Turkish student Alp Emre, is shaping a career in football-focused sports management, and in this blog he reflects on being selected for a Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship and his first few months studying MSc Sport Management and the Business of Football at Birkbeck.
What is your academic and professional background?
I graduated in 2021 from Pamukkale University, Türkiye, with a BSc Civil Engineering degree. Afterwards, I transitioned into the sports industry through the International Sports Management Master’s programme delivered by European Sport Business School in collaboration with Valencia CF.
I then completed an academy operations internship at EuroProBasket International Academy in Spain. Shortly before applying to Birkbeck to study MSc Sport Management and the Business of Football, I joined Villarreal CF as a Business Development intern for five months, where I mainly assisted the marketing and sales departments by supporting the club’s international expansion and sponsorship activities.
Why did you choose Birkbeck for your studies?
I wanted to shape my career on the football side of the sports industry, and Birkbeck was a perfect fit as it provides a clear pathway to specialise in football-focused sports management. In addition to academic courses, the Birkbeck Sport Business Centre organises many informative panels and conferences by inviting guest lecturers, which adds strong practical value to the programme.
Moreover, evening classes allow students to balance their studies with work and daily activities. The central London location of the campus is another advantage, particularly for social life and professional career development. Considering my goals after graduation, London — often described as the “capital of sports” — offers an outstanding job market with numerous stadiums, sports clubs and sports management agencies. All these aspects strongly convinced me to choose Birkbeck.
How does it feel to be a Birkbeck Scholar?
As an international student from Türkiye, I was selected for the International Excellence Scholarship. It is a true honour to be a Birkbeck Scholar, and I am committed to demonstrating strong academic and analytical performance during my studies. I highly recommend that prospective students apply for scholarships at Birkbeck, as the university offers a wide range of financial support opportunities for international students from all around the world.
Living in London
The first few weeks were mostly spent on cultural adaptation and building a daily routine. Living in a city rich in history, art, and intercultural activities is truly inspiring. I do not believe words are enough to fully describe how impressive London is. Every day brings a new opportunity to explore a different park, try popular international cuisine and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
Arsenal Stadium visit
In November, we had a class visit to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium as part of our Sport and Society module. The visit began with a lecture at the Arsenal Hub, where we learned about the club’s community initiatives as well as its local and international partnership strategies. The experience concluded with a stadium tour and a group photo in the Arsenal dressing room. It is always exciting to witness what happens behind the scenes of a major football club, and this visit provided great insights into how elite clubs operate beyond the pitch.
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon completing my education, I plan to gain further experience at a football club or a sports management agency. Birkbeck is helping me refine my skills across the areas of strategy and business development, with a strong focus on the sports industry. Since transitioning into this field, my primary goal has been to work in a well-established organisation within this competitive environment and contribute to impactful projects.
More Information: