SP4012 - Finance and Governance in Sport

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the key aspects of finance and governance relevant to the global sport industry. You will be introduced to the core concepts of finance including financial planning, budgeting, income and expenditure, sources of funding and financial reporting. You will also learn how governance is utilised within sport organisations, and how policies are used to deliver strategic plans within sport. The diverse nature of sport and the various stakeholders associated with sport organisations will be introduced to explain how organisational culture and legislation impacts upon legitimacy. Such understanding will help you learn about the key theoretical concepts and skills needed to work within sport organisations across the globe and highlight the diverse opportunities available within the sport management sector.

How will I learn on this module?

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, and you will be able to access materials on the eLP. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. You will learn through lectures, workshops, seminars and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided exercises. You will work on these during seminar sessions to apply theory to practice and to gain a greater understanding of how to become an effective sport manager. International case study material will be used to demonstrate the diversity aspects associated with finance and governance within sport management and the importance of internationalisation. You will undertake practice in developing your management, communication and presentation skills, whilst receiving tutor feedback on your progress.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles of financial planning
2. Identify and describe the role that governance plays in sport organisations globally

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
3. Identify the key financial skills required for a sport manager
4. Demonstrate the multi-cultural skills required for good governance within sport organisations

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural Awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Illustrate international examples of sport management in practice, highlighting the values and ethical issues involved in managing global sport organisations

How will I be assessed?

Summative Assessment:

Group Report (up to 4 people per group). 1,500 words (100% of module mark). Presenting on the financial situation of a sport organisation and reflecting on the role of governance within an international sport organisation. 50% of the assessment mark will be allocated on an individual basis. MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. The assessment will be split into two parts – part A will be a group report of 1000 words and part B will be an individual component up to 500 words.

Formative assessment: - formal lectures will introduce you to key concepts, which will then be applied within seminars. You will work in groups in the seminars and practice your management, communication and presentation skills to complete specific tasks using real life scenarios. Additionally, to support your learning for the assessment, at the beginning of each lecture session, the tutor will recap the main learning outcomes of the previous session and also ensure student learning by asking key questions. This will enable you to develop your understanding of the principles of sport management.

You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

‘Finance and Governance in Sport Organisations’ aims to provide you with an understanding of the key management theories relevant to the global sport industry. The module introduces the core concepts of financial planning and good governance and develops students' understanding of this discipline through the application of management theory to practice via contemporary case studies. Working with experienced teachers in the field of sport management, you will encounter interactive and “fun” teaching styles that help aid your learning and understanding. You will be taught all about the key skills, roles and competences needed in today’s sport industry, such insights will then help give you that “cutting edge” when you apply for that dream sport job. The content of the module will be research-informed and applied and the assessment will reflect this focussing on key functions within sport management and the various international career opportunities that are involved within the subject discipline.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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