Who is the Distance Learning Course in Sports Economics at the DHfPG Suitable For?
The Bachelor of Arts in Sports Economics distance learning course is aimed at individuals who aspire to a career at the interface of sport, business, and management. The course is suitable both for school graduates with university entrance qualifications and for career changers from the sporting or business environment who wish to deepen their knowledge in the field of sports economics or move into a leadership position in sports clubs, associations, commercial sports providers, or the sports industry. Officials in clubs as well as employees in fitness studios, sports goods companies, or agencies also belong to the target group.
Which Admission Requirements Do You Have to Meet?
To be admitted to the degree programme, you need to fulfil one of the following formal requirements:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
- Qualification as a master craftsman, business administrator, or an equivalent professional further qualification (e.g. technical college certificate, professional development qualification)
- If only the school part of the advanced technical college entrance qualification is present, you can demonstrate the required practical part through an internship; the DHfPG supports you in finding a suitable company
- A signed training contract with a company in the sports or leisure industry as well as a cooperation agreement between the training company and the DHfPG (dual study programme)
- For qualified physiotherapists, a shortened period of study is possible
On a personal level, you should have an interest in business management and exercise science topics. Analytical thinking skills, strong communication, and a willingness for interdisciplinary collaboration are important. Initiative as well as the ability to transfer theoretical content into practical work are required. Experience from sports clubs, engagement in the sports sector, or initial exposure to management tasks make the entry easier but are not mandatory. For the dual study programme, a high level of self-motivation and resilience is required, as you combine study and practical work simultaneously.
These Competences and Contents You Acquire in the Sport Economics Degree
In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Sport Economics, you combine content from economics, sports management, and training science. You learn to specifically apply complex economic processes and management tasks to various areas of the sports market. The programme imparts comprehensive knowledge in:
- Training Science: You gain insights into general training theory, strength, endurance, mobility, and coordination training.
- Economic Sciences: Topics such as business administration (BWL), controlling, finance and accounting, personnel management, sports management, as well as sports and association law are core components.
- Sports Marketing: You develop skills to plan and implement marketing concepts, event management, sponsorship, and targeted marketing of sports facilities and events.
- Health Management in Sport: You deepen your understanding of health science fundamentals and learn how to design and offer health-oriented programmes.
- Communication and Presentation: Competences in service, consulting, and team development are trained as well as the analysis of trends and the development of innovative concepts for the sports industry.
- Legal Framework Conditions: You acquire specialised knowledge of sports and association law and can apply this to the specific requirements of non-profit organisations as well as commercial institutions.
Practical application is paramount: You apply the knowledge you have acquired directly in the day-to-day business, for example in the development and implementation of marketing and sales concepts, sponsorship strategies, or training programmes. Additionally, you can obtain additional qualifications and coaching licences through the recognition of individual modules.
This is How Your Dual Distance Learning Programme is Structured
The Bachelor’s degree in Sport Economics at DHfPG is designed as a dual distance learning programme and lasts for 7 semesters or 42 months. The study schedule combines self-study phases with compact presence events and practical work at a partner company from the sports or fitness industry. During your studies, you attend a total of 61 attendance days which are spread over the entire duration of your studies.
Your theoretical study content is mostly dealt with through self-study using digital learning platforms and written materials. The attendance phases serve to deepen the content, exchange experiences, and prepare specifically for exams. In parallel, you work in your training company and continuously apply what you have learned in practice.
The final examinations take place alongside the studies and at the end of your Bachelor’s programme. The study model allows for flexible learning and promotes a close interlinking of theory and practice.
Which Career Opportunities Does the Sport Economics Degree Open Up for You?
With a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Economics, you qualify for a variety of specialist and management positions in the broad sports market. Possible fields of activity include:
- Clubs, Associations, and Non-Profit Organisations: Management, planning, and implementation of sports and membership programmes, board work, concept development for member retention and acquisition.
- Commercial Sports Providers: Management, organisation, and marketing of fitness and health centres, sports facilities, or municipal institutions.
- Economic Enterprises and the Sports Industry: Activities in sports goods retail, with manufacturers, in event, marketing, and media agencies as well as in sponsorship and merchandising.
- Sports Tourism and Wellness: Development of sport-related travel and wellness concepts, collaboration with providers of sports and health travel as well as in wellness hotels.
- Other Areas of Employment: Market research institutes, sports media, consulting, event management.
The competences acquired during your studies prepare you optimally to take on management and leadership roles, initiate new projects, and develop innovative concepts. Particularly in the growing health and prevention sector as well as in the digitalisation of marketing and events, there is high demand for qualified sport economists.
What Costs Should You Expect for the Bachelor’s in Sport Economics?
The tuition fees amount to 360 euros per month (valid until 30.06.2026). This results in total costs of 15,120 euros for the standard study duration of 42 months. From 01.07.2026, the monthly fee will increase to 390 euros for newly enrolled students.
Usually, the training company of your dual studies covers the tuition fees fully or partially. This arrangement is widespread in the sports and fitness industry. Additionally, it is possible to apply for funding or scholarships. The study costs are tax-deductible. Further individual financing options are available on request.
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