Sport Studies | International Sport Management

You are introduced to the foundations of sport management and society. Courses cover areas such as sports development, event management, research, and personal leadership, providing a broad understanding of how sports operate in local and international contexts. Sustainability and social aspects are highlighted throughout the year, encouraging you to critically reflect on how sport can address wider challenges. Alongside this, you develop essential academic and professional skills, including teamwork, intercultural communication, and critical reflection. During the year, you will also take part in a study trip to a European country, where you will meet sports organisations and experience first-hand how sport is organised in different contexts.

Courses in quarter 1: Sport and society, Sport management, Personal leadership. Courses in quarter 2: Sport and sustainability, Research in sport, Team leadership and dynamics. Courses in quarter 3: Sport ethics, Sport event management, Transformative communication. Courses in quarter 4: Sport and development, Sport venue and facility management, Leading change - application.

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 

• 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 

You deepen your management and leadership skills and start to work more independently. Courses cover areas such as strategic management, sport policy, sponsorship, marketing, communication and technology, people management, and applied leadership. As the year progresses, you are encouraged to integrate insights from these different areas, strengthen your analytical and research skills, and apply them to real-world and interdisciplinary cases. This applied learning prepares you for the final stage of the programme and continues to develop your ability to contribute to making the world better through sport.

Courses in quarter 1: Sport policy, Strategic management and advice, Personal vision and identity. Courses in quarter 2: Sport communication and technology, Applied sport marketing trends, People management and strategy. Courses in quarter 3: Sport finance and economics, Sport sponsorship and partnerships, Applied leadership. Courses in quarter 4: Creative sport projects and enterprise, Research and Knowledge Management and finally an elective slot.

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 an exchange 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

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. 

You complete the first two quarters of the academic year (September to February) by following either a long minor or a combination of a shorter minor and an internship. An exchange period is also possible through ISPM’s network of partner universities around the world, allowing you to gain valuable international experience.

These options allow you to tailor your study path to your personal and professional interests, whether by gaining international experience, specialising in a particular field, or applying your skills directly in practice.

In the final two quarters, you focus on the Graduation Challenge. This project is a substantial assignment for a sports organisation, integrating everything you have learned across society, management, and personal development. The outcome is a bachelor's thesis that demonstrates your academic knowledge and your ability to deliver evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges in sport management, while also contributing to a better and more sustainable world through sport.

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. 

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.