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Deutsch Who is the dual Bachelor's degree in Sports Management suitable for?
The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Sports Management at the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam is aimed at everyone who is passionate about business processes in sports and sees their professional future in clubs, associations, companies or institutions in the sports, leisure or health industries. It particularly addresses individuals with initial practical experience in sport, for example through their own involvement in a club, competitive sports background or activities as a coach. The degree is ideal for school-leavers with university entrance qualification (Abitur), career changers with relevant vocational training, as well as professionally qualified individuals seeking a combination of academic qualification and direct practical experience within the framework of a dual study programme.
What formal admission requirements apply?
To be admitted, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification
- Subject-specific University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification (in the appropriate subject area)
- Professional higher education entrance qualification:
- Completion of secondary level I plus a professionally relevant completed vocational training and at least two years of subsequent professional experience
- Passed master craftsman examination or equivalent professional qualification
- An already acquired degree qualifying for a profession at university level
The dual study programme also requires a practical partner with whom you will complete the practical part. Applicants are selected based on their school grades, a motivation letter, study-related prior qualifications, sporting or practical professional experience (e.g. licenses, certificates), letters of recommendation, voluntary engagement and the suitable practical placement. Applicants with elite sports background, completed training at the European Sports Academy of the State of Brandenburg or a recommendation from the Brandenburg State Sports Federation are given preferential admission.
Personally, you should bring motivation and interest in the interplay of sport and business. Initial experience in sport – for example as an active athlete or dedicated club volunteer – is helpful. Strong teamwork skills, communication skills and willingness to work independently are important. You should be open to varied tasks in management as well as to the combination of study and practical work. Organisational skills, initiative and the willingness to continuously develop yourself support successful completion of the programme.
What course content does the dual Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management in Potsdam cover?
In the dual Bachelor’s degree Sports Management at the University of Applied Sciences for Sports and Management Potsdam, you acquire comprehensive skills in management, sports science, and cross-disciplinary key qualifications. The programme combines business fundamentals such as business administration, economics, commercial and sports law, marketing, human resource management, controlling, and accounting with practical knowledge of the sports market, including event management, international sports structures, sponsoring, club management, sports development planning, and sports facility management.
- Basics of Sports Science: body and movement, pedagogy and didactics
- Economics and Law: accounting, controlling, strategic corporate management, sports law
- Management Competencies: human resource management, organisation, leadership systems, project management, accounting, marketing
- Industry-specific Specialisations: event management, sponsoring, club management, sports development planning, sports facility management
- Cross-disciplinary Skills: self- and time management, presentation and moderation techniques, communication skills
- International Perspectives: international sports structures, sports policy, new media in sport
- Languages & Trends: English, trendy sports, business start-up
Additionally, you can acquire professional qualification certificates, especially the Certified Sports Specialist (IHK) qualification as well as DOSB licences such as Club Manager C Licence and Trainer C Licence.
How is the dual study structure and organisational model designed?
The programme follows a blended learning concept with alternating presence and practical phases. A typical rhythm is four weeks of practical work with the dual partner company and one week of on-campus teaching at the university. This successfully combines vocational training with academic study.
- Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
- Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts (180 ECTS)
- Start of studies annually on 1 October (winter semester)
- Weekly workload at the practical company: approx. 25 hours
- Opportunity to take the Certified Sports Specialist (IHK) exam in semesters 5/6 in parallel
- Acquisition of additional DOSB licences (Club Manager C, Trainer C) integrated
You learn in small groups, work on projects, use a modern e-learning platform, and benefit from individual support. Alongside your academic studies, you gain valuable practical experience in the dual company.
What career opportunities open up after graduating in Sports Management?
With the Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, you are qualified for diverse careers in the sports, leisure, and health sectors. Thanks to the dual structure, you gain extensive professional experience during your studies, making you particularly sought after in the job market.
- Leadership and management of sports clubs, associations or sports facilities
- Event and project management for sports events and major events
- Marketing, sales, sponsoring at sports equipment manufacturers, agencies, or clubs
- Human resource management in sports-related organisations
- Controlling and finance in commercial or public sports institutions
- Product development and innovation management in the sports environment
- Business start-up in the sports or fitness sector
Fields of work in international sports management, sports tourism or at public institutions such as sports offices are also open to you. The degree also qualifies you to start a Master’s programme.
Where does the degree take place and how is the spatial organisation arranged?
The programme takes place at the campus of the University of Applied Sciences for Sports and Management Potsdam, Olympischer Weg 7, 14471 Potsdam. The university is located very close to sports facilities and offers modern learning environments. Presence weeks alternate with practical phases, which you complete at your dual partner company. Suitable practical companies include, for example:
- Sports clubs and associations
- municipal administrations
- fitness studios and health centres
- companies in the sports equipment industry
- sports marketers and event agencies
Your practical training company can be located in Potsdam or the surrounding region, allowing for individual coordination between study and practical activities.
What costs and financing options can be expected in the dual Sports Management degree?
The monthly tuition fee is €499. Within the framework of the university’s all-inclusive principle, all usual fees (e.g. enrolment, examinations, retake courses, certificates) are covered; generally, no additional costs arise during the standard period of study.
- Cost coverage by partner company: In most cases, the training companies pay the tuition fees for their dual students and often also provide a training allowance.
- Individual financing options: You can make use of classic funding options such as BAföG, scholarships or student loans, if necessary.
The university offers support in selecting financing options and individual solutions. During the dual degree, you benefit from financial planning security and have the opportunity to combine work experience and income already during your studies.
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