Heather NichollsLMEd, a new education initiative from London Marathon Events (LME), has today (Monday 9 November) announced a partnership with the University of Westminster to launch a Postgraduate Certificate in Sports Events Leadership and Management.
The online programme will combine the University’s academic expertise with LME’s experience of planning and delivering some of the world’s leading mass participation sporting events, including the TCS London Marathon.
Building on LMEd’s first partnership with South Thames Colleges Group, which provides a Level 4 pathway into the sports events industry, the new University of Westminster programme offers postgraduate education for industry professionals and graduates anywhere in the world who want to accelerate or develop a career in sports events leadership and management.
The programme will cover topics such as global sports events strategy, leadership and event experience design. Students will also benefit from behind-the-scenes access to the planning and delivery of major events, including the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon, gaining valuable insight into operational, commercial and leadership roles.
Professor Dibyesh Anand, interim vice-chancellor and president of the University of Westminster, said: “Westminster has a special place in the history of the marathon. In 1908, the Polytechnic Harriers – the athletics club of our predecessor, the Regent Street Polytechnic – organised the London Olympic marathon, establishing the distance of 26 miles and 385 yards that later became the international standard.”
Anand added: “This partnership with LMEd builds on that heritage by preparing the next generation of sports events leaders. Bringing together Westminster’s academic expertise, student support and careers-focused learning with London Marathon Events’ industry experience and insight into major global sports events, the programme will give students the knowledge, practical experience and inclusive mindset to thrive in a dynamic, international events sector, supporting them to reach their full potential.”
Last year, the TCS London Marathon alone generated £226 million in economic activity in the UK, according to a report from Sheffield Hallam University, including a direct economic impact of £68 million in London.
The sector’s scale and continued growth highlight the career opportunities available to people from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, added: “Partnering with such a well-respected and diverse educational institution like the University of Westminster is a major step for LMEd as we continue to build the next generation of sports events professionals. With many of our events starting and finishing in Westminster, including the TCS London Marathon, Vitality London 10,000, and Vitality Westminster Mile, this partnership feels like a natural fit. As the world of mass participation events continues to grow, there has never been a better time to build a career in the sector.”
Located in the heart of a city that hosts some of the world’s top sporting events, the University of Westminster shares LMEd’s commitment to increasing diversity across the sports events industry, making it an ideal partner to support LMEd’s growth.
Applications for the Postgraduate Certificate in Sports Events Leadership and Management are now open.