Motorsport degree on the grid
The first business-focused postgraduate motorsport degree in the world is now accepting applications for its inaugural intake.
Course leaders at De Montfort University in Leicester have pulled together a programme to suit any budding team boss, technical manager or marketing director. Candidates looking to get to the front of the pack for the September 2017 Business of Motorsport MA intake have just a few months to apply, with places for this one-of-a-kind degree strictly limited.
Developed by sports lawyer and academic Genevieve Gordon-Thomson, in collaboration with highly respected industry and governance body representatives, the brand-new degree is aimed at postgraduates or those already working within the industry.
Based in the newly-refurbished Great Hall of Leicester Castle, the course will offer a unique insight into the commercial aspects of international motorsport.
Genevieve said, ‘The success or failure of a motorsport team is as much down to its sponsorship, business relationships and cash flow as it is to the technical prowess of the car and driver. The industry is evolving and, as media companies further influence the running of the sport, commercial understanding is more important than ever.
‘Graduates looking to enter the industry and those already working within motorsport, whether they are technical directors, media manager, engineers or pit crew, need to understand the business implications behind everyday decisions.
‘There is a gap in the market for training to equip the next generation of motorsport business leaders and, while there are motorsport engineering programmes, until now there hasn’t been a master’s degree specifically focused on the commercial side of motorsport.’
The one-year (full-time), or two-year (part-time), course consists of four long weekends and two intensive study weeks, supported by online tutorials. This means that prospective polesitters can complete the programme alongside a full-time job in the motorsport industry, as well as picking and choosing the elements that are most relevant to their business requirements.
The degree gives an opportunity to explore the evolving and multi-faceted area of motorsport management through core and bespoke modules, including the history, structure and governance of motorsport; ethics; sponsorship; commerce and branding. The programme also features visits to prestigious UK and international motorsport sites and briefings with high profile industry experts.
Genevieve added, ‘From governance, structure and the principles of sports law, through to the importance and interdependence of commercial rights holders, promoters, manufacturers, teams and sponsors, this course is aimed at enhancing the career prospects of those working or aspiring to work in the industry. We’re really excited to be launching the course and are expecting a high level of interest in this one-of-a-kind opportunity.’
Course applicants usually need to hold an undergraduate degree in a business related or sports subject, or an equivalent professional qualification. However, candidates with significant managerial-level experience, who do not hold a degree qualification, will also be considered.
To find out more, or to apply for the course, visit http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-courses/business-of-motorsport/business-of-motorsport-ma.aspx?utm_source=various&utm_medium=various&utm_campaign=prova&utm_content=motorsport1
