Institute of Sports Humanities launch new Strategic Sport Leadership Master’s in partnership with the Leaders Development Institute, Ministry of Sport
The Institute of Sports Humanities (ISH), in partnership with the Leaders Development Institute (LDI) at the Ministry of Sport (MoS), Saudi Arabia, are delighted to announce the launch of a new MA in Strategic Sport Leadership. The programme is due to commence in January 2026. The programme responds to the growing need for globally minded, strategically equipped leaders capable of navigating the complexity and rapid transformation of the international sport ecosystem.
Students on the Strategic Sport Leadership programme will join a powerful international network of sports experts and benefit from relationships across sports and sectors of the industry.
The course, validated by St Mary’s University, London, is suited for professionals to study alongside busy lives and is tailored for leaders navigating the dynamic world of sport. It is designed to provide the intellectual tools, the global vision, the interdisciplinary range and the sports network to drive transformational change, preparing participants to lead in a rapidly evolving global sports landscape.
ISH’s mission is to nurture and inspire sport’s current and future leaders around the world – smart thinking leading to better decisions and braver leadership.
LDI’s mission is to support the development of individuals and institutions across the sports sector, with a vision to enable excellence in the sports sector. LDI will facilitate 25 candidates for each intake of the new MA programme, underlining its commitment to developing world-class sport leadership capability.
Ed Smith, ISH Director and Co-Founder, says: “ISH has always had a global lens on sports leadership. This MA programme, and the evolving partnership with LDI, is an exciting new chapter as we seek to nurture and inspire the sports industry’s current and future leaders.”
Andrew White, ISH Chair and Co-Founder says: “ISH and LDI have been great partners in developing this programme with St Mary’s University London and, as in sport, teamwork is key. ISH recognises the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on global sport and is excited to support the development of its sports sector.”
Dr. Mezna AlMarzooqi, LDI Director General says: “Investing in leadership capability is a foundational pillar for the long-term success of the sports sector. Through programmes such as the MA in Strategic Sport Leadership, LDI is developing leaders with the strategic insight, global perspective, and institutional competence required to drive sustainable transformation across the sports ecosystem.”
The Strategic Sport Leadership MA is validated by St Mary’s University, London. St Mary’s is a Top 10 University for Teaching Quality in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025). The University has a history of success in elite sports, producing a number of Olympians and successful international athletes.
The programme syllabus includes:
The Making of Modern Sport
Strategy, Decision-Making, and Innovation
Sports Global Governance, Nations & Identity
Sporting Events: Context and Content
To find out more visit: https://www.sportshumanities.org/strategic-masters-international
or email: ish@sportshumanities.org
ENDS