St. Thomas University (FL)

What you'll study

This master's combines sport business fundamentals with specialist modules centred on association football across global markets. Teaching mixes applied workshops, case studies, guest lectures from industry practitioners and a capstone project or internship.

• Foundations of Sport Management: governance, organisational design and leadership in sport.
• Global Futbol Markets: structure of international leagues, transfer systems, migration of talent and market dynamics.
• Football Operations and Competition Management: matchday operations, competition scheduling, regulatory compliance and stakeholder management.
• Player Identification and Recruitment: scouting systems, data-informed talent evaluation and contract negotiation basics.
• Commercial Strategy, Sponsorship and Brand Management: sponsorship sales, brand partnerships, fan engagement and digital commercial approaches.
• Finance and Economics of Football: club finance, budgeting, revenue streams and financial fair play principles.
• Sport Analytics for Futbol: performance and commercial analytics, basic modelling and reporting for decision-making.
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Football: contracts, labour law basics, integrity, anti-doping and governance ethics.
• Capstone Project / Internship: applied consultancy project with a club, governing body or commercial partner, or a supervised placement in the industry.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline; degrees in business, sport science, management or a related subject are advantageous. Professional experience in sport, football or related industries can be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

• Academic transcript demonstrating undergraduate degree completion.
• Personal statement outlining career aims and motivation for studying global football management.
• Curriculum vitae highlighting relevant work or voluntary experience in sport.
• Letters of recommendation (usually one or two) from academic or professional referees.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will typically need to meet an English language proficiency requirement.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across the football ecosystem and wider sport business. Typical career paths include positions at professional clubs, leagues and federations, as well as with agencies and commercial partners.

• Club operations and matchday management
• Recruitment, scouting and sporting director support roles
• Commercial roles such as sponsorship sales, partnerships and brand management
• Data analyst or performance-support roles focused on recruitment and player development
• Event and stadium management
• Positions in governing bodies, regional federations or competition organisers
• Consultancy roles serving clubs, leagues and community football programmes

Why study at St. Thomas University (FL)

St. Thomas University is located in the South Florida sports market, offering proximity to professional clubs, academies and sports businesses that support practical learning and placement opportunities. The university emphasises small cohorts and practitioner-led teaching, allowing for mentoring and regular industry engagement.

Students benefit from applied curriculum elements—such as internships and capstone projects—that build workplace-ready skills in operations, commercial strategy and player pathways. The university’s commitment to ethics and community engagement also means graduates are prepared to work in roles that balance commercial objectives with sport integrity and social impact.