BA (Hons)
International Sports Management with Women’s Football
Degree Programme

Hosted by Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) in Leeds, UK

Spring 2025 programme offering ➝

Degree

BA (Hons)
UK & US Degree

Location

Leeds, UK

Duration

4 Years (Full-time)

Tuition Fees

UK – £27,750
EU, INT & US – £36,000

Learn more

Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA)

Overview

Option to fast-track your degree: complete the UK/US four-year degree in three years.

Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach, which takes four years to complete. However, with our new programme structure students can complete it in three years. Applicants can leverage their A Levels or equivalent qualifications to fast-track their degree, often completing it in just three years. For example, UK A Levels grades BBC-BBB and above are counted as credits for the first year of the degree. Please check the Entry Requirements section for more information.

With our unique American liberal arts and UK combined approach to teaching, our undergraduate degrees ensure students receive a well-rounded learning experience, nurturing critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Students explore diverse perspectives and develop a broad understanding of the world, preparing them for a variety of career paths.

Students will take the following degree paths based on their previous qualifications achieved. There are three different paths to achieve the degree.

Entry to year two based on your entry qualifications
Entry to year one based on your entry qualifications
Entry to year two: Students meeting entry criteria but missing up to 24 US transfer credits (Potential to complete in three years with summers). This option allows US students to seamlessly transfer credits between US universities.

About the programme

About the BA (Hons) International Sports Management programme

Are you passionate about soccer and seeking an International Sports Management degree with a unique edge? With the rising popularity of women’s soccer globally, our BA (Hons) International Sports Management with Women’s Football programme offers you the chance to combine your love for the game with a comprehensive education in sports management, setting you up for success both on and off the pitch. This programme awards you with both a US and UK degree, giving you a competitive advantage in the global sports and leisure industries.

Professional Coaching and Training

Train with a highly qualified, internationally renowned team at the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) in Leeds. Engage in top-quality coaching and competitive soccer, designed to enhance your skills in technique, speed, tactics, nutrition, and health.

Industry-Recognised qualification

Graduate with an English Football Association Introduction to Football Coaching Certificate (FA Level 1 Coaching Award), a valuable credential that will enhance your career in soccer and sports management.

International competition: Play in a 9-month college soccer season

You will train at least four times a week and play across the UK and Europe, usually 20 to 30 games a season. There are exclusive opportunities to compete in tours and pro trials to showcase your abilities. As a RIASA Student-Athlete, you’ll have the chance to play against professional academy teams across Europe, with annual tours to countries like Finland, Slovenia, Latvia, and Sweden. These opportunities not only enhance your soccer skills but also provide exposure to international football networks.

Sporting facilities and accommodation

Study at the state-of-the-art Bodington Football Hub, developed in partnership with the University of Leeds, The FA, The Premier League, and The Football Foundation. Live in comfortable, managed accommodations at Oxley Residences, adjacent to the beautiful Weetwood Hall Estate.

Your academic journey

You will study at Weetwood Hall Estate in Leeds. You’ll learn about the social, economic, and psychological aspects of sports, explore the business side of the industry, and the impact of digital communication. You’ll also focus on managing sports teams and events, understanding marketing strategies within the sports industry, and developing leadership skills. Additionally, you can tailor your studies with electives that deepen your understanding of data analytics or historical perspectives in sports. In your final year, you’ll concentrate on advanced topics and have the chance to gain practical experience through an internship.

Add a minor to your programme
If you are curious about Data Analytics, Marketing or Psychology, you may choose to take a ‘minor’. This is an optional subject in addition to your main programme subject. Having a minor as well as a major component to your liberal arts programme can broaden your options for careers after graduation. The credits you earn will count towards your overall GPA grade and there is no additional tuition fee.

As with all Richmond programmes, you’ll earn both a UK and US degree, enhancing your global career prospects.

Why study BA (Hons) International Sports Management?

Flexible Liberal Arts Framework: Develop problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration skills that will prepare you for personal and professional opportunities
Comprehensive International Sports Management Knowledge: Gain a holistic understanding of sports management that equips you for a career in the global sports industry
Soccer Skills Development: Train with UEFA A and Pro licensed coaches, enhancing your soccer abilities and earning a highly valued coaching qualification
Real-World Experience: Benefit from integrated internships that provide hands-on experience and boost your employability in the sports industry
Global Trial Opportunities: Access trials with clubs in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia, and Latvia, expanding your soccer career opportunities

Our BA (Hons) International Sports Management with Women’s Football programme offers an unparalleled combination of academic rigor, professional coaching, and real-world experience, preparing you for a successful career in the sports and leisure industries. Whether you aim to lead on the field or manage behind the scenes, this programme equips you with the tools to excel.

What you will study

Year 2 (LEVEL 4)

Core courses

SPRT 4101 Global Sport and Social Dynamics
SPRT 4103 Sports Economics
SPRT 4102 Introduction to Sport Business

Complete L4 Academic Literacies required course

LIBA 4301 Academic Research and Writing

Complete L4 Arts/Humanities required course

COMM 4301 Introduction to Digital Communication

Complete L4 Social/Behavioural Science required course

PSYC 4301 Introduction to Sport Psychology

Complete L4 Data/Numeracy required course

MATH 4101 Probability and Statistics

Complete L4 Science required course

SPRT 4301 Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Management

Year 3 (LEVEL 5)

Upper-Division Requirements

SPRT 5103 Sports Management
SPRT 5104 Sports Marketing
SPRT 5102 Sports Events Planning and Promotion
SPRT 5101 International Sports Governance

Complete L5 Research Methods required course

SPRT 5301 Research Methods for Sports Management

Complete L5 Service-Learning required course

LIBA 5302 Service Learning: Leadership in a Globalised World

Year 4 (LEVEL 6)

Core courses

SPRT 6102 Sport Finance
SPRT 6101 Sports Branding and Sponsorship
SPRT 6103 Team and Leadership Dynamics in Sport
SPRT 6110 Senior Project

Plus EITHER

SPRT 6401 Internship

Or both courses

SPRT 6104 Coaching and Team Management in Sports
SPRT 6105 Talent Identification and Development in Sport: Principles and Practice

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching

At Richmond, we do things differently. You won’t just sit in lectures, you’ll collaborate, debate, problem-solve and apply what you learn in real time.

This programme is taught through a mix of seminars, lectures, group work, and hands-on projects. Most classes are small and discussion-led, meaning you’ll have real conversations, not just note-taking sessions. This gives you space to think critically, ask questions, and get personal support from your professors.

Alongside your classroom experience, you’ll also take part in guided learning activities: from guest lectures and field trips to online discussion boards, workshops and research.

You’ll study 32 US credits (128 UK credits) per academic year, with around:

12 hours of contact time per week
4 hours of guided learning
Additional time for independent study, reading, and assignments

Assessment

We assess you the way the real world works, not just through final exams, but through a continuous assessment model, where you’re evaluated throughout the semester.

Depending on the course, you might be assessed through:

Presentations
Essays and term papers
Data analysis and case studies
Portfolios of work
Quizzes and mid-term exams
Final assessments
Class discussions and participation
Industry-based projects or site visits

This means you’ll build confidence as you go, get regular feedback, and develop a range of academic and professional skills, not just learn to cram for exams.

Academic Support

From day one, you’ll be assigned a personal Academic Advisor, a member of faculty who’ll guide your course choices, support your development, and help you stay on track. You’ll meet with them regularly and get advice that’s tailored to your goals, whether academic, personal, or professional.

You’ll also have access to:

Drop-in workshops in maths, writing, tech, and research
Library support with access to 42,000+ journals and digital resources
One-to-one tutoring and feedback
Disability and learning support services, including tailored exam arrangements

Looking for information about our Level 3 Applied Liberal Arts year? You’ll find everything you need here.

Entry requirements

The University accepts a wide range of international undergraduate degree award qualifications. Occasionally the University may invite candidates to attend an interview.

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 [email protected].

Entry Requirements
Entry to year two of the programme Minimum requirements A Levels: BBC / 112 UCAS points BTEC National Diploma: DMM 2 year Associate degree: GPA 2.8 (students are guaranteed entry to year two and possibly year three, depending on transfer credits) International Baccalaureate: 30 points with 4 IB points in all Higher Level and Standard Level subjects French Baccalaureat, Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB)/Baccalauréat Français International (BFI): 12/20 overall with a minimum of 10 in six subjects Diploma di Esame di Stato with 75% overall with a minimum of 6 in six subjects	Entry to year one of the programme Minimum requirements A Levels: CCC / 96 UCAS points BTEC National Extended Diploma: MMM US High School Diploma: GPA 2.8 International Baccalaureate: 26 points Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12) with 75% overall and the Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) with 70% overall Indian Standard 12: 60%
Missing up to 24 US transfer credits will enter year one of the programme (students normally take 3.5 years to complete the degree). US High School Diploma: GPA 3.0 plus 2 APs at 4,4 Indian Standard 12: 70% with 50% in four subjects Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12) with 75% overall and the Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) with 73% overal

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

Academic IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each of the four components (Please note, we are not able to accept the Home Edition)
For tests taken before 21 January 2026: TOEFL iBT: 79 overall with 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 in Writing, 20 in Speaking (Please note, we are not able to accept the Home Edition).
For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026: TOEFL iBT: 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each component.
Pearson Test of English: 60 overall with 55 in each of the four components (Please note, we are not able to accept the Home Edition)
Cambridge: 169 overall with 162 in each of the four components
International Baccalaureate Diploma: English Language
- A Higher Level grade 5 / Standard Level grade 5
- B Higher Level grade 5 / Standard Level grade 5

For more information on English Language requirements visit our How to apply webpage.

Alternative English Language qualifications

We also accept a range of alternative qualifications to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. Validity: For admissions and CAS purposes, period of validity for all country-specific English language waivers is 2 years.

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

Programme Fees (Per Year)
	UK	EU / INT / US
	Fall 2024/Spring 2025	Fall 2024/Spring 2025
International Sports Management with Football - RIASA (per year)	£27,750	£36,000

Please note: Estimated accommodation costs of £7500 are 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

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 are thrilled to offer this BA in International Sports Management with Women’s Football from September 2022. The popularity of women’s football is increasing around the globe year on year. At RIASA, we offer women student-athletes a unique qualification. All of our students gain both a US and UK degree which creates more opportunities internationally. Not only that, but the combination of education and sport in academic and athletic settings, provides students with the key skills needed to succeed within sports management and business environments. RIASA offers students the best possible chance to do well in life – not just well in football.”

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.”

Cole HeardInternational Sports Management (BA)

“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.”

Ethan KrabbendamInternational Sports Management (BA)

“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.”

Shane KingInternational Sports Management (BA)

Study International Sports Management with Football BA (Hons)

Register your interest ➝

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.