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Sport and Management
BA (Hons)

This fascinating Sport and Management degree makes you a highly desirable candidate for sports clubs seeking business-savvy graduates.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Degree Classification

BA (Hons)

UCAS Code

CN62
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Why study Abertay's BSc (Hons) in Sport and Management?

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.

Your Journey Starts Here

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.

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Entry Requirements

Please note:  All applicants must have passes in English and Maths/Lifeskill Maths in one of the following - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent.  National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English.

Below are the literate subjects we accept for entry on this course:

  • 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 ABBB To include a literate subject or PE
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

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

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 ...

  • been in care
  • participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West, or Aspire North
  • no family background of going to university
  • attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Information for International Applicants

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.

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English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

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English Language Courses

Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.

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Visa Information

Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.

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About Your Modules

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. 

Key Modules (2017/18)

Social Science for Sport & Exercise (SPS101)

An introduction to key social issues in sport and exercise contexts. Module content includes: recognising and defining the disciplines within social science; discrimination in sport; sport political ideology; ethics and sport; qualitative methodologies.

Nature of Management (BMT101)

An introduction to the key theories, concepts and functions of management. Module content includes: organisational structure and work design; management theories; leadership theories; management in practice.

Psychology of Exercise and Health (SPS104)

An introduction to the determinants and consequences of physical activity as well as interventions to increase participation and decrease sedentary behaviours. Module content includes: psychological determinants of exercise; psychological outcomes of exercise; models of health behaviour; physical activity promotion.

Managing People and Ideas (BMT103)

An 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 includes: management in context; people management; ideas management; using research in management practice.

Business Analytics (ANF202)

An introduction to the various modelling methods that support organisational decision making. This module provides students with skills, concepts and techniques for data modelling and analysis to better understand business performance, gain new insights and guide business planning.

Social Science of Physical Activity and Health (SPS204)

An introduction to key social issues in physical activity and health contexts. Module content includes: interdisciplinary nature of social sciences; the notion of ‘healthy’ lifestyles; research topics within the social sciences; political ideology and social inequalities; qualitative methodologies.

Project Management (BMT202)

Provides students with an understanding of the complexity of project management and the tools and techniques to support successful management. Students will also carry out an investigation into a project failure and recommend alternative actions which could have been taken.

Work Placement (SPS205)

Provides students with an opportunity to develop their leadership, communication, organisation and management skills by working in a real world setting with school pupils in Dundee. There will also be opportunity for the students to reflect on theory−practice links.

Contexts of Sport, Health and Exercise (SPS206)

Students take part in personal development planning and reflective practice to evidence career planning for employment.

Operations and Supply Chain Management (BMT301)

Provides students with key knowledge and examples of operations and supply chains in many different settings and markets. Students have the opportunity to apply their analysis skills to a variety of operations and supply chain management problems in both the product and service industries.

The Future of Work (BMT303)

An examination of how the complexities, dynamics and uncertainties of the contemporary business environment impacts on the organisation of work and the contemporary employment relationship. Module content includes: the post-bureaucratic organisation; the new employment relationship and new forms of control; conflict in the workplace; human capital development.

Coaching and Learning 1 (SPS301)

Provides students with an understanding of the concepts of coaching and learning and how to apply these to physical activity. Considers the influence of social aspects of coaching such as leadership, relationships and social environments.

Work Placement (2) (SPS303)

This module enables students to continue to enhance their employability by developing relevant skills and knowledge. Content will focus on students evaluating their own strengths and weaknesses and identifying a work placement that will allow them to continue to develop as sport and exercise practitioners.

Managing Sport Policy and Development (SPS307)

A critical overview of sports policy and development in the UK that provides students with the knowledge, expertise and a methodological framework for analysis and evaluation. Module content includes: introduction to managing sport development; sport, exercise and physical body culture; UK sport; sport and social policy issues; ideologies underpinning sport; structures and governance of sport; strategic management and organisational theory; marketing and managing sports development; monitoring and evaluation.

Research Methods (SPS312)

Develops students’ ideas about research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health, which will enable them to better understand and appreciate published research so that they can design their own research project.

Practice-based Innovation (BMT404)

Students undertake practical research in response to a current business need of a real company and produce a management report with recommendations. This develops advanced skills to support innovation and problem solving in real world business problems.

Managing Transformational Change (BMT403)

An overview of organisational change and transformation in times of uncertainty. Students are provided with a conceptual framework for understanding how transformational change can be delivered for long term organisational improvements in complex operating environments.

Sport Research Project (SPS400)

Students undertake an independent research project in a subject area that reflects their award title. Module content includes: research project topics – students are allocated a supervisory tutor; supervisory sessions – students work with the guidance of their tutors to carry out their research project.

Social Issues in Sporting Contexts (SPS405)

An exploration of contemporary issues in sport and exercise contexts. Module content includes: social theory; sport and inequality; sport and politics; ethics and sport.

Strategic Development in Sport (SPS407)

Provides students with a critical understanding of sports policy and the underlying rationales for community and sports development in the UK. This module also provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills in relation to the strategic management of sports development.

How the Course Works

 

Learning and Assessment

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 Programme Information - BA (Honours) Sport and Management

Programme Fees for 2019

Scottish & EU students

£1,820

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.

English, Welsh & Northern Irish Students

£9,250

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.

International Students

£14,000

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.

Scholarships

Rest of UK Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

International Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from international countries (outside of the EU) to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

In addition, we offer a range of corporate/philanthropic scholarships shown below, which are available to all students to support your studies with us. 

The Lothian Family

A £5,000 award for undergraduate students with financial or social difficulties which may prevent them from studying at Abertay.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £500 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Careers

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:

  • Activity co-ordinator
  • Sports agent
  • Community development
  • Sports development officer
  • Sport and leisure manager
  • Sports business manager
  • Management trainee
  • Sport event co-ordinator/manager

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. 

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Entrepreneurial Brains Made on Campus (EBMC)

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.

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Unistats

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)).

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Programme Leader - Sport and Management

Dr Ross Lorimer

Dr Ross Lorimer

School of Social and Health Sciences | Senior Lecturer

R.Lorimer2@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8426

View profile

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