Sport Management, Politics and International Development

Qualification(s) available: MSc

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year
UK: £13,700
International: £31,900
Scholarships available
Entry requirements
2:1
Full-time
1 year
Part-time
Typically 2 years
Location
Loughborough
Start date
September 2026
Department
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
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The global sport industry is an important, growing and diverse area of employment, particularly in relation to management, development, politics, policy, business and governance. This programme covers these areas to prepare you for a career in sport and sport-related fields.

Our MSc in Sport Management, Politics and International Development will provide you with a strong critical understanding of sport management, sport politics and policy, and sport development in an international context. The programme is taught by our diverse team of staff who are recognised globally for their research and teaching in these areas.

Our academic staff are committed to equipping you with the knowledge and skills to work in global sport industries and wider sport-related fields of employment. You will benefit from their experience in undertaking projects with many leading organisations including: the Commonwealth Secretariat, European Commission, International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, UK Sport, UNESCO, UNICEF, and other United Nations agencies.

The programme draws on our strong ties across the sport sector and with sport-related organisations in business, government, and non-profit fields. Key representatives from these organisations will contribute to the programme through guest lectures and/or via supporting other collaborative learning opportunities for postgraduate students, adding further value to your studies.

The programme also benefits from its affiliation to the UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development, which was awarded to Loughborough University in January 2022. You will have the opportunity to join the Chair’s new student network, which supports UNESCO initiatives.

Who should study this programme?

Our Sport Management, Politics and International Development MSc addresses a wide range of contemporary issues, social scientific theories and research methods with relevance at local, national and global levels. It will suit students aspiring to pursue careers in different areas of the sport industry, particularly in sport management, sport policy and politics, and sport development, as well as those interested in pursuing further postgraduate research.

Why you should choose us

1st in the world for the ninth time running for sport-related subjects QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2025
100% of research impact in Sport and Exercise Sciences rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' REF 2021
Top 10 Loughborough University is ranked in the UK Top 10 for graduate prospects The Complete University Guide 2026

Why you should study this degree

  • We are ranked No.1 in the world for sport-related subjects for the ninth time running (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2025). We also rank top 15 in the UK for Business and Management (Guardian University Guide 2025).
  • Our degrees are informed by sector-leading research ranked 1st in the UK for research power and environment in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism (Times Higher Education – REF 2021 League Tables).
  • The MSc is delivered by internationally renowned academics with expertise in: sport and social justice; match-fixing and corruption; sport law and governance; national identities and nationalism; physical activity policy; sport management; and media and marketing strategies in sport.
  • You will have opportunities to learn from key industry figures and benefit from our close links to external organisations, including UNESCO and the Commonwealth Secretariat, as well as sport organisations, non-governmental organisations, and corporations.
  • Benefit from a welcoming and genuinely international learning environment for postgraduate study – join the School’s large community of postgraduate students, typically drawn from over 20 countries.
  • Access a closed network of over 1200 sport management students and graduates globally, providing you with the opportunity to develop connections and learn from the experiences of alumni working across the sector.
  • You can volunteer with our Coach and Volunteer Academy, helping you to further develop practical and applied skills to practice what you learn in the classroom.
Yang Chen

Yang

Loughborough University’s Sport Management, Politics and International Development programme provided a robust theoretical foundation and practical skills, significantly aiding my career.

Kyra

Kyra

Loughborough University is a worldwide pioneer in sport-related education. My Master’s degree perfectly suited my interests, covering contemporary socio-political issues of the international sport landscape.
Reïna

Reïna

My time at Loughborough University has equipped me with a profound understanding of the sport for development sector, as well as facilitating invaluable connections with influential individuals who have significantly shaped my career trajectory.
Benjamin Grimes

Benjamin

Loughborough is an amazing university with great courses, people and lecturers. If you want to work in sport post-university, there is no better place than Loughborough to have on your CV and open doors into the various parts of the sports sector.

What you'll study

The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2025/26 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated Programme and Module Specifications are made available ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

This programme draws on the University's outstanding global reputation and research expertise to equip you with strong knowledge and a critical understanding of sport management, sport politics and policy, and sport development. For more information about part-time study patterns, please contact the School/Department.

Compulsory modules

The aim of this module is for students to develop a systematic and critical understanding of global sport markets, from both a strategic marketing and media perspective, and to explore, access and critically evaluate the current practices in marketing, communications and the media within the global sport context, as well as the challenges they present in this rapidly changing environment.

The aim of this module is for the student to examine the various ways in which sport and politics interact outside of the formal processes of governance and governmentality.

The aim of this module is to enhance student understanding of the main aspects of the development of sport in local, national and global contexts.

The aims of this module are for the student to:

  • recognise and appraise the philosophical underpinnings of sport management research, and define how this affects the 'research design' journey;
  • critically appraise and demonstrate how different research designs generate knowledge in sport management;
  • differentiate and apply a range of approaches when summarising literature relevant to sport management;
  • reflect upon the differences between 'pure' and 'applied' research and their relevance to the topic under investigation;
  • critically analyse and interpret quantitative/qualitative data using appropriate software- and non-software-based tools/techniques;
  • acquire academic- and professional-based skills.

The aims of this module are for students to:

  • take ownership of their sport management-related personal learning and development, including building the skills required to successfully work in the sports industry
  • develop a critical appreciation of the professional skills needed to work within a variety of sporting ecosystems
  • develop knowledge of sport organisations' needs in the short-to-medium-term
    create their own body of evidence of their demonstration of sport management-related competencies

Compulsory modules

The aim of this module is for students to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of:

  • concepts, theories, models of policy and of the policy-making process in sport
  • global governance structures and the strategic impact of good governance principles in sport organisations
  • the key legal frameworks underpinning the regulation of sport and its operation, and be able to apply the above in practice

The aim of this module is for the student to examine the interrelationships of sport and international development.

The aims of this module are to critically examine the concept of sport integrity and the ways in which sport integrity is both challenged and promoted in a global context.

The aims of this module are for the student to:

  • recognise and appraise the philosophical underpinnings of sport management research, and define how this affects the 'research design' journey;
  • critically appraise and demonstrate how different research designs generate knowledge in sport management;
  • differentiate and apply a range of approaches when summarising literature relevant to sport management;
  • reflect upon the differences between 'pure' and 'applied' research and their relevance to the topic under investigation;
  • critically analyse and interpret quantitative/qualitative data using appropriate software- and non-software-based tools/techniques;
  • acquire academic- and professional-based skills.

The aims of this module are for students to:

  • take ownership of their sport management-related personal learning and development, including building the skills required to successfully work in the sports industry
  • develop a critical appreciation of the professional skills needed to work within a variety of sporting ecosystems
  • develop knowledge of sport organisations' needs in the short-to-medium-term
    create their own body of evidence of their demonstration of sport management-related competencies

The aim of this module is for students to design, conduct and report on an original research study of an aspect of sport management, politics or international development.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are for students to:

  • take ownership of their sport management-related personal learning and development, including building the skills required to successfully work in the sports industry
  • develop a critical appreciation of the professional skills needed to work within a variety of sporting ecosystems
  • develop knowledge of sport organisations' needs in the short-to-medium-term
    create their own body of evidence of their demonstration of sport management-related competencies

The aim of this module is for students to design, conduct and report on an original research study of an aspect of sport management, politics or international development.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed by a combination of exams, coursework and group work.

How you'll study

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Independent study
  • Group work
  • Practical sessions

Where you'll study

Based on our Loughborough campus, you will have access to all the facilities within our building plus opportunities to learn outside the campus throughout your studies with us.

Library Tour
library level three computer area
Library Level 3 Computer Area
Edward Herbert lecture theatre seating
EHB Lecture Theatre Seating

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a wide range of disciplines including sports science, social science, arts, engineering, sciences and other technical disciplines.

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 95% 85% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) 9.5 8.5 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) 8.5 7.5 6.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum 90% or 3.9 80% or 3.5 70% or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) First Class, 80% Upper Second, 70%, H2A Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) High Distinction (80% or 85%) Distinction (75% or 80%) Distinction (70% or 75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden 60% / B / (or 2) 60% / B / (or 2)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) 4.5 or 90% 4 or 80% 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses up to 2024)

Any 4 year Bachelor degree or BSc in Nursing (2025 onwards)		 1st (70%) / 3.5 2nd (60%) / 3.0 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree 80% / 4.0 65% / 3.25 50% / 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College 1st or GPA 3.75 2:1 or GPA 3.5 2:2 or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) 9 7 5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie 80% or 17 70% or 14 60% or 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise 18 15 or Bien 12 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) 85/78 75/66 67/55
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree A or 80% B or 70% C or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei First Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) 6 5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) 18 15/20 (Bien) 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 80% or B+ or 3.5 70% or B or 3.0 60% or C+ or 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage 3.7/85% 3.3/75% 2.7/68%
Out of 9 8 6 5
Out of 12 10 8 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) 6 5.5 5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

First class (70%) Mid 2:1 (65%) 2:1 (60%) Mid 2:2 (55%) 2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250 80% 76% 72% 70% 67%
Shanghai Rank 251-500 83% 79% 75% 73% 70%
Shanghai Rank 501+ 86% 82% 79% 77% 75%

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 67%-80%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 70%-83%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-86%.

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:

Table of Chinese universities for special consideration

‌*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 3.75 3.2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado 9 8 or 80 7 or 75
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik 4.5 3.8 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura 5 4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus 8.5 7.0 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr 1 1.5 2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) 12 10 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] 3.8 Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 8.5 / 85% 8 / 80% 7 / 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt 3.5 3.2 2.8
Universities only BA 90%, BSc 85% BA 80%, BSc 75% BA 65%, BSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto 8.5, 85% 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno 6.5, 65% or Bueno
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad 5 or 91% or A 4 or 81% or B 3 or 71% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters (up to 2025) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
4-year Bachelor degree with thesis (from 2024) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
5-year Bachelor degree (from 2025) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur 14 13 11
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) 5 (95%) 4.0 (85%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung 1.5 2.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana 65% / 3.4 GPA 57% / 3.0 GPA 50% / 2.5 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities 8.5 7.0 6
TEI and non-University Institutions 8.5 7 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage A B / 75% C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA 3.6 3.0 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's GPA 4 GPA 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 GPA 5 or 90% GPA 4 or 80% GPA 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
1st or 3.5/4 2:1or 3/4 2:2 or 2.5/4 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor 4.5 3.5 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework 61% 55% 50%
All other Indian institutions 68% 62% 57%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities 3.2 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran 17 15 13
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq 80% 75% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland First (70%) Upper second (60%) Lower second (50%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea 109/110 100/110 90/110
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures 16 14 (Bien) 12 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale 85% or A or 3.5 80% or B or 3.0 70% or C or 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale 4.5 or 90% 4 or 85% 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale 3.9 3.7 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya First / 70% / A Upper second / 60% / B Lower second / 50% / C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.6 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia 9 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
American 85% (3.5) 75% (3.0) 62% (2.6)
French 18 15 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's 4.0 or 90% 3.5 or 85% 3 or 80%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine 85 (3.6) 75 (3.0) 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university 90 (4.0) 85% (3.6) 75% (3.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg 18 (excellent) 16 (tres Bien) 14 (bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau 1st or GPA 3.7 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only MSc 75% MSc 70% MSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification First Class 2.1 GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta 1st (80%) 2:1 (70%) 2:2 (55%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius 1st or 70% 2:1 or 60% 2:2 or 50%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] 8.5 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) 90% or 3.5 80% or GPA 3.2 70% or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies 10 (or 5.0) 9 (or 4.5) 8 (or 4.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree 5 or 85% 5 or 75% 4.5 or 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters 80% or A 70% or B 60% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 -year professional degree or Masters (after 3-year Bachelor degree) 80% or 3.7 GPA 65% or 3.3 GPA 60% or 3.0 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands 8 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 First (7.0) Upper Second (6.0) Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 A+ (9.0) A- (7.0) B+ (6.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale 6 5 3.0 (on 5 point scale)
5 point scale 4 3.4 2.7
4 point scale 3.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway A / 1.8 B / 2.3 C / 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) A- or GPA 3.7 B or GPA 3.0 C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) (85%) 3.5 (80%) 3.0 (70%) 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 91 (A) 81 (B) 71 (C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 (85%) 4 (80%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 14 13 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado 18 16 14
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) 1st, 16/20 (80%) 2:1,14/20 (70%) 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.75 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees 16/20 or Tres Bien 14/20 or Bien 12/20 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters 1st (70%) 2:1 (60% or B) 2:2 (50% or C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) First Upper second Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.0 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier 1.5 or B 2.0 or C 2.5 or C/high D
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study 1st or 75% 2:1 or 70% 2:2 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 3.8 / B+ 3.2 / B 2.8 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 3.8 / B+ 2.9 / C+ 2.7 / C+
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto 8.5 7 6.5
UCM grading 3.0 2.0 1.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree 90%, GPA 3.70 80%, GPA 3.30 70%, GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree 1st, 70%, B+ 2:1, 66% mid 2:2, 60%, B
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) 10 / 5.5 / 1 8 / 5 / 2 6 / 4 / 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study 80% 70% 60%
Private universities 4 years of study 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree) 76% 70% 65%
Category 2 (4 year degree) 83% 77% 72%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.2 2.8 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT 1st or GPA 3.6 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu 16 (tres bien) 14 (bien) 11 (assez bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi 3.3 2.9 2.4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda 1st or 4.4 2:1 or 3.8 2:2 or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) 90% or GPA 4.5 80% or GPA 4.0 70% or GPA 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) 18/20 or 8/9 16/20 or 7/9 14/20 or 6/9
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale 8.0 7.0 6.0
4-point scale 3.2 2.8 2.4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A or 4.0 or 80% B+, 3.5 or 70% B or 3.0 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree 1st or 75% 2:1 or 65% 2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year

UK fee

£13,700 Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£31,900 Full-time degree per annum

What's included in your tuition fees Fee status Pay in advance or instalments

The fee stated is for a full-time student undertaking a master’s programme of 180 credits. Part-time students will spread this credit load over a two or more years of study as agreed with the School/Department. Fees will be charged for the credit weighting of modules taken in a given year. The tuition fees payable can be calculated by dividing the published fee by 180 and then multiplying by the number of credits to be taken in the specific year.

Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase in subsequent years by a small amount (will not exceed 5%) to take into account inflationary pressures.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

Up to 20% off tuition fees

Creating Better Futures Masters Scholarship for African Students

Up to £5,000 per year

Loughborough Sports Scholarship

10% off tuition fees

Loughborough University Alumni Bursary
Master's degree funding

Your development

Our School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career.

This programme will develop the critical knowledge, understanding and skills that are required to work within the contemporary sport sector and wider sport-related fields. Specifically, it aims to:

  • Provide you with an intellectually stimulating environment to develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the current issues in relation to sport management, politics and international development.
  • Develop your critical understanding of the political and regulatory/business contexts within which sport operates and the role of sport in management, politics and international development.
  • Give you the professional skills and intercultural and team-working proficiency necessary to compete in rapidly changing global sport and sport-related industries.
  • Equip you with the capacities and skills to address the challenges confronting sport and sport-related organisations at the global, national and local level via applied learning.
  • Equip you with the knowledge and skills required for effective management in the public, private and third sectors within sport and sport-related fields.

Our academics

Dr Emma Pullen

Dr Emma Pullen

Senior Lecturer in Sport Management

Emma teaches in the areas of Sport Management and the Sociology of Sport. Her research focuses on social inclusion and diversity in sport with a particular interest in sport media and communication, feminist research and disability and Paralympic sport.
Richard Guilianotti

Professor Richard Giulianotti

UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development

Professor Giulianotti's research interests are in the fields of sport, development, peace, globalisation, youth, sport mega-events, crime and deviance, sport and policing/security, migration, sport policy, and social theory.
Dr Carolynne Mason

Dr Carolynne Mason

Reader in Sport and Social Justice

Carolynne’s research critically examines the role of sport in enhancing the lives of children and adults who participate in sport systems characterised by inequalities in, inter alia, wealth, gender and race.
Paul Downward

Professor Paul Downward

Professor of Economics

Paul is currently investigating the determinants of sport, physical activity and volunteering, and their impacts on: health and wellbeing; social capital and social inclusion; and human capital and labour markets.
Minhyeok Tak

Dr Minhyeok Tak

Senior Lecturer in Sport Management

Minhyeok is the Programme Leader for this degree. His research interests include the relationship between sport and gambling, institutional design of sport development systems, and integrity issues, such as match-fixing, corruption and abusive practices in sport.
Professor Alan Bairner

Professor Alan Bairner

Professor of Sport and Social Theory

Bairner’s main research interest is the relationship between sport and politics with a particular focus on national identities, nationalism and secessionism. Current research activity also embraces sport and women and sport in East Asia.
Dr Joe Piggin

Dr Joe Piggin

Senior Lecturer in Sport Management & Policy

Joe’s research includes topics related to sport policy, physical activity policy and health promotion. More specifically, he has published influential analyses on injury risk in rugby union, and critical research of problematic sponsorship in sport.
Dr Serhat Yilmaz

Dr Serhat Yilmaz

Senior Lecturer in Sports Law

Serhat’s research expertise has two main strands: sports agents, and the protection of young athletes in sport, while his teaching focuses on Sports Law, Sport Integrity, and Sport Policy, Governance and Law.

Your future career

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter careers in sport management, sport policy and sport development, or to pursue PhD study.

We anticipate that graduates will gravitate towards opportunities in sport management, sport marketing, sport sponsorship, sport development, sport policy and governance and sport-related social enterprises.

Our graduates have secured graduate roles with the Siba Foundation, Oxford University, Dutch Football Association and Elite Sports Marketing UK, as well as with: The Football Association (Education Development Coordinator), PricewaterhouseCooper UK (Manager), British Triathlon Federation (Pathway Coordinator), Warwickshire County Cricket Club (Marketing Executive), Sport Invest (Social Media Manager), StreetGames UK (Research and Insight Intern), Qantara Sports (Sports Program Coordinator), Trivandi (Project Developer), and Gullivers Sports Travel (Commercial Executive).