Courses in Sport and Leisure Management: What Will You Learn?

Considering a Course in Sport and Leisure Management? 

Courses in sports and leisure management take a student-centred approach to learning. Students engage with the leisure, sports and associated sectors through engagement and actively learning by doing. One thing that takes place through engagement with industry and community is real-life problem solving and reflective and collaborative learning often means that courses in sport and leisure management will use case studies, guest lectures from experts in their field and site trips to a range of leisure and sports facilities. The courses are a mixture of leisure, sports and business theory. The good news is there are tons of courses in sport and leisure management currently available. 

What is Sport and Leisure Management? 

Sport and leisure management involves any combination of skills related to organising, planning, directing, controlling, leading, evaluating and budgeting within the context of a department or an organisation whose primary service or product is related to physical activity or sport. Sport and leisure managers carry out these skills in various organisational settings. For example, college sports, amateur sports, professional sports, sport management and marketing firms; sport communications and news media firms; advertising and corporate sponsorship firms; sporting goods firms; stadium, arenas and civic centres; among many others. The wide range of organisational settings where sports occur means that people can select and pursue careers in the kind of work environment of their choosing and for which they are best suited.  

What Does a Sport & Leisure Manager Do?

You can expect to be responsible for recruiting, supervising and training staff, managing budgets and organising fitness programmes or activities. In addition, Sport and Leisure Managers maintain financial and statistical records, develop new facilities and promote and market the business. Other responsibilities include ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, maintaining the standards of customer service, dealing with complaints, emergencies and enquiries.

Why Work in the Sport & Leisure Industry?

The sports industry is exciting, fast-paced and packed full of diverse opportunities. Not to mention, it is a big business. Whether you are an athlete or simply a sports enthusiast, a career in this competitive and exhilarating field can be uniquely fulfilling, and a qualification in sport and leisure management will certainly help you get there. There are a number of reasons why you should work in the sport and leisure industry. To name a few, it is a growing industry as the industry continues to be funded as many see the value of it. Secondly, it is an industry that is everchanging, making it rather exciting to work in. There are always new opportunities coming out as a result. Another reason to consider working in this industry is that you will most likely be fulfilling your passion. If you are reading this article, chances are you probably are a sport lover and working in the industry will not change any of that. This career is a win win scenario for many people who adore sport, leisure and fitness. The final reason to consider working in this field is that you will get to help people by helping them to achieve their fitness goals and see them strive in the sports they love. Nothing feels better than that. It is truly excellent job satisfaction.

What Will I Learn? 

Students will learn about leisure studies, digital fundamentals and professional business communication. Intercultural awareness in HTLE or language, accounting for leisure and tourism and safety programmes for leisure management will also be explored. The course educates students on marketing for hospitality, tourism, events and leisure, operations, intercultural competence in HTLE or language and leadership in nutrition and health activity. Management for HTLE, sustainable sports and leisure facilities management, strategic management and data analysis will also be explored. Learners will delve into management accounting in relation to planning and control, research methods, marketing strategy for leisure and tourism hospitality, leadership and entrepreneurship. Applied negotiation and conflict resolution, contemporary and future issues in leisure and leisure law are other areas that will be explored. 

Career Opportunities 

After completing your course in sport and leisure management, you can expect to be able to develop careers as consultants, project managers, activity co-ordinators, personal trainers, facility managers, event organisers, national governing bodies, development offices with local authorities and educational institutions. You may also find employment in marketing and sales, information technology, membership management, general management and group management functions within leisure and sports organisations. In addition, students may find employment in financial services, retail and public administration. Some students may wish to set up their own business within the sector also, and the skills and competencies are focused on this during courses in sport and leisure management. 

If you’re serious about doing a course in sport and leisure management, check out courses in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.