Presentation
What is a Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies?
INSEEC’s Grande École programme, specialising in Sports Management and Innovation Strategies, taught in French, prepares you for careers in sports management by combining business expertise, technological innovation and in-depth knowledge of the sports ecosystem. This programme confers a Master’s degree (equivalent to Bac+5) recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and is RNCP level 7 certified.
Diploma and professional certification
This state-approved degree confers a Master’s grade and has been AMBA accredited since 2016, guaranteeing its recognition in France and internationally.
Professional certification as an Innovative Projects Manager level 7 (EU), NSF code 310, awarded by INSEEC Grande École, registered under number 41044 on the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) by decision of the Director General of France Compétences.
Objectives and skills
The aim of the Master’s Degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies is to train managers capable of steering sports organisations, developing innovative strategies and supporting the digital and sustainable transformation of the sports sector.
The programme develops key skills in :
- Management of sports organisations
- Sports marketing and sponsorship
- Innovation and technology in sport
- Sports events and project management
- Sports law and regulations
- Leadership and sports psychology
- Data analysis and performance
- Sustainable management and CSR in sport
The content
The courses below are taught on the Lyon campus. The French-language programme is updated each year to reflect developments in the sports industry, technological innovations and the sector’s sustainability issues.
1ʳᵉ year (Level L3)
60 ECTS credits – 488 hours
This first year lays the foundations for management and develops your understanding of the dynamics of the sports economy. At the beginning of the year, you will spend a week immersed in London.
- Understanding the world’s major issues
- Intercultural skills
- Developing critical and independent thinking
- Become an expert, responsible and efficient manager
- Supervised collaborative work: INSEEC Personal Project
- Undertaking and leading change
2ᵉ year (M1 level)
60 ECTS credits – 436 hours
The second year of work-linked PGE strengthens your managerial skills and introduces you to the specificities of sports management.
- Building autonomy and the ability to decipher the world
- Professional methods, skills and practices
- Career paths
3ᵉ year (Level M2) – Core curriculum
60 ECTS credits – 406 hours
The core curriculum of this 3ᵉ year sandwich course perfects your strategic and leadership skills in the professional sports world.
- Open Innovation Challenge
- Research Methodology Seminar
- Advanced Management
- Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility
- Preparing for the Grand Oral
- Crisis Management Night
3ᵉ year (M2 level) – Speciality courses
Speciality courses immerse you in the strategic, technological and managerial issues facing the sports industry.
- Conflict management
- Introduction to the Business of Sport
- Sports Law
- Leadership and Psychology in Sport
- Digital & media marketing in the sports industry
- Sports marketing and sponsorship
- Data analysis and sports performance
- Events and Sports Project Management
- Innovation and Technology in the sports industry
- Sustainable and ecological management of sport
- Red thread project: Entrepreneurship and innovation in the sports industry
Assessment procedures
The assessment combines different approaches to validate your managerial skills applied to the sports sector:
- Continuous assessment throughout the year.
- Individual projects and group work.
- Half-yearly and final exams.
- Case studies from the sports industry.
- Sports event project management.
- Managerial simulations and role plays.
- Annual entrepreneurial project.
- In-company periods and professional assessment.
Certification is obtained by capitalising on all the skill blocks and validating the 180 ECTS credits over the 3 years of the programme.
Is this diploma recognised by the State?
Yes, it is an official certification from the Ministry of Higher Education. France Compétence guarantees the quality of INSEEC and its courses.
- A demanding quality label appreciated by companies
Nos Campus
Partout en France
École de commerce à Lyon
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Testimonials
Our students are satisfied
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As part of a work-study program at Elba France, I progressed from assistant to junior project manager and now oversee the rollout of campaigns resulting from calls for tenders. INSEEC Grande École provided me with the framework I needed to progress, and if I have one piece of advice, it is to have confidence in your abilities.
Gloria-Divine Ombongo-Pea
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After an exchange program in London, I completed an internship in real estate and digital marketing in Malta. This international immersion experience strengthened my skills and broadened my horizons.
Giscard Rasolondraibe
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After earning a bachelor’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages, I chose INSEEC for a Grande École program in marketing, taught entirely in English and offered as a work-study program. At Fives Machining, I carry out a variety of tasks, from market research to digital strategy, which are perfectly in line with my international ambitions.
Emma Huard
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For RNCP title n°41044
“DipViGrM – Grande Ecole Programme”
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Professional experience
A career path
On a work-study programme, you can join sports clubs, federations, equipment manufacturers, sports marketing agencies or event organisers. You’ll build up recognised expertise in sports management and accelerate your integration into an exciting, fast-changing sector.
L’INSEEC vous accompagne
Un accompagnement dédié dans votre recherche d’alternance auprès des acteurs majeurs du sport à Lyon et dans la région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Job dating
Sessions mensuelles de rencontre avec nos partenaires du sport : clubs professionnels, fédérations, équipementiers, agences et organisateurs d’événements.
Plateforme MatchUp
Milliers d’opportunités d’alternance dans le management sportif, le marketing sportif, l’événementiel et l’innovation dans le sport.
Service Relations Entreprises et Alumni
Réseau de 10 000 entreprises partenaires et 115 000 alumni pour propulser votre carrière dans l’univers du sport.
Ateliers coaching
Programmes hebdomadaires collectifs ou individuels : CV sport business, networking dans le sport, pitch de projets sportifs, gestion de carrière.
Business
What are the career opportunities after a Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies?
This Grande Ecole programme (leading to a Master’s degree) opens the doors to the sporting industry in all its diversity. From club management to event organisation, from sports marketing to technological innovation, there are many opportunities in a fast-growing sector that is looking for profiles that are both passionate and professional.
Application
What are the admission requirements for the Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies?
Admission to 1st year (Level L3)
- Accessible to students holding or in the process of obtaining a BUT, BTS, Licence 2, RNCP level 5 certified qualification (Bac +2), or enrolled in 2ᵉ year of IEP.
- Admission via the Evolution 1 competitive entrance examination (application + oral tests).
- Training given in French on the Lyon campus.
Admission to 2nd year (M1 level)
- Open to students who have completed or are in the process of completing a Licence 3, Bachelor’s degree, Master 1, engineering degree or level 6/7 RNCP-certified qualification attesting to at least 3 years of higher education.
- Admission via the Evolution 2 competitive entrance examination (application + oral tests).
- Training given in French on the Lyon campus.
Are you in a preparatory class?
- You can enter the first year of the Grande École programme by taking the BCE competitive entrance examination.
Your application
- Submitting your application
- Admission test
- Eligibility results
Tuition fees
What are the tuition fees for the Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies?
Tuition fees vary from year to year. Several financing solutions are available to support you.
- 2nd year undergraduate
- 1st year 1-year€12 950
- 2nd year 1-year€13 390
- 3rd year 1-year€13 390
- Grade de Master Degree
Financial aid
INSEEC offers a number of financial aid schemes:
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FAQ
All you need to know about the Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies
The top questions asked about the Sport Management and Innovation Strategies Grande Ecole programme. The team at the Lyon campus remains available for any further information!
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What are the objectives of the Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies?
This course aims to train managers capable of steering sports organisations, developing marketing and sponsorship strategies, managing events and supporting innovation in the sector.
You will develop expertise in sports management, combining management science, technical knowledge of the sector and an understanding of professional and leisure sports activities.
Is the INSEEC Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies recognised by the State?
Yes, the Sport Management and Innovation Strategies programme awards a Master’s degree (Bac +5), which has been recognised by the French government since 2005. It has been AMBA accredited since 2016 and is RNCP level 7 certified (record 41044). INSEEC Grande École is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles.
Which partner companies recruit students from this programme?
INSEEC’s network of 10,000 partner companies regularly recruits graduates of the Programme Grande École (PGE) Management du Sport et Stratégies d’Innovation :
- Professional sports clubs (football, rugby, basketball, handball).
- Sports federations and professional leagues.
- Sports equipment manufacturers and sports brands.
- Sports and event marketing agencies.
- Organisers of sporting events…
What soft skills are developed following a Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies?
This programme develops the qualities that are essential for success in the sports industry:
- Passion and commitment to the world of sport.
- Leadership and team management.
- Reactivity and stress management at events.
- Team spirit and collaboration.
- Creativity and capacity for innovation.
- Networking and interpersonal skills.
Is it possible to do work-study during the INSEEC Master’s Degree in Sports Management and Innovation Strategies?
Yes, this programme is designed as a 3-year sandwich course. This formula allows you to gain solid experience in the sports ecosystem while financing your training. Work placements are also important for building your professional network.
What is the admission process for the Master’s degree in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies?
There are three competitive entrance exams:
- BCE competition for entry into 1ʳᵉ year (L3) after a preparatory year (classe préparatoire)
- Evolution 1 competitive entrance examination for entry to the 1ʳᵉ year (L3) after a Bac +2 (2-year higher education qualification)
- Evolution 2 competitive entrance examination for entry to the 2nd year (M1) after a Bac +3/4 (higher education qualification)
The process includes a file review followed by oral tests to assess your motivation for sport business, your career plans and your knowledge of the sports sector. The presentation of your background and experience in sport is given particular importance.
Which languages are used for courses and exams?
The Grande Ecole Programme in Sport Management and Innovation Strategies (conferring a Master’s degree) is taught in French on the Lyon campus. However, a good command of English is recommended, as the sports industry is international. What’s more, you’ll be working with foreign partners, reading pages of technical documentation in English and keeping up to date with world sports news.
Do I need a STAPS degree to join this programme?
No, you don’t need to have a degree in STAPS (Sciences et Techniques des Activités Physiques et Sportives) to join this programme. The Master’s degree is open to anyone with 2/3 years of higher education: STAPS, business, management, economics, university or school.
What’s important is your passion for sport and your career plans in the sports industry. The teaching combines management and knowledge of the sports sector.
What are the differences between this Master’s degree and a university Master’s in Sports Management?
The INSEEC Master’s degree differs from a university STAPS Master’s in its business and innovation focus. You benefit from teaching in management sciences applied to sport, a network of 10,000 partner companies, 3-year sandwich courses and personalised support. The programme trains sports business managers rather than teachers or coaches, with a strong entrepreneurial and innovation dimension.
Is there an active INSEEC alumni network to help with professional integration?
Yes, the INSEEC network has 115,000 alumni, including many professionals working in the sports industry: clubs, federations, equipment manufacturers and agencies.
This network facilitates your integration through networking events organised in sport, mentoring and job opportunities.
Lyon, with its professional clubs and intense sporting activity, offers a privileged ecosystem for developing your career.
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