MSc in Sport Management
This programme is targeted at graduates aiming to develop a career in the Sport industry, as well as experienced professionals who wish to enhance their career opportunities within this field. Graduates are equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools & techniques required to solve real-life sport management challenges
This one year full-time, or two-year part-time MSc programme is the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland, and is offered by the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science. It provides graduates who are motivated and passionate about sport with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to develop a successful management career in the Sports Industry. It also provides current professionals with the chance to further enhance their management skills.
The programme is informed by the exciting research carried out by our faculty and by sport industry experts who contribute to both the design & delivery of the programme curriculum. Throughout the programme, students are provided with the opportunity to engage and network with leading figures in the industry.
The programme also offers the unique opportunity to study how high-performance sport is managed from government policy to the views of key stakeholders within a sporting organisation.
A part-time format is available to facilitate the continuing development of current professionals without necessitating an interruption to their career.
For more information on the programme, please follow this link - MSc Sport Management or contact the Programme Director, (opens in a new window)Dr Tom Fabian
Modes of Delivery:
Programme modules will be delivered one day per week (typically Friday mornings & afternoons) across both academic semesters. In addition, there will be two weeks of block lectures for selected modules. Delivery is carried out by faculty members and external industry experts. These external contributors bring experience from across the Sports industry continuum, including National Governing Bodies (Federation of Irish Sport, Sport Ireland, FAI, GAA, IRFU), International Federations (World Rugby, UEFA), Professional Sports Clubs (Leinster Rugby) and Commercial Sports Organisations (Racing Post).
Through delivering the programme the faculty and external lecturers facilitate a vibrant teaching and learning environment. Students have the opportunity to actively engage and learn through a variety of pedagogical methods such as experiential learning, problem-based learning, reflection & peer-to-peer learning, industry seminars, site visits and group project work. Assessment strategies include essays, critical analyses, case studies, oral presentations, reports and project work.
Application Process:
For details of the application process, please see the instructions at www.ucd.ie/apply.
The School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science approves all applications. This process is carried out by the Programme Director and is approved at School level.
All applications must be supported by the following documents:
- Official transcripts of undergraduate degrees
- 2 official reference letters (including letterhead, date & address)
- A CV
- A personal statement (outlining your suitability for the programme, your motivations for pursuing a career in Sport Management, etc.)
EU/International Applicants may also require:
- Evidence of proficiency in English (IELTS or TOEFL score) where their first language is not English, or whose primary degree(s) have been obtained in a country where English is not the official language of instruction
- Visa status (only required after School approval of the application)
In exceptional circumstances where substantial relevant work experience or experiential learning can be demonstrated an applicant may be considered despite not holding a relevant degree. Applicants who have been approved by the School will be given either a firm or a conditional offer through our online system, and will receive an email which details how to accept or decline such an offer.
Graduate Testimonial
On a personal level, embarking on the MSc Sport Management programme in UCD was one of the very best decisions I made both academically and professionally. UCD's administrative supporting staff, lecturers and professors were consistently friendly and available, which matters to a student embarking on a great academic challenge such as a masters programme. The module content is cutting edge, finely tuned and industry-relevant, with subject areas such as strategy & operations, leadership & people management, sports marketing, governance & law, event management & sustainability, and management of high performance sport. All subject areas combine in a collective synergy fully equipping the masters student for the reality of industry. The UCD MSc Sport Management programme personally challenged and changed my critical thinking in a positive way, equipped me with the artillery to venture professionally from my comfort zone to explore new industry sports management roles, and ultimately secured me a substantial promotion in the sports industry sector.
Damien Coleman, Offaly GAA