Keen to uncover what makes sport tick? Interested in the principles of management? Ready to explore the relationship between the two? This degree gives you the best of both worlds, making you a highly desirable candidate for high-level sports clubs seeking business-savvy graduates.
This degree prepares you for a management career in sports, equipping you with the skills required to manage sporting facilities, including financial, human resource, sporting expertise, marketing and service operations.
It’s designed to give you an understanding of the management, social and practical skills required in the burgeoning sports industry, with a focus on social policy, ethics and the philosophy of sport, as well as the context of business and management of services, people, and the sporting environment.
Work placements are a key feature of this programme, and employability is embedded throughout the programme. Some of our students have previously undertaken work placements within national governing bodies and with Dundee Stars, the city’s Elite Ice Hockey League team.
Practical activities and work placements will enable you to contextualise theory to real-life applications, and work towards NGB or industry qualifications.
Abertay University ranked in the top three Scottish Universities for Student Satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS). And in the Guardian Good University Guide for 2021, Abertay ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching, and 8th in the UK for overall student satisfaction.
We aim to immerse you in student life here at Abertay and give you a true feel for our courses and our amazing academic community.
Open Days are busy, fun and full-on. And Virtual Open Days online are new to all of us, so we will make sure you know what to expect, and how you can prepare for the event.
It's a day full of talks and videos about student life. Find out all about Abertay at our virtual Open Day on 31 October 2020.
Please note: All applicants must have passes in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent. National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English. National 5 Lifeskill Maths accepted in lieu of Maths.
Below are the literate subjects we accept for entry on this course:
One of the following: Business Management; Classical Studies; Economics; English; ESOL; Geography; History; Media Studies; Modern Studies; Philosophy; Politics; Psychology; Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies; Sociology
If there is a subject that does not appear, please contact our Admissions Office (admissions@abertay.ac.uk) who will be able to confirm whether or not it would be considered for entry.
Please visit our Entry from College pages for suitable College courses.
| Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects |
| Higher (standard entry) | BBBB | To include a literate subject or PE |
| Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry (see below). | BBC | To include a literate subject or PE at B |
| A-Level | BCC | To include a literate subject or PE |
| Irish Highers | H2H3H3H3 | To include a literate subject or PE |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 Points | To include a literate subject or PE at S5 or H4 |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | DMM | Sport, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Business |
| AHEAD | Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme | |
| SWAP Access | ABB | Access to: University Study, Humanities, Community, Education & Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences and Primary Teaching, Languages with Business, Humanities & Primary Education, Degree Studies, Arts & Humanities, Humanities, Humanities (Teaching), Languages, Arts & Social Science |
| Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects |
| Advanced Higher | ABB | To include PE and Business Management |
| A-Level | ABB | To include PE and Business Studies |
| HNC/HND | Our Entry from College pages list approved HNC/HND courses | |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | D*DD |
If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.
We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.
If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either ...
... we encourage you to submit an application.
You’ll be expected to critically evaluate information, challenging ideas and concepts using scientifically-based information. You’ll also be encouraged to show initiative, research and construct your own knowledge, arming you with the skills to effect change in a working environment.
Please provide certified proof of your English language level. Our accredited International English Foundation Course can help. To further enhance your academic English, Intensive English for Academic Purposes can help you achieve your potential.
Discover whether you're eligible for entry and learn more about the country-specific qualifications you need to study at Abertay.
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.
Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.
The module information shown here describes the modules our students are taking this year. The modules do change over time to keep our programmes up-to-date and relevant. This means the exact modules you take could be different. If you receive an offer to study with us, you will receive a Programme Information document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme.
Please note: As well as Key Modules outlined below, you may also be required to choose Elective Modules.
An introduction to social issues in sport and exercise contexts. Module Content: Recognising and defining the disciplines within social science; Discrimination in sport; Sport Political Ideology; Ethics and sport; Qualitative methodologies.
Introduction to the key theories, concepts and functions of management. Module content: Organisational and work design - organisational structure, division of labour, job design; Management theories - Evolution of management theories including, classical, motivational, systems, quality movement, knowledge management; Leadership theories - Foundation of leadership including trait, behavioural and situational theories; Management in practice - Managers roles and competencies, management functions: planning; leading; Organising; controlling.
Introduction to the determinants and consequences of physical activity as well as interventions to increase participation and decrease sedentary behaviours. Module Content: Psychological determinants of exercise; Psychological outcomes of exercise; Models of health behaviour; Physical activity promotion.
Introduction to the management of people and ideas and how different theories and practices can be used to enhance individual and organisational performance. Module content: Management in Context; People Management; Ideas Management; Using research for Managerial Practice.
The opportunity to lead, develop and/or support the delivery of physical activity sessions to school pupils in Dundee. Engage with a range of employers from the Sport and Fitness industry to gain insight into the requirements of particular roles. These experiences enable the development of a career plan for future employment. Module Content: Planning and delivering activity sessions; Personal Development Planning (PDP); Reflective practice; Articulating skill development.
HRM theory and practice covering the roles of line managers and Human Resource specialists in the effective management of people. Module content: Personnel management to Human Resource Management- a historical perspective; The role of line managers and HRM practitioners; Employee resourcing; Employee development; Employee relations; Employee reward; Performance management.
Introduction to research methods for real world research. Learn the principles of research methodology, the methods and processes for conducting research in business and the skills to undertake an independent investigation. Module Content: ntroduction to Research; Dealing with Practical Issues; Searching and Reviewing the Literature; Data Collection and Analysis; Writing a Research Proposal; Descriptive Statistics; Inferential Statistics.
Key social issues in physical activity and health contexts. Module Content: Interdisciplinary nature of social sciences; Critically engage with the notion of ‘healthy’ lifestyles; Research topics within the social sciences; Political Ideology and Social Inequalities; Qualitative methodologies.
(Work placement must be completed in either Year 3 or Year 4) Continue to enhance your employability by developing relevant skills and knowledge. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses and identify a work placement that will allow you to continue to develop as a sport and exercise practitioner. Module Content: Career Pathways; Understanding the prospective work environment and organisation; Work placement.
The challenges facing businesses in both their economic and social responsibilities. Learn to assess, analyse and evaluate the contribution of business and the third sector to social responsibility. Module Content: The Changing context of Business; Sustainable business practice; Employee well-being at work; The role of third sector organisations.
Develop ideas about research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health, to better understand and appreciate published research and carry out a research project in your final year of study. Module content: The research process; Formulating and refining research questions; Research methodologies; Ethical issues; Practical skill development.
This module is designed to increase student employability by demonstrating how the knowledge and skills they have developed during study can be applied to a real business problem. Other skills such as diplomacy and negotiation will be required when interacting with the business. Module Content: Project briefing; Managing your project; Business Investigation; Client Management; Team working; Project debriefing.
Undertake an independent research project in a subject area that reflects your award title. Module content: Research project topics - Students select their research project topics with staff. Each student is allocated a supervisory tutor within the Division; Supervisory sessions - Supervisory sessions will cover the identification of a research question; necessary elements of research design; the approach needed to prepare for and complete the research project; a range of appropriate research methods; appropriate statistical analyses; the structure of the research report; the interpretation of the research results; possible or probable conclusions; and the writing of the report.
Undertake practical research in response to a current business need of a real company and produce a management report with recommendations. Develop advanced skills to support innovation and problem solving in real world business problems. Module Content: Analysing a problem; Innovation and innovation techniques; Innovation for global growth (IGG); Developing and presenting the solution.
The way sport can be used to address social issues, some of the problems with this approach, and how these issues can be overcome. Module Content: Community development; Ideologies of sport for development; Community Practice; Sport and Urban Regeneration; Sport for Development and Peace; Sport, Globalisation and Inequality; Liberating Education and Critical Consciousness; The Politics of Development.
Learning is through a blend of lectures, small group seminars, activity based practicals and private study.
You’ll be expected to undertake an extended piece of individual research. In addition, you’ll be able to choose a number of optional modules, allowing you to follow personal interests in both management and sport-based areas.
You’ll spend around 18 hours per week attending classes. In addition, you’ll be required to undertake an average of 20 hours of private study a week.
You’ll also be expected to undertake work placements, which will help reinforce the important link between theory and practice.
The programme is assessed by a combination of examination and coursework. Some modules will involve both practical and work-based assessment.
The range of skills you acquire during the degree will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the component disciplines of sport and management.
Employability attributes are developed through aspects of the programme such as the work placements, Personal Development Portfolios and the use of guest speakers from industry.
For more information on the course content, please download the 2019 programme document - BA (Honours) Sport and Management (2018 document available here).
We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.
As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.
This is an award of up to £12,000 for prospective international undergraduate students.
This is a £9,200 award for prospective undergraduate students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.
Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year. Fees are normally funded through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for eligible students.
Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.
Additional Costs
Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.
Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.
Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.
Additional Costs
Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.
Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.
Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.
Additional Costs
Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.
There’s a growing need for knowledgeable managers who understand both the sport and management skills required within sporting facilities and sports businesses.
It’s anticipated that a range of career possibilities will be available to you, including:
The transferrable skills gained will also enable you to take up graduate careers in organisations such as the police force, fire service, armed forces and teaching.
In association with Stuttgart Media University in Germany, students are tasked with identifying a social or economic challenge and finding a solution to this which they then present back to former students and industry professionals. The top teams are invited to Germany to participate in the final.
Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)).
Meet some of our Sport graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.
Debbi rose up from groundsman to Business and Operations Manager at Spartans Academy.
Ross's firm aims to provide laboratory standard exercise protocols to people across Dundee and Angus.
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We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.
An Open Day is your chance to get an up close experience of the University and the city. You’ll come away with all the information you need about us and the courses you’re interested in.
Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.
Book now to see for yourself our city centre campus, talk to lecturers and engage with current and past students.
Our latest undergraduate prospectus is a great read if for those looking to start at Abertay in 2019.
Learn everything you need to know about applying to study with us from UCAS deadlines to entry requirements.
Get all of your questions answered: call us, emails us or chat with us online. We are here to help!
