Ranking
5th
in the UK for Sports Science
Book your Open Day or Make an enquiry
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Course overview
Imagine combining your passion for golf with a top-notch education! Our world-leading golf degree, taught in collaboration with The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), offers you a high-level applied theoretical education and the incredible opportunity to join the PGA. This program is your gateway to turning your love for golf into a professional career, learning from the best in the industry.
One of our students, Josh Etherington, talks about why he chose to study at the University of Birmingham
When I heard about the 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.
Here is a short overview of what you can expect when choosing our Applied Golf Management Studies programme at Birmingham.
Course highlights
- 5th
in the UK for Sport, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
The Complete University Guide 2025
- 6th
in the world for sports-related subjects
QS World Rankings
- Represent the University in team and individual golf competitions. Students who sign up with the PGA may also compete in PGA Tournaments.
- Experience living and working abroad with placement opportunities in destinations including Spain, France, Portugal, UAE and the USA.
- Foster professional connections with placements at top golf facilities in the UK and worldwide, and engage with graduates of the course to enhance your industry knowledge and experience.
- Access to the specialist facilities at the PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry, and the University, including our state-of-the-art Sport and Fitness centre.
- Gain hands-on experience through placements and engagement with professionals and our graduates in the UK and abroad.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
The majority of teaching takes place on our stunning Edgbaston campus, with around one day per week spent using the specialist facilities at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry.
Lecture
Seminar
Workshop
- Lectures are delivered by academic and specialist PGA staff as well as industry experts and our own graduates to ensure your knowledge of the industry and career prospects are kept right up to date.
- Small group seminars enhance learning through problem solving, group discussion and collaboration with staff and your peers. 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.
- Practical workshops are taught throughout the course using the specialist facilities at the PGA to explore and develop hands-on skills in sports science, golf coaching and equipment technology.
Support during your studies
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal tutors - 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 - provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.
Academic Skills Centre - helps you become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support, with workshops on topics such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
Student experience team - will help you get the most out of your academic and social experience, including research opportunities, study skills support and preparing for your post-university careers.
Contact hours
Throughout your degree you can expect an average of 12 hours of contact time per week.
Assessment methods and feedback
The Applied Golf Management Studies assessment methods vary by module and may include individual or group projects, exams, oral presentations, library or web-based research, and fieldwork assessments.
At the start of each module, you'll receive details on assessment methods and timelines. Feedback is provided within four weeks to help you improve for future modules.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Core modules:
| LC Becoming a Researcher | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Introduction to Equipment Technology & Applied Custom Fitting | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Introduction to Golf Coaching and Sports Science | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Movement and Learning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Principles of Sport Business Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must take the Golf Industry Experience Placement in the Summer Vacation
| LC + I Golf Industry Experience Placement |
Teaching staff
Paul Garner
Assistant Professor Sport Coaching and Player Development
Paul Garne's work centres around the interpersonal knowledge requisite of effective coaches and coach developers, and in particular the intentions behind behaviour.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
ABB
- IB
6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall
- BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma will be considered. BTEC Diploma accepted in combination with an A level. BTEC Subsidiary Diploma accepted in combination with two A levels.
Number of A levels required: 3
A Level
ABB
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.
GCSE Requirements
GCSE Mathematics, English and a science at a minimum of grade 4/C
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 (male) and 6.4 (female) 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 Qualifications
BTEC subjects accepted: Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Applied Science, Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Personal and Business Finance, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sport and Outdoor Activities, Sport, Fitness and Personal Training, Sporting Excellence and Performance, Sports Coaching and Development
BTEC Extended Diploma (18 units) considered with D*DD
BTEC Diploma (12 units) considered with DD plus A Level at grade B
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (6 units) considered with a D and 2 A levels at BB
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.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
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. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBC
- Contextual Offer
BBB
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
- £9,535
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 29 January 2025
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are highly sought after and have found employment in golf facilities around the world. Many become full members of the Professional Golfers’ Association, forging careers in Golf Management, Golf Coaching, Golf Organisation, Golf Education and Sports Science related to golf. Graduates may focus on playing Professional Golf, working for equipment manufacturers or are employed by the PGA, while others go onto postgraduate study, in disciplines such as Coaching, Psychology, Business and Marketing.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.