Sport Management - Sport

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.



This one year full time (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 the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to develop a successful management career in the Sport industry. It also provides current professionals with the opportunity to further enhance their management skills. A part-time format (over two years) is available in order to help professionals pursue studies without having to interrupt their career.



What Will I Learn?

On completion of this Programme, students should be able to:

1. Critically apply knowledge and understanding of management theory and techniques to a range of complex organisational contexts / issues within the wider sports industry. (Knowledge)



2. Identify and critically analyse current trends or policy changes and their implications for sport related organisations. (Knowledge)



3. Understand the processes which influence group behaviour and be able to apply leadership skills and function effectively as part of a team utilising skills in listening, negotiating and resolving conflict ; (Knowledge and Skills)



4. Communicate effectively through a range of mediums (e.g., oral, written) (Skills and attribute)



5. Self-direct and act autonomously in planning and implementing projects. (Skills and attribute)



6. Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research relevant to the management of sport organisations and/or events. (Skills and attribute)



7. Recognise career opportunities in the sports industry and utilise transferable management skills to develop a career path within the industry. (Skills and attribute)

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 at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No



The application process for intake in September 2026 is now open, with a deadline for submission of Friday 20th February 2026. We will endeavour to respond to all complete applications as soon as possible. (Subject to the availability of places, we may consider late applications submitted up to Friday 1st May.) It is strongly advised to apply as soon as possible.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

X762: Master of Science in Sport Management (Sport) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



X763: Master of Science in Sport Management (Sport) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught