BA (Hons)
International Sports Management with Men’s Football
Degree Programme
Hosted by Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) in Leeds, UK
Degree
BA (Hons)
UK & US Degree
Location
Leeds, UK
Duration
4 Years (Full-time)
Tuition Fees
UK – £27,750
EU, INT & US – £32,150
About the BA (Hons) International Sports Management programme
Looking for an International Sports Management degree with a difference? Achieve a US and UK degree and combine your passion for soccer with a BA in International Sports Management which will give you a head start on and off the pitch for a career in the sports and leisure industries.
Join our highly qualified, internationally renowned team at Leeds-based Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) for your coaching training and all of your studies.
Once graduated, you’ll be unbeatable. You’ll have studied one programme and gained two degrees, achieving a BA in International Sports Management from both the UK and US, opening the door to more international opportunities.
Not only that, you will have gained an English Football Association Introduction to Football Coaching Certificate, a highly prized and practical asset for your future career.
Our academic facilities are situated at Weetwood Hall Estate and our sporting facilities at Bodington Football Hub, which is a new state-of-the-art sports complex developed in partnership with the University of Leeds, The FA, The Premier League and The Football Foundation. Our accommodation for students is in Oxley Residences which is a managed student residence adjacent to Weetwood Hall Estate.
Leeds has a lot to offer students. It’s a bustling city that has a thriving independent food scene, a vibrant creative community and a renowned retail destination.
At RIASA you’ll have the fantastic chance to play in a top quality soccer academy with professional coaching and playing opportunities. You’ll be taken through a rigorous soccer training and playing schedule, with coaching focusing not only on your technique, speed and tactics on the field but on your nutrition and health. Get career advice from our professional UEFA A licensed coaching team on your future soccer options, such as how you can achieve a licensed UEFA coaching qualification.
Alongside the practical side of the programme, you will examine the theory and practice surrounding the management and the business of sports in various parts of the world, and gain the vital business skills required for a successful career in sports management.
Like our other undergraduate programmes, our BA in International Sports Management is based on the American liberal arts tradition, which helps broaden perspective and develops practical skills which are highly appealing to future employers in a global economy.
You’ll begin the programme with a combination of modules on business and sport, together with topics such as Research and Writing and Visual Thinking, to provide a broadened outlook. The second year has a financial and business focus in modules on Sports Business, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics, together with a look at other subjects such as Sports Psychology.
The third and fourth years see a blend of diverse subjects, including modules on Sports Marketing, Sports Events Planning and Promotion, Sports Finance, Sports Economics, Team and Leadership, and Talent Identification. Along with a wide-ranging choice of electives in the final year, you’ll also have the option to do an integrated internship in Sports Management, extending your knowledge and expertise in a specialist area of your choice.
As a RIASA Student-Athlete, you will have the opportunity to play against professional academy teams across Europe on our annual tour to countries such as Finland, Slovenia, Latvia, Sweden and more.
On completing this programme, students will be able to apply for four exemptions (all certificate level) from The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world’s largest professional body of management accountants, entering into their Operational Level.
Why study BA (Hons) International Sports Management?
- Learn within the flexible Liberal Arts framework. Choose your own path – find out more about the Liberal Arts
- Gain all-round knowledge of International Sports Management which will equip you for a career in the sports industry anywhere in the world
- Develop your soccer skills as you train with professional UEFA A and Pro licensed coaches and gain highly valued soccer coaching qualification
- Gain practical experience through an integrated internship in International Sports Management, enhancing your career options
- Learn through the American liberal arts tradition, which helps broaden perspective and develops practical skills
- Opportunities for trials with clubs in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia & Latvia
RIASA London
RIASA is excited to announce that from September 2024, we will be expanding our UK college soccer offering by launching our first-ever London Roster. Aspiring student-athletes will have the choice of 30 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes – all US/UK dual accredited, alongside a challenging and rewarding soccer development programme.
What you will study
Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach which is a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will study our Liberal Arts programme alongside their Major.
Find out more about the Core Curriculum >>
YEAR 1Courses
Plus one of the following:
| YEAR 2Courses
|
YEAR 3Courses
Plus one of the following:
| YEAR 4Courses
Plus one of the following:
Integrated Internship
|
The information above is intended as an example only, featuring course details for the current year of study. In addition to the courses outlined above, there are open electives in each year. Course content and delivery can be subject to change. The number of courses taken by each student may also vary, depending on a range of factors such as transfer credits and academic performance. For more detailed information on the programme specification, please find more details here.
Teaching & Assessment
A normal course load per academic year is 30 US credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits. Students complete 120 UK credits at Level 6 in their chosen major.
The balance of assessment by examination, practical assessment and assessment by coursework will vary for each programme and will also depend on the optional electives you choose each year and may be subject to change. The methods of assessment can involve the use of term-papers, portfolios of work, quizzes, mid-semester and final exams as well as student presentations and general class discussion. Not every component applies to every course, but most do relate to many of the classes that are offered. Many of our courses involve a site visit or require attendance at a public lecture as well.
The approximate percentage of the broad assessment types for the programme, based on 2024/25 entry is as follows.
Core:
- Coursework 42%, practical 27% and examination 31%
Electives:
- Coursework 47%, practical 29% and examination 24%
Entry requirements
At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.
The entry requirements for all undergraduate degree programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.
Academic Entry Requirements
Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.
4 YEARS
- A Levels: 96 UCAS points
- US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)
- International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1)
- BTEC National Diploma: MMM
4 YEARS including summer semester(s) (Extended Degree) (Full-time)
- GCSEs: 5 at grade C or above / grade 4-9 (or equivalent)
Other international equivalent qualifications are accepted. We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us admissions@richmond.ac.uk.
English Language Entry Requirements
For more information on English Language Requirements for your country visit our How to Apply webpage.
BA (Hons) International Sports Management with Men’s Football Extended Degree
There are many reasons why taking this programme with extended programme option could be the ideal choice; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have tried other options such as apprenticeship and want to change direction or have been living abroad.
Whatever your starting point, studying this programme with extended programme option offers you a great opportunity to gain both a UK and US degree and start the adventure of a lifetime, studying with us in the world’s top student city.
This is what our extended programme option can offer you:
- Start this programme with lower entry qualifications, see below
- A four year, full-time degree programme with an extra summer semester in Year 1 included for free, so you can study at your own pace
- Timetabled English and study skills classes to enhance your knowledge and skills
- Great student support including a Personal Academic Advisor, with help on housing, health and wellbeing, financial guidance and careers advice from our award-winning Student Affairs team
Fees & funding
The fees for students starting their programme in the current academic year can be found in the table below.
Undergraduate fees include the following:
- Academic fees – You will study for a BA in International Sports Management and as part of your degree you will complete your FA Level 1 coaching award
- Academy fees – All students will receive a full training, travelling and playing kit as well as a full gym membership
- Accommodation – All RIASA students live on campus, please check out the following link: Accommodation
- Food – You will receive 2 food cards with £500 on each per semester, 1 card is for the campus food court and the other for the local supermarket
UK | EU / INT / US | |
Fall 2024/Spring 2025 | Fall 2024/Spring 2025 | |
International Sports Management with Football - RIASA (per year) | £20,250 | £24,650 |
Please note: Estimated accommodation costs of £7500 included within above fees. For more information please visit the RIASA website.
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
UK students who choose to join the RIASA Undergraduate Programme are entitled to a £3,085 Liberal Arts Award.
Please see here for more details on funding available for international students.
Funding is available for International students. We recommend using the most widely known funding providers, you can also self fund the programme fee. Here are the funding options for you as a student thinking about joining our soccer academy:
- FAFSA loans
- Sallie Mae loans
- GI Billing
- Self Funding
Careers & Employability
The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.
Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.
Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.
Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
How to apply for BA (Hons) International Sports Management
- Apply to RIASA
Hit the ‘Apply Now‘ button to begin your journey to joining Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy. - Connect With Us
You will receive an email from our recruitment team to confirm your application has been received. - Get Accepted by RIASA
After the coaching staff have seen your talent, work ethic and potential, you will receive confirmation that you have been accepted by the soccer side of the programme. - Apply to Academics
Once you have been accepted by RIASA, you will then need to apply to the University. We will provide you with everything you need to make sure your application goes through quickly.
“We believe the combination of education and sport are truly transformative experiences. RIASA is a unique programme that offers students the opportunity to develop their passion for sport within a combination of academic and athletic settings. The degree programme is innovative and rigorous – providing students with key skills needed to succeed within sports management and business environments, and preparing graduates for professional career opportunities offered by global sporting industries.”
Dr Colin Howley
Director of RIASA Programme
What our students say
“From the first time I stepped on campus, I knew the experience would be different to that back home in the US. Football is life over here in the UK and that’s exactly what I wanted to be around.
I was able to train around 4 times a week and travel all around Yorkshire, then Europe and even the world, through football. RIASA took me to places I had never thought about. Riga, Latvia then Kemi, Finland and even Shenzen, China.”
“Four years ago, I chose RIASA because I was looking for an opportunity to develop as a footballer and continue my education.
Working with and learning from coaches who have experience at such high levels of football has allowed me to develop my game and become a more complete footballer. Along with the coaching, RIASA has provided me with the opportunity to play against very talented oppositions, both here in England and around the world. From playing professional academies of premiership and championship clubs in England to travelling around Europe and even to China.
I have been able to do all of this, the travel, the football, and the training, all while still working on my degree which I was able to complete in four years. Due to the unique structure of RIASA that allows athletes to play and study at the same time without having to sacrifice either along with the incredibly helpful academic and support staff, I was able to complete my degree while still prioritising my football development.
After four years here, I have experienced the world, met great people, become a better footballer, and completed university. It has been an unforgettable experience and am happy that I chose RIASA.”
“My time at RIASA has given me the opportunity to not only grow as a player but also as an individual. Moving so far from home and into a completely different culture gives you a great opportunity to grow as an independent person and experience what other areas of the world have to offer.
The training environment here emphasizes the importance of player responsibility. You will get out what you put into the program. On the pitch we have access to great facilities and a highly experienced coaching staff that all come from different backgrounds and experience levels. The staff here are incredibly passionate about what they do and work very hard to provide the best opportunities for their players on and off the pitch.
The opportunities to travel have been immense. In my four years I’ve played all across England as well as Finland, Latvia, Slovakia, and China. This has allowed me to experience different playing styles and levels of competition. Traveling has been the absolute best way to learn about different cultures and gain real world experience.”
Study International Sports Management with Football BA (Hons)
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Play UK soccer. Earn a US & UK degree
RIASA is the only programme of its kind in the world, offering student-athletes, the opportunity to study for a dual-accredited US/UK degree whilst playing soccer in a professional UK soccer environment in Leeds. This BA provides students with the opportunity to pursue their ambitions in soccer with a respected, reliable and transferable degree if their path doesn’t lead to the professional game.
We have a lot to offer at Richmond American University London
Accommodation
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Careers & Internships
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Scholarships
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Student Life
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Download Undergraduate Prospectus
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