We offer a CMI accredited programme with guaranteed pro-football placement hours and endless volunteering opportunities across professional sport.
The programme prepares you for an exciting career in all areas of Sport Management including digital marketing, event management, fan engagement and content creation, ensuring you'll stand out from the crowd!
Gain guaranteed work placement hours on matchdays and non-matchdays at our professional football club partner Derby County FC
Be awarded a L5 Diploma in Management and Leadership from the CMI (subject to passing required components). No additional costs or assessments. We are the only Sport Management undergraduate degree in the country offering this
Gain an exemption from the CIM Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Professional and Digital Marketing as we have recognised degree status
Experience real-world learning with various sport organisations including Derby Rugby Club, Pastures Golf Course and Moorways Sport Village and Water Park
Stay active during the summer through volunteering opportunities at our partner Derbyshire County Cricket Club
Be supported by a DCFC or CMI mentor during your degree
Add the post-nominal letters FCMgr (Foundation Chartered Manager) after your name once graduated to show to employers that you are on the pathway to Chartered Manager status
100%of students agreed that staff are good at explaining thingsBA (Hons) Sport Management - National Student Survey 2025
100%of students agreed staff make the subject engagingBA (Hons) Sport Management - National Student Survey 2025
100%of students agreed that the course has challenged them to achieve their best workBA (Hons) Sport Management - National Student Survey 2025
Programme Accreditation
The Sport Management programme is accredited by the CMI which is dedicated to promoting excellence in management and leadership. Alongside your degree you'll gain a CMI L5 Diploma in Management and Leadership (subject to passing required components).
The CMI Diploma is the benchmark for full CMI membership and takes you a step towards Chartered Manager status, signalling to prospective employers that you’re equipped for senior sport and business management roles. There is no additional cost, and you won’t need to complete additional coursework to achieve this.
Throughout the degree you'll have access to CMI events and webinars, online management resources and the CMI career development centre to enhance your employability.
Guaranteed Derby County Work Placement
You are guaranteed work placement hours at our professional football club partner Derby County during your degree. You’ll take learning from the classroom and put it straight into practice in the workplace.
In the first year you’ll experience working in all departments of the football club including marketing, commercial, ticketing and community. You’ll also receive an induction in the boardroom including talks from senior managers, a behind the scenes tour, a free ticket to a DCFC fixture and have a chance to win rewards.
In the second year you'll progress to matchday placements working in marketing, events, ticketing, crowd/safety management, hospitality/partnerships and the community trust. You'll also receive a tour of the outstanding training centre at Moor Farm and learn how it is managed.
In the third year you'll receive guest lectures from senior managers at Derby County, take part in an onsite assessment centre and experience your own executive box for a DCFC fixture. You’ll also have access to selected DCFC hospitality suites as you plan and deliver your own sporting event.
We guarantee to visit you whilst on work placement to ensure you are supported and cared for during both matchday and non-matchdays.
Unrivalled Sporting Experiences
Your learning will continue outside of the classroom as we immerse you in the real world across a diverse range of sport organisations. During the course you will have opportunities to:
Plan an event at Derby County and pitch your proposals to senior managers in the boardroom at the football club
Be involved in the planning and delivery of the Derby 10km road race with Derby County Community Trust
Design and receive pilot funding from Sporting Communities for a sport project. You'll have the opportunity to implement your pilot project and review the impact
Present proposals to Derby Rugby Club, Pastures Golf Course and Moorways Sport Village and Water Park on how they can meet business challenges and take advantage of opportunities
Get hands on digital marketing experience with SMEs (small medium enterprises) including Burton Wheelchair Rugby Club, Ignite Health and Fitness, and Beeston Cycling Club
Stay active during the summer through volunteering opportunities at Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the British Masters Golf tournament. There is no need for an extended summer break as you can continue to develop your skills and make connections through fan engagement, ticketing and sales opportunities. We will visit you, even during the summer to ensure you are supported
Build your CV further by volunteering across a range of sport events including World Athletics, the Women’s League Cup Final, professional Cycling, international Tennis and the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix.
Recognised Degree Status
This programme is also a CIM recognised degree meaning that the marketing content of the course has been mapped against the CIMs unique professional marking competencies. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the high standards required by those working as a marketing professional in sport. You will gain a module exemption from the CIM Certificate in Professional and Digital Marketing to advance your career.
Expert Teaching
You'll be taught by a highly qualified and experienced programme leadership team with an impressive track record of teaching, research and broad industry-based experience.
Programme Leader, Lee Pridmore, is a CMI Chartered Manager, which is a stand out achievement and shows his dedication to making a positive impact to the future of his students.
Dr James Bostock has 25 years of teaching experience completing a PhD on how sport organisations navigate financial challenges, and how knowledge feeds straight into the classroom.
Omari Williams has extensive experience of football agency, and his entrepreneurial skills have helped many students establish successful businesses in the sport industry. He has also set up several of his own.
The programme leadership team have worked together for over 10 years, have complementary skills and extensive contacts in sport management that will help you open doors, expand your network and further your professional career. The programme is delivered in a highly professional way and achieved 100% for organisation and management in the National Student Survey 2025.
"The three years that I spent studying this course were amazing. After graduating, I started my first full-time job as a Racing Sales Executive with Uttoxeter Racecourse, as I had already completed a placement there during my studies. I now work for Porsche Club GB as a Digital Executive and I’m responsible for all social content for their events. I always knew I wanted to work in motorsports but without this course, I would never have been able to achieve it." Becky Tarling, Sport Management Graduate
Sports Scholarships
The University of Derby is a sporting hub for talented athletes and coaches. We have a track record of improving the performance of our University sports clubs and we have created an infrastructure to provide support for talented athletes. We offer a programme that aims to help talented student-athletes realise their sporting potential while supporting them through their academic studies. We offer scholarships of up to £6,000 and provide tailored athlete-support packages delivered by an experienced multi-disciplinary Performance Sport team. Two of the Universities most recent successful sports scholars are Charlie Tanfield (World Champion and Commonwealth Cycling gold medallist) and Jack Burnell (European Open Water silver medallist 2016 and Olympian 2016).
Join Team Derby
If you enjoy a challenge and would like to make the most of your own sporting passion and prowess, you could become involved with which is the focal point for the University’s sporting community. It encompasses all aspects of sport, including courses, numerous sports clubs, the Athletics Union and sport development activities. You can also take part in the national BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) competitions.
We have also recently appointed Double Olympic Medallist, Bryan Steel, as the Head Coach for Team Derby Performance Sport Cycling. Bryan is a celebrated figure in the world of cycling, bringing a wealth of experience to his role. The decorated Olympian, who represented Team GB at four Olympic Games from 1992 to 2004, boasts an impressive medal collection. His crowning achievements include a bronze medal in the team pursuit event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Games in the same discipline. Brian's journey also includes 14 World Championship appearances, where he secured five medals, along with three medals at the Commonwealth Games. With the arrival of Bryan, Performance Sport at the university will work in partnership with HUUB-BCC Race Team to give track and road riders access to an elite pathway during and post higher education. This collaboration opens doors for Team Derby Performance Cycling's athletes, offering a unique opportunity to bridge their academic pursuits with professional cycling aspirations.
Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Big spaces for big ideas
Kedleston Road offers it all: study in our largest library, relax in the Union Social Space, train in real-world healthcare settings, and stay active in our state-of-the-art Sports Centre.
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
Our teaching methods are authentic, interactive and engaging. You'll take part in:
Modules that are designed, taught and delivered by Sport Management specialists
Sessions that get you active and learning by doing
Teaching that gets you interacting with others
Regular social events for staff and students that create a real sense of community
Personal tutorials that support career progression
DCFC work placement hours that get you performing
Volunteering opportunities that build your CV even further
Learning in the workplace
Areas of work experience at sporting organisations such as Derby County FC includes:
Marketing, Media and PR: You’ll work on matchdays and non-matchdays alongside professionals to see content creation, fan engagement and customer relationship management in action. You’ll be at the heart of the club including the Rams TV media suite or pitchside as the players emerge from the tunnel
Sport Sponsorship: You’ll work closely with the Partnership Manager at Derby County who manages the club’s various sponsors and partners. You’ll also understand how sponsorship outreach works in terms of generating new sponsors and extending others
Event Management: You’ll work on matchdays at Derby County and see how all business operations work together to provide a fantastic event experience for the 30,000 fans that come through the turnstiles. You’ll work in all departments including marketing, events, community, crowd safety management, hospitality and partnerships
Talent Management: Learn from staff experience on running a football agency and understand more about contract negotiations, player welfare and media responsibilities. See how player off-field responsibilities are managed within the club including product endorsement, sponsor engagement and player signing sessions
Ticketing and Data Management: Learn how the ticketing system works at Derby County in the sale of season tickets, home/away tickets, hospitality packages and membership sales. See how data systems operate and are fundamental to informing management decisions on a day to day basis
Sales Pitches in the Boardroom: Derby County will task you to research real-world research questions and present back to club staff and senior managers in the boardroom. Previous questions have related to the club’s social media presence, appraising the club’s operations and recommending additional income generation opportunities.
We also have a range of guest speakers to inspire you and share their career stories including Derby County Chief Executive Stephen Pearce and Chief Operating Officer Simon Carnall.
Industrial Placement Year
You can choose to take a placement year between year two and three of your degree, which can enhance your employability and improve your prospects post-graduation. We can help you find a placement and provide support during your year in industry. One example was a student who completed a placement year at Adidas, completed their studies and returned to the company full-time on graduation.
Grace Vivian, BA (Hons) Sport Management graduate
How you're assessed
There are no exams!
We don't just teach you; we prepare you for success. Our assessments have been informed by employers and are therefore built around real workplace tasks. You'll craft business reports, deliver sales pitches, design digital materials, and work on live projects.
Formal business reports
Presentations including sales pitches inside and outside of the University
Live projects and assessment briefs
Design of digital materials including websites, videos and/or blogs
Business and career related portfolios
Who will teach you
Lee Pridmore
Programme Leader
Lee Pridmore
Lee is the leader of the BA (Hons) Sport Management programme. He has over 15 years experience of leading modules, programmes and other roles in the discipline area of sport at the University of Derby.
At the University of Derby, every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) from the very start of their degree journey. This dedicated tutor becomes a key figure in your academic life, offering guidance, support, and insight to help you make the most of your university experience. Whether it's through one-to-one meetings or more informal catch-ups, your PAT will work with you to explore your strengths, address any challenges, and help you achieve your full potential. This relationship is designed to ensure you're not just succeeding academically, but also growing as an individual, developing the skills and confidence you'll need for your future career.
Your PAT will provide tailored advice to support your academic journey, whether that's by discussing your work, helping you set goals, or exploring career options. These regular meetings give you the space to reflect on your progress, understand where improvements can be made, and build on your strengths. At Derby, we want you to feel both challenged and supported. Your PAT will encourage you to push your boundaries, think critically about your work, and develop a proactive approach to your studies.
But it's not just about coursework. Your PAT will also help you identify extra-curricular opportunities, whether that's joining clubs, gaining work experience, or developing new skills outside of your course. These experiences not only enhance your CV but also give you the confidence to tackle future challenges. In short, your Personal Academic Tutor will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you leave university with more than just a degree — but with a wealth of experiences, skills, and the knowledge that you're ready for the next chapter of your life.
Building Strong Industry Connections
We believe that real-world experience is an essential part of academic success. Our partnerships with leading organisations across various sectors ensure our students gain valuable insights, hands-on opportunities, and access to the latest industry innovations.
Through collaboration with our industry partners, we bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, preparing our graduates to thrive in competitive global markets.
Careers
Our graduates don't just get jobs; they launch incredible careers with 85.6% of our students in graduate level employment 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcome Survey 2025).
Our graduates have gone onto amazing careers including those at:
Premier League and EFL Football Clubs
Adidas
Porsche
County Cricket Clubs
Welsh Rugby Union
Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit
The Jockey Club/Cheltenham Racecourse
Others have become business consultants, franchisees, work for NGBs, become sport event organisers or set up their own business.
Several of our students have used our second year Sport Business Development Entrepreneurship module as a launchpad for their own successful business ideas. Some graduates plan to pursue dreams overseas working in the NFL, NBA, or MLB.
Graduates working at Derby County Football Club
We hear from five Sport Management graduates whose placements were just the start of their time at DCFC.
When Mark Faghy first arrived in Derby as a teenage undergraduate, he stated proudly that his goal was to become manager of the England football team. Now he is a respected research academic leading an international collaboration in the fight against Covid. And his students are helping.
94% of UK graduates are in employment or further study.
2nd for employability. Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2026.
87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university. We'll tailor your talents and help you build the tools that will set you apart when you are ready to look for your first graduate role.
Our staff have valuable and varied experiences in the workplace and beyond. And we have great links to industry. This means you'll have opportunities to apply your learning. You'll find work experience that's directly relevant to your studies, including placements and real projects set by businesses.
Our promise
We promise to provide an inclusive approach; supporting, advising and guiding you on your employability journey to success. We will listen to your needs and signpost opportunities for you to engage with up to three years after graduation.
At the University of Derby, we aim to attract the very best students to join us and to support their progression to university to ensure they reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions. We believe the very best students come from all backgrounds and we want to build a community that reflects our society.
What is a contextual offer?
Contextual offers are used by universities and colleges to take account of a student’s individual circumstances. Employing contextual offers at the University Derby will allow our admissions team to identify applicants with the greatest potential to succeed in higher education and be an exceptional Derby student. This makes the application process fairer and builds confidence in students about their ability to be part of our academic community.
We will use the information in an application form and may either reduce grade requirements or give extra consideration when deciding whether to give a contextual offer. We will also support these students through information, advice and guidance, outreach activities and on-campus visits before and during the application process.
What is the criteria?
Typical criteria may include one or more of the following:
Students who are care experienced
Students who are estranged from their families
Students who are refugees or asylum seekers
Students whose parents/carers are in the UK armed forces
*Please note students need to declare they meet one of these criteria on their application.
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2026 entry.
Requirement
What we're looking for
UCAS points
104
A Level
BCC
T Level
Merit
BTEC
DMM
GCSE
GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HE
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
If you're an international student and want to improve your English language skills before you start your course, the Derby English Language Centre's pre-sessional English course can help you.
We're committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
Membership of CMI and registration for Level 5 Diploma
To welcome you to our team, you all receive a University of Derby, Sport and Exercise Science T-shirt
If a DBS check is needed for the purposes of a module or programme related work placement, this is included in your fee if completed via the University
We will contribute to or pay the full cost of additional qualifications that are arranged by us (e.g. you will have option of gaining a L3 CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing or Professional Digital Marketing). For other additional qualifications you are interested in, we may contribute to or fund these but this is at the School of Sport and Exercise Science's discretion
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
If not already owned, formal business attire is required for your placements - approximate cost is between £50-£200
Travel to/from mandatory placement (Derby County FC, Pride Park stadium). The cost of travel varies depending on method of transport and starting location
Optional costs not included in your fees
Lots of e-books are available for free through the University Library, however you may wish to purchase a hard copy of these at your own expense
You may wish to undertake additional qualifications as part of your studies, costs will vary depending on your choice
How to apply
UK students
If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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