Sport Law (PG Cert)

Study the UK’s only Sports Law PG Cert, developed with the British Association of Sport Law. You’ll gain the skills to lead and advance your sports law career.

Attendance: Part-Time
Duration: 1 Year
Start date: 03 Oct 2026

The professional sports industry continues to rapidly evolve, with increasing commercialisation driving the expansion of legal roles across clubs, foundations, and governing bodies.

In response to these developments, our Postgraduate Certificate in Sport Law equips you with the competencies to navigate the legal aspects of sport, including the legal, political, and economic dimensions of modern sport.

Pursuing a sports law degree will empower you to engage with the complexities of sport legal issues effectively.

As part of this sports law course, you’ll:

• Develop cutting-edge expertise in governance, sport law, and the many intricacies this specialist area demonstrates
• Gain a critical understanding of the context in which the law operates across sport organisations, governing bodies, and competitions
• Acquire an appreciation of the factors and variables that shape legal practices and procedures in sport law, courts, and tribunals
• Analyse and critique the relevant areas of international law across the sport sector
• Demonstrate the relevance of sport law and its legal heritage by relating it to general law principles
• Conduct independent research and engage with current issues and external factors that influence the legal representation of professional sportspeople
   

History of expertise
Carnegie School of Sport offers a diverse range of sport specialisms guided by nationally and internationally renowned educators. Our school boasts a rich array of specialisms, guided by esteemed teachers, research centres, and industry experts from national and international spheres.

This sports law PG Certificate combines content delivered by our expert teaching team with guest presenters from the world of sport legal practice. Your teaching sessions will provide historical background, illustrating the progression of the specialism of sport law.

Professional partnership
We’ve partnered with the British Association for Sport and Law (BASL) to deliver this unique and pioneering leadership programme. The professional community this partnership creates will serve as a valuable resource for sharing knowledge, networking, and establishing credibility within the sports law sector. You'll be taught by a team of exceptional professionals with extensive experience in the field.

Dynamic teaching and learning
You’ll also benefit from a combination of innovative approaches to your learning experiences. These include lectures, seminars, masterclasses, immersive learning experiences, sport networking conferences, visits to sports and business organisations, action learning sets, peer learning, executive business coaching, experiential learning, and self-directed study.

Modules, teaching and learning

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Why study the PG Cert Sport Law course at Leeds Beckett University?

1. The UK’s only programme of its kind offering a unique opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in sports law
2. Global reputation - we're recognised as one of the top 100 institutions in the world for Sports-Related Subjects*
3. Our partnership with the British Association for Sport and Law (BASL) enables you to share knowledge, network, and establish credibility within the sector
4. Industry links – engage with our professional networks including staff from Leeds United FC, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford City, Barnsley FC, and Leeds Rhinos Netball
5. Opportunities to gain insight - via masterclasses, seminars, and visiting guest speakers from the world of sport law

*2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Career Prospects

To lead effectively in sports law, sports executives must possess both legal and governance acumen. This sports law postgraduate course equips you with the specialist knowledge to significantly enhance your career prospects in this dynamic, growing and competitive field.

As a graduate, you’ll be well-positioned for roles within:

• Sport’s governing bodies
• Law firms with sports practices
• Player representation agencies
• Integrity and human rights
• Compliance or regulatory roles within professional clubs and organisations

The re-establishment of the BASL alumni network, completion of this course, and an up-to-date BASL membership will further support your career development. You’ll benefit from ongoing connections, mentorship opportunities, industry insight, and access to exclusive events or job openings.

Start your journey