Learning

INTRODUCTION

The Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona is the only program in football business and administration based on the management model of FC Barcelona, recognized worldwide, as well as on the great experience of the Johan Cruyff Institute in sport management education.

The program includes lectures delivered by highly recognized football business academics and professionals, and top-level executives in the industry complemented with attendance to several of the most influential international events in the sector, visits to clubs and sports venues, and study trips. It is a fully rounded programme that will give the students the opportunity to gain knowledge, exposure and hands-on experience.

Classes are delivered at Camp Nou and Johan Cruyff Institute, among other locations.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona is to educate with in-depth and up-to-date knowledge and insights from the football industry. Students will analyze the core theories and relevant case studies that will help them visualize the behaviour of the football business. Students will also have the opportunity to learn, interact and contribute with FC Barcelona business strategy and operations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• -Understand the core theories that drive the football business and its organizational behavior and the existing interconnections between different players.
• -Expand the necessary set of skills for managing clubs and other football related organizations in line with their stakeholder framework.
• -Enhance the critical perception of the trends of the business and visualize the future developments of the football industry.
• -Develop your leadership skills in order to improve the positive impact in the entire football environment.

AIMED AT

The target audience of the program is diverse, ranging from qualified individuals wanting to pursue their dream job in the football industry, to well-established football business professionals who want to further develop their career, and current and former athletes who want to expand their knowledge in this area.
People who will complete this Master will be able to work in the following areas:

• Football club governing bodies (football federations and associations).
• Football facilities & events (tournament organizers, sports clubs).
• Community-based football (foundations, municipal governments).
• Sports consultancy (business initiatives).
• Intermediation services (agencies, player representation).
• Marketing & sponsorship (private and public companies).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• We are looking for highly-driven and engaged candidates with proven experience in the football business or in other relevant businesses (minimum of 3 years) and/or
• Candidates with a strong business academic background
• Athletes and former athletes are welcome to enroll in the Master
• The minimum level of English proficiency required is a score of IELTS 6.0, or equivalent, if the candidate attended a non-English speaking undergraduate university.

SELECTION CRITERIAWe select hardworking candidates who have strong leadership and problem-solving abilities combined with great communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills. We are seeking challenging and critically thinking students that will have a strong positive impact in the football business and in the overall community, and who will be able to contribute to building the future of the sport. The admission process will consider all parts of these requirements, together with professional experience and educational background. Meeting all the minimum requirements will not guarantee your admission, but you will be invited to pass to the next stage of the application process.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete the online application form and pay the application fee (€ 140 non-refundable).
2. You will need to submit the following:
   • Three essays (maximum 500 words) on:
     • Your view of the global football business.
     • The situation of the football business in your country.
     • How you will be able to contribute towards improving the football business in your country.
   • Your résumé.
   • A cover letter of maximum 500 words introducing yourself and stating your purpose.
   • Two letters of recommendation.
   • Official transcripts.
3. If the first stage of your application is successful, you will be invited for an online interview. In this interview we will evaluate if your achievements as well as your aspirations and motivations in pursuing this degree, are in line with the objectives of the program.
4. The Admissions Committee decides on approval of admission.

PROGRAM

The study plan of the Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona consists of 13 modules detailed below.

All the modules are preceded by a webinar which introduces the topic of that respective module. The on-campus sessions are divided into three sections: the first one focuses on theoretical knowledge, the second one on practical knowledge, and the third one on networking.

Moreover, throughout the academic program, there are study trips scheduled to expand the knowledge acquired on the program, to learn the different business and management models of prestigious clubs, tour their facilities, and enjoy masterclasses and sessions delivered by the managers and other representatives of each club.

Here are some examples of the club visits during study trips from previous editions:

• Spain: Girona FC, Real Betis, Sevilla FC, Atletico Bilbao, Real sociedad, SD Amorebieta, Real Unión
• Germany: Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfL Bochum 1848
• Netherlands: AJAX, PSV
• UK: Celtic FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Sheffield FC, Everton FC

Students have the opportunity to network and participate among others, at the following summits and conferences:

• World Football Summit,
• Soccerex,
• Sportbiz.
• Sports Tomorrow.
• iWorkinSport.