International Sports Management, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Bachelor's programme in International Sports Management B.A. suitable for?

The Bachelor's programme in International Sports Management is designed for sports enthusiasts who want to combine their passion with solid business management knowledge and aim for a career in the global sports business. The focus is on aspiring managers who are interested in both operational and strategic sports management, as well as topics such as sports economics, sports marketing, club management, and international exchange. The programme targets high school graduates as well as technical college graduates who are characterized by analytical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, and high motivation.

Admission requirements at a glance

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur), vocational baccalaureate diploma, or an equivalent recognized qualification (e.g. master craftsman's diploma, business administrator)
• Admission process at accadis University:
  • Submission of a complete application (including a letter of motivation and a tabular curriculum vitae)
  • Successful completion of an admissions workshop and\/or interview
• German language skills: Proof of sufficient German language skills, as the programme is taught in German and partly in English
• English language skills: Good English language skills are required as selected modules are taught in English, and a semester abroad is possible

Depending on the study format (full-time or dual), additional requirements such as practical contracts or evidence from a training company may apply. The exact details will be provided by the study guidance at accadis University Bad Homburg.

Personal requirements and motivation profile

• Interest in the sports sector and its economic interrelationships
• Motivation to work in international teams and projects
• Analytical thinking and solution-oriented approach
• Communication skills in German and ideally in English
• Proactiveness, organizational talent, and pronounced teamwork
• Willingness to engage with economic and legal issues in sports

The programme is particularly suitable for you if you are willing to gain practical experience in companies during your studies and are passionate about management and digitalization topics in sports. The desire for international experiences, such as a semester abroad, fits perfectly with the profile of the degree programme.

International Sports Management B.A. – Contents, Process and Perspectives

The Bachelor's programme in International Sports Management at accadis University of Applied Sciences Bad Homburg prepares you specifically for management tasks in the sports industry. The aim is to provide you not only with business management know-how but also with a pronounced specialized knowledge of the sports business sector at an international level.

What will you learn in the International Sports Management B.A.?

The programme combines basic business administration subjects with specific modules in sports management as well as extensive practical components and the development of so-called Future Skills.

• Basic Business Administration:
  • Accounting, Financial Management
  • International Management, Business Planning
  • International Marketing, Commercial Law, Economics
  • Sustainability Management (Sustainability Project)
• Specialised Sports Management Modules:
  • Sports Marketing (Sports Branding, Sponsorship, Ticketing, Hospitality)
  • Introduction to Sports Economics (Market Structures, Economic Developments)
  • Sports Club and Personnel Management (Structures, Member Acquisition, Staff Recruitment)
  • Sports and Finance (Controlling, Financial Reporting, Licensing Regulations, Financing Options)
• Individual Specialisations:
  • Elective modules such as Sports Law and Compliance, Sports and Health, Sports Retail
  • Option to choose modules from other degree programmes and build interdisciplinary knowledge
• Future Skills:
  • Social Skills, Digital Skills, Analytical Skills, Data Literacy – trained in interactive settings

The content is taught by experienced lecturers and practice partners from renowned companies and organizations in the sports business.

How does the programme work?

The Bachelor's programme in International Sports Management can be completed both as a full-time and as a dual study programme. The process is divided into three study phases:

• Study Phase 1: Solid Business Administration Foundation – Intensive teaching of economic and management basics.
• Study Phase 2: Specialisation Modules – Acquisition of specialized knowledge in sports management through the offered specialization and elective modules.
• Study Phase 3: Study Abroad and Practice – Integration of a semester abroad at a partner university and extended practical phases in companies.

Practical relevance is highly emphasized:

• Consulting projects with partner companies, such as Bundesliga clubs, adidas, or DFB
• Project-based studies and up to three comprehensive practical phases depending on the study format
• "Building Entrepreneurs" programme for entrepreneurial development during studies

Other features:

• Programme starts each October
• Study location: On-site with digital support in Bad Homburg
• Programme scope: Regularly 180 ECTS, with Double Degree up to 210 ECTS
• Languages: German and English, with language modules in Business English and optionally Spanish or Chinese

What career opportunities does the degree open up?

The programme opens various doors in the international sports business. The degree enables you to work as a manager in:

• Sports clubs, professional sports clubs, and sports associations (such as DFB, regional sports federations)
• Sportswear manufacturers (e.g. adidas, Nike, Under Armour)
• Agencies and consulting firms in sports
• Marketing and sponsorship departments of large companies
• Sport event organizations, health and wellness industry
• Start-ups in the sports and health sector

Integration into the accadis Alumni Network and close contacts with companies like VfL Wolfsburg, Mainz 05, Frankfurt Skyliners, and numerous others promote career-oriented networking. Many accadis graduates hold executive positions (e.g. Nike EMEA).

What is campus life like in Bad Homburg?

The studies take place in Bad Homburg, in close proximity to Frankfurt am Main. The modern campus offers an international atmosphere, small study groups, and personal interaction with lecturers. Bad Homburg is known for its high quality of life and is well connected by both rail and road.

• International Community: Over 41 nations are represented among accadis students
• Regular events, sports, and student organizations
• Digital infrastructure with a cloud-based approach and sustainability focus
• Network with over 150 partner companies from various industries

During your studies, you can expect numerous practical contacts: from guest lectures and excursions to internships.

What are the costs of the programme and how can it be financed?

The tuition fees for the Bachelor's programme in International Sports Management (as of 2024) are:

• Full-time studies: €750–€950 monthly depending on the study format
• Dual studies: Fees are usually covered by the practical company, in addition, you receive a training allowance

Financing options:

• Up to 50% scholarship possible
• Support through BAföG, study funds, or bank loans
• Companies partially cover costs in dual studies

accadis University provides individual information on funding opportunities and also supports in finding practical partners for dual studies.