Program Overview

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Master in Sports Management

The Master in Sports Management is a 9-month programme offered by Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a leader within the sports sector. The MBA in Sports Management, ranked one of the top 10 in the world in the SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings, is designed to give you a broad base, and covers areas such as economics, managerial skills, and marketing and communication. It is one of the most unique sports management MBAs in the world as you will have access to directors and staff at Real Madrid, one of the most recognisable and successfully run sports entities across the globe.

Why study this MBA in Sports Management?

With the Master in Sports Management, the student will have the opportunity to study a programme with a clear professional and international focus that shall allow them to acquire all the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in the sports industry.

Academic quality

A pioneering programme in Spain with a study plan developed by leading professionals, experts from Universidad Europea and professionals from Real Madrid C.F. This programme will give you the broadest possible view of successful business models in the sports industry worldwide, with a special focus on Real Madrid C.F.

Professional orientation & international networking

This programme offers constant and direct contact with the sports industry and its entities, an international teaching staff, guest lecturers and a variety of networking possibilities—with more than 50 nationalities represented—all designed to enhance your professional development. Besides this, you shall also have the chance to complete professional internships in top sports organisations worldwide, including Real Madrid C.F.

Live the Real Madrid experience

Enjoy exclusive experiences such as visits with Real Madrid C.F., the White Week event, guest speakers, live sporting events, networking events and more. You shall have the chance to participate in the organisation of international sporting events.

International Experiences

The international vocation of the School allows it to offer the student a unique and exclusive offer of International field trips that will allow you to discover the most renowned sport entities and facilities worldwide, during these experiences you’ll have the chance to learn hand to hand with their professionals the most succesfull strategies and business models in the Sports Industry.

MBA in Sports Management Subjects

Get all information about the MBA in Sports Management subjects

Private masters’ degree methodology

The international character of this programme allows students and professionals in the sports industry to acquire a broad perspective of all existing models of sports management, even beyond the Spanish borders, thanks to the participation of top international professionals. This educational commitment exponentially strengthens the sphere of influence and the professional possibilities of our students.

Study plan structure

Module I - General Management in Sports Companies

• Economic Analysis of the Sports Industry
• Strategic Planning. Analysis of Sports Environments and Competition
• Business Management Models and Economic Aspects

Module II - Economics and Finance

• Financial Statements of Sports Organizations
• Planning and Control in Sports Organization Management
• Financial Management

Module III - Sports facility management and operation

• Infrastructure Management within a Sports Entity
• Production of Sporting Events
• Quality and Incident Management

Module IV - Marketing and Communications

• Strategic and Operational Marketing
• Sponsorship in Sports
• Audiovisual Rights
• Sports and Society
• Sports and the Media

Module V - Managerial Skills and Human Resources

• People Management and Teamwork
• Coaching Applied to Sports
• Motivational Leadership of Teams
• Communication: Public Speaking in Professional Environments
• Emotional Intelligence in Sports Organizations

Module VI - Specialization Branch A: Entrepreneurship and Sports for Development

• Strategies for Starting a Sports Business
• The Business Plan and Financing
• International Organizations in Sports for Development
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Sports
• Social Entrepreneurship in Sports
• Keys to Success and Failure

Module VII - Specialization Branch B: Marketing and Communications

• The Media
• Advertising Agencies
• Official Organizations
• Sports Rights
• Sporting Events and Brand Profitability
• Sports Clubs
• Sponsorship
• Brand and Identity Management
• Practical Application of a Communication Plan
• Social Network and the Community Manager
• Sports Content in the New Digital World

Module VIII - Specialization Branch C: Sports Facility Operation

• Management of Sports Facility Operations
• Security and Technology at Sports Facilities
• Municipal Operations and Management
• The Fitness and Wellness Market
• Large Parks
• Golf Course Management
• Organization of Sporting Events
• Management of Leisure and Non-Conventional Spaces

Module IX - Internship

Module X - Master’s Thesis

Collaborating entities

• AC London F.C.
• Adidas International Generation
• ASSA SPORT
• Athletes Global Management Sports S.L. (AGM Sports)
• Baloncesto Málaga SAD Basketball Team (Unicaja Baloncesto)
• Basic Fit Benfica
• C.D.E. Ciudad de Getafe
• Football School Campus Experience
• Celta de Vigo
• Chelsea Football Club
• Atlético De Madrid SAD Football Club
• Club de Rugby Cisneros Rugby Club
• Torrelodones Basketball Club
• Alcobendas Handball Club
• Alcobendas Rugby Basic Sports Club
• Guadalajara Sports Club
• Puertabonita Sports Club
• Copa Colegial
• COTIF CUP
• Decathlo,
• Deporgadyd
• Deportivo Alavés SAD Football Club
• DREAMFIT
• Dubai Sports City
• EQUELITE
• ESDE Soccer School S.L. (Campus Chelsea F.C. Foundation)
• EVERETT
• FAN Sport Consulting
• Fast Fitness, SL
• Madrid Tennis Federation
• Spanish Basketball Federation
• Spanish Paddle Federation
• Spanish Rugby Federation
• Madrid Futsal Federation
• Football Medical Association
• Fulham Football Club
• Real Madrid Foundation
• Garrigues
• Go Fit
• Hércules Football Club
• IMG
• Indoor Sports World LLC,
• Spanish Resilience Institute
• International Paralympic Committee
• Katapulks,
• Laetus
• Spanish Futsal League
• Madrid Cricket Federation
• Málaga SAD Football Club
• Management Around Sports
• Manleys
• Millwall Football Club
• Movistar Inter Futsal Club
• MTEAM CROSSFIT
• Mutua Madrid Open
• New York Cosmos
• Ogilvy
• Ottanta Football Club
• Patrocina un Deportista, S.L.
• RAQUILAN, S.L. (Ciudad De La Raqueta)
• Real Ávila Football Club
• Real Madrid F. C.
• Red Bull Arena
• Saski Baskonia
• Spartan Race,
• Sport Managers Servicios Integrales S.L.
• Táctika
• Tenis Equalité (Juan Carlos Ferrero Tennis Academy)
• The Crow Legacy Company S.L. (CLC)
• Timpik
• Toque Fino (Sports Marketing)
• U1st
• Under Armour
• International Triathlon Union
• Unipublic, Vuelta a España,
• Wembley
• World Football Summit
• Zuquium.

Key competencies on this programme

Basic competencies

• Possessing and understanding knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original regarding the development and/or application of ideas, often in a research context.
• Students should know how to apply the knowledge acquired and their problem-solving skills in new or relatively little-known environments within wider (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study
• Students should be able to integrate knowledge and face the complexity of formulating opinions from information that may be incomplete or limited, but which includes thoughts on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and opinions.
• Students should be able to communicate their conclusions, as well as the knowledge and underlying reasons they are based on, to expert and non-expert audiences in a clear and concise way.
• Students should possess the learning skills that enable them to continue studying in a way that will be self-directed or autonomous for the most part.

Cross-disciplinary competencies

• Responsibility: Students should be able to accept the consequences of actions and take responsibility for their own actions.
• Self-confidence: Students should be able to act with confidence and with sufficient motivation to achieve their objectives.
• Awareness of ethical values: Students' capacity to feel, judge, argue and act in accordance with moral values in a consistent, persistent and autonomous way.
• Communication skills: Students should be able to effectively express concepts and ideas, as well as possess clear and concise written communication skills and effective public speaking skills.
• Interpersonal understanding: The student should be able to actively listen for the purpose of reaching agreements using an assertive communication style.
• Flexibility: Students should be able to adapt and work in different and varied situations with different people. This involves assessing and understanding different positions, adapting their own approach as required by the situation.
• Teamwork: Students should be able to actively participate in achieving a common objective by listening, respecting and valuing the ideas and proposals of the other members of their team.
• Initiative: The student should be able to respond proactively to situations that emerge, proposing solutions or alternatives.
• Planning: Students should be able to effectively set their goals and priorities, defining the actions, time frames and optimum resources required to achieve these goals.
• Innovation-Creativity: Students should be able to come up with new and different solutions to problems that add value to problems posed.

Specific competencies

• Having an integrated vision of all of the dimensions of the company in the sports sector -external, internal and organisational-, as well as of the people and human capital that comprise it, to be able to analyse issues and to look for solutions in teams that help to achieve its strategic objectives. As such, students will partake in autonomous and collective learning, helping them to make decisions and to assess the corresponding economic and social impact.
• Controlling the key aspects of the most significant areas of the sporting world, transforming them into competitive advantages for the company's growth within its sector.
• Analysing the economic, legal and technological environment of a sector, as well as assessing and creating a medium- to long-term strategic plan, using current reference tools.
• Controlling the new business trends and practices of corporate social responsibility policies that affect the sports sector, while being able to establish an individual corporate social responsibility policy for each business.
• Taking on the skills of an executive: leadership, emotional intelligence, communication skills, team management, teamwork, planning, conflict resolution, negotiating and results-orientated skills, always with a responsible approach and a multicultural perspective, showing respect for diversity.
• Controlling the benchmark strategic concepts and tools regarding the organisational sizing of a company in the sports industry and being able to choose the best strategic alternative to apply in each market and company.
• Learning the tools used in managing the operations of a company and the benchmark business practices in the sports industry, which ensure the efficiency of activity and the fulfilment of set objectives.
• Designing the plans in the different areas (marketing, communication and sales, finance, production, human resources), using coordination criteria among them and aligning them with the company's general strategy.
• Controlling the key benchmark concepts regarding the sizing of new organisational structures and being capable of implementing plans that entail change and adaptation with criteria relating to resource optimisation and knowledge management.
• Applying and putting into action the knowledge acquired in one of the decision-making areas of the company by means of professional internships. Students may undertake internships through university agreements made with companies in the sports sector or industry, particularly in the area that most interests them in view of their future career development (management, marketing and communication, operations, finance), while also demonstrating their skills for successful integration into a business team.

MBA in Sport Management’ employability

Career Opportunities

All our students benefit from unique opportunities including the completion of a training period by way of a professional internship at a top level sports entity. In addition, our students collaborate in the organisation of live sporting events throughout the master, from the internationally known Madrid Mutua Open (ATP-WTA) to regional events such as triathlons and other sports.

Through this master’s you shall learn through a practical methodology by working on real projects and being in direct contact with the sports industry. Thus, you shall acquire all the skills and tools necessary to succeed professionally. Some of the most relevant opportunities for your sports management career:

• Clubs
• Federations
• Athlete representation
• Sports entertainment
• Multi-sport events
• Innternational sports business development
• Sports and exercise services (sport for all)
• Sports academies
• Fitness/wellness chains
• Sports equipment multinationals
• Sports infrastructure multinationals
• Multinationals which invest in sports sponsorship

Admissions

Start your future at Universidad Europea

You can become a student at Universidad Europea in three easy steps.

1. Admission exams Start your admission process by calling or request information and our advisors will contact you.
2. Place reservation Once you have been admitted, secure your place by paying the reservation fee.
3. Enrollment Submit the required documents to formalise your enrollment.

Admissions Process

The admissions process for the Graduate programmes can take place at any time during the year, although enrolment on any graduate programme shall depend on the availability of places.

For personalised advice, you can go to either of our university campuses (Alcobendas or Villaviciosa de Odón) or contact us by phone: or e-mail: to receive advice from the Graduate Admissions staff.

Once candidates have received advice and have provided the necessary documentation, the Graduate Admissions staff shall set a date for the entrance exams corresponding to the programme they are interested in, and for a personal interview with the Programme Director or a member of the Admissions Committee.

The admissions process is both cost-free and commitment-free for candidates until their place has been formally reserved.

The admissions process consists of the following stages:

• Personalised advice
• Submission of application and documentation for assessment of the candidate's profile
• Profile assessment and interview
• Confirmation of admission
• Formal reservation and enrolment

Profile for prospective students and how to access this degree

Graduates who wish to focus their professional career on sports management, professionals from the sports industry who want to update their knowledge, professionals from other fields who would like to enter the world of sport or professional athletes who aspire to continue in the sector as managers, post athletic retirement.

Admissions requirements

For the application to the Master, the student is required by law in accordance with the provisions of R.D. 861/2010:

• Be in possession of an official Spanish university degree or another issued by an institution of higher education belonging to another state that is part of the European Higher Education Area that authorizes access to Master's degrees.
• Be in possession of a degree in accordance with educational systems outside the European Higher Education Area without the need for the homologation of their degrees, after verification by the University that they accredit a level of training equivalent to the corresponding official Spanish university degrees and that empower in the country issuing the degree for access to postgraduate education. Access by this means will not imply, in any case, the homologation of the previous degree that the interested party is in possession, nor its recognition for other purposes than that of taking the Master's degree courses.

Faculty

70% of the faculty on this programme have their doctorates.

Our faculty

• Emilio Butragueño
• Jairo León-Quismondo
• Javier Sánchez García
• Juan Carlos Fociños
• Juan Cantero
• Antonio Vos Saz
• Pedro Corrales
• Álvaro Vitores
• Michael Sutherland
• Chiara Trivella
• Paula Serrano
• Jaime Colás
• Miguel García Caba
• Ángel Sanz
• Javier Tola
• Edouard Legendre
• Scott Minto
• Steve Gera
• Nick Pye
• Carlos Cantó
• Hugo Berenguer
• Mikel Bárcena
• Antonio Fernández Arimany
• Ramiro Lahera
• Juan Carlos Fociños
• Fernando Pons Ortega
• Óscar Ugaz
• Javier Bosh
• Gonzalo Corrales
• Maikel Oettle
• Luke Sassano
• Joseph Stetson
• Amy Scheer
• Marco Matute
• Dan Donigan
• Michael Minchella
• Adan Catovic
• Brendan Long
• Cara Chernow
• Nicole Rosamilia
• Geoffrey Pope
• Brian Friedman
• George Moreira
• Chris Clunie
• Troy Justice
• Emilio García Duarte
• Adolfo Bara
• José Luis Los Arcos
• Alfonso Mondelo
• Tomás Gutierrez
• Alberto Talavera
• Oscar Sanchez
• Alfonso Roberes
• Pablo Vega
• José Bonal Sanchez
• Juan Cantero
• Ornella Bellia
• Héctor Peris
• Nuno Alves
• José Moya
• Patricia Rodriguez
• Javier Sánchez
• Carles Poyato
• Nuria Moreno Peinado
• Dr. Antonio Vos Saz
• Hugo Taracido

Academic quality

As part of its strategy, the University has an internal quality plan whose objective is to promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement, and which allows it to face future challenges with the maximum guarantee of success. In this way, it is committed to promoting the achievement of external recognitions and accreditations, both nationally and internationally; the measurement and analysis of results; simplification in management; and the relationship with the external regulator.

Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS)

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University regulations

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Student services

• Management services
• Professional careers services
• Complaints and suggestions system
• General schedule
• School calendar
• Personal schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sports management a good career?

Anyone with a keen interest in the sport sector - whether that is sports communication, public relations, community engagement, management of sports facilities or clubs, should consider a career in sports management. Within the sports sector there are numerous roles and paths to take, but it is undoubtedly a faced-paced, ever-changing environment.

What do sports managers do?

The role of a sports manager entails varying duties and responsibilities depending on the organisation they work at, and the size of the company, whether it is public or private etc.

In general terms, sports managers are responsible for overseeing the successful operation of the club or organisation. Tasks typically include:

• Handling sports’ business aspects
• Drawing up budgets,
• Finding revenue streams,
• Pay bills,
• Hire and manage staff.

Sports managers might also have a say in marketing and sales, sponsorship activities, fan engagement, as well as stadium operation and facility management.

What does an MBA in Sports Management involve?

An MBA in Sports Management, such as the one offered at Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea, offers students the chance to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the world of sport management. This includes leadership, creativity, organisation, teamwork and communication.

Our Sports MBA is a broad programme covering many aspects within the sport sector including: finance and economics, management, communication and marketing, and more. With an academic model based on experiential learning, you will work on real cases, as well as have the opportunity to visit sports organisations, clubs, and companies, to see first hand how the most successful institutions are run.

What are the requirements for sports management?

There are many routes into a sports management career but whichever one you choose, a passion for sport is a vital requirement. If you choose to study the MBA in Sports Management at Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea, you will live a unique experience in which you will have access to the most successful club in European football. Throughout the course, you will be invited to workshops and masterclasses held at the Santiago Bernabeu or Real Madrid City in Valdebebas, attended by leading professionals at the club and within the game.

Keen to give you as broad an experience as possible, you can also take part in trips to London and New York to see how other leading organisations across other sports are run. Our Sports MBA is a globally recognised programme, and ranks as one of the top 10 in the SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings.