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Football Management and Finance

Classes

Thursday 16 January - Thursday 13 March 2025, 6pm-7.30pm

9 sessions - Check class timetable

Overview

This online Football Management and Finance short course is offered by Birkbeck in collaboration with Football Benchmark. It offers you unparalleled insights into the evolving business aspects of football and equips you with a forward-thinking perspective on the industry's future trends and strategies. 

Designed for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the industry, this course combines academic excellence with real-world applications. Through expert-led teaching and cutting-edge case studies, you will gain the knowledge and tools you need to excel in the dynamic world of football business.

Guest speakers and themes

This year's course introduces fresh perspectives from industry leaders who share their real-life experiences and provide valuable practical insights. This year, these include key representatives from Football Benchmark, Manchester United and the European Club Association.

As the football industry continues to evolve rapidly within the sports media and entertainment landscape, we will explore the chief elements that drive the economic success of football clubs. Topics include the basics of financial statements, historical trends and forecasts, an overview of financial control mechanisms and the transfer market, as well as emerging trends such as club valuations, youth football, and the growing impact of women's football. 

The course consists of nine sessions based on the following themes:

  • Understanding the basic financial data of football clubs
  • Evolution of the economics of the European football industry
  • Financial control mechanisms and regulations
  • Transfer market trends and player evaluation
  • The financial landscape and business of professional women’s football
  • Football club transactions: investment trends and club valuation
  • Trends in stadium development and facility management
  • Pathway to pro: developing youth players in football
  • Evolution of football clubs’ ownership model

At the end of the course there will be a two-hour examination (100%) assessment.

15 credits at level 7

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements

    Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.

    This short course has no prerequisites.

    As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.

    International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.

  • How to apply

    How to apply

    You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.