effects of shifts in economics, politics, and society’s interests on business management and reflect on the implications this will have on ways of thinking, managing, and working in contemporary organisations.Optional

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. Assessments will mostly be individual tasks, but students may also be expected to work in a group on an assessment task.

Students will receive feedback throughout the term to help them prepare for assessments. This may be through formative assessment (such as ungraded presentations or mock questions), directed activities in seminars, or informal discussions with the seminar tutor. Formative feedback may not be written down, and maybe directed to a group as well as to an individual.

Students will also receive feedback on graded assessments. This usually includes comments detailing the quality of the work and how the student could improve their performance, as well as a highlighted criteria grid identifying performance against the assessed learning outcomes.

The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.

Professional Practice Year

All full-time students on this course have the opportunity to take a year-long professional practice placement after the second year. A placement enables you to gain valuable experience and apply your knowledge in a real business setting. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.

Students who complete the one-year professional practice placement will be awarded a BA (Hons) Sports Business Management (with Professional Practice). Those who choose not to complete a placement will receive a BA (Hons) Sports Business Management, or equivalent exit award.

International Study Year

All full-time students on this course are able take an optional year abroad encompassing study at one partner institution (one term) with the option to work, volunteer, or continue your study abroad (second term). The International Year Abroad takes place between years two and three. Successful completion of the International Year Abroad will be reflected in the award title - BA (Hons) Sports Business Management (International Study Year).

A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.

Study Visits

Students may be able to take part in optional study visits throughout the course to sports industry destinations. Students can expect to pay between £15 and £40 for each visit, which may be used for food, drinks, and admission fees to events and venues. Previous destinations have included London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and major UK football clubs. Compulsory study visits that are linked to core modules will typically be free of charge.

Industry Expertise

Students can hear from guest speakers who will share their industry expertise and professional practice experience. Recent speakers have included Lincoln City FC Marketing Manager, who explained the digital marketing and marketing strategies at Lincoln City FC; Commercial Director for Squash England, who discussed sponsorship of the sport; Race Director for Hull Marathon, who detailed the organisation of an event; and RAF Personal Training Instructor, who applied his experience to business outside of the military.

The course has played a huge role in my career in the football industry. I gained valuable knowledge and learnt from some very talented lecturers and tutors, which was crucial in helping me secure my job.

What Can I Do with a Sports Business Management Degree?

Sports Business Management graduates have gone on to work in a variety of sectors and industries. Some have gained employment at professional football clubs, national governing bodies, sports marketing agencies, and in the hospitality industry, business management, logistics, digital marketing, and advertising.

Working in Partnership

Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

About the AACSB

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.

GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

The University of Lincoln's International College also offers university preparation courses for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements. Upon successful completion, students can progress to Bachelor's study at the University of Lincoln. Please visit https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/internationalcollege/ for more information.

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Find out More by Visiting Us

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place