English 
Deutsch Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Sportbusiness Management suitable for?
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Sportbusiness Management is aimed at everyone who wants to study flexibly in terms of time and location and seeks a solid entry into the professional sports industry. It is particularly intended for school graduates with (technical) university entrance qualifications who want to establish themselves in sports management, industry insiders who wish to enhance their qualifications with an academic degree, as well as elite athletes who want to prepare for future roles in the sports business alongside their active careers. The distance learning programme is also suitable for people with professional or sporting commitments due to its flexible modes of delivery.
What formal criteria apply for admission?
You need one of the following qualifications:
- general university entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification or an equivalent school leaving certificate
- alternatively a master craftsman’s certificate or a comparable advanced vocational qualification (e.g. IHK-Fachwirtin or IHK-Fachwirt)
- without university entrance qualification: a completed vocational training of at least two years and at least three years of professional experience in the learned occupation; then possibly with an additional trial study period
Regardless of the school entrance qualification, you must provide proof of a practical internship in the sports sector of at least three months or relevant professional experience of at least three months. You can submit this practical experience by the start of the third semester at the latest. A practical sports aptitude test is not required.
You should have a strong interest in management tasks in the sports environment. Independent working, time management and willingness to learn digitally are essential, as the programme is organised as distance learning. Communication skills, analytical thinking and team orientation are helpful for exchanging ideas with fellow students and for your later professional practice. Initial experience in club work, as a trainer or coach, or insights into the sports industry will make the start easier but are not indispensable. A strong affinity for business management issues as well as flexibility and self-motivation are expected throughout the course of study.
What content is taught in the Bachelor’s degree in Sportbusiness Management?
In the Sportbusiness Management degree programme at IST University of Management, you will spend half of your time dealing with sport-specific topics and the other half with business fundamentals. The modular structure provides you with a broad and practical knowledge of the sports industry.
- General Management: You will learn the fundamental economic, legal, and management-related structures, including business administration, accounting, business law, macro- and microeconomics, as well as academic research methods.
- Specialisation subjects: From the first semester onwards, you deepen your knowledge in sports economics issues, sports marketing, digitalisation, association and club management, as well as international sportbusiness and sports marketing.
- Elective modules: Through compulsory electives, you can pursue individual interests, such as football management, eSport management, sports event management, social media and media management, tourism management, sustainability management, sales management or sports psychology. Industry specialisations such as management in equestrian sports or golf operations management are also possible.
Your skills after completing the course include analysing and strategically managing business processes in sport, leading projects, and developing innovative concepts for sports clubs, organisers, agencies and companies in the sports environment. You will develop economic, legal and communication skills specifically tailored to the requirements of the sports industry.
How does the Sportbusiness Management degree work?
The degree programme is designed as a distance learning course and offers you maximum flexibility. You can study either full-time (6 semesters) or part-time (8 semesters) and complete your studies alongside your career. Teaching content is delivered via prepared study booklets, online lectures, tutorials and interactive exercises. Additionally, there are compulsory seminar days (a total of 16 to 24) which take place on-site or online and allow interaction with industry experts.
Examinations can be taken online or at exam centres distributed nationwide. Several exam dates take place each semester, allowing you to arrange your study and exam planning flexibly. In the final semesters, you will write a bachelor’s thesis. An internship or a semester abroad is an integral component and can provide you with valuable practical insights. You also have access to a virtual campus, your own learning app and numerous digital learning materials.
In which fields can you work after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sportbusiness Management?
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sportbusiness Management, a wide range of career paths open up for you. You are qualified for demanding roles and leadership positions in professional and amateur sport as well as related economic sectors. Typical fields of work include:
- Sport associations and clubs (e.g. as marketing or sales manager)
- Sports event management, conception and implementation of sports events
- Public and private sports facilities as well as sports service providers
- Marketing agencies, sponsors, media companies from the sports sector
- Sports equipment manufacturers and retail, sports communication and media management
- Management of elite athletes or professional teams
Graduates take on tasks in marketing, sales, event management, sponsorship, organisational management or communication. Activities in consulting, sustainability management or e-sport are also possible career goals.
Where does the distance learning course take place – and how do you organise your study location?
You complete your Bachelor’s degree in Sportbusiness Management location-independently as distance learning. For examinations, you have a choice of nationwide locations: Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Hanover, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Weil am Rhein, Jena, Donaueschingen, the Stuttgart area and Innsbruck (Austria). Most of the exam performances can also be completed fully online, allowing you to combine your studies flexibly with your everyday life or work.
The university itself is located in Düsseldorf, but student services, support and lecturers operate independently of location. Practical seminars or events may take place in person but are usually announced in good time and offer you opportunities for personal exchange and networking.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
The following fees apply for the Bachelor’s degree in Sportbusiness Management at IST University of Management:
- Full-time study (6 semesters): €379 per month, a total of €13,644 for the entire programme
- Part-time study (8 semesters): €319 per month, a total of €15,312 for the entire programme
All teaching materials, on-site seminars, examinations and support are included in the costs; no additional fees are incurred. The university grants its bachelor’s graduates a 10% discount on master's programmes. Furthermore, you can make use of government support, scholarships, educational funds, instalment payment or possibly employer funding.
The study duration can be extended free of charge by up to three semesters if you need more time. The transparent cost structure facilitates your planning and financing of the degree.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Sports Business Management? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IST University of Management or the editorial team will answer you.