Sport Management PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for European Students (exc UK)

A PhD in Sport Management gives doctoral students the chance to undertake in-depth research at the intersection between Sports and Business, exploring the ways in which sports organisations develop and flourish.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Sport Management?

PhDs in Sport Management cover a range of topics closely related to sports, games, athletic performance and commercial activity. Some of the research areas that you might investigate during a PhD in Sport Management include:

• Arena management
• Data-driven decision-making
• Esports
• Leadership
• Recruitment
• Sport facility management
• Sport marketing
• Sport policy governance
• Youth development

Depending on the nature of your research interests, you may be able to explore cross-disciplinary projects related to Sports Law, Finance and Economics.

As well as completing a substantial research project in the form of a dissertation, you could also receive training in a selection of quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Sports Management usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You’ll also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience, depending on the programme.

PhD in Sport Management funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Sport Management are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which provides a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It’s also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Sport Management (although this can’t be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you’re considering a part-time PhD in Sport Management, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Sport Management careers

A PhD in Sport Management can prepare you for employment in a range of roles within different kinds of sports organisations and teams. Your research could also help you enter academia or become a teacher.