MBA + M.A. Strategic Sports Management

Turn your passion for sports into a powerful career in global sports leadership. Through this dual degree program offered by Helvetic Business School in Switzerland and the International School of Management in Germany, you earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from HBS and a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Sports Management from ISM. The program prepares future sports managers to lead organizations, clubs, federations, and events with strategic insight and operational excellence.

2.5 yearsTwo master’s degreesCHF 13’500 per year

Overview

Earn a dual degree in Switzerland and Germany.

Turn your passion for sports into a powerful career in global sports leadership.

Through this dual degree program offered by Helvetic Business School in Switzerland and the International School of Management in Germany, you earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from HBS and a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Sports Management from ISM.

The program prepares future sports managers to lead organizations, clubs, federations, and events with strategic insight and operational excellence.

Program Highlights

At a glance

Degrees awarded
MBA from HBS + M.A. Strategic Sports Management from ISM
Duration
2.5 years · 1 year in Switzerland · 1.5 years in Germany
Study mode
Full-time
Location
La Tour-de-Peilz (CH) & Berlin or Munich (DE)
Language
English
Tuition
CHF 13’500 per year (all tuition paid to HBS)
Lake Geneva and the Swiss landscape
International learning at ISM
CHSwitzerland · La Tour-de-Peilz
DEGermany · ISM campus

Your German academic partner

International School of Management

ISM is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences with campuses across Germany. Its internationally focused, practice-oriented model connects students with industry projects, career support and a diverse academic community. Through the HBS × ISM partnership, HBS coordinates the academic transfer so students can progress from Switzerland to Germany within one integrated dual-degree journey.

Program Format

One year in Switzerland, then Germany

CH

01 / HBS

Year 1 — HBS, Switzerland

MBA core curriculum in leadership, finance, strategy, marketing, operations, and innovation, with sports case simulations, ethical business leadership, and capstone consulting projects.

DE

02 / ISM

Year 2 — ISM, Germany

Specialised courses in sport event planning, sponsorship strategy, sports media, and organizational behaviour in sports in Berlin or Munich, plus a Master’s thesis and an internship.

✦

03 / Thesis

Final semester — ISM

Write and defend your Master’s thesis and complete an internship.

✓

04 / Graduate

Two master’s degrees

Graduate with an MBA from HBS and a M.A. Strategic Sports Management from ISM.

Career Outlook

Where graduates go

Graduates are prepared to take on roles as the global sports industry, clubs, federations, and events. Typical job titles include:

01

Club or Team Manager

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Sports Management pathway.

02

Sports Marketing Director

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Sports Management pathway.

03

Sponsorship & Partnerships Manager

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Sports Management pathway.

04

Event Manager (Olympics, FIFA, etc.)

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Sports Management pathway.

05

Sports Federation Strategist

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Sports Management pathway.

Admissions Requirements

What you need to apply

Dual master applicationA complete academic profile

Admissions checks both HBS entry criteria and the German recognition requirements needed for progression to ISM.

01

A bachelor’s degree recognised in Germany (contact us to check whether your degree is recognised) or an equivalent qualification

02

English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)

03

Motivation letter

04

CV or résumé

05

Transcripts and academic records

How to Apply

Four steps to two master’s degrees

01

Apply to HBS

Apply to the MBA program at HBS for the Strategic Sports Management pathway.

02

Study in Switzerland

Complete your first academic year in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland.

03

Transfer

Transition to ISM in Germany for Year 2 at Berlin or Munich (DE).

04

Graduate

Complete your Master’s thesis and graduate with both degrees.

FAQ

Common questions

No, though previous involvement in sports or events is a plus.

Yes, many students gain internships or part-time opportunities during Year 2.

Absolutely. The program is ideal for global sports management careers.

Tuition & Fees

Program cost

Tuition
CHF 13’500 per year
Paid to
HBS — all tuition is paid to HBS
Additional
Additional costs may apply
Duration
2.5 years — 1 year in Switzerland, 1.5 years in Germany

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Contact

Talk to HBS.

Our admissions team guides applicants through the application, interview, offer, enrollment and visa steps.

Ready to apply

Start your M.A. Strategic Sports Management application to HBS.