Master of Science in Sport Business Management

at Leeds Beckett University - Headingley Campus United Kingdom

Drawing on academic and industry expertise from around the world, this course is designed to meet the requirements of professionals and organisations involved in the bidding process and delivery of sporting events of all sizes - from the Olympic Games to the Leeds Half Marathon.

You will address the challenges facing sports events managers, including the increasing pressure to meet the demands of global governing bodies and how to manage a volunteer workforce, secure appropriate sponsorship packages, reduce risk and ensure the health, safety and security of every stakeholder.

By developing the specialist knowledge and skills required, you will be able to strategically plan and manage sporting events to the satisfaction of regional, national and international stakeholders.

This course is taught at The UK Centre for Events Management which has a global reputation as a market leader in events management education. We have close links with a wide range of industry partners and associations who all recognise our expertise in educating the events professionals of the future.

Many events now have an international focus and are organised across cultural, economic and geographical boundaries. Providing a sound theoretical underpinning of the cultural, political, ethical and economic aspects of the sector, this course will develop the practical and strategic knowledge required to run international events effectively.

Guest speakers from industry will share their expertise and insights through a series of lectures. These events, combined with case studies and field trips, will keep the course contemporary and industry focused.

Studying alongside UK and overseas students on the course will inspire your learning. You will be encouraged to share your experiences and trade cultural insights with your peers, helping you to refine your understanding of events management across the world so you can excel in your career.

This course is suitable if you want to enter at managerial level or want to add an international dimension to your professional expertise.

This course is taught at The UK Centre for Events Management which has a global reputation as a market leader in events management education. We have close links with a wide range of industry partners and associations who all recognise our expertise in educating the events professionals of the future.

Data and information are recognised as central to the economic, business and cultural life of our society today. This course will equip you with the advanced information and analytic skills to thrive in the digital knowledge economy.

You could already be working and looking to enhance your expertise in data science. Alternatively, you may have recently graduated and want to move into roles specifically aligned with data science and analytics. We’ll help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of data within business.

As part of your course, you’ll:

• Study data governance, considering how data can be sourced, consolidated and stored securely, responsibly and efficiently
• Explore techniques used to analyse data
• Discover how data can contribute to a company's business strategy
• Focus on the application of data science in a specific field such as health, education or fraud prevention

Build on your existing knowledge of cyber security and digital forensic to prepare for a career across these intricate disciplines.

As part of this course, you’ll:

• Gain a critical appreciation and understanding of the more complex elements of cyber security and digital forensics, combining both academic principles and industrial needs
• Develop skills that reflect industry requirements through employer engagement
• Take part in scheduled sessions including lectures, lab exercises and discussion groups
• Participate in activities such as simulations, role-play, case studies, projects, practical work, work-based learning, workshops, peer tutoring, peer group interaction, self-managed teams and learner managed learning
• Conduct critical research and professional analysis, develop solutions, evaluate your work and create a report to present to your supervisors through a dissertation project

You could work in high-performance sport, sports development or other environments where superior levels of athleticism are required.

As part of your course, you’ll:

• Learn how to optimise human performance so that athletes of all abilities and sports can perform optimally while minimising their risk of injury
• Study the biomechanics and physiology of the human body
• Focus on the development of strength and power and cardiovascular adaptations to aid training and performance
• Learn to understand the perspectives of other practitioners, including nutritionists, physiotherapists and psychologists
• Have the opportunity to design and implement a programme for athletes or specific populations
• Apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life situations
• Establish positive working relationships with a wide range of people, including players, athletes, officials, coaches and parents

Explore the world of education and discover which aspects fire your passion.

As part of this course you’ll:

• Use directed experiential learning to see first-hand how theory links into practice
• Gain a wide understanding of educational systems and practices in the UK whether in schools and special needs schools, or settings such as museums and prisons
• Question key educational issues including the social influences surrounding how children learn and potential barriers to learning
• Gain an overview of current issues in education systems around the world and how they relate to the UK
• Study topics independently and develop high-level research skills to prepare for your major independent study

You’ll learn from a dedicated and supportive teaching team who will help you tailor the course to your professional ambitions. In your final year you’ll explore an education subject of your choosing in your major independent study. Completing a placement each year will reinforce the theory you learn in class and give you invaluable practical experience.

During year two, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of volunteering opportunities and study abroad for one or two semesters. In year three you’ll select modules based on your career aspirations.

You’ll have access to a range of guest speakers, each giving their own perspectives on current educational issues. Previous speakers have covered topics such as social work, employability and enterprise activity and we have welcomed speakers from the Alliance for Inclusive Education.

Develop in-depth skills in computer science and prepare to work with cutting-edge technologies in industry by blending theory with practice on this advanced qualification that will make you stand out to employers.

As part of this course, you’ll:

• Study some of the principles and technologies that are dominant within the ‘fourth industrial revolution’
• Identify, explore and develop radical applications of technology, such as smart automation and development of cloud-based services
• Address some of the areas within STEM, contextualising knowledge to real-time scenarios and application to problems in industry
• Build on your existing knowledge of software engineering, networking systems, communications, systems development, cloud computing, robotics and artificial intelligence
• Develop project management skills as well as professional and technical attributes

While Computer Science traditionally contains a lot of theory, our approach is very applied, and you’ll be encouraged to think about problem solving in an industrial context.

Drawing on expertise from within the School of Built Environment, Engineering & Computing, you’ll be directed and motivated to work on advanced concepts in computer science, including for your dissertation.

As governments look to promote the benefits of lifelong physical activity and sports bodies and clubs strive to ensure talented athletes fulfil their potential, the demand for highly qualified coaches has never been greater.

Informed by expert coaches, this course will increase your skills and expertise and enhance your career as a professional sports coach.

As part of your course you’ll:

• Plan, deliver and evaluate long-term coaching programmes that consider and prioritise the developmental needs of participants
• Draw on insights from contemporary practice and research to add depth to your existing knowledge and skills
• Direct your learning towards your own practice and career goals through option modules

With an established Research Centre for Sport Coaching, you'll be taught by top class coach experts who produce world renowned research on the topical issues of sports coaching.

As well as working with course staff with excellent research and industry experience, you’ll have the opportunity to meet internationally renowned guest speakers, giving you a wider view on the industry.

Develop the skills to perform digital forensic analysis on devices and implement cyber security mechanisms into any business.

As part of this course, you’ll:  

• Complete an extra year of specialist study to achieve a masters qualification
• Combine expertise in two fields of national importance
• Analyse digital devices, such as hard drives, in computer forensics modules to identify and investigate their contents
• Learn to use your knowledge of computer systems and networks to protect businesses and users from malicious attacks in computer security modules
• Learn practical investigative and 'hacking' techniques
• Learn through practical applications on our bespoke Hacktivity system that replicates real-world business systems and potential attacks 

Your fourth year of study will enable you to develop expertise in the more challenging areas of digital forensics such as image and video forensic investigations. In security areas, you’ll study in-depth software security exploitation development and the analysis and implementation of security mechanisms to defend and analyse systems. Your final year will also develop your knowledge in research practices through a research or practical dissertation project.

This degree is shaped by an established model of coaching adopted by the Football Association and other leading national and international governing bodies.

As part of your course, you’ll:

• Develop the skills and knowledge to become a confident sports coach
• Enhance your key coaching skills by understanding your participants and helping them to achieve their potential within their sport
• Learn how to plan, deliver and review both short and long-term training programmes
• Analyse sporting performance and develop your coaching techniques using specialist coaching equipment and software
• Apply ideas from the course during organised placements

Staff expertise:-
You’ll be taught by staff who have vast experience in sports coaching. Members of the teaching team currently deliver an array of support services to coaches and athletes at all levels and across an extensive range of sports.

Research centre:-
Our renowned Research Centre for Sport Coaching will also provide a high-quality, inclusive learning environment.

Hands-on experience:-
Invaluable placement opportunities will give you the chance to put your learning into practice. You could be coaching children from local schools or working on campus assisting our coaches, some of whom work with Olympic athletes.

You could also gain experience in the wider sports industry with professional clubs such as Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United, or with local authority and private fitness centres.