Sport Management - Sport

MSc Sport Management (Sport)

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)



This one year MSc programme is targeted at graduates aiming to develop a career in the Sport industry and also experienced professionals who wish to enhance their career opportunities within this field. The programme provides graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools and techniques required to solve real life management challenges within the Sport industry.



The programme is informed by the exciting research carried out by our faculty and by Sport industry experts who contribute to both the design and delivery of the programme curriculum. Throughout the programme, students are provided with the opportunity to engage and network with leading figures from the Sport 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 sport organisation, such as the CEO, the high performance director, the coach, support staff and athlete.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

SMGT40380 Sport Leadership & People Mgmt Autumn 10

SMGT40400 Strategy & Operations Management in Sport & Exercise Autumn 10

SMGT40440 Sport Event M & Sustainability Autumn 10

SMGT40370 Sport Governance & Law Spring 10

SMGT40420 Mgmt of High Performance Sport Spring 10

SMGT40450 Sport Marketing & Comms Spring 10

SMGT40080 Dissertation Summer 30

This programme is intended for students with a primary degree in Sport, Recreation or Leisure Management, Sport, Exercise or Health Science or Business Studies. Students with a primary degree in other disciplines may also be considered. An upper second class honours, or international equivalent is typically required. Applicants must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for sport and sport related business. Experience working in sport is desirable. An interview with the Programme Director will also form part of the application process.



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.)

Substantial relevant work experience or experiential learning may be considered as an alternative entry route.



Due to the volume of applications received, early application to the programme is encouraged.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent. Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes.



Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

The application process for this programme closes on Friday 30th May 2025. We will endeavour to respond to all complete applications by Friday 6th June 2025. (Late Applications may be considered up to June 30th 2025, although we strongly advise applying as soon as possible).

1 year full-time (X762), 2 years part-time (X763).

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

Our graduates who possess skills in the core management areas, are highly valued by employers within the Sports industry. Many graduates are working in Ireland and internationally in a range of areas including national governing bodies, international sport federations, sports marketing and event management agencies, professional sports teams and community sport organisations. Other recent graduates are pursuing PhD research in a range of sport related fields.



Our graduates are employed in organisations such as:

• World Rugby

• Football Association of Ireland

• GAA

• Irish Rugby Football Union

• Sport Ireland

• Ireland Active

• Leinster Rugby

• Connacht Rugby

• Munster Rugby

• Racing Post

• Paddy Power

• Sports Marketing & Events Agencies

• Rugby Players Ireland

• Local Sports Partnerships

• Dublin City Council