Organised by the International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES) in partnership with three universities, De Montfort University in Leicester (England), SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), and endorsed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the FIFA Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport was created to promote management education within the sports world. It has developed to become a top graduate programme developing all-round managers who can cope with the increasingly complex world of sport.
The FIFA Master takes its graduates on a unique journey through three different European countries to study sport. Three distinguished universities in England, Italy and Switzerland, which are among Europe's most sports oriented countries, have come together to provide a ten month programme that combines top-class academic teaching and practical case studies supplemented by guest lecturers and field visits. The course focuses on three key and inter-related aspects of sport humanities, management and law. Once the programme successfully completed, postgraduates receive a joint-diploma delivered by the three universities.
The FIFA Master offers a dynamic international environment with around 20 different nationalities represented in a class of approximately 30 postgraduates that are selected each year. The international multi-disciplinary approach provides postgraduates with the opportunity to learn a broad range of subjects and develop their analytical skills to better cope with the fast-changing trends in the sport industry.
The FIFA Master offers a unique opportunity to meet top executives from high-level international sports federations, clubs, agencies and organising committees, enabling students to build up their own network of contacts - one of the keys to a successful career in sport. On top of these opportunities, each graduate also becomes a member of the FIFA Master Alumni Association (FMA). The FMA plays a crucial role in connecting all alumni of the FIFA Master, creating lifelong bonds between graduates.
The FIFA Master seeks to attract a diverse profile of applicants, those who exhibit a variety of skills and accomplishments. This is in contrast to some courses which target one standard candidate profile. In order to create the most stimulating environment possible for all postgraduates, we consciously select a complementary student body, one that not only reflects a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, but a wide range of personal interests and professional ambitions.
The common characteristics of our postgraduates are demonstrated by leadership potential and a capacity to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
All prospective candidates must:
Failure to fulfil any of the above criteria will mean that your application will not be taken into consideration.
FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, by the SportBusiness International global rankings.
Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (United Kingdom), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).
As the business of football becomes ever more professional, the need for executives with the right knowledge and skill set becomes ever greater. Therefore, The Football Business Academy sat down with industry experts and created a unique and comprehensive program that will prepare students for success in the dynamic, global future of the football industry. The FBA offers a Professional Master in Football Business which is the first of its kind; it’s a hybrid program which takes all the advantages of online and physical courses and combining them into one unique program. This program steps away from traditional course structures and educational models to create a more innovative and complete curriculum which caters to the needs and realities of the football industry as well as 21st-century students.
The FBA concept focuses on three pillars: Knowledge, Network and Experience. Throughout the four modules of the 12-month programme, students will be engaged through online courses, guest lectures, active participation at business events, a provided internship, on-campus courses and workshops, insightful field trips, and a Student Business Project. Having the combination of these different elements and in a structured way is essential in order to understand the intricacies of such a dynamic and fast-paced industry, and we care about making sure our students can easily find a job after their graduation while being fully capable to add real value and help transform it. Raquel Madruga (FBA 2018 Candidate): “I always wanted to work in football and I wanted to expand and know more about the football industry – The FBA program is amazing because it’s very practical and hands-on.”
The program’s academic strength is drawn from the FBA’s international faculty of highly experienced industry professionals, who have a passion for teaching. Our students will be inspired and mentored by the likes of Alfonso Roberes (former Head of International Sponsorship at Real Madrid), Mayi Cruz Blanco (former Head of Women’s Football Development, FIFA), Dennis Thom (Head of Marketing, Borussia Dortmund), Giuliano Giorgetti (Media Content Director, Inter Milan), Jérôme Champagne (former FIFA presidential candidate), and many others, giving our students the ability to develop an unparalleled understanding of the global football industry, work on real practical cases, and expand their network even further.
In this day and age, it is exceedingly important to gain professional experience and create a network of industry contactswhile studying, as more often than not these two factors will shape an alumni’s career development. Most programs do not insist (enough) on these aspects which is why graduates encounter difficulties starting their career in football. In this regard, The FBA’s strength lies in our strategic partnerships with Soccerex and ESSMA: two industry heavyweights who will give FBA students exclusive access to a treasure of specialized knowledge, invaluable networking opportunities and skills, as well as attractive internship opportunities. Since all of this happens during the FBA program, our graduates will be more prepared than any to successfully (re-)launch their career in the football industry.
We seek to attract those diamonds in the rough that, through their personality, attitude, and moral values, will develop into shining leaders capable of handling the challenges and opportunities which the football industry presents them with. The FBA encourages any talent who has a bachelor degree (or equivalent), a decent level of English, and a strong interest in football business to apply to our course.
Ben Cronshaw (FBA 2018 Candidate): “I’ve been in the football industry from a coaching perspective for quite a while, but now I’m looking to move more into the business side of things. The FBA was a fantastic opportunity to do that, it offered things that no other course out there was doing.”
• Online & On-Campus courses • Guaranteed internship in a football club, federation or football related company • World-class faculty: continuous contact with industry professionals • International-focused and independent structure • Business events powered by Soccerex, the global leader for football business events • Field trips powered by ESSMA, the leading platform for stadium professionals • Continuous education and networking: Free lifetime access to courses, community platform and career platform
