The Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) is welcoming applications for its further professional training programmes – two versions of the Master of Sport Administration (MSA) course (international and Russian-language), and Master of Sport Management (MSU), delivered in Russian.
RIOU’s educational courses aim to produce top-notch sports administrators equipped with the right set of skills to effectively manage state-run and non-governmental sports organisations, sports governing bodies at national and local level, sports venues, clubs and leagues, as well as with the expertise to launch their own startups.
All the courses employ innovative teaching techniques and approaches. The RIOU faculty comprises acclaimed professors from leading universities and business schools in over 10 different countries, and practitioners with extensive experience in staging major sporting events.
RIOU’s MSA has been repeatedly ranked second in Europe and among the top ten postgraduate sports management courses in the world (according to the SportBusiness International Rankings, which include 500 postgraduate programmes globally). Instruction in the international MSA is given in the English language. Scholarship options are available here.
RIOU offers its students a rich programme of professional and cultural events to supplement the learning process. Future sports managers will have access to on-site training at the Krasnaya Polyana alpine resort and the Sochi Olympic Park. They will attend Russian national and international sporting competitions, as well as contributing to their organisation as co-organisers or volunteers.
While studying at RIOU, students will be able to build a strong network of professional and personal contacts. The RIOU Alumni Club includes representatives from 87 countries of the world, many of whom are internationally renowned athletes. Graduates from the university’s year-long programmes have an opportunity to take a special professional development course for free. RIOU’s diplomas carrying the Olympic rings are recognised across the world.
RIOU Rector, full member of the Russian Academy of Education, Professor Lev Belousov said: ‘Today’s sports world needs professionals who are able to think out of the box. Employers look for a system approach, a good understanding of marketing principles and excellent communication skills in job candidates. All our graduates have these sought-after competencies, that is why more than 90% of them land jobs in the sports and fitness industry. A decision to continue education is a safe investment in the future and an effective strategy to achieve success.’
For further information on studies at RIOU, please visit the respective course websites: MSA, МСА, МСУ. Contact information: msa@olympicuniversity.ru и msu@olympicuniversity.ru, +7 (862)262-97-20, +7 (862)262-97-22, +7 (862)262-97-24.
RIOU students’ testimonials:
Yorro Njie, MSA 2016/2017, Secretary General, Gambia National Olympic Committee
‘The uniqueness of the program with its world-class courses and conglomerate of renowned professors makes it one of the best MSA program in the world. Internship experience gives me the best hands on sports realities. All of these happening in the Olympic City, in the Olympic University being a part of an Olympic Legacy, makes RIOU unique symbol and place of learning all over the world. I call it the “City of 3-Os”
Anna Bogaliy, double Olympic champion in biathlon:
‘If I had known about educational opportunities at RIOU right after the completion of my competing career, I would not have spent painstaking years trying to gain the knowledge and skills that RIOU can teach you in just one year.’
Natalia Ishchenko, five-time Olympic champion in synchronised swimming, Deputy Chair of the Government – Minister of Sport of Kaliningrad Region, Russia:
‘The global sports events hosted by our country have left a rich legacy. Using it effectively requires state-of-the-art knowledge. I joined RIOU to have access to this knowledge.’
Kang Hwayoung, MSA 2021/2022, Korea, Paralympic Games Sport Coordinator, International Paralympic Committee
‘Thanks to all the professors who shared their experience and expertise, I was able to expand my knowledge and learn more about sport industry in different parts of the world. In addition, having such a diverse class with people from 17 countries was also an advantage in studying at RIOU. Not only did I learn about sport in their countries, but I also learned to communicate with different people and cultures. After the academic courses, I was also able to have internships organized by the university where I applied the theories to the real sport world. The staff from RIOU were really helpful even under difficult circumstances’
Justina Golopolosova, MSA 2024/2025, sports manager and volunteer at mega sports events:
‘I have never regretted making my choice in favour of RIOU. We have a varied curriculum and interesting lecturers from different countries of the world. The learning process is really exciting, and I am happy that I have some sports experience behind me already. Besides, it’s great to have strong support from the university staff.’
Yelena Shalamova, Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics:
‘I think RIOU has the best teaching team. It also has an immense library collection – both online and offline. And students are, of course, one of the university’s most valuable assets! You can learn not only from the professors but from the classmates as well.’
Yekaterina Birlova, European vice-champion in beach volleyball:
‘To work with sports federations and clubs and build strategies one needs knowledge about management, marketing and organisational development. I chose RIOU because it is here that the next generation of sports leaders is being trained.’
Anastasia Ivanova, world and European fencing champion:
‘I was amazed at the university’s atmosphere. It’s beautiful, modern and cosy. People here are kind and warm. And our class is yet another benefit. We immediately became a great team!’
