International Sports Management
PGCert
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in International Sports Management is a globally-recognised, academically sound and industry focused qualification which has been collaboratively developed by the University of London and World Academy of Sport (WAoS).
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Venkatesh Prasad talks about studying at the University of London
The PGCert in International Sports Management aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the latest sport management strategies and develop the skills needed for the professional management of organisations and projects within the dynamic sport industry.
As a graduate of this programme, you will be able to:
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critically engage with and apply a range of management functions including strategic planning, marketing, finance and events and facilities management.
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plan and undertake systematic research into sport-related business and management issues, making selective and critical use of a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies.
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take a critical international and professional perspective that is demonstrably informed by knowledge and expertise in issues including the relations between sport and businesses, societies, and the environment.
Programme Details
Programme structure, modules and specifications
The PGCert in International Sports Management consists of four modules (two core modules and two elective modules).
Individual modules
All modules are also available to be studied on an individual basis. You can apply to take up to three modules (subject to availability) on a stand-alone basis without being registered for the PGCert.
If you then successfully apply to progress to the PGCert, you will be credited with any individual modules completed within three years of your registration.
Key dates
This programme has two intake dates per year: February and September.
How you study
The programme is delivered online and there is no requirement to come to the UK as part of your studies. Our flexible online programme allows you to work around your own schedule and leads to a globally-recognised, academically sound and industry focused qualification that is highly valued by sports organisations.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources including:
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The Student Guide provides information which is common to all students and gives useful information about your relationship with the University of London through to graduation.
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The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers online learning support, access to the student café and discussion areas, past examination papers and other study materials.
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The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings, etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library.
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Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.
Study materials
All essential resources, activities, videos, discussions and support are provided through the VLE. This allows you to fit your studies around your work commitments. There is no need to purchase additional textbooks.
Student Support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Time commitment
The flexible approach to learning allows students to complete the PGCert in a minimum of one academic year to a maximum of five years.
Individual modules can be completed in a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years.
Assessment
Each module is assessed through either a two-hour unseen written examination or a combination of coursework elements of different weighting, consisting of a range of assessment types including reports, policy documents, limited-text presentations and (recorded) oral presentations. All modules are equally weighted.
The written examination will take place in January and June each year.
Individual modules
A student may choose whether or not to be formally assessed in the credit-bearing individual modules for which they are registered. Students who choose to be formally assessed will be assessed in the same way as students studying for the Postgraduate Certificate.
World Academy of Sport study centres
To enhance your learning experience the option exists for students to combine their online studies with face-to-face tuition. Initially, this with be available through accredited World Academy of Sport study centres.
Initially, if prospective students are interested in exploring WAoS study centre opportunities, please contact WAoS at info@worldacademysport.com
Entry requirements
What qualifications do you need?
PG Certificate route
An undergraduate degree (e.g. bachelor) which is considered at least comparable to a UK second-class honours degree, from an institution acceptable to the University or
Successful completion of an undergraduate degree with any final classification (e.g. bachelor), from an institution acceptable to the University plus 2 years acceptable work experience* or
At least 5 years acceptable work experience* in a sport related management role or
Other qualifications such as professional awards will be considered on an individual basis
Individual Modules
Successful completion of an undergraduate degree with any final classification (e.g. bachelor), from an institution acceptable to the University or
2 years acceptable work experience* OR
Other qualifications such as professional awards will be considered on an individual basis
* acceptable work experience is to be considered on an individual basis once a formal online application has been submitted
English language requirements
You need to demonstrate a good level of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:
- IELTS: at least 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in the written test.
- TOEFL iBT: at least 92 overall, with 22+ in reading and writing and 20+ in speaking and listening.
- Pearson Test (Academic): at least 59 overall, with 59+ in reading and writing and 54+ in speaking and listening.
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade C or above).
- Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 120.
Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English. We accept a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. If you do not have evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may consider your case.
Do I meet the language requirements?
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this programme, you will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. You will also need Adobe Flash Player to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files. You will be to be able to record audio and save recordings to a digital format. You are also required to have Microsoft PowerPoint or a similar slideshow presentation programme capable of saving to PDF.
Fees
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2023-2024 session and are effective from 24 January 2023. These are subject to annual increases of up to 5% per annum.
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.
The indicative totals reflect average annual fee increases and assume that you complete the qualification within the minimum time - without resits, and with no law courses (which require additional fees).
*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions.
Additional Costs
You will also need to budget for:
- Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year)
- Exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams
- Tuition costs if you study at a Recognised Teaching Centre.
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax.
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees. (If in doubt, please check with them before making a payment.)
Further information about fee payment options can be found in the “How to pay your fees” link above.
Career opportunities
Your qualification will help open doors to a range of exciting opportunities in sports management.
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register.
Academic leadership
University of London is the awarding body for this programme which has been jointly developed with WAoS.
WAoS has partnered with many of the world’s leading International Sport Federations (IFs), government institutions and major events organisers on the provision of sports management education. From its work with all future Organising Committees of the Olympic and Paralympic Games through to coach development with IFs and supporting emerging athletes at the school level, WAoS is a known innovator across the sector. Due to its work and relationships, WAoS can truly be described as a “World Sport’s Education Partner”.
Programme Director
Dr. Oscar Mwaanga’s professional career has traversed in International Development, Sport for Development (SDP), Higher Education, social-entrepreneurship and innovation. Oscar is an Associate Professor Emeritus with Solent University and a visiting scholar at University of Tsukuba (Japan), University of Zambia and Pan African University (Nigeria). He is also a sports development consultant with the African Union.
Oscar is recognised as one of the 21st century global leaders of the recent SDP movement, co-founding a number of world-renowned SDP programmes including EduMove, EduSport Foundation, Kicking AIDS Out and Go Sisters. His recent work focuses on researching, developing and championing a novel pedagogy called Physically Active Teaching and Learning (PATL) which focuses on the harnessing and promotion of fun physical activities as modalities for learning to promote health and well-being within the school system.
Funding your study
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
