Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship - Sports Business Mgt


Institution code	H36
Start date	September
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements
UCAS points A Level BTEC
104 BCC: To include 2 science A Levels (or equivalent) MMM: For BTEC Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Additional requirements

GCSE: Maths and English Language at grade 4/C or above.
The apprenticeship standard assessment plan requires the apprentice to have achieved Level 2 Maths and English at the End Point Assessment Gateway. This requirement must be achieved for the apprentice to register for the End Point Assessment. Where this has not been achieved on entry or cannot be evidenced, the apprentice will be required to take these prior to being accepted on the programme. We will support the apprentice to achieve these qualifications prior to completing their apprenticeship.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: An offer of 96 points from a minimum of 2 higher level subjects at H4 or above or equivalent.
English Language requirements: IELTS of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band or equivalent.
All candidates must be employed in a role related to the subject matter of the Degree Apprenticeship and be sponsored by their employer. Applications can only be made through the sponsoring employer. The university will consider all such applications and will have the final decision whether to accept the candidate for entry to the programme.
Active involvement in sport and exercise is desirable. Some experiences may require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
104	BCC: To include 2 science A Levels (or equivalent)	MMM: For BTEC Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

About the course

The Sports Business Management Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Hertfordshire leads to a BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management (Work-Based). With a strong history of delivering high-quality sports degree apprenticeships, the department benefits from extensive links with sports industry providers both locally and nationally. Many sport graduates have gone on to build successful careers as sports managers across the public, private, and voluntary sectors.

Apprentices will be employed in a sports business management role, working across a wide variety of settings within the sports industry. Their experience will be supported by a large number of academic and industry staff. The variation in sports environments, alongside the individual expertise of sports management professionals and the unique learning styles of apprentices, means that each learner’s journey through the programme is distinct. Combined with part-time academic study, this makes for an engaging and challenging experience.

As with all sports degree apprenticeships, learners will have a minimum 30-hour employment contract and must receive at least 20% off-the-job training. This includes learning delivered by the University of Hertfordshire or in the workplace outside of normal duties. The training is directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and may include lectures, workshops, online learning, shadowing, literature searching, practical skills development, and time for assignment preparation-reflecting the core structure of modern sports science apprenticeships.

Why choose this course?

This course offers the opportunity to study while gaining a full undergraduate qualification, allowing learners to acquire and complete a degree alongside their professional role. The integrated structure of the programme means apprentices can directly apply academic knowledge to their work environment, ensuring that learning is both relevant and impactful from day one.

The course is fully endorsed by the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) standards, providing a recognised framework for professional development. Apprentices will build a strong foundation in leadership, strategic thinking, and operational management, all while enhancing their work-based practice. The ability to put theory into practice is central to the programme’s design, ensuring that academic concepts are immediately valuable within the workplace.

What will I study?

On the Sports Business Management Degree Apprenticeship programme, learners will cover a variety of topics that relate directly to their professional practice. This programme is part of a growing sector of sports degree apprenticeships and is endorsed by the CMDA, demonstrating our ability to provide learners with the theory and tools required to enhance their on-the-job performance. Throughout the course, learners will engage in lectures, workshops, seminars, and work-based projects to support their development.

In the final year, learners will complete two dissertation projects - one focused on the acquisition of work-based experience and the other on independent research in a selected area. Core principles such as British Values, Safeguarding, and Prevent are embedded throughout the programme to ensure a well-rounded and socially responsible learning experience.

As part of this innovative approach to sport degree apprenticeships, learners will work closely with the programme leader and their assigned tutor to maximise their off-the-job learning at the University of Hertfordshire. Each apprentice is also supported by a workplace mentor, who collaborates with university staff to ensure the knowledge and skills gained during on-the-job training are effectively integrated into academic study.

This programme offers an excellent route into professional roles within the sports industry and complements a wider landscape of sports science apprenticeships, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled, work-ready graduates.

Key topics covered on the programme:

sports business management;
professional development;
finance;
leadership and management;
research;
strategy and enterprise.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
The Commercial Environment - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
Examine the external commercial context, including economic, environmental, ethical, political and technological factors, and their effects at local, regional and international levels on the strategy, behaviour and management of organisations. Analyse key concepts, relate those to specific contemporary issues identified, and synthesise and communicate their own views appropriately.
Principles of Marketing - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables apprentices to develop a basic understanding of the main concepts and theories of marketing and sales and how they interact with other business functions in an organisation. Apprentices will study key components of the marketing environment that influence consumers' behaviour and consider marketing and sales strategies for products and services in a diverse business setting. Topics covered will include segmentation, marketing research, marketing mix and competitive positioning. Apprentices will apply this knowledge to a range of different contexts such as consumer marketing, business to business and not for profit.
People and Organisations - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to introduce the key concepts in human resource management and behaviour in contemporary organisations.
Accounting for Managers - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting, from a managers perspective. Areas covered include the collection and reporting of accounting information to both internal and external users, as well as the use and interpretation of publicity available accounting information. The role of accounting in supporting the management functions of planning, control and decision-making is also covered.
Professional Development 1 - CMDA	30 Credits	Compulsory
Professional Development 1 is the Year 1 capstone module in their apprenticeship journey. Supporting their management development, apprentices begin to explore key interpersonal skills and effective self-management and wellbeing techniques. The module provides space to work collaboratively, supporting reflection on progress and setting ambitious targets for the next year.
Analysing and Managing Business Data - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the tools and techniques necessary to uncover information in data sets in order to be able to make suitable decisions based on this information.
The Global Business Environment - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides an introduction to the management environment, supporting apprentices as they begin to make sense of the interrelationships between strategy and operations. Focussing on the range of stakeholders who impact and are impacted by the organisation, apprentices will put their emerging business communication skills into practice.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Managing People - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to enable learners to appreciate the key aspects involved in the management of people in organisations drawing on critical, applied and theoretical approaches.
Professional Development 2 - CMDA	30 Credits	Compulsory
Professional Development 2 is the Year 2 capstone module in their apprenticeship journey. Supporting their management development, apprentices continue to explore key interpersonal skills and effective self-management, as well as evolving emotional and social intelligence. The module provides space to work collaboratively, supporting reflection on progress and setting ambitious professional targets for the next year.
Managing Accounting for Business Decisions - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is aimed at prospective managers to enable them to understand the benefits and potential pitfalls of using management accounting information when making managerial decisions along with understanding financial management decisions in relation to organisational strategy.
Project Planning and Control - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives apprentices hands-on experience of managing the project process. The module content and assessment strategy allow apprentices to study project planning and control in the context of their chosen discipline and from a general project management perspective, thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to other business and management fields and practice. Apprentices benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and seminars, on-line discussions, a simulated project environment, and use of business software tools such as MS project. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.
Cross-Cultural Management - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to provide students an introduction to a contemporary, applied and critical approach to the study of cross-cultural management in an organisational context. It will consider acritical examination of cross-cultural management theories and models, cross-cultural aspects of leadership and motivation, cross-cultural communication and multi-cultural and cross-functional team working. Apprentices will explore theories and models related to conflict management and resolution, cross-cultural management and human resource practices and ethics.
Exploring Sport Ethics - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore a range of issues and concerns relating to sports ethics in 21st century societies. Matters for consideration include amateurism and professionalism, discrimination, deviant behaviour in the sports context, the role of technology and various forms of sustainability. Students will be encouraged to analyse such issues through the application of theoretical perspectives from the field of sports sociology. Be examining ethical values and practices, the module equips learners with the knowledge and skills to 'do well, by doing good'.
Sport Marketing Insights, Analysis and Planning - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
The aims of this module are to enable apprentices to consider the various stages of marketing planning decisions from data collection to implementation. Studying marketing planning decisions within the sports business industry equips prospective managers with the analytical tools necessary to make informed, marketing planning decisions aligned with organisational strategy.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business and Commercial Awareness - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is essentially supported by lectures and workshop-based, where apprentices will role play members of an organisational management team as they develop plan and implement a new product or service for their organisation. The lectures will present theoretical underpinnings for each of the activities required for the case. The workshops will allow apprentices the opportunity to apply theory and develop the skills required via a selection of shorter case-based exercises. The module will consolidate functional business knowledge and provide apprentices with an opportunity to integrate theories and gain experience in a simulated business environment.
Work-Based Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module is work based and allows the apprentices to apply the skills knowledge and behaviours of the CMDA Standard to a real business problem. They will be required to plan and implement a project under supervision and to give a written account of their experience for accreditation.
Apprenticeship Portfolio - CMDA	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables apprentices to examine their learning journey, in terms of the theories, concepts and models which they have researched, the practice that they have encountered and analysed in the workplace, and the interaction between the two. Evidence of this professional growth will be curated in a portfolio.
Digital Economy - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
Topics will include − Definition of digital economy. Development of digital economy. Digital economy as part of the total company profile. Approaches to digital economy. Internal and external effects of digital economy. International methods of digital economy. Strategic advantage and barriers/ challenges faced through the adoption of digital economy.
Strategic Management in Sport - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
Strategic management practice is built on the ability to interrogate, analyse, and combine information from a wide range of sources to support the successful implementation of long-term plans. Drawing on a range of theoretical and practical frames, apprentices will develop their skills in producing business plans to drive strategic change.
Leading People in Sport - CMDA	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the leadership theories and skills required to lead and manage people in the sports industry. Topics that may be covered include: mentoring and coaching; task delegation and leadership of people; goal setting and effective monitoring; using HR systems and embedding the processes into practice to ensure legal requirements and the health and safety of others are met; and managing conversations and constructive feedback

Careers

Graduates from this Sports Business Management Degree Apprenticeship are well-prepared for careers in sports operations, event management, and senior leadership roles within the sports and leisure industries. The skills developed align closely with employer needs and open diverse opportunities through strong transferable competencies applicable across the wider business sector.

What job can I get?

Typical career paths for sport degree apprenticeship graduates include:

sports development manager;
club operations manager;
commercial manager;
athlete services manager;
sports marketing manager;
head of community engagement.

Employability is at the heart of this course, equipping graduates with the leadership, analytical, and strategic skills employers need across a wide range of sectors.

Programme specifications
Sports Business Management (Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship) (Full-Time, Semester A Intake)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

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