The global sports industry is worth hundreds of billions and growing every year. Behind every world-class team, athlete, and tournament is a dedicated team of managers, strategists, and leaders making it all possible. If you’re passionate about sport and want to be at the heart of how it’s organised, promoted, and developed, Loughborough University is the place to start. Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 Sports University of the Year.
Why Study Sports Management at Loughborough?
Loughborough is world-renowned for its contribution to sports and education. Beyond its outstanding academic reputation, the university offers:
- Top 11 in the UK for Business & Management Studies (Complete University Guide 2026)
- Unmatched student facilities (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024)
- A global sporting hub, with professional networks, research, and real-world experience opportunities
Here, you’ll develop the expertise to manage athletes, events, brands, and organisations in an industry that thrives on innovation and leadership.
What Can You Study?
As well as Sports Management, at Loughborough University you can also study degrees such as:
- Management (BSc/MSc)
- Marketing (BSc/MSc)
- Accounting & Finance (BSc/MSc)
- Business Analytics (BSc/MSc)
- Economics & Management (BSc)
- MBA in Business Administration
These programmes equip you with the skills to understand markets, lead teams, analyse performance, and drive strategy. All vital for sports organisations at every level.
Career Paths in Sports Management
With a Loughborough degree, your career options in the sports world are vast:
- Sports Marketing & Sponsorship – build partnerships between athletes, teams, and global brands
- Event & Facility Management – manage tournaments, leagues, and major sports venues
- Sports Media & Communications – shape how fans experience the game through content and storytelling
- Player Representation (Sports Agent) – guide athletes’ careers on and off the field
- Sports Analytics – use data to improve performance, strategy, and fan engagement
- Retail & Merchandising – oversee branding and product development for sports gear and apparel
- Entrepreneurship in Sports – launch your own venture in the growing sports economy
Pathways for International Students
For students joining from overseas, the OnCampus Loughborough Undergraduate Foundation and Pre-Master’s programmes provide tailored academic and language preparation with guaranteed progression* to a degree at Loughborough University.
Upcoming intakes:
- September 2025 – June 2026 (2 semesters)
- October 2025 – August 2026 (3 semesters with extra English)
- February 2026 – August 2026 (2 semesters)
(*subject to achieving the pass mark for progression)
The Future of Sports Management Starts Here
A career in sports management is about more than just loving the game. It is about shaping how the world experiences sport. Whether you want to manage events, market athletes, or analyse strategies, Loughborough gives you the tools, networks, and inspiration to succeed.
👉 Explore the OnCampus Loughborough programmes and take the first step toward your career in sports management.