Sustainability messaging in sport: Understanding how sport can influence environmental and social action
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements
- 2:1
- Fees for 2026-27 (per academic year)
-
(Self-funded)UK: £5,238International: £29,500
- Full-time
- 3 years
- Part-time
- 6 years
- Start date
- October 2026, February 2027
- Application deadline
- 29 April 2026
- Project reference
- 2026/LUL/UFRS
- Location
- London
- Subject area(s)
- Institute for Sport Business
Project details
The accelerating climate and biodiversity crises demand new communication approaches that can influence public attitudes and behaviours at scale. Sport, with its global popularity, strong community identities and deep social influence, is increasingly recognised as a powerful platform for advancing environmental responsibility and socially oriented sustainability goals. However, most organisations have little evidence about which voices resonate most, which narrative approaches build trust and which forms of communication genuinely motivate action.
This project will investigate how sport can communicate sustainability in ways that encourage meaningful public understanding and engagement by examining how sustainability messages delivered by athletes and sport organisations shape audience perceptions, credibility judgements and behavioural intentions. From this we will develop an evidence-based understanding of how sport can model more effective public engagement with climate, biodiversity and social issues.
The research will use a mixed-methods design to create comprehensive insights including:
- Interviews and focus groups with athletes, communication professionals and sustainability leads of sport organisations to explore interpretations of sustainability messages.
- Analysis of existing sustainability communications across sport; digital engagement analysis of audience interactions.
- Survey-based experiments to determine what drives trust, emotional engagement and willingness to adopt sustainable behaviours.
The overarching aim is to identify the communicative features and messenger qualities that make sustainability messages in sport credible, persuasive and socially meaningful. The findings will inform how sport organisations and athletes can design sustainability communication strategies that align with audience expectations, avoid sources of resistance, and support broader environmental and social impact.
You will join a supportive research community and work with sector stakeholders to generate insights that guide practice and strengthen public engagement with sustainability challenges.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Russ Seymour
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.
Afghanistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters | 95% | 85% | 70% |
Albania
| 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 |
Algeria
| 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 |
Argentina
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Armenia
| 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 |
Australia
| 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%) |
Austria
| 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) |
Azerbaijan
| 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% |
Bahamas
| 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) |
Bahrain
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Bangladesh
| 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 |
Belarus
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Belgium
| 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 |
Belize
| 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) |
Benin
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien |
Bermuda
| 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) |
Bolivia
| 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 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Botswana
| 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% |
Brazil
| 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 |
Brunei
| 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) |
Bulgaria
| 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 |
Burundi
| 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) |
Cambodia
| 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 |
Cameroon
| 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 |
Canada
| 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 |
Chile
| 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 |
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses a tiered ranking system to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below.
You can search for your institution (university or affiliated college) via our look up tool.
| First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 80% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 67% |
| Tier 2 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70% |
| Tier 3 | 86% | 82% | 79% | 77% | 75% |
Colombia
| 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 |
Costa Rica
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75 |
Croatia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
Cuba
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Cyprus
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Czech Republic
| 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 |
Denmark
| 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 |
Dominican Republic
| 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% |
Ecuador
| 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% |
Egypt
| 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% |
El Salvador
| 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 |
Estonia
| 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 |
Ethiopia
| 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 |
Finland
| 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) |
France
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Georgia
| 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%) |
Germany
| 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 |
Ghana
| 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 |
Greece
| 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 |
Grenada
| 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 |
Guatemala
| 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) |
Guyana
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0 |
Honduras
| 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% |
Hong Kong
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (Honours) | 1st or 3.5/4 | 2:1 or 3/4 | 2:2 or 2.5/4 |
Hungary
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 |
Iceland
| 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 |
India
| 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% |
Indonesia
| 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 |
Iran
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Iraq
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Ireland
| 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%) |
Israel
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Italy
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110 |
Ivory Coast
| 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) |
Jamaica
| 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) |
Japan
| 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 |
Jordan
| 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% |
Kazakhstan
| 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 |
Kenya
| 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 |
Kosovo
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Kuwait
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
Latvia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Lebanon
| 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 |
Liberia
| 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% |
Libya
| 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) |
Lithuania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Luxembourg
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien) |
Macau
| 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 |
Macedonia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Malawi
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65% |
Malaysia
| 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 |
Malta
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%) |
Mauritius
| 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% |
Mexico
| 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 |
Moldova
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Mongolia
| 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 |
Montenegro
| 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) |
Morocco
| 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 |
Mozambique
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Myanmar (Burma)
| 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% |
Namibia
| 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 |
Nepal
| 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 |
Netherlands
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6 |
New Zealand
| 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) |
Nicaragua
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Nigeria
| 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 |
Norway
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0 |
Oman
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Pakistan
| 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 |
Palestine
| 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 |
Panama
| 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) |
Papua New Guinea
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Paraguay
| 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%) |
Peru
| 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 |
Philippines
| 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 |
Poland
| 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 |
Portugal
| 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 |
Qatar
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Romania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Russia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Rwanda
| 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%) |
Saudi Arabia
| 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 |
Senegal
| 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 |
Serbia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Sierra Leone
| 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) |
Singapore
| 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 |
Slovakia
| 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 |
Slovenia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7 |
South Africa
| 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% |
South Korea
| 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+ |
Spain
| 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 |
Sri Lanka
| 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 |
Sudan
| 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 |
Sweden
| 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 |
Switzerland
| 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 |
Syria
| 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% |
Taiwan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 year degree | 76% 3.0 GPA |
70% 2.8 GPA |
65% 2.6 GPA |
Tajikistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Tanzania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Thailand
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.6 |
Trinidad and Tobago
| 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 |
Tunisia
| 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) |
Turkey
| 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 |
Turkmenistan
| 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 |
Uganda
| 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 |
Ukraine
| 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 |
United Arab Emirates
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
United States of America
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.6 |
Uruguay
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Uzbekistan
| 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 |
Venezuela
| 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 |
Vietnam
| 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 |
Zambia
| 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% |
Zimbabwe
| 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
Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry
UK fee
£5,238 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£29,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select London and select Programme Institute for Sport Business. Please quote the advertised reference number (2025/LUL/UFRS) in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents including a full research proposal. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.