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Why choose the School of Sport Science and Physical Activity
Merging the expertise of our Sport Science and Business schools, this PG Diploma is one of the first of its kind in the UK
Our Sports teaching staff are industry experienced, with many actively involved in sports teams; our Business academic team are industry experts engaged in consultancy, business involvement and social impact
Our business and management courses rank 4th overall in their subject field in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024, with top 3 rankings for teaching, engagement, learning community and course organisation
About the course
This 60-credit postgraduate qualification is designed to develop your knowledge, key competencies and skills in your subject field; support you to fit study around your other commitments; and boost your career prospects.
Course structure: one four-hour timetabled session per week, for 22 weeks.
This course is one of the first of its kind in the UK. It equips you with an advanced practical knowledge of strategic management and the skills you need for impactful leadership in this thriving field. You will develop a critical understanding of the issues facing sport and physical activity in the UK and around the world, and uncover a range of approaches to widen participation in physical activity.
Course accreditiation
We increase the employability of our graduates by being a Higher Education Partner of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Situated at our friendly, collegiate Bedford campus with its excellent sport science facilities including BASES-accredited sports laboratories and a national-standard sports arena
- Access to our state-of-the-art data lab, equipped with top-tier business analytics software and platforms, including Vensim simulation software, allowing hands-on learning and exploration
- Benefit from a range of learning resources, such as Harvard Business Publications (which includes simulations) and Oracle OPERA, to support you on your learning journey
Industry links
We are official partners of Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC as well as other sporting organisations in the region such as Bedford Tigers RLFC, MK Dons, Cricket East and Be Active, giving you opportunities to build your employability through work placements.
Your student experience
Acquire essential professional skills aligned with bodies like the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Benefit from听opportunities for placements with our official partners听Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC and Foundation as well as other sporting organisations such as Bedford Tigers RLFC, MK Dons, Cricket East and Be Active.
In Business, join our Global Guest Speaker series, featuring academics, industry leaders, and professionals from organisations like Luton Borough Council, the European Commission and bodies such as the Association of Project Management (APM).
In Sports, access regular industry speakers through our research institute鈥檚 seminar series; recent speakers are professionals from MK Dons, PGA, Northampton Saints and our education partners, Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC.
Participate in field trips to exhibitions like the Great Business Exhibition and Tech Show London, as well as visits to sports-related sites such as St George鈥檚 Park, the home of England Football, Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC.
Solve real-life problems working with the 天美传媒鈥檚 Research and Innovation Service (RIS) where you can assist local businesses and SMEs to up-skill and innovate.
Course Leader - Stuart Wilson
I have been employed in the sport and physical activity industry since 1999, predominately in a Sports Development role. Most recently, I was a Relationship Manager within SkillsActive,听听a national partners of Sport England, and worked with organisations such as National Governing Bodies of Sport, County Sports Partnerships and Leisure Operators to create programmes that supported their workforce and business development.
What will you study?
Sport organisations operate nationally and internationally while sports programmes are often designed for export to developing countries. Likewise, international events are often used as a tool for development. You will discover how sport is developed and delivered across the globe in our Sport in The Global Context unit. It explores the competing demands on sport in terms of it being both a commodified entity and an activity that is seen as relevant in providing wider social good.
You will then explore the role of strategic leadership and management in sport in our Strategy Analysis in The Global Environment unit. Here, you will unpack strategic management principles by critically analysing data sources and industry information. You will then use this data and information to create and implement effective strategies that address new and on-going challenges within sports leadership and management.
Careers
The skills, knowledge, theoretical concepts and practical experience you gain from this PG Diploma will support you in progressing within the sport and physical activity sector, offering career opportunities at a local, national and global level. Roles include working for a governing body, professional club or sports-related charitable organisation. The leadership and managerial focus of the course also provides numerous transferable skills relevant to a variety of service industries.
