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M.A. Strategic Sports Management

Shape the future in the sports business

  • Can be used in many areas of the sports industry
  • Integrated semesters abroad & internships
  • AACSB accredited

Strategic Sports Management at a Glance

Standard period of study
3 semester plus 1 semester master thesis
Semester start
September (fall term)
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Campus
Accreditations
AACSB, FIBAA, German Accreditation Council
Admission requirements

View all entry requirements

The Pre-Master enables you to gain missing ECTS points.

Semester abroad
Practical experience
12 weeks compulsory internship, workshops, excursions
Language
100 % in English
Double Degree

Get a second master's degree from a partner university

Tuition fees

Info Events

Do you want to learn more about us and our study programs? Visit our online info sessions and online trial lectures. We're looking forward to meeting you!

2025-01-16 at 02:00 PM (CET) - Online Info Session
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2025-02-06 at 02:00 PM (CET) - Online Info Session
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The only AACSB accredited private German University of Applied Sciences

ISM is recognized at the highest international level by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and is the only private German University of Applied Sciences holding the prestigious AACSB accreditation. This is an important international seal of quality which certifies excellence in research and teaching.

The key requirements for receiving the prestigious accreditation are: highest quality in teaching, committed lecturers who proactively support students, successful cooperation with companies and international universities as well as very good career entry opportunities for graduates. Only around six percent of all business schools receive this important seal. Read more.


Strategic Sports Management

Shape the Future in the Sports Business

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, sport federations, sports clubs), sporting goods and sports equipment manufacturers, marketing and communications agencies, management consultancies, health insurance companies and hospitals, public sports administrations, sports facility operators, (sports) event agencies, (sports) travel providers and (sports) destinations, as well as sports media.

  • Basic know-how: Business Strategies in Sports, Strategic Sports Marketing
  • specific expertise: Sustainability and digitalization in sport
  • Management in professional sports, sporting goods industry
The specific profile of this master's program with the strategic sports management perspective is designed to meet current demand, has an international orientation, and imparts professional action competencies and problem-solving skills through close practical relevance in the individual courses. . The strict practical orientation and current relevancy of the topics are ensured by lecturing of experts from the sports field as well as cooperations with sports organizations from areas of professional sports, sports associations, sporting goods manufacturers, fitness and health sports as well as sports agencies. In this context, cooperation with the other master's programs at ISM is also carried out on a content level and via projects (consulting, research) in order to encourage interdisciplinary thinking and cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Alexander Hodeck, Director of Studies Master of Strategic Sports Management (English trail)

Fast Track: On the Fast Lane to Your Master in International Management

When you choose the option "Fast Track" the semester abroad is omitted and you shorten your internship period. This allows you to complete your master in Strategic Sports management degree on-campus in only 3 semesters and with 90 ECTS. 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). Find out more from your study advisor.


Gather Strategic International Experiences in Sports Management

Integrated in the Sports Management Master is a semester abroad at one of our 190 partner universities with elective courses depending on your individual study focus. You can either opt for supplementary content from Sports Management (specific) or for a specialization in Marketing and Management (general).

During your semester abroad

  • you will deepen your sports management knowledge in an international context,
  • perfect your foreign language skills,
  • get to know intercultural peculiarities, and
  • have the opportunity to complete a second international degree (Double Degree) at a partner university.
  • Integrated semester abroad at a partner university
  • International double degree possible
  • Fast Track: Graduation in 3 semesters

How Can I Apply?

The Strategic Sports Management Master's program at ISM is not subject to a Numerus Clausus (NC) admission restriction. Instead, there is an internal admission test at the university that assesses your motivation, your skills and your personality. All Bachelor graduates who are interested in sports can apply; in-depth knowledge of sports management is not mandatory.

  • Bachelor's degree (at least 180 ECTS)
  • complete application documents
  • Successful participation in the admission test
Spitzenposition im CHE-Masterranking

Top position in the CHE Master's Ranking

In the current CHE university ranking for Master's degree programs, the ISM was rated very positively for all seven campuses. ISM achieved four out of five stars in all ten categories.

There was particular praise, for example, for the support provided for study stays abroad, the courses offered and for the very strong ties with professional practice.


Where Can I study the Master of Sport Management program?

You can study the Master Strategic Sports Management in the German capital city of Berlin (in English) as well as in Dortmund (if you prefer to study in German language).

Given the economic and global importance of the sports industry, there is be a strong need for well-trained sports managers. The Master in Sports Management program at ISM equips you with all the skills and abilities required for a career in national and international sports management.

So what are you waiting for? Start your sports management degree at ISM now!


International, Individual, Inspiring – Your Advantages at a Glance

High quality education

first-class teaching, AACSB-accredited and with unlimited state accreditation (FIBAA).

Strong internationality
students of 84 nationalities. 30% international students.
Personal teaching atmosphere
study in small learning groups and learn from the best.
Close to practice
56 international & guest lecturers from the business world.
Network
of more than 190 partner universities to choose for your semester(s) abroad.
Future-oriented
With our study programs, you are ready for the working world of tomorrow.

Do you have any questions about studying?
Please contact us!

Send us your questions from Monday to Friday. We'll reply from 10 am to 3 pm (CET) on weekdays. Looking forward to chat!

Please note: our WhatsApp service will not be available during 31.12.24-01.01.25). Please use the ChatBot during this time or send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our student advisors are happy to answer all your questions about the ISM, our study programs, application and selection process and financing options in a personal appointment.
Your Master Study Advisors

Katharina Röder

Campus Dortmund

Katharina Röder
+49 231.97 51 39-447
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Yosra Saleh SM Study advisor

Campus Frankfurt/Main

Yosra Saleh
+49 69.66 05 93 67-49
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Michaela Feldman

Campus Stuttgart

Antonio Luna
+49 711.51 89 62-243
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Nina Weidemann

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
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Florian Dorste

Campus Cologne

Ioulia Aslanidou
+49 221.27 09 95-54
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Jana Gripshoefer

Campus Hamburg & Berlin

Jana Gripshöfer
+49 40.3 19 93 39-42
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