Program Overview

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Sport Studies | International Sport Management

For you?

Do you have a passion for sports? Are you a team player and love doing business? With the English-language International Sport Management degree programme, you dive into the organisational side of sports. An excellent foundation for a successful career.

Practice your leadership skills, learn critical and business thinking, and explore international sports networks. Kickstart your future in sports!

Admission requirements

Everything about admission

Preliminary education | Required profile
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Havo (senior general secondary education) |

• Does not qualify for admission

VWO (pre-university education) |

• Culture & Society
• Economics & Society
• Nature & Health
• Nature & Technology

MBO (senior secondary vocational education and training) |

• Does not qualify for admission

International Sport Management is a three-year programme. All prospective students should start by applying for enrolment via Studielink. After you apply for the programme, the Enrolment Centre will assess whether or not your previous education allows you to study ISPM at THUAS. If you have any questions regarding your enrolment or application, please contact the Enrolment Office at .

You have a Dutch diploma

To enrol for the ISPM 3-year programme you will need a secondary school diploma comparable to a Dutch VWO diploma and a good command of English. If you are not sure if your program is eligible, please see this page. After your application has been processed, you will be asked to send in a mandatory video answering some questions regarding your motivation towards the programme.

You have a non-Dutch diploma

To enrol for the ISPM 3 year programme you will need a secondary school diploma comparable to a Dutch VWO diploma and a good command of English. Also, an interview is a mandatory part of the application process.

Before we can decide on your eligibility, we’ll need to assess your secondary school certificate.
To make sure your certificate is evaluated fairly, we work with NUFFIC, an organisation that specialises in the assessment of international education qualifications.

Language requirements

If you were not educated in the Netherlands you usually have to submit a language test to be admitted. Depending on the type and country of your diploma you may however qualify for exemption. Please check our entry requirements page for more information.

Don’t meet the entry requirements?

Perhaps your academic background is not quite the right level. Or you need some help improving your English skills. Don’t worry. There might be some alternative options to help you get in, and prepare yourself for a successful start of your studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS).

Admissions Test 21+

If you’re 21 years old before 1 September 2022, but don’t have a diploma or a qualification that meets the entry requirements, you can take the 21+ Admissions Test. The 21+ Admissions Test is offered at several dates between January and the start of the academic year, and consists of a digital general capacity test. Please note that you can only participate if you have an EEA-nationality or residence permit for the Netherlands that is valid on the test date.

English Academic Preparation Programme

Need help with your English? If you haven’t quite reached the right level of English for your chosen Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme, you can enrol for English Academic Preparation Programme. After the successful completion of this programme, you’ll be ready to start your degree at THUAS and you will already have a good taste of studying and living in the Hague.

The Hague Pathway College

If you’d like to apply for a 3-year bachelor programme but don’t meet the academic entry requirements, you might be interested in joining The Hague Pathway College. This foundation programme has two intakes, one in September and one in January. It offers you the chance to bring your academic level up to the required level and work on your English at an academic level at the same time.Please check for more information.

Want to know more about your enrolment possibilities?

Contact our colleagues at the Enrolment Office at . They are very willing to answer all your questions regarding your enrolment or application.

Decisions regarding your qualification for admission

There can be no exceptions made to the official admission requirements. The Central Student Enrolment Office is the only agency that can arrive at decisions regarding your qualification for admission as based on the official regulations. You cannot rely on any other sources of information with regard to your qualification for admission.

Study choice activities

Join one of our study choice activities to find out if THUAS is the right fit for you.

Open Day

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Open Day

Is THUAS right for you? A visit to an Open Day is the perfect way to find out.

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Shadow a student

On request

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Shadow a student

On request

This is not a custom programme, but a regular school day. Spend the day attending classes together with a student.

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Degree programme content

What will you study each year?

Description year 1

The ISPM programme contains topics regarding Management, Personal Development, Economics, Research and Events. Each year comprises of a combination of courses that relate to these overall topics. Click below on the year to find out which subject is taught in what year of the programme.

During each of the three years practical learning plays an important role. The first year includes a field trip. The one-week study trip to a European country gives you the opportunity to meet with sport organisations and to learn more about the world of sports.

In the fourth quarter of the second year the ISPM students participate in an internship to gain work experience. This internship is not allowed to take place in your home country and preferably not in the Netherlands. Thereby, the international experience you can obtain during the study increases. Finally, you will finish the programme by implementing your final graduation internship at a sports organisation of your choice. There, the final graduation report has to be written. This second internship is not restricted to a country outside of the Netherlands or your home country.

Please be aware of the fact that the field trip, the internship and the graduation internship may bring extra costs regarding housing, travel and insurance.

Block 1 and 2

Block 1

• Sport – Teams Skills
• Research 1
• Personal Leadership
• Intercultural Communication 1
• Sport Economics
• Introduction to Sport Management

Block 2

• Sport – Presentation Skills
• Sport Marketing
• Event Management 1
• Intercultural Communication 2
• Sport Finance
• Sport Sociology
• Personal Professional Development

Block 3 and 4

Block 3

• Sport – Leadership Skills
• Research 2
• Sport Sponsorship/Sales
• Project Management
• Management & Organisation
• Sport Philosophy/Ethics
• Personal Professional Development

Block 4

• Sport – Goal Setting Skills
• Sport Media
• Project Management
• Venue Management
• Strategic Management
• Sport Development
• Fieldtrip
• Personal Professional Development

Description year 2

Unlock your potential in the second year: A world of opportunities!

The second year of your journey offers an exciting chance to broaden your horizons, deepen your expertise, and take your education to the next level.

Block 1 and 2

First semester: Choose your path to growth

This semester is all about flexibility and exploring what drives you. You have the opportunity to tailor your experience by selecting one of the following options:

• Two dynamic minors, each worth 15 credits, allowing you to diversify your skills across different fields.
• One comprehensive minor of 30 credits , enabling you to deep dive into a single subject that aligns with your career ambitions.
• Go global with anexchange program at one of our renowned partner universities! Immerse yourself in a new culture, gain international experience, and build a global network.

For more details about our partner universities, explore the extensive list available through The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Minors:****Block 1:

• Global issues in football management
• E-sports, gaming and gamification

Block 2:

• International sport law and the role of the sport agent
• Sport and sustainable development

Block 3 and 4

Second semester: Dive into the sports industry

In the second semester, we help you gear up for real-world success in the sports industry. During block 3, you’ll engage with a robust curriculum designed to build both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills:

• Research 3: Master critical research methods for data-driven decision-making.
• PR in sports: Learn how to shape and manage the image of sports brands and organizations.
• Human resource management: Discover how to lead and inspire teams in a fast-paced industry.
• Event management 2: Develop the skills to organize and execute world-class sports events.
• Sport policy: Understand the frameworks shaping the global sports landscape.
• Personal professional development: Sharpen your career tools and define your professional brand.

These courses are designed not only to educate but to inspire, equipping you with the tools to excel in the fast-paced, ever-evolving sports world.

Block 4: Kickstart your career with a 10-week internship

Cap off your year with an internship that bridges the gap between classroom theory and practical application. Over 10 weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience, invaluable industry insights, and the confidence to take your next steps. This internship is your chance to immerse yourself in real-world challenges, make connections, and build the foundation for your future success.

Year 3 description

Year 3: Elevate your expertise and launch your career

Year 3 is where your journey reaches new heights, blending advanced coursework with hands-on experience to transform you into a well-rounded professional ready to make an impact in the world of sports.

First semester: Advanced knowledge for industry leaders

The first semester is packed with specialized courses designed to sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of key industry concepts. Here’s what you’ll dive into:

Block 1

• Research 4: Hone your research skills to drive data-informed strategies.
• Marketing Plan: Master the art of crafting impactful marketing strategies tailored to the sports industry.
• Entrepreneurship 1: Unlock your entrepreneurial potential and explore innovative opportunities in sports.
• Sport finance 2: Build on your financial acumen to manage budgets and drive profitability in sports organizations.
• Legal issues in sport: Navigate the complex legal landscape of the sports industry with confidence.
• Personal professional development: Continue to refine your professional skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.Block 2
• Research 5: Advance your research capabilities to become a thought leader in sports management.
• Entrepreneurship 2: Take your entrepreneurial skills to the next level, focusing on strategy and implementation.
• Sport tourism: Explore the growing field of sport tourism and its role in global economic development.
• Strategic advice: Learn how to provide high-level strategic guidance to sports organizations.
• Elective credits : Customize your learning experience by choosing subjects that align with your interests and career goals.
• Personal professional development: Continue your journey of self-improvement and career readiness.

This semester is all about equipping you with the advanced knowledge and skills you need to excel in the ever-evolving sports industry.

Second semester: A life-changing graduation internship

Once you’ve completed your coursework, it’s time to put theory into action. Starting in the second semester, you’ll embark on a 6-month graduation internship that will immerse you in the professional world.

• This internship is a pivotal moment in your journey, offering:
• Real-world experience in a dynamic sports environment.
• Opportunities to apply your skills to meaningful projects.
• Networking with industry leaders and professionals.
• Personal growth as you tackle challenges and contribute to transformative change.

By the end of your internship, you won’t just be prepared for a career—you’ll be ready to make the world a better place through the power of sports.

Testimonials from our students

Who better to tell about the degree programme than our own students? They share their experiences here. Some of them are also ready and waiting to answer any questions you may have.

Isabella Renner Jones

"Hi, my name is Isabella Renner Jones, I am 21 years old, from Berlin, Germany and in my first year of the ISPM course. I have been playing football since I was 5 and have always had a great passion for sports. I dreamed of becoming a professional football players, but realized early on that this wasn’t a realistic career path for me. This sport management course is a perfect fit for me, because I aspire to work in the world of sports, maybe even as a coach or analyst. I also love working in an international space, which the ISPM course at THUAS offers perfectly, having 130 students from over 40 different countries and cultures!"

Ilinca Ionescu

"Hi, everyone! My name is Ilinca, I am 19 years old and I am a Romanian ISPM student. I have eleven years of experience as a professional fencer. Practically, I got to know life and the world through the eyes of an athlete. My interest in studying the International Sports Management programme is both academic and personal. I believe that it perfectly complements my need for knowledge in this specific area, and the study programme offered by THUAS represents the standard of improvement that I want. All our teachers are specialists trained in the sports phenomenon, therefore we learn from the best and everyday we are inspired to be game-changers. Feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding the study programme."

Alise Lase

"My name is Alise Lase, I’m 18 years old from Latvia and a first year student at ISPM! I choose ISPM because I have always been very passionate about sports since I can remember and always have been intrested about the “behind the scenes” of sporting events! Therefore ISPM provides practical experience and wide range of topics in order to become a game changer! Besides that, I love travelling, meeting new people and watching sports! Send me a message if you have any questions about the studies or student life!"

Career perspective

What you will become

• Sport Entrepreneur
• Sport Journalist
• Venue Manager
• Sports Marketer
• Event Manager
• Broadcaster
• Sports Development Manager
• Coordinator/Manager
• Sport Analyst
• Sport Economist

Opportunities after graduation

The broad ISPM study programme provides you with a large amount of opportunities:

• Do local popular sports interest you?
• What about working with the National Ministry of Sport or the International Olympic Committee?
• Do you prefer the commercial perspective of a sport marketing agency, sport venue, sport brand, fitness chain or sport game developer?
• Perhaps you prefer the developmental aspects of foundations and NGOs like Football for Peace, Right to Play or UNICEF.
• Or maybe your interests are related to worldwide annual events with their own permanent staff like tennis grand slams or city marathons?

The world of International Sport Management truly opens up a world of choice!

Testimonials from our alumni

What lies in store after studying Sport Studies | International Sport Management? Our former students tell us where they ended up and how they look back on their study years.

About being a member of the team

Tomek Mendry

“My first three days were during the football transfer window and the club was signing a player from Spain that didn’t speak English, so I was already working in the transfer market, calling UEFA officials for transfer regulations. It was something I always dreamed of doing and now they are treating me like a member of the club, because I have such responsibilities”.

Practical information

What else do you need to know?

How to apply

Your enrolment request must be submitted through Studielink. Before you do, please check the official name of the programme below. Would you like to find out more about the application process first? Check our page How to apply . The key deadlines are listed here as well. This degree programme starts in September and there is no intake in February.

Tuition fee

You will have to pay tuition fees when you enrol on a bachelor's programme. You can pay in one or more instalments. If you pay in more than one instalment a small administration fee is charged.

More information about tuition fees

Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships for international students. Please note that these scholarships are one-off scholarships only, meaning that if you obtain them it is only for your first year of study.

Student finance

Dutch students qualify for extra financial support via a loan. Dutch students automatically qualify for this financial assistance and international students may be eligible if they have lived in the Netherlands for at least five years or are employed for at least 56 hours per month.

Additional Costs

You must also budget for books, excursions and field trips. You can expect to pay approximately €800 per year to cover these additional costs. During your semester abroad, you will also need to pay for tickets, housing and insurance.

Visa and residence permit

More information about the visas and residence permits.

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Questions about the programme?

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