University of Ljubljana

What you'll study

This programme combines management theory with sport‑specific applications. Core areas typically include sport management and organisational behaviour, strategic planning, sport marketing and sponsorship, financial management for sport organisations, sport law and governance, and event and facility management. Research methods and statistics for applied sport research are included to prepare students for a master’s thesis or applied project.

Teaching mixes lectures, seminars, case studies and applied projects. Students commonly engage in practical assignments with clubs, federations, municipal sport departments or commercially run sport facilities. Elective modules allow specialisation in areas such as digital sport marketing, international sport management, sport entrepreneurship, human resource management in sport, or performance analytics.

The programme culminates in an independent master’s thesis or an applied professional project that addresses a current management challenge within a sport organisation, often developed in collaboration with external partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a first cycle (bachelor’s) degree in sport science, business, management, economics or a related discipline. Degrees with a substantial practical or theoretical component relevant to sport management are acceptable. Candidates without a directly related degree may be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate professional experience or preparatory coursework.

Typical application documentation includes a certified transcript of records, diploma or proof of graduation, curriculum vitae, and a motivation letter outlining career goals and suitability for the programme. International applicants whose prior education is not in the instructional language must provide evidence of language proficiency. Some candidates may be invited to an interview or assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across the sport and recreation sector, including management positions in professional and amateur clubs, national and regional sport federations, municipal sport departments, leisure and fitness organisations, and event management companies. Typical job titles include sport manager, club director, events manager, marketing and commercial manager, facility manager, and programme coordinator.

Other pathways include roles in sport consultancy, sponsorship and media relations, sports development with governmental or non‑profit organisations, and entrepreneurship in sport services and technology. The programme also provides a foundation for doctoral study in sport management or related social sciences.

Why study at University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana is the country's leading comprehensive university with established teaching and research in sport and human movement sciences. The Faculty of Sport (Fakulteta za šport) combines academic rigour with applied facilities and laboratories, enabling hands‑on learning in areas such as performance testing, biomechanics and sport sociology.

The programme benefits from strong links with national sport federations, municipal bodies and clubs in Slovenia and the wider Central European region, offering opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and networking. Students gain interdisciplinary perspectives through collaboration with colleagues in business, law and social sciences across the university, preparing graduates for real‑world leadership in the sport sector.