Start dates:

July: UCFB Manchester

Course length: 6 months

Course overview

Managing huge financial growth, increasing corporate governance responsibilities and the demands of challenging stakeholders, chief executives need advanced skills and knowledge to succeed in this challenging but immensely exciting industry. Executives are often thrust into the role without any preparation and this course will help with that.

The course is tailored to meet the real demands of leading sporting organisations. Covering leadership, strategic planning, operational management, commercialisation, marketing and communications, the course will provide unrivalled preparation for the role of a CEO in a sporting organisation. The course is delivered part-time over six months in six blocks of two days, in a distance with attendance format which allows you to combine study and work in a way that best suits your working life.

This course is delivered in partnership with Shoosmiths Elite Advisory and Elite Performance Partners.

Teaching locations & learning options

You will study onsite in Manchester and apply your learnings in the workplace. The course will fit around your busy schedule and allow you to benefit from specialist tuition and a series of leading industry speakers. The course is delivered part-time over one year in six blocks of two days, in a distance with attendance format which allows you to combine study and work in a way that best suits your working life. Modules are self-contained and delivered in sequence to ensure everyone on the course can learn from each other’s experiences.

Study by module

Introducing a groundbreaking approach to executive education
Starting July 2024, we're thrilled to offer delegates the opportunity to "study by module". This innovative format empowers busy professionals to tailor their learning experience to fit their schedule and priorities.

With our modular approach, you can select specific topics or areas of focus that align with your professional objectives and interests.

Each module is expertly crafted to deliver actionable insights, practical strategies, and real-world solutions, allowing you to immediately apply what you learn to drive meaningful impact within your organization. Plus, our flexible scheduling options enable you to balance your professional and personal commitments while advancing your career.

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CMI recognition

This course is recognised by CMI (Chartered Management Institute), the only Chartered professional body dedicated to management and leadership.

As a delegate on the course you will receive free CMI membership for one year from the start of the programme, membership benefits including access to ManagementDirect, an online multi-media knowledge base for leadership and management. You will also receive a CMI certificate on completion of the course.

Becky Adlington London Olympics

Sport is your passion, you know it inside and out, but actually you need to get to know it from a business perspective. I think that even if you have been to uni before, what a brilliant add-on this course can be, because this is so different. They have changed the concept entirely and you can see why it appeals to a lot of different people.

Becky AdlingtonDouble Olympic champion

Modules

Introducing a groundbreaking approach to executive education
Starting July 2024, we're thrilled to offer delegates the opportunity to "study by module". This innovative format empowers busy professionals to tailor their learning experience to fit their schedule and priorities.

With our modular approach, you can select specific topics or areas of focus that align with your professional objectives and interests.

Each module is expertly crafted to deliver actionable insights, practical strategies, and real-world solutions, allowing you to immediately apply what you learn to drive meaningful impact within your organization. Plus, our flexible scheduling options enable you to balance your professional and personal commitments while advancing your career.

The People Game

Crafting, conveying, and executing the organisation’s vision, mission, and strategic trajectory. Mastery in guiding the senior leadership team’s development. Embracing the CEO role as the brand’s chief advocate. Upholding the indispensable standards of a top-tier executive team.

The Art of Negotiating

This module equips participants with essential skills and strategies to navigate complex negotiations effectively. Explore techniques for communication, problem-solving, and building mutually beneficial agreements. Master the psychology of negotiation and enhance your ability to achieve optimal outcomes in various contexts.

Secrets to Sport Finance

“Secrets to Sport Finance” offers insights into the unique financial landscape of the sports industry. Delve into topics such as revenue streams, sponsorship deals, athlete contracts, and budget management. Gain practical knowledge and strategies to excel in sports finance management roles.

Communicating with Impact

“Communicating with Impact” is a transformative module designed to enhance your communication skills. Learn how to deliver powerful messages, engage your audience, and leave a lasting impression. Master techniques for effective verbal and non-verbal communication to convey your ideas with confidence and influence.

Preparing for your CEO role

Tailored to the specific needs and preferences of delegates approaching the program’s conclusion, this module will be delivered by Elite Performance Partners. Expect a bespoke experience that addresses your unique requirements, ensuring a highly personalised and impactful learning journey.

Assessment and presentation

The module culminates in a comprehensive assessment and delegate presentation. Showcase your acquired knowledge and skills, demonstrating your readiness for executive leadership roles. Receive valuable feedback and insights to further refine your abilities and enhance your professional development journey.

Entry Requirements

General

Ideally an honours degree or the ability to demonstrate substantive business experience.

Specific

As this is not an academic programme leading to an award, there are no minimum entry academic requirements. However, as this is a professional programme for aspiring chief executives, applicants will be senior-level executives in sport or business, or high-performing professional athletes wishing to transition to a C-suite level role in the sports industry.

All applicants will be interviewed and are required to give a presentation on:

“The characteristics and skillsets of a high-performing chief executive.”

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria for this programme, please email info@vsiee.com

How to apply

To apply for this programme, please click here and follow the instructions to complete your application via our Learner Portal.

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This course has given me a great opportunity to continue the process of developing my own skills. The challenges of leadership and governance in sport are unique and I am really getting a lot out of both the formal learning and the group of other sports professionals in the cohort.

Maggie AlphonsiEngland Rugby

Career Prospects

Meet just a few of the many delegates of the VSI CEO of a Sports Organisation course, that have gone on to achieve great success in high performance leadership roles.

Rebecca Adlington
CEO of a Sports Organisation Delegate Rebecca Adlington Double Olympic champion and Swim Stars director
Read profile
Dave Callan
CEO of a Sports Organisation Delegate Dave Callan Head of Partnerships and Business Development at Team INEOS
Read profile
Zoran Krneta
CEO of a Sports Organisation Delegate Zoran Krneta Sporting Director at Charlotte FC
Read profile
Dave Callan 01

The learnings I’m able to take from this course and the skills I’m able to develop will definitely help me in my quest to build a bright future for the team.

Dave CallanHead of Partnerships & Business Development, Team Ineos

Fees

Introducing a groundbreaking approach to executive education
Starting July 2024, we're thrilled to offer delegates the opportunity to "study by module." This innovative format empowers busy professionals to tailor their learning experience to fit their schedule and priorities.

Course fee
£7,000
Per Module Fee
£1,450
Available tuition fee discount
Postgraduate Loyalty Discounts

These discounts are open to any UCFB, Buckinghamshire New University and University of East London graduate who has received and accepted an offer to study at postgraduate level with UCFB.

UCFB Alumni

If you’d like to extend your time with us, we’re pleased to offer all UCFB graduates:

UCFB and GIS business partners

We're pleased to offer all UCFB and GIS business partners 15% fee tuition discount on all Undergraduate, Postgraduate courses.