The BA (Hons) in Sports Business and Management degree is run in affiliation with EFL in the Community and University of South Wales, allowing students to study remotely with Cardiff City FC Foundation at Cardiff City House of Sport.

This degree provides the opportunity to study in the workplace of a professional organisation in this sector, thus enhancing your employment opportunities.

The course includes academic, practical and vocational elements and seeks to prepare students for a wide range of graduate careers.

To study this degree, you’ll need a formalised affiliation with a professional Sports club, through the EFL. Prospective students don’t need to formally register with EFL – instead students can register their interest with Cardiff City FC via EFL in the Community. But don’t worry, this is quick and easy to do. Once you complete the express your interest form below, we’ll guide you through the process.

Lectures are produced by USW staff, but you study these materials remotely at Cardiff City House of Sport with us. You’re also assigned a Cardiff City FC Community Foundation Mentor who facilitates your learning and supports the organisation of your weekly placement.

A key part of this degree is the increased amount of placement hours you will experience. You will undertake 4-8 hours per week in year 1 and 7-14 hours per week in years 2 and 3. These experiences will mainly be working within the remit of Cardiff City FC and will give you practical experience of working within the sports business and management industry.

You may also get a wider experience through opportunities via Cardiff City FC's sponsors and partners.

You will gain knowledge of the core sports business and management principles and how these are implemented and delivered and managed in the community, and you will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands on work based experiences. Understanding fundamental principles of sports finance, promotion and marketing and how to manage sport.

Module overview

• Academic Research and  Study Skills
• Managing Sport
• Promotion and Marketing in Sport
• Introduction to Sports Business Principles
• Reflection on Learning in the workplace

You will develop the skills and knowledge gained in year one to begin to explore project and human resource management. You will enhance your breadth of knowledge by studying business analytics and enterprise in sport and completing a work-based placement which will enable you to put your ideas and knowledge into practice.

Module overview

• Project Operations Management
• Sport Placement
• Human Resource Management in Sport
• Enterprise in Sport
• Digital Marketing and PR in Sport

The final year will again look to build on the previous year’s topics and experiences and you will now have the opportunity to learn and explore areas of strategic sports development, leadership, policy and governance within the industry and carry out an applied professional project utilising all the knowledge, skills and experience you have been developing.

Module overview

• Applied Professional Project
• Strategic Sports Development
• Leadership in Sport
• Policy, Law and Governance in Sport
• Business Insights for Sports Managers

Typical qualification requirements:

• A minimum of 104 UCAS points

• A Level: BCC to include a Science subject or PE and to exclude General Studies

• BTEC: Distinction Merit Merit

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: C/B in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CC at A Level

Start Date

September 2025

Although the UCAS Deadline has now passed, you can still apply for 2025/26 entry directly through us. Get in touch with us below to register your interest, or to have a chat with us about the degree course!

Aneurin Britton – Employability & Skills Officer | Aneurin.britton@cardiffcityfc.org

Ultimately, all prospective students must apply through UCAS, and at that point, highlight which EFL Professional Club they want to be based at.