Master in 
Sports Management

This module introduces students to the current hot topics in the sports industry. The world is a fast-moving and rapidly-changing place, so how is the business of sport evolving and adapting itself to this global scenario? Students are asked to consider this question through the exploration of the industry’s most disruptive players, up-to-date developments and trending conversation points.

This module introduces the Lean Startup methodology and its tools, teaching students how it can be applied to build successful sports businesses. The course follows a fully hands-on, immersive approach, in which students work on a real case study - an existing startup in the sports industry - allowing them to understand specific areas of the sports industry and where/how to look for opportunities. Students will help the startup team to de-risk the business, minimize waste and focus on real customers in order to bring value and satisfy needs. This will be done through a series of weekly workshops in which students help to build a customer centric culture, launch a series of real prototypes and test them in the market.

This module looks at four key areas: sports law and contracts, governance in sports, agents and intermediaries and intellectual property. The world’s major sports athletes, organisations and federations are constantly under the spotlight and this module looks at some real cases in order to understand how this side of the industry works and the role of different key stakeholders.

Sports marketing is a huge and diverse area of the sports business. This module takes students through its various sectors such as sports advertising, brand development, sponsorship, entertainment and community relations. It looks at the strategies, channels and tools used by the Sports Marketing world and analyses how they’re employed in different contexts to reach different objectives.

This module is divided into three different sections. The first two sessions focus on the complex world of sports law, considering contracts and regulations, accidents and international sports law, among other things. The second two sessions ask students to consider ethical questions around sports organisation and federations and the business of sport in general. The final two sessions look at social responsibility, exploring the power and place of sport as a driver for development and social change, CSR, and diversity, inclusion and equality in Sport.

In this module, students understand what’s required when it comes to organising and running a major sports event or maintaining a successful sports facility. Strategic, operational and financial issues are considered, and specific areas are explored such as project management, volunteer management, feasibility planning and maintenance management. Furthermore, students look at the future of events and facilities management through the exploration of innovations like Smart stadiums.

Understanding the key principles of financial management is key to the survival and success of any sports entity. This module is an opportunity for students to develop their general knowledge of finance and apply it to the sports sector, which will allow them to manage their finances effectively and gauge financial options they might one day have in front of them. Concepts such as budgeting, financial planning, entrepreneurial finance, pricing strategy and feasibility are introduced in this module.

One of the most significant and talked-about area in today’s sports world is the place and impact of technology. Anyone who aspires to a career in the sports business must have a good knowledge and understanding of the new technologies that are disrupting the industry and in some cases turning it on its head. In this module, students are exposed to and consider things such as athlete performance technologies, stadium experience technologies, fan engagement technologies, big data and eSports.

Effectively managing high-performance athletes is a complex and multi-faceted task and process, particularly given that every athlete has their unique motivations and needs. This module covers some of the key aspects of managing this, specifically: coaching and performance, injury management, sports nutrition, technical and tactical analysis, long-term planning and sports psychology.

This module gives students some insight into the vast world of sports media, looking at how media coverage of sport has evolved and the reality of today’s landscape. Students explore how digital has changed the game of sports communication, looking at journalism, broadcasting and production, audio and visual storytelling and social media. It also dedicates some time to specifically consider media law and ethics.

One academic year which is divided into two semesters:
Fall Semester (October to January) / Spring Semester (February to June)

All our Masters programmes are offered 3 days per week, from 18:30 to 21:30, and that is to allow our students to have professional careers in liaison to their postgraduate studies. Each course encompasses 18 teaching hours.

As per the Spanish Government, students are eligible to carry out internships during the course of their academic programme; after which you can change your student visa to post-study visa to find a job for the first year, then you can change to work permit when you find a job. We also offer an additional Specialization MBA programme which you can take after the first year to earn an MBA. It is also one year long and earns you a total of 120 ECTs. After you complete the two years, you can change your student visa to post-study visa to find a job for the first year, then you can change to a work permit when you find a job.

We are a recognised Higher Education Institution in Spain. Our Master’s degrees are private degrees awarded directly by ESEI and the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM). At the end of your studies, you will receive two separate degrees from both ESEI International Business School and the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM).
UCAM validates and jointly awards degrees of the following programmes: Master in Business Management, Master in International Relations and International Business, Master in Marketing and Communication, Master in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

If you’re interested in applying soon to secure your spot in the programme, you can be considered for a conditional acceptance that is only pending your final degree and transcripts. So you can apply with your up to date transcripts and the other admissions requirements; & once you complete your Bachelor degree and receive the final transcripts, you send them to us before the start of the Master programme.

The ESEI private diploma will be presented during the graduation ceremony, which usually takes place in July. If you need confirmation of the completion of your programme urgently, we prepare a letter signed by the school which serves this purpose. If you are eligible for the UCAM diploma

ESEI offers a dynamic programme of guest speakers, field visits and social events which are all included on top of your core academic programme.

You should try your best to attend all classes, though we understand that on occasion this can be impossible. Therefore, our master programme attendance policy allows you to miss 2 out of 6 classes per module, unjustified. The only reason an absence would be justified, meaning it wouldn’t count as one of your 3 permitted absences, is if you are unwell and can provide an official medical note. Remember that any absence will hinder your learning and thus likely jeopardise your results. 

Each module has 4 assessment components: a group submission (40%), an individual submission (20%) and a formal oral presentation (20%) for your module project, as well as a participation grade (20%) based on your participation during classes.

You must complete a thesis paper of 15,000-17,000 words, which is due at the end of your one-year programme. You have the choice between an academic research paper in which you must conduct primary research, and a business plan. You will have a programme tutor who will guide you through the process and help you hone your thesis throughout the year, and the Head of Academics will run Thesis Clinic slots so you can have one-on-one support from the academic department too.

Yes! For every module, you will have one guest speaker session with an expert on that particular topic of sports management, as well as one field visit to a local organisation, company or facility in that field. This means by the end of the programme you will have had 20 concrete connections with the sports industry. Additionally, some of your course projects will happen in collaboration with real sports cases or businesses. 

Barcelona is full of opportunities in many sectors, and is a globally-renowned sports city! There is no better place to study this particular discipline, as you are in one of the geographical hubs of the sector. This means that simply by studying sports in Barcelona, doors are opened to internships, events and a network of leading sports professionals. Make sure you attend all the sports-focussed networking events the city has to offer as it’s all about making connections and creating opportunities, particularly in this highly competitive industry.