We asked Dr Tegwen Malik, Swansea University School of Management’s Strategic Lead for Sport, about the new Masters course in Advanced Management (Sport Business and Leadership) to find out more about the unique course, tailored for sporting professionals and enthusiasts. 

What inspired the creation of this programme? 

What kicked this initiative off was the gap in the market that was identified when it comes to a sports management programme. This all stemmed back to the Swansea Bay City Deal Campuses project, which highlighted a market need that aligned with the specific needs of the sports sector through the creation of “bespoke education and training solutions”.  

This was then embedded within Swansea University’s sports learning and teaching strategy to enhance the skills of professionals working in the sector as well as for athletes to think about life beyond active competition. 

This programme is designed to equip athletes and professionals in the sporting sector with the tools to excel off the pitch. 

Who is this course ideal for? 

The course has been specifically created for the professional learner. It’s perfect for: 

• Individuals currently working in sporting organisations wanting to elevate their careers 

• Current or former professional or semi-professional athletes or coaches preparing for post-retirement ventures 

• Anyone looking to build a career in the sporting sector 

The course is designed to equip learners who work in (or wish to work in) sporting organisations with the knowledge to empower them to improve their roles or seek new opportunities. All learners will gain this knowledge, regardless of whether they have any formal qualifications in management and leadership. 

It is also ideal for professional/semi-professional athletes thinking about developing their management and entrepreneurial skills (such as setting up their own business during/after their sporting career) as a proactive way to equip them with the necessary skills and tools they could use after retiring from professional sport. 

How is the course structured? 

The programme is delivered part-time over two years, making it flexible for working professionals. It combines online learning with face-to-face elements such as workshops, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. 

The course will also provide opportunities for networking, learning from others in the sector and sharing best practice. The course gives context and meaning to the work learners are already doing using real-life scenarios. 

What modules can students expect? 

The first year comprises of key core management modules to create a strong foundational understanding. Students will then move on to sports-specific modules to cover entrepreneurial (and intrapreneurial) action, leadership as well as sustainable operations management for sport. 

The course ends with a research-focussed project tailored to each student’s interests and can be used practically in their own workplace. This is an opportunity to utilise the new skills and knowledge learnt to a project they are involved in in the workplace, or they could focus it to help them with setting up a new business venture. 

Lectures and workshops will be hosted by business academics, guest speakers and those with diverse sporting backgrounds. 

What makes this programme unique? 

Unlike a traditional Master’s programme, this course is tailored to a professional student who has life experience and personal unique perspectives to bring to the table. These experiences will be explored using key theoretical concepts that are taught on the different modules and using this to critically explore and evaluate the practical application of the course content. This will be further enhanced with real-life case studies and practical tools. 

The course is a unique mix of blended learning tailored to the professional learner’s needs. We use real-life case studies to bring theory to life, and our connections with public and private sectors provide students with unique networking opportunities. 

What are the entry requirements? 

Applicants should have a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or overseas equivalent). However, we also consider those with relevant sport-specific backgrounds and work experience in the sector. The transferable skills prospective students have that can be used both on and off the pitch and applied to business, leadership and management will be taken into account 

What career opportunities does this open up? 

We believe that graduates will be well-equipped to take on leadership roles within sporting organisations, governing bodies, or even start their own ventures. The skills acquired will also be transferable across various sectors, ensuring a broad range of opportunities for students. There will also be the chance to network with other professionals during the workshops that will be run as part of this programme. 

How can prospective students apply? 

Applications can be submitted through Swansea University’s application system. We recommend applying early, as the course may close once all places are filled. 

If you have any questions about the course or want some more info, get in touch on f.t.malik@swansea.ac.uk. 

Any final thoughts for potential applicants? 

This is a very exciting opportunity for the sector with the course being developed in consultation with and by ex-professional athletes (from several different sports) along with professionals within the sector who have worked with Olympians, Paralympians and World Champions. During the development process, the key theme that kept emerging was that a programme of this type was much needed not just for those embedded within sporting organisations but also as a duty of care for our athletes in supporting and equipping them with critical skills and knowledge post professional sport.