Global Sports Management, Master of Arts

Who is the Master Global Sports Management suitable for?

The Master's programme in Global Sports Management at accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg is aimed at graduates with a strong passion for sports and the goal of pursuing an international management career in the sports business. It is particularly aimed at individuals who have already obtained a first professional qualification in the field of business or sports and who wish to specialize in specialist and management positions in sports clubs, associations, agencies, or sports industry companies. The study programme is designed for motivated individuals who value practical relevance, an international focus, and an intensive professional network.

Admission requirements at a glance

• First degree: A completed bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration, sports management, or a related field of study. Generally, at least 180 ECTS credits are required.
• Language skills: Very good English language skills are required for the English-language programme. Depending on the mode of study, the programme can be completed entirely in English or in a bilingual (German and English) format.
• Application process: The application to accadis Hochschule is done through a separate selection process. This includes the submission of all relevant documents (certificates, resume, proof of English language skills) and a personal interview or selection interview.
• Professional experience: For the dual or part-time study programme, appropriate employment or a fixed practical partner in the sports business is required. In the full-time programme, a practical semester or similar practical experience during the bachelor's programme is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Start of studies and organization: The study starts in October (partly also in January), lasts two years, and comprises 120 ECTS credits. It is offered in various models: classic full-time, dual, or part-time – optionally as an on-campus study in Bad Homburg or online.

accadis Hochschule provides all details about the individual application process, especially the required documents and the organization of practical phases, in its information events and upon request through student advisory services.

Personal requirements and qualifications

• Interest in sports and sports business: You should have a strong affinity for sports topics and current developments in the sports industry.
• Analytical and strategic thinking: Success in the programme requires the willingness to tackle economic issues with analytical sharpness and solution orientation, especially in international contexts.
• Communication and teamwork skills: Many learning units take place in small groups or practice-oriented projects. Communication skills and willingness to cooperate are important competencies.
• Commitment and initiative: The study programme offers numerous networking opportunities with companies as well as events and guest lectures. Students benefit from actively utilizing these opportunities.
• Intercultural openness: The international environment of the university and the programme itself require a willingness to engage in intercultural exchange and collaboration with fellow students from different nations.
• Resilience and time management: Particularly in the dual or part-time model, organizational talent and stress resistance are important personal qualities.

accadis Hochschule recommends gaining a comprehensive understanding of the study content and requirements through information events or attending a trial lecture.

Study Contents in Detail

In the Master's programme Global Sports Management (M.A.) at accadis University Bad Homburg, you will develop comprehensive expertise in international sports management. The programme combines current specialist topics, leadership skills, and intensive practical experiences. The content is structured into focus, management, and practical modules:

• Focus Modules Global Sports Management:
  • Digitalization in the Sports Business - Digital business models, transformation, and trends (e.g. eSport, Virtual Reality).
  • Global Sports Events - Planning, implementation, and evaluation of international sports events, including feasibility studies and risk management.
  • Internationalization of Sports Strategy and Marketing - Internationalization strategies of sports organizations, market analysis, player branding.
  • Football Club Management and Finance - Structures of football clubs, tasks of team managers, alternative financing models such as crowdfunding.
• Management Modules:
  • Applied Global Strategy - Global market analysis, development of strategy models, implementation of internationalization approaches.
  • Risk Management - Risk assessment in the company, standards and frameworks, opportunities and risk analysis.
  • Applied Global Finance - International finance, innovative financing models such as blockchain and crowdfunding.
  • Contemporary Marketing - Internet marketing, social media strategies, performance measurement and practical case studies.
• Leadership Skills:
  • Human Resources Management, Communication Skills, Business Ethics, Social Competence, International Leadership, among others.
• Academic Work: Intensive module "Academic Writing" and practice-oriented Master's thesis.
• Digitalization and Sustainability are integrated as cross-cutting topics in elective modules and teaching content.

The programme is taught by lecturers with many years of business experience and is closely linked to sports associations, clubs such as 1. FSV Mainz 05, and companies such as adidas or the DFB.

Study Process

The programme is flexible - you can choose between three study formats:

• Full-time Studies
  • Start: October or January
  • Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
  • Study days: 2 to 3 per week
  • Practical elements such as a consulting case or an internship or semester abroad
  • Option to work as a working student alongside
• Dual Studies
  • Start: October
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Work in partner company (4 days/week), lectures on 1-2 days/week
  • Close linkage of theory and practice, intensive project work in the company
• Part-time Studies
  • Start: October
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Studying alongside work - lectures on one weekday (mostly Friday), supplemented by Saturdays and some Thursday evenings

The study can be completed online or as a face-to-face study at the campus in Bad Homburg. The language of instruction can be entirely in English or bilingual (German/English), ideal for preparing for international careers. An exchange semester at one of over 100 partner universities worldwide is possible.

Career Opportunities

With a Master's degree in Global Sports Management (M.A.), you qualify for diverse roles in the international sports business. Typical areas of deployment include:

• Management in sports clubs, associations, and agencies
• Event and sports event management
• Marketing and sponsoring departments of major sports organizations
• Consulting and advice in the international sports environment
• Digital business and innovation development (e.g. eSport, fan engagement)
• Football club management, especially with a focus on the football market

According to surveys of graduates, many students at accadis University have already secured a job before completing their studies. Alumni work at organizations such as DFB, Mainz 05, adidas, Nike, and in international corporate networks.

Study Location

The study takes place at the campus of accadis University in Bad Homburg - in the immediate vicinity of Frankfurt am Main, one of the most important economic metropolitan regions in Germany. The campus is modernly equipped and offers an intercultural learning atmosphere with students from over 40 nations.

• Face-to-face study directly on campus or optionally completely online
• Extensive network to partner companies, sports clubs, and alumni
• Student life with professional, sports, and social events

Bad Homburg is characterized by its proximity to the European financial metropolis, good infrastructure, and diverse leisure opportunities.

Costs and Financing

• Tuition fees: €980 per month (provider's prices, as of 2024)
• Discounts: Up to 50% scholarship possible (subject to individual assessment by the university)
• Selectable options: Financing models, partial scholarships, and funding from practice partners
• Costs apply to all forms of study (full-time, dual, part-time)

Additional costs may arise from semesters abroad or additional offers. accadis University provides information on funding opportunities and supports in the application process for scholarships.