About the programme

You need to understand how sport organisations make decisions, manage people, build brands, deliver events and respond to complex strategic challenges.

The MSc Sport Management at University College Dublin gives you the knowledge, tools and industry perspective to take that next step.

Designed for graduates and experienced professionals, the programme combines evidence-based management theory with practical application. You will examine real sport organisations and challenges while developing skills in strategy, leadership, governance, marketing, operations, communication and research.

You will learn from academics and experienced sport-industry contributors in an interactive environment built around discussion, case studies, problem-solving and professional insight.

Whether you want to begin a career in sport or progress within the industry, UCD will help you become a more informed, reflective and effective sport-management professional.

Programme structure

The MSc is available as:

• One year full-time
• Two years part-time

The programme combines six taught modules with a research dissertation.

Understand how sport organisations work

You will explore the structures, decisions and relationships that shape sport organisations at national and international levels.

Areas of study may include:

• Sport governance and law
• Sport leadership and people management
• Strategy and operations management
• Sports marketing
• High-performance sport management
• Sport events and communication

Apply management theory to sport

You will examine how established management principles operate within the distinctive environment of sport.

Case studies, practical exercises and industry-informed discussions will challenge you to consider issues such as organisational performance, stakeholder relationships, ethics, regulation, commercial development, sponsorship, fan engagement and the management of people.

Complete an applied dissertation

The dissertation is the final stage of the MSc. It gives you the opportunity to investigate a current sport-management issue in an Irish or international context.

You will normally:

• Review and evaluate relevant research
• Develop a research question and conceptual framework
• Design an appropriate research approach
• Collect and analyse primary data or examine existing evidence
• Present and defend your findings
• Produce practical, evidence-based conclusions

Depending on the topic, some dissertations may be developed in collaboration with a sport organisation.

Modules and delivery arrangements are subject to review and may change.

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Learning is delivered through on-campus lectures, seminars, workshops and contributions from sport-industry professionals.

The teaching approach encourages:

• Active participation
• Discussion and debate
• Problem-based learning
• Peer-to-peer learning
• Reflective practice
• Application of theory to real situations

The programme may also include off-campus field visits that provide insight into sport organisations and facilities.

Taught modules are normally assessed through continuous assessment rather than end-of-trimester examinations. Assessment may include reports, case studies, presentations, group projects, reflective work and applied management tasks.

Students should expect to combine scheduled teaching with substantial independent study, reading, research and assessment preparation.

INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

Understanding the sport industry requires meaningful contact with the people and organisations working within it.

Throughout the programme, industry experts may contribute to lectures, workshops, seminars and field visits. These activities provide opportunities to explore current challenges, hear different professional perspectives and develop your network.

The programme does not include a formal work placement.

However, students may have opportunities to examine real organisational problems through assessments or undertake dissertation research in collaboration with a sport organisation. Previous projects have addressed issues relevant to organisations such as national governing bodies.

Key information

WHY STUDY SPORT MANAGEMENT AT UCD?

UCD combines academic expertise, industry engagement and a university-wide culture of sport.

Students benefit from:

• Research-informed teaching
• Contributions from experienced sport-industry professionals
• Small class sizes of approximately 20–30 students
• An international learning environment
• Applied case studies and problem-solving
• Industry workshops and field visits
• Access to UCD’s extensive sporting environment
• Study in Dublin, home to national governing bodies, professional organisations, major venues and international sporting events

The programme was ranked 14th globally and fourth in Europe in the 2024 SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings. It was also ranked ninth globally for return on investment.

Rankings relate to the specified year and may change.

Academic requirements

• Applicants should normally hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with a minimum upper-second-class honours, or the international equivalent.
• Applications are considered from graduates of any recognised discipline. Degrees in sport, business, management, health or related areas may provide relevant preparation, but they are not the only accepted backgrounds.
• Selection is based on the overall quality of the application. Relevant sport participation, volunteering, employment, leadership and wider professional experience can strengthen your application.
• Applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirement may be considered through a route recognising significant sport-related or professional experience. Supporting evidence of experience and qualifications will be required.
• Meeting the minimum academic requirement does not guarantee admission.

English requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must normally demonstrate the required level of English-language proficiency.

Applicants should consult UCD’s current English-language guidance for accepted tests, minimum overall and component scores, exemptions and validity periods.

Other requirements

Applications should normally include:

• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Two official reference letters
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Personal statement
• Proof of English-language proficiency, where required
• Certified translations, where applicable
• Any additional documents requested by UCD

Your personal statement should explain:

• Why you want to study sport management
• Why you have selected UCD
• How your academic, sporting or professional experience has prepared you
• What you hope to contribute to the programme
• How the MSc supports your career plans

Tuition fees

The current published annual tuition fees are:

Full-time:

• Non-EU students: €22,310

Part-time, per year:

• Non-EU students: €14,755

Fees are subject to change. Applicants should confirm the applicable fee and payment schedule on the official UCD fees page before applying.

Tuition fees do not normally include accommodation, immigration charges, health insurance, travel, learning materials or general living expenses.

Career opportunities

You may know that you want to work in sport without yet knowing where your skills will have the greatest impact.

The MSc helps you understand the industry from multiple management perspectives, identify your professional direction and demonstrate your ability to solve complex organisational challenges.

Graduates may pursue opportunities in:

• National and international governing bodies
• Professional clubs and teams
• Sport development organisations
• Sports marketing and sponsorship
• Event management and operations
• Sport communications and media
• High-performance sport organisations
• Government and public-sector sport
• Community and participation programmes
• Commercial sport and fitness organisations
• Consultancy, research and policy

Potential roles may include:

• Sport development officer
• Marketing or sponsorship executive
• Event or operations manager
• Communications officer
• Club or governing-body administrator
• Partnerships executive
• Programme or project manager
• Policy or research officer
• High-performance operations professional

Career outcomes depend on previous experience, professional interests and the requirements of individual employers.