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BSc Applied Golf Management Studies

Start date
September
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
N290
Course Type
Undergraduate, Industrial professional experience, Single Honours
Fees

TBC (UK students)

One of our students, Josh Etherington, talks about why he chose to study at the University of Birmingham

PGA logoOur Applied Golf Management Studies BSc is the world-leading golf degree that offers the chance to apply for membership of The Professional Golfers’ Association (The PGA). Our graduates lead the development of golf throughout the world.

The Applied Golf Management Studies programme allows you to combine a high-level applied theoretical degree with membership of the PGA (subject to status and application) as a PGA Professional, PGA Coach or PGA Business Manager.  The degree is taught in collaboration with The PGA, both at the University and at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Applied Golf Management Studies BSc

PGA_TRAININGACADEMY_Workshop

As the golf industry’s leading golf management programme, the Applied Golf Management Studies degree gives you the chance to combine a high-level applied theoretical degree with membership of the PGA (subject to application). 

Across all three years of the degree you cover modules in the areas of business management, applied sports science, equipment technology and coaching theory delivered by specialist staff from the University and the PGA. You also complete three PGA-assessed vocational placements in a golf environment (which are a requirement for full membership of the PGA). 

In the first year you adopt a generic approach to sport and golf, including modules on sports science; equipment technology; coach education; and golf and sport business. During the summer vacation you are also required to complete a placement in collaboration with the PGA.

Year 2 involves modules on: applied sports science and coaching science, equipment technology, marketing and also research methodology as well as an option module. During the summer vacation you can also able to complete a work placement in collaboration with the PGA.

The final year of the programme contains modules on Human Resource Management and golf coaching as well as optional modules. You will also complete a placement report and a dissertation. For those intending to apply for PGA membership a further placement can take place at the end of the year in collaboration with the PGA.

When I heard about the Applied Golf Management degree at the University of Birmingham, it felt as if it was tailor-made for me! The course is unique in what it offers; it is an academic degree incorporating sport science, business and golf-specific technical and industry knowledge.

Katie Martin, Applied Golf Management Studies

Why study this course?

There are plenty of reasons to study the Applied Golf Management Studies BSc at Birmingham:

  • Professional placement: Each summer you are able to organise and undertake a placement in a golf facility. Many students choose to work abroad each year, which gives them the opportunity to experience living and working in a different country. Students have worked in world renowned golf facilities in Britain and Ireland, such as The Belfry, Gleneagles and the K Club and, increasingly students are working abroad in places like Spain, France, Portugal, Austria, UAE, Egypt and the USA , gaining experience and making valuable contacts within the industry. For many students, this has led directly into employment.
  • Extra-curricular golfing opportunities: You will have the chance to represent the University of Birmingham in both team and individual golf competitions. The University runs a number golf teams and has had great success in both the league and knock-out stages of BUCS golf competitions. Students who choose to sign up with the PGA whilst on the degree course also get the chance to compete in PGA Tournaments. 
  • PGA membership – Applied Golf Management Studies is the world-leading golf degree that offers the chance to apply for membership of The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).
  • Career development - as well as studying and playing, the placements and other career development opportunities are central to the programme. The development of career paths within coaching and business at the PGA are also utilised with engagement with graduates working across the industry both in the UK and abroad.

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

You will also take a total of 20 credits from other modules on offer within the School, or from modules on offer from the Business School. Optional modules available varies depending on availability and viability, and agreement from Programme lead. 

Year 3

You will also take a total of 20 credits from other modules on offer within the School, or from modules on offer from the Business School. Optional modules available varies depending on availability and viability, and agreement from Programme lead. 

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules after that date; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

The Government has announced that it will increase tuition fees and maintenance loans by 3.1% from the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 our undergraduate home tuition fee would be £9,535.

Learn more about fees and funding


Scholarships
Learn more about our scholarships and awards

The University of Birmingham Undergraduate Research Experience scheme offers financial support for undergraduates to undertake work experience or a research placement in the summer vacation. The scheme is open to all first-, second- and penultimate-year undergraduate students. It is also open to final-year undergraduate students who are in the process of applying for, or who have already applied for, a place on a postgraduate programme at the University of Birmingham for the current academic year. 

 

For EU students applying for the 2020/21 academic year

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for 'home fee status' for entry in September 2020, and will continue to have access to financial support available via student loans for the duration of their course. For more information take a look at the gov.uk website.

How To Apply

Apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com  
Learn more about applying

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
ABB
Required subjects and grades:
GCSE Mathematics, English and a science at a minimum of grade 4/C

Preferred subjects at A level: PE, Sports Studies/Sports Science, Business Studies, Economics, Design & Technology, Mathematics, A science e.g. Physics, Biology or Psychology.

Specified subjects excluded for entry: We do not accept Applied Science, Citizenship Studies, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Global Perspectives, Moving Image Arts, Science in Society, Use of Maths and World Development.

 

Golf Handicap: 
There is now no requirement for applicants to hold a golf handicap to get onto the programme at point of entry. However, a handicap of 4.4 and 6.4 still applies for those who wish to become a PGA Professional at the end of the programme. For more detailed information please see the programme FAQ section.

BTEC Extended Diploma accepted.

BTEC Diploma accepted in combination with an acceptable A level.

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma accepted in combination with two acceptable A levels.

Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements.

Applicants who take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for the programme, plus an alternative offer, which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

Please note, we are not currently able to accept applications to this programme from international students who require a student visa in order to study in the UK.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

The degree itself takes an applied theoretical approach to golf, and there are plenty of opportunities to develop your game or play other sports in your own time. 

PGA building

How you will learn

You will be taught by expert academics and researchers as well as specialist staff from The PGA National Training Academy. Lectures and seminars with industry experts and our own graduates ensure your knowledge of the industry and career prospects is kept right up to date.

Because of the nature of the degree and the expectations of the golf industry, we expect a high level of commitment from our students.

The close-knit nature of the course will mean that we can get to know you personally, and we believe this is pivotal to your success on the programme.

Support

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to Higher Education.

  • Personal tutors - You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
  • Wellbeing officers - We have dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.
  • Academic Skills Centre - The centre aims to help you become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
  • Student experience - Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They will offer research opportunities, study skills support and help you prepare for your post-university careers. They will also organise social events, such as field trips, to help you meet fellow students from your course.

During your first year it is important that you have a smooth transition into university. You will be able to talk to your tutors about this and discuss if there are particular areas where you need support.

Seminars and tutorials

Your learning will take place in a range of different settings and in the specialist facilities at the University and at the PGA National Training Academy based at The Belfry. Learning will range from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials to self-study and peer group learning. In all three years there are practical sessions related to different aspects of the course, for example in coaching, equipment technology and sports science. Particular attention is paid to developing generic learning skills in addition to specific subject knowledge. We believe that attention to these skills is one reason why our graduates are so attractive to potential employers.

Resources and facilities

The majority of our teaching takes place on our stunning Edgbaston campus, with approximately one day per week spent using the specialist facilities at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry, which is located approximately 15 miles from the campus.

Contact Hours

Throughout your AGMS degree you can expect an average of about 12 hours of contact time per week made up of lectures,  seminars and practical workshops.

Assessment Methods

Studying at degree-level is likely to be very different from your previous experience of learning and teaching. You will be expected to think, discuss and engage critically with the subject and find things out for yourself. We will enable you to make this transition to a new style of learning, and the way that you are assessed during your studies will help you develop the essential skills you need to make a success of your time at Birmingham. 

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, and these may be different with each module that you take. You will be assessed through coursework which may take the form of essays, group and individual presentations, laboratory-based work (depending on your chosen degree) and formal exams. 

During your first year you will undergo a formal ‘transition’ review to see how you are getting on and if there are particular areas where you need support. This is in addition to the personal tutor who is based in your school or area and can help with any academic issues you encounter. 

At the beginning of each module, you’ll be given information on how and when you’ll be assessed for that particular programme of study. You’ll receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks, so that you can learn from and build on what you have done and you’ll be given feedback on any exams that you take. 

In your final year you will undertake an extended research project specific to golf and grounded in the modules that you have studied.

Hear from some of our recent graduates

 

Graduates from this degree programme have found employment in golf facilities around the world. Many have become full members of the Professional Golfers’ Association and have forged careers in Golf Management; Golf Coaching; Golf Organisation; Golf Education and Sports Science related to golf. Several graduates are now employed by the PGA in various roles. Some have chosen to focus on playing Professional Golf and others are working for equipment manufacturers. Many students have undertaken Masters Degrees or PhDs in various disciplines, such as Coaching, Psychology, Business and Marketing.

Destinations of AGMS graduates up to 6 months after their course:

  • Assistant Golf Professional
  • Coach
  • County Development Officer
  • Development Coach
  • Event Manager
  • Golf Associate
  • Golf Coach
  • Intern
  • Golf Professional
  • PGA Golf Professional
  • PGA Teaching Professional
  • Promotions Assistant

Further study

  • Sports Coaching qualification

Examples of current employers:

  • Ryder Cup 2018 (France)
  • Titleist
  • TaylorMade Golf
  • Professional Golfers’ Association
  • Motocadddy
  • GolfBreaks
  • IMG
  • Faldo Series
  • PGAs of Europe
  • Colt Mackenzie McNair
  • European Golf Association
  • Golf clubs and resorts across 17 other countries across the world (See FAQs for more details)

Getting into Golf Careers - further information (PDF 336kb)

Professional Accreditation

This programme can lead to membership of the Professional Golfers' Association (subject to status and application)

For further information and online booklets please contact the Admissions Tutor Paul Garner p.f.garner@bham.ac.uk