The Master of Arts (M.A.) Strategic Sports Management prepares students for leadership careers in the rapidly growing global sports industry. The programme combines modern business management principles with specialist knowledge in sports management, digital transformation, sustainability, leadership, sports marketing, and international sports business.

Students benefit from real-world consulting projects with professional sports organizations, a compulsory internship, an integrated international semester abroad, and the opportunity to earn a Double Degree with one of ISM's international partner universities. The curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking, innovation, and practical application to prepare graduates for senior management roles in sports organizations worldwide.

Key Reasons to Choose this Programme

• Specialized master's focused on the global sports industry
• Practice-oriented curriculum with industry projects
• Integrated international semester abroad
• Optional Double Degree with international partner universities
• 12-week compulsory internship
• Fast Track option (complete in 3 semesters for eligible students)
• Collaboration with professional sports clubs and organizations
• Small class sizes and personalized learning
• AACSB-accredited business school
• Excellent networking opportunities with sports industry professionals

Subjects / Programme Structure

The curriculum combines management fundamentals with specialized sports business knowledge.

Core Modules

• Leadership Skills
• Corporate Governance & Business Ethics
• Negotiation, Communication & Executive Presentations
• Business Strategies in Sports
• Strategic Sports Marketing
• Sustainability in Sport
• Digitalization in Sport
• Sports Business Innovation
• Consulting Project
• Research Methods
• International Management
• Sports Economics
• Master's Thesis

Practical Components

• 12-week compulsory internship
• Consulting project with sports organizations
• Integrated international semester abroad
• Optional Double Degree programme

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

Students gain expertise in:

• Strategic Sports Management
• Sports Marketing
• Sports Business
• Sports Consulting
• Sports Leadership
• Sustainability in Sport
• Digital Transformation in Sport
• Sports Event Management
• Sports Tourism
• Sports Governance
• Sports Communication
• International Sports Business
• Sponsorship Management
• Sports Innovation

Programme Highlights

• AACSB-accredited business school
• Integrated international semester abroad
• Optional Double Degree
• 12-week compulsory internship
• Consulting projects with professional sports organizations
• Collaboration with clubs such as Borussia Dortmund (BVB) and other sports partners
• Strong industry networking opportunities
• Fast Track completion option
• Access to approximately 190 international partner universities
• Practical learning through real business challenges.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for management careers across the international sports industry, including:

• Sports Manager
• Sports Marketing Manager
• Sports Event Manager
• Sponsorship Manager
• Club or Federation Manager
• Sports Business Consultant
• Sports Tourism Manager
• Athlete Management Consultant
• Commercial Partnerships Manager
• Sports Media Manager
• Sports Facility Manager
• Sports Development Manager
• Brand Manager (Sports Industry)
• Business Development Manager (Sports)

Visa Requirements

International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require:

• A valid German Student Visa
• Official admission letter from ISM
• Proof of sufficient financial resources (such as a blocked account or equivalent)
• Valid passport
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation (if required)
• Academic qualification documents

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The M.A. Strategic Sports Management is offered as a full-time, on-campus programme at the Dortmund campus, with the main intake in September (Winter Semester).
• Students complete a 12-week compulsory internship, an integrated semester abroad, and a consulting project with sports organizations, ensuring extensive practical and international exposure.
• The programme offers a Fast Track option, enabling eligible students with 210 ECTS (or equivalent through professional experience/Pre-Master) to complete the degree in 3 semesters.
• Applicants need a recognized bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS), B2-level language proficiency, and successful completion of ISM's digital admission process. Previous sports management experience is not required.
• The curriculum emphasizes leadership, sustainability, digital transformation, strategic sports marketing, consulting, governance, and international sports business, preparing graduates for leadership positions in the evolving global sports industry.