Are you prepared to enter the world of sports management and begin an exciting journey? Europe offers a variety of study options for students interested in the business and organization of sports.
When comparing European programs, consider whether the location offers opportunities to connect with professional clubs, governing bodies, events, agencies, or sports businesses. Depending on the program, students may study sports management, sports business, marketing, sponsorship, event management, coaching, or related subjects.
A program’s location can complement the academic experience, but students should compare the curriculum, language of instruction, delivery mode, duration, fees, and entry requirements before applying. Begin your research with the schools and programs below.
Top Sports Management Schools in Europe
1. Johan Cruyff Institute
- Study Program
- Location: Online; Barcelona, Spain; Lima, Peru; Bogotá, Colombia; and Montevideo, Uruguay | Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s and master’s; postgraduate diploma and executive options are also available
The Johan Cruyff Institute offers a range of sports management programs. Its current options include online bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate diploma programs, as well as location-specific programs in Barcelona, Lima, Bogotá, and Montevideo.
The institute also offers online courses and specialized diplomas in areas such as sports marketing, sports facility management, data analytics in sports, sports event management, fan engagement, sports law, and sports tourism. Prospective students should review the official program page to confirm the format, location, and admission requirements for the option that interests them.
2. University College Birmingham
University College Birmingham offers a Sports Management BA (Hons) Top-up degree. The course is a one-year, full-time program for applicants with a relevant HND or foundation degree in Sports Management with 240 credits.
The course develops skills in areas such as leadership, project management, marketing, esports, and sports event management. It is designed for students who want to strengthen their understanding of the commercial and organizational side of sports.
For international students enrolling in 2026/27, the official course page lists a tuition fee of £16,500. UCB also publishes international scholarship opportunities, including awards for applicants who meet payment deadlines and merit-based scholarships. Students should confirm their eligibility and the applicable deadlines on the official university website.
3. University of Bath
The University of Bath offers a Sport Management and Coaching BSc (Hons) and a full-time Sport Management MSc.
The bachelor’s degree is available as a three-year course or a four-year course with a professional placement. It develops a critical and practical understanding of sports management alongside areas such as development, coaching, physical education, sociology, and sports psychology.
The Sport Management MSc lasts one year and includes units in business management, research methods, sports leadership and athlete management, sports marketing, and sports management for sustainable development.
4. Liverpool John Moores University
In Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University offers a BA (Hons) Sport Business degree for students interested in the commercial and organizational side of sports.
The course is available as a three-year, full-time degree or a four-year route with a placement year. Its subjects include marketing, entrepreneurship, digital skills, sponsorship and public relations, sports management, sports law, digital media, and sports events.
The curriculum is designed to develop industry-specific skills related to sports management, project and event management, marketing, and sponsorship. Students should distinguish this direct sports-business option from LJMU’s separate sports-science and performance-related courses.
5. University of Copenhagen
Breaking the streak of UK institutions in this list, the University of Copenhagen requires an important distinction: its Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports lists sports-related programs rather than a dedicated sports management degree.
The department lists a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Danish-taught master’s programs in Human Physiology and Humanities and Social Sport Sciences, and a Ph.D. program that follows the rules of the Ph.D. School of SCIENCE. The university’s sports-specific bachelor’s and master’s options listed here are taught in Danish.
International students seeking a dedicated sports management degree should compare this option carefully with the management-focused programs above and confirm the language and admission requirements on the official university website.
FAQs about Studying Sports Management
Why Should International Students Study Sports Management in Europe?
Europe can be an appealing destination for international students because its institutions offer dedicated sports management degrees, sports-business programs, and related sports-science options. Depending on the course, students may study management, marketing, sponsorship, event operations, coaching, analytics, or sports law.
Program fit varies significantly. Before applying, students should check the official course page for the subject focus, language of instruction, delivery mode, duration, tuition fees, entry requirements, and placement opportunities.
Studying sports management in Europe can offer an engaging educational experience and opportunities to build practical knowledge and industry awareness. Choose a program that matches your academic background and career goals.
We hope the article Best Sports Management Schools in Europe was informative. You can also find more information on different European courses on our Europe Courses for International Students and more scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
