M.A. Strategic Sports Management
Berlin, Germany
DURATION
4 Semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,080 / per month *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* • Semestrial or monthly payments are possible • SIgn a study contract for this program by March 15 and get a 1,500 Euro study fee discount.
Introduction
With the Strategic Sports Management Master's program, you train yourself for taking on management positions in the sports sector, a global growth market with above-average growth potential. The basis of the practice-oriented Master's program in sports management is a sound theoretical management basis and its practical application to the sports industry.
The focus is on the global future topics in sports as strategic and practical subject areas. These include foremost leadership, digitalization, sustainability, integrative management, health, and tourism, as well as consulting.
By acquiring management-specific knowledge as well as future- and practice-oriented skills, you are best prepared for the current and future trends and challenges in the sports business.
This lays the foundation for a successful career in sports organizations (professional sports, sports federations, sports clubs), sporting goods and sports equipment manufacturers, marketing and communications agencies, management consultancies, health insurance companies, hospitals, public sports administrations, sports facility operators, (sports) event agencies, (sports) travel providers and (sports) destinations, as well as sports media.
Getting a double degree from two prestigious universities
While pursuing your Sports Management Master's at ISM you have the additional option to earn an international double degree from at ISM and a partner university. This means that in addition to your master's degree at ISM, you will receive a second, internationally recognized master's degree. In some cases, this is even possible during the integrated semester abroad, but depends on the partner university chosen. This way, you can get two master's degrees in two or two and a half years and make a decisive step for your future career. In addition, you will expand your personal network with international students and lecturers and strengthen your language and intercultural skills.
Fast track your studies in just 3 semesters
With the option "Fast Track" the semester abroad is omitted and you shorten your internship period. This allows you to complete your master's degree in only 3 semesters. Prerequisite: you bring 210 ECTS from your Bachelor (an alternative admission to Fast Track is possible via demonstrated work experience or by taking the ISM Pre-Master).
Apply early and enjoy study fee discounts
You can apply now for the fall 2025 studies and enjoy an 1,500 Euro fee discount. For more information, check the study page. The ISM admission test is valid for 1 year and the admission process is free of charge!
- Last Call Discount: Enroll in this program by June 15 (for studies starting in fall) and get a 500 Euro fee discount.
- Early Bird Discount: Enroll in this program by March 15 and get a 1,500 Euro fee discount.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
The ISM offers several grants and scholarships. The ISM sponsors highly dedicated applicants and students from the first term. For outstanding applicants, there is the possibility to apply for a full scholarship as well as a partial scholarship.
Full Scholarship From the First Term
High-performing beginners receive a full scholarship including all tuition fees for the bachelor program (six terms) as well as the tuition fee for the completing bachelor thesis. The scholarship does not contain financial support regarding accommodation, living costs, learning material, etc. Only the tuition fees for international partner universities that can be covered by the ISM’s tuition fee are covered by the scholarship. The remission of fees of the ISM full scholarship refers to the normal period of bachelor studies (only six-term bachelor degree programs). An application for the full scholarship is only possible before the 1st term.
Partial Scholarships
This kind of scholarship covers a part of the complete tuition fees at ISM. It does not contain financial support regarding accommodation, living costs, learning material, etc. Partial scholarships are always granted for two terms. For an extension of the partial scholarship please apply after one year anew.
Fee reduction: The fee reduction will be enabled for students, who cannot pay the full tuition fees due to economic and/or social conditions.
Please note that the ISM scholarship and the Germany scholarship CANNOT be combined!
Curriculum
Semester One
Leadership Skills
- Corporate Governance & Business Ethics
- Negotiation, Communication & Executive Presentations
- Cross Cultural Leadership
Strategy & Innovation in Sports
- Business Models & Strategies in Sports
- Value Creation & Sports Platform Strategy
- Innovation Processes and Structures
Strategic Sports Marketing
- Marketing & Sales Management in Sports
- Brand Management in Sports
- Sports Sponsoring & Rights Management
Research and Evaluation in Sports
- Evaluation Methods in Sports
- Evaluating Sports Brands
- Research Project Management
Sustainability in Sports
- Sustainable Sports Organizations
- Sustainable Sports Events
- New Business Models & Design Thinking in Sports
Internship/ Practical Phase
Semester Two
Digitalization in Sports
- Digital Transformations in Sports
- Digital Sports Products
- Management of Esports
Integrative Sports Management
- Stakeholder Management in modern Sports Organizations
- Developing and New Sports Markets
- Integrative Sports Facility Development
Nature, Sports, and Tourism
- Sports Tourism
- Nature and Outdoor Sports
- Activity and Health
Market Research/Consulting Project
Semester Three
Integrated semester abroad
- You will spend the third semester at one selected partner university which is available from our network of 190 international schools (24 ECTS).
Semester Four
Master's Thesis
- You will receive 30 ECTS for your master thesis.
Program Outcome
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Program Tuition Fee
Accreditations
Program delivery
The Master in Strategic Sports Management focuses on imparting management-specific knowledge as well as future- and practice-oriented competencies for the assumption of management tasks in the sports sector.
To gain international experience, you will additionally spend the third semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities. Your studies conclude with a practice-oriented master's thesis in the fourth semester.
Gain valuable international experience
All ISM Master's programs include an integrated semester abroad, including the Master's in Sports Management. After two semesters at ISM, you will spend the third semester at an ISM partner university abroad. Our network comprises around 190 partner universities worldwide with a variety of specializations.
In the Master of Sports Management degree, you can choose your partner university from an existing network. More information about these universities will follow briefly.
The semester abroad allows you to deepen your subject-specific knowledge. You will also set individual priorities and get to know the intercultural peculiarities of the chosen country. At the same time, you will perfect your foreign language skills. In this way, you will gain experience in sports administration, which will be very helpful when starting your career in sports or related industries.