International Sports Management, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Bachelor International Sports Management suitable for?

The Bachelor's programme International Sports Management (B.A.) at accadis University Bad Homburg is aimed at individuals aspiring to a career in the international sports business. This course is especially suitable for you if you not only have a passion for sports – whether it's football, basketball, tennis, or e-sports – but also an interest in business-related contexts and management tasks. The curriculum specifically prepares students for various leadership roles in clubs, associations, agencies, and companies in the sports and fitness industry, as well as the sports goods industry.

• Individuals who want to experience sports as a profession, not just as a hobby
• High school graduates as well as individuals with a university entrance qualification or an equivalent qualification
• Individuals interested in the connection between economics, management, and international cooperation
• Prospective students who value international experiences (e.g. semesters abroad), practical contacts, and modern forms of learning
• Those who appreciate personal support in small groups

Admission requirements: What requirements must you meet?

In order to enrol in the Bachelor's programme International Sports Management, the following formal admission requirements apply:

• General qualification for university entrance (Abitur), university of applied sciences entrance qualification or an equivalent international qualification
• Alternative: a professional qualification with the corresponding aptitude test in accordance with the legal regulations in Hesse
• Language skills: The programme is offered in German and English. Therefore, good German language skills (at least at level C1) and English skills at a minimum B2 level are expected.
• Application process: Part of the process usually involves a written application and a personal interview. An overview of the documents required for the application (e.g. certificates, CV, proof of language skills if applicable) can be obtained from the student services at accadis University.

Important notes: Since a personal and practical approach is highly valued at the accadis campus, social skills, teamwork, and initiative are particularly emphasised in selection interviews.

Applicants from abroad: Certificates obtained abroad must be recognized as equivalent. Depending on the country of origin, additional evidence of language proficiency and equivalence may be required.

Personal requirements: Who is particularly well-suited for the programme?

In addition to the formal requirements, you should bring the following personal qualities and interests:

• Strong interest in sports, ideally with initial experience from sports clubs, sports organizations, or voluntary work
• Enjoyment of economic issues, data analysis, and international topics
• Good team and communication skills to work successfully in groups and with partner companies
• Commitment and self-motivation, as the study and practical phases require intensive personal effort
• Openness to intercultural experiences, e.g. during study abroad semesters
• Willingness to actively use English in studies and possibly learn other foreign languages
• Interest in digital tools, digital collaboration, as well as affinity for sustainability, and innovation management

In summary: You are well-suited for the programme if you perceive sports as a way of life, are enthusiastic about global markets and management methods, and wish to actively shape the challenges and opportunities of the sports industry.

International Sports Management B.A. – What to expect in your studies

In the Bachelor's programme International Sports Management at accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg, you will specifically prepare for responsible tasks in the international sports business. You combine solid business basics with specialised knowledge about the sports industry and develop skills that set you apart in the global competition.

Study contents in detail

The curriculum combines management knowledge, practical skills, and future skills. Key elements include:

• Basic Business Administration:
  • Accounting: Introduction to financial accounting, cost accounting, and balance sheet analysis.
  • Finance: Decision-making in investments and financing.
  • International Management I & II: Strategy, organizational development, innovation and digital management, intercultural specifics.
  • Business Planning: Creation and analysis of business plans.
  • International Marketing: Marketing concepts, market research, marketing mix with an international focus.
  • Business Law: Legal basics for companies.
  • Economics: Micro and macroeconomics, market mechanisms.
  • Sustainability Project: Application of sustainable management strategies in cooperation with companies.
• Specialisation in Sports Management:
  • Sports Marketing: Market analysis, branding, sponsoring, hospitality, and ticketing.
  • Introduction to Sports Economics: Economic conditions, market structures.
  • Sports Club and Personnel Management: Management of clubs and associations, membership recruitment, human resources.
  • Sports and Finance: Accounting/controlling for sports organizations, licensing, financing models.
  • Elective Modules (e.g. Sports Law and Compliance, Sports and Health, Sports Retail): Individual specialization based on interest.
• Project and Practical Phases: Consulting project, project studies, and several practical phases in companies such as DFB, adidas, Mainz 05.
• Future Skills: Development of social, digital, and analytical skills as well as data literacy through practice-oriented teaching.
• Internationality: Semester abroad, internationally experienced lecturers, teaching in German and English, Business English, optional additional languages (Spanish or Chinese).
• Digitalisation and Sustainability: Elective modules on digitalization, digital tools in studies, sustainability projects, paperless classrooms, and environmental initiatives.

Course structure – How is the study programme organised?

You can complete the Bachelor's programme International Sports Management as a full-time study (Individual) or in a dual study programme. The structure is divided into three phases:

• Phase 1: Basic Phase
  You start with essential modules in business administration and management. Goal: Solid business basis for later specialisations.
• Phase 2: Focus Phase
  Advanced modules in sports management that prepare you for specific industry challenges.
• Phase 3: Semester abroad and practical experience
  Gain international experience at partner universities and apply your knowledge in practical phases or internships directly in the industry.

In the full-time Individual study programme, you can flexibly choose practical components, elective modules, and foreign languages based on your life situation. In the dual study programme, you switch regularly between campus and practical companies.

Career opportunities & Job prospects

As a graduate of the International Sports Management programme, numerous career paths are open to you:

• Management positions in sports clubs, associations, or clubs (e.g. Bundesliga, DFB, international leagues)
• Specialists in sports marketing or sponsorship
• Roles in sales and purchasing in the sports goods and sports retail industry
• Work at sports event organizers, event agencies, or sports media
• Consulting (e.g. consulting firms with a focus on sports business)
• Entrepreneurship in the sports and leisure industry (start-ups, entrepreneurship)
• Management tasks at international corporations like Nike, adidas, Under Armour, etc.
• Healthcare and wellness tourism with a focus on sports

According to surveys of graduates, many students receive a job offer before completing their studies. The accadis network with over 150 partner companies provides ideal entry points to the industry.

Study Location – Campus and Surroundings

You study at the modern campus of accadis Hochschule in Bad Homburg, in close proximity to the metropolis Frankfurt am Main. The location offers:

• Light-flooded premises and digital learning environment
• Modern equipped seminar rooms and digital classrooms
• International flair with many students from over 40 nations
• Good connection to companies of all sizes in the Rhine-Main area
• Student life with diverse events, organisations, and sports activities

As part of ONEaccadis, you are integrated into a comprehensive educational network – from school to university to the alumni programme.

Costs and Financing

Tuition fees vary according to the type of study:

• Full-time Individual Study: Monthly between €750 and €950 depending on the chosen model. Up to 50% scholarship possible.
• Dual Study: Typically, the company covers the tuition fees. In addition, you receive a training allowance.

Financing options such as scholarships, instalment payments, and special funding programmes can be individually requested.