FAQs - Applied Golf Management Studies BSc

The current entry criteria for students are to have (or be predicted to achieve) grades of ABB at A-Level or equivalent). Students who are taking qualifications other than A-Levels are advised to speak to the University’s Admissions Team for a more precise comparison. If a prospective applicant, or applicant’s school/college, is unsure ahead of submitting an application, then they should get in contact for further advice. You can also use the online Offer Calculator to give you an indication of what sort of offer you might receive. Click here Offer Calculator

We consider students who are studying a BTEC qualification – please contact Dr Garner for more information on grade requirements, acceptable subjects and qualification combinations.

Typically, prospective students have studied one or more of the following subjects at ‘A’ Level:

• Physical Education or Sports Studies/Science
• Business Studies or Economics
• Design & Technology or Maths
• Science (e.g. Biology, Physics, Psychology)

There is some flexibility, however, and we certainly do welcome applications from students who have not studied these subjects.

For further information, please see the qualifications and links pages online (or contact Dr Paul Garner). The University qualifications webpage can be found at:  http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/requirements/index.aspx

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.

If you are not doing the precise subjects listed above (or perhaps only 1 of the relevant A-Levels), you will also still be considered. If you are unsure about the subjects you are taking or wish to clarify your position, please contact Dr Paul Garner (p.f.garner@bham.ac.uk) to discuss the best way forward.

All students must apply through UCAS (the University & Colleges Admissions System). For details and to apply, please visit UCAS at www.ucas.com. In most cases your school or college will help you with your application. 

Applications will be considered on an individual basis, but students must achieve (or be close to achieving) the entry requirements in order to make it through to the offer stage. When writing their personal statement, candidates should consider their golfing experiences, such as involvement at a golf club, offices held (i.e. Junior Captain), playing representation (i.e. County player) but NOT a list of competitions won), current handicap (at point of application) and also the personal qualities they can bring to the degree course, to the PGA and to the world of golf.

We appreciate that you may wish to write a more generic personal statement if you are applying for a number of different types of degree course, and this is not a problem at all. Although please note that we cannot accept additional references; videos of your golf swing; newspaper cuttings; scrapbooks of achievements or photographs of you with your awards, so please do stick to just the personal statement and academic reference. In order to give us a good indication of your broader skills and experiences, please do consider mentioning how your key skills link to your golf. So, you can discuss your work experience; responsibilities held; volunteering; communication and organisational skills linked to your golf experiences if you wish. It is always very helpful if you do mention (very briefly) your current handicap as well. There is no need to list tournaments won or the name of your coach, so do please consider carefully how you can say as much as you can about yourself and your skills that link back to golf that will not inhibit an application for another course.

In summary, as a minimum, please do mention your golf handicap but do consider what skills you can link to your experiences that admissions tutors from other subjects would hope to see. It is important to note that we don’t discriminate against students who are considering other degree courses. We do not require an additional or specialist golf related personal statement or any other supporting materials.

For information about fees, please visit the Tuition fees for undergraduates website page. It should be noted that there are additional costs linked to the programme and these are outlined in later sections (these includes costs incurred for additional requirements in order to become a PGA member as well as any University sport a student wishes to take part in). 

Programme UCAS details: 

BIRM 
Institution code: B32 
Course code: N290 
Course short name: AGMS

There is NO handicap requirement to apply to get onto the degree, however for students who wish to be eligible to apply for PGA membership as a PGA Professional, they must get to a stage where they are playing off 6.4 (male) or 8.4 (female) or better and be able to demonstrate their playing ability. More details will be provided during the course of the degree.

Once your UCAS application has been processed by the University and passed on to Dr Garner as the admissions tutor, you should have a response to your application through UCAS within the University response time. If you are not successful, that does not mean you cannot reapply next year (having identified areas to work on) or perhaps you might consider the PGA's Foundation Degree (contact the PGA directly for information on this programme) which is the part time distance learning course traditionally undertaken by Assistants working in golf clubs/facilities.

Students will be expected to satisfy a number of criteria. Any offer made is likely to be based upon the following: 

1.   Academic grades (not UCAS points) 

2.   Successful completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the PGA (to be paid for by the applicant)

There are currently Open Days organised at the University in June, September and October of each year.

For precise dates please see the Open Days web pages.

There are also Open Days at The PGA Training Academy, based at the Belfry. Full details of the open day can be found here: https://www.qualifications.pga.info/open-days On each of these occasions we will endeavour to ensure that some current students are available to talk to applicants, and that there are representatives from both the University and the PGA on hand to discuss particular issues.

This degree is a partnership programme that offers the opportunity to study with world leading experts in their fields. It is a degree that combines a high level academic qualification with a vocational focus and professional opportunities. This is one of only two degrees that are accepted by the PGA for application to membership in England. Students who complete the degree have gone on to make a considerable impact upon the development of golf throughout the world. 

The University and the PGA have very strong links, and as well as the full AGMS degree, there is also a Foundation Degree [FdSc] in Professional Golf Studies, which, on completion students can continue studying to obtain a BSc (Hons) degree. We have also developed opportunities for further postgraduate programmes for those involved or interested in golf (we run a popular Master’s degree in Sports Coaching) plus we also have PhD students researching in the golf area. There is active research being conducted into various aspects of the game (e.g. research work with the England Golf), and international links being developed around the degree course itself.

Throughout the 3 years of study you will cover what is an inter-disciplinary approach to golf. You will cover sports science; business management; sports science; equipment technology; and coaching science in an applied and theoretical manner. The modules that you study will be taught by specialist world leading academics and researchers (including PGA golf specialists). You will be taught by staff from the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences as well as specialist staff from the PGA National Training Academy. We also ensure we bring in industry experts and graduates to enhance your educational experience and knowledge.

The degree is set up in such a way that the degree covers both theoretical and applied perspectives. You will also be assessed through essays, presentations, exams, and practical tasks. The marks in your second and third year counting towards your final degree classification on a 25%:75% basis. (It is possible, dependent upon your module and project choice to graduate with a degree based over 60% on your area of interest).

The degree is an applied theoretical approach to the game, and whilst you will be improving your game through applied knowledge and understanding. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to develop your golf in your own time.

Some of the key modules that you cover include (for 2024 entry students):

Year 1 
Introduction to Sports Business 
Introduction to Sport Science & Coaching
Equipment Technology & Custom Fitting
Movement and Learning
Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology
Becoming a Researcher

Year 2 
Integrating Technology into Professional Custom Fitting 
Applied Sports Science and Golf Coaching 
Managing Golf Events
Sport Development
Research Methods and Data Analysis

Year 3 
Golf Operations Management
Leading and Managing People in Sport
Developing Expertise in Golf Coaching
Project

In Years 2 and 3, students can take an optional module around the areas of sports science, coaching, psychology, or business within each of those years.

It is possible for students on the degree (subject to achieving an average mark of 60%+ in Year 1) To spend a year studying at a university abroad between year 2 and 3 of the programme. This means that you can study a related subject (in English) at an international university plus also potentially play University level golf – so potentially an option for those who have considered playing College Golf in the USA (for example). More details can be made available, but previous students from the School have recently undertaken their International Year at the likes of:

• Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau
• Brock University
• California Polytechnic State University
• Endicott College
• Iowa State University
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• Nanyang Technological University
• National University of Singapore
• Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet
• North Central College
• Queensland University of Technology
• RMIT University
• San Francisco State University
• San José State University
• The California State University
• The University of Auckland
• Universidad de Guadalajara
• Universiti Malaya
• University College Dublin
• University of Adelaide
• University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus
• University of British Columbia – Vancouver Campus
• University of Hawaii at Manoa
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of Manitoba
• University of Maryland, College Park
• University of Melbourne
• University of Miami
• University of New Brunswick
• University of New South Wales
• University of North Texas
• University of Queensland
• University of Sydney
• University of Technology, Sydney
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• University of Waterloo: Exchange
• University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
• University of Wollongong
• University of Wyoming
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University

Successful completion of the International Year Abroad leads to the following qualification: BSc (Hons) Applied Golf Management Studies (with International Year). There is a requirement of paying 15% fees plus living costs etc. For additional information see https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/study-abroad/study-abroad-outgoing/index.aspx

Lectures will take place at the Edgbaston campus as well as at The PGA National Training Academy (The Belfry) 15 miles away. Students are required to arrange and fund their own travel to The Belfry. It is possible that students will be expected to travel between The University and The PGA Training Academy for lectures on the same day. Precise details will be available on entry to the course, but it is anticipated that there will be one timetabled day per week at The Belfry, where the specialist golf teaching, swing room, gym and workshop facilities as well as driving range at The PGA Training Academy are utilised wherever possible. The remaining delivery will be based at the University. More details will be provided upon entry.

Every year, we receive applications from students who wish to return from studying in the USA in order to gain PGA Status in the UK. These students have realised that studying and playing in the USA is a great experience, but it is difficult to find a future there. We advise you very strongly to do your homework before you decide what to do. Whilst it is very nice to be approached by a scout to go to the USA, please investigate this option very carefully. Also bear in mind that you will probably have been approached by a profit-making individual/organisation who act as an intermediary. We have heard of many cases where students have lost their scholarship after 1 year and been charged full fees. Do remember, if you choose to go to the USA but want to work in golf or be a PGA member, you will need to return and undertake another 3 years of training back in the UK.

Whilst you might enjoy your time in the USA, there is little chance of being able to achieve PGA of America membership unless you are a US citizen or possess an appropriate visa. Academically, the degrees in the USA are also different from those available in the UK. Typically a four year Bachelors degree with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 in the US is usually equivalent to a three year Bachelors degree at 2:1 level.

In short, if you are thinking about going to the USA, please research everything thoroughly and consider where you want to be in 5 years time. If you were to study in the USA but then wish to become a member of The PGA (of Great Britain and Ireland), you would have to complete a further 3 years of study, either on the Foundation Degree or AGMS. From experience we would recommend doing your degree/gaining PGA Status in the UK and then (perhaps) going on to study for a postgraduate qualification in the USA. Whichever you choose, please do your research thoroughly.

As well as studying, students will have the opportunity to play sport and socialise, and you will have the chance to play golf in your free time. However, this does mean you will need to be good at time management, and certainly should not compromise your studies. 

On a Wednesday afternoon you are free to play BUCS golf, or to play for one of the many other University of Birmingham sports teams. It is also possible to play in the BUCS strokeplay events which take place around the country. It is however, up to you to keep your handicap at the required standard, and play in as many competition rounds as you can. Should you choose to become a ‘PGA Trainee’, you will also be required to play at least 7 PGA-endorsed tournament rounds in each year of membership. 

We encourage students to play in competitions, but not to the detriment of their studies. Students wishing to compete during term time (that may interrupt their studies) should speak to the Programme Lead. 

Tragically, in October 2004 one of our Year 3 students was killed in an accident. In his memory we set up the Chris Gray Memorial Trophy which is open to students and graduates of the degree, and is played every year.

The success of the degree has certainly helped improve Golf at the University and the teams have developed quickly. The University squad is one of the strongest in the UK. In the past few years our students have won team and individual recognition at local and national level, as well as playing on various tours (e.g. Jamega Tour, ClutchPro Tour).

Amongst the AGMS cohort we have students who have changed status and students with plus handicaps. The majority of BUCS home games are played at Edgbaston Golf Club (www.edgbastongc.co.uk) where one of our graduates is currently the Director of Golf.

More details of our BUCS performances can be found at www.bucs.org.uk. You can also follow the University Golf Team on Facebook at “University of Birmingham Golf”.

It is also important to remember that playing golf is optional and is not covered by your University fees. To play for the University Golf team it costs approximately £100 to play in the teams; with individual BUCS strokeplay events incurring a separate cost. In addition, you may wish to join Edgbaston Golf Club at a cost of £350 (2023-24). More details can be found on the Uni golf team page – it is a team separate from the AGMS degree and is run for students, by students. 

All our AGMS students will undertake the ASQ Level 1 in Coaching Golf (Activities Coach). Those people looking to become a PGA Member will also take the Level 2 Certificate, this is a PGA Membership requirement. The cost of the Level 1 course is fully subsidised by the PGA, although there will be charges associated with any re-sits. The cost of the Level 2 course is fully subsidised for those people who undertake to become a PGA Member. The courses are arranged outside of normal lecture times, potentially at a weekend. Students will need to arrange and finance their own travel to the venue.

Students use these qualifications to work as golf coaches, coaching in schools, community projects and helping PGA Professionals with junior club coaching. Please note, however, that you need to be aware that earning money through coaching will jeopardise your amateur status, so you will need to check this in advance.

Applicants for R&A Foundation Scholarships must be in full-time tertiary education. Male applicants must hold a handicap of +1 or better, while female applicants must be 2 or below. TASS scholarships are currently unavailable, however National Governing Bodies can apply each year, meaning that golf may be part of the TASS scheme again in the future. Other golfing bodies (e.g. England Golf) may also offer student scholarships or bursaries, so we advise students to explore those options as well.

Further details are available from Hugh Sproston in the UBSport Scholarship office (0121 414 6484 or h.d.sproston@bham.ac.uk).

N.B. R&A Bursaries are open to ALL students within the University, regardless of academic course – please also see www.randa.org and www.tass.gov.uk.

Our students’ successes and highlights over the last few years are numerous. You can visit the news section on our website to view some of the most recent stories, and it is also worth Googling ‘AGMS’ to find out more about our students most recent successes. See also the UoB Golf team website (https://uobgolf.wordpress.com/).  

In 2013, Nick Brennan (a 2005 graduate) played in the PGA Cup, and others have played in many other Amateur and Professional tournaments. Lucy Williams (a 2010 graduate) won the PGA Glenmuir Championship in 2013, and also played in the US Women’s Open in June 2014. Jason Palmer (a 2006 graduate) played in the US Open in 2015, and is also known for his one handed chipping. 

Matt Fieldsend won the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship in 2017 and more recently Giles Evans, who graduated in 2019 is working towards playing on the EuroPro tour and is currently playing on the ClutchPro Tour. Finally, Kip Poppert, who graduated in 2020 has risen World Number One on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability.

You can apply for PGA ‘Trainee’ status during your studies. However, you can only do this in negotiation with the PGA, and are advised to contact them to discuss this matter.

In order to apply during your degree course you need to do the following:

1.   Satisfy the PGA’s playing requirements.

2.   Complete all PGA membership requirements.

3.   Pay the required fees to The PGA (£230 in 2023-24).

If you choose to take up this option you will relinquish your amateur status and you will be bound by the PGA’s Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct.

For those who wish to stay amateur during their undergraduate studies it is still possible to gain full membership of The PGA by following the same route, completing the level 2 coaching certificate (financed by the student) and then completing 12 months as a registered PGA Trainee after graduating. In order to gain PGA Membership as soon as possible after graduation, students should register with the PGA during year 2 of the course.

Within many areas of the golf industry, PGA membership is a prerequisite for certain jobs i.e. many golf facilities will advertise specifically for PGA professionals to fill a range of positions. Even if PGA membership is not a prerequisite, The PGA training programmes are recognised worldwide, indicating a wealth of golf knowledge and, therefore, membership of the association is extremely advantageous when applying for jobs. 

Membership comes with many benefits which are specifically offered to members. 

PGA membership provides Public Liability Insurance for coaches. This is extremely important in a society where people are increasingly inclined to resort to legal action when they feel that things have gone wrong. 

The PGA offers extensive opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). So, whatever your chosen career route: coach, retailer, manager, psychologist, there are plenty of opportunities to learn from the experts through The PGA. There are now various levels of membership, leading up to the highest status within The PGA – Master Professional. Who will be the first AGMS graduate to become a PGA Master Professional? It could be you! 

The PGA provide a range of tournament opportunities for its members. These include regional and national events and Pro-Ams right the way up to the PGA Cup, which is the equivalent of the Ryder Cup for PGA Professionals. 

There is also a range of opportunities to shape the development of the game within The PGA. A regional committee structure draws on the experiences of the membership to plan future developments. There are also job opportunities within The PGA itself. 

Overall, a degree from a prestigious University and membership of The PGA is a very valuable combination, which relatively few get the chance to achieve.

In addition to completing the degree there are a number of specific criteria that you must fulfil in order to be eligible to apply for PGA Membership. These are listed below: 

1. Once you become a ‘PGA Trainee’ you must compete in at least 7 (PGA endorsed) tournament rounds and meet the required playing requirements. (Minimum time for membership is 1 year before applying for full PGA membership) 
2. Gain a first aid qualification (paid for by The PGA).
3. Complete a Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshop (paid for by The PGA). 
4. Show competence in club building and custom-fitting. (No additional charge)
5. Pass the Rules of Golf exam (taken in year 2)  (No additional charge)
6. Pass all elements of the swing theory practical examination in year 3 
7. Complete all three work placements to the satisfaction of The PGA 
8. Gain the ASQ Level 1 Award in Coaching Golf (Activities Coach) (paid for by the PGA). For those who wish to do the ASQ Level 2 Certificate in Golf Coaching, this will be paid for by the PGA for those students who are Trainees at the time of application for L2, otherwise the cost will be approximately £349 for other students. More details will be provided on entry to the programme.  

You will also need to be nominated for membership of The PGA by your PGA Professional, plus one other member of 5 years standing. 

Although you may have achieved the necessary qualifications to become a full PGA member, this can only achieved if you are proposed and seconded by current members and accepted by the appropriate Regional Committee of the PGA. It is for this reason that all applicants must be registered with The PGA for a minimum of 12 months before election. More details are available from The PGA. [NB Successful completion of the degree does not guarantee PGA Professional Membership].

Students will be asked to complete work placements in PGA-approved clubs (with PGA Professionals) during the summer vacation of years 1 and 2. Ideally these should be in 2 different clubs and should be arranged by the student (with the support of the PGA). The aim of the work placement is to gain experience working in the golf industry. The minimum requirement for each placement is 240 hours. In year 3, students who wish to apply for full membership of the PGA will need to complete 240 hours after their final exams in a golf setting - completing their placement requirements. It is important that placements are arranged by the student as early as possible in each academic year.

Many students ask about the opportunity to play in competitions whilst on their placement. This is for the student to discuss with their employer, but we are not aware of any problems being caused by this.

Initially we would recommend that placements are done where it is most appropriate (this may be a course near the student’s home). However, it is very much up to the student. Many students have completed placements abroad – including: Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Lithuania and also the USA. We would recommend that most placements are done wherever the student feels most comfortable (although it must be done with a PGA Pro). Students are encouraged to arrange placements in a variety of clubs during their studies, if possible – this is in order to gain a wider range of experiences in different organisations. Students should think carefully about where they would like to do their placements, and successful candidates must ensure they plan ahead for these.

During the summer of 2023, our students were on placement (often with more than one at the same club) in the following locations: 

Growing Golf
The Rayleigh Club
Quinto do Lago Resort
Royal  Cinque Ports Golf Club
Wentworth
Edgbaston Golf Club
Medinah
Saunton Golf Club
Frilford Colf Club
Medinah
Aberdovey Golf Club
The Belfry
North Foreland Golf Club
Cabot Cape Breton
Halifax West End Golf Club
Hampton Court Golf Club
Mypro Golf
St Andrews
Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort
Pinehurst

 

One of the things we ask our students to do is to write a few words about their placement experiences, and we also ask their employers to do the same.  Here is a sample of the feedback from placements some students and their employers:

Students about their placements:

“The people at Quinta Do Lago make it a great placement. Whilst the work can be challenging, if you are willing to work hard and take responsibility then the social aspects outside of work make it rewarding and enjoyable. The accommodation (a villa next to the driving range) is brilliant and the opportunity to both learn from senior coaches and develop your own game and golf coaching is great.” (Quinta Do Lago Golf Club, Portugal)

“This was a great experience for anyone looking to work as a traditional PGA professional. It is a great opportunity to learn about the running and working of a large professional shop at an Open Championship golf course, with the opportunity to learn about coaching from a former England lead coach. (Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, England)”

“This placement gives you a first idea to understand how a golf club works overall, from welcoming customers in the reception, the golf school, dealing with the customers by phone and the financial part of the club. During the summer it is possible to also do some coaching experience because the PGA professional sets up a Junior Summer Camp for juniors that want to learn how to play golf with other 2/3 coaches. (Golf Club Varese, Italy)”

“I would definitely recommend this placement for future students. This placement gives the student the opportunity to do a variety of roles at a prestigious and busy venue. The golf team at the Forest of Arden are very experienced and friendly. Many members of the golf team are AGMS alumni which is of benefit as they have been through work placements themselves whilst studying.” (Forest of Arden, England) (K Club, Ireland)

“I would recommend this placement to other students in the future. Sebonack Golf Club is an amazing place, and will become world famous in the future. The people there are great, and they are the best of the best in terms of leading their fields. There are some incredible members there too that you can get to know. It is a good place to learn about the industry, as everything is kept very much as a tight ship. It is a unique experience at a private members' club in America and is located in a spectacular part of the world. It can be difficult at times, with hard work, long hours and high expectations, but can also be very rewarding in the end.” (Sebonack Golf Club, USA) (Royal Cinque Ports, England)

The reports we get back from students is also an important factor in this as well, so below are a sample of anonymised reports from the employers about our students:

“X was a tremendous addition to our team this summer. With his great personality, passion for the golf business and great work ethic, I am confident that X will have a successful career in this business”. (Sebonack Golf Club, USA)

“Y was excellent in all areas and was a great asset to the business. His willingness to go that extra mile is a great asset to have. ” (Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club, England)

“Z has excelled in all areas at Forest Dunes, and is well prepared for his next challenge in the golf industry. ” (Forest Dunes Golf Club, USA)

“S is well on his way to becoming a top class Coach. Added to his knowledge of the physical side of the game, the future is bright for S. ” (Jonny Foster Golf Academy, N. Ireland)

“P was a pleasure to have, a great work ethic. He will go far in the industry. ” (Wentworth Golf Club, England)

Courtesy rounds at the PGA National and Derby courses are available for those people who become a PGA Trainee, otherwise access to the courses is by payment only directly with The Belfry.

Well over half of all of our graduates achieve at least a 2:1 degree classification – excellent results when considering the multi-disciplinary content of the programme. On completion of the AGMS degree, you will be qualified to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities within the world of golf. If you choose to become a PGA Professional, you may wish to become a PGA Head Professional, a PGA Coach or look at working in many other areas of the industry that will be open to you. Ultimately, you may aspire to become a Director of Golf or Club Manager. Indeed, a number of students have moved into management roles within a few years of graduating.

However, do not think that the options for PGA Professionals are limited to the ‘traditional’ golf club. The industry is changing and PGA Pros are working in many aspects of golf such as the organisation of events, golf course design and golf development. In addition, others work for equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Finally, many carve out niches for themselves as innovators and entrepreneurs in this country and around the world. With the AGMS Degree and PGA Membership the golf world really is at your feet.

Should you choose not to become a PGA Professional, there are opportunities to work within golf with the game’s governing bodies (e.g. the R&A or the Home Unions), or within the management side of the business (e.g. as a Golf Club Manager - although again this is a career that would be reached through a series of steps). A significant number of AGMS Graduates have gained employment with the PGA: some are employed within the Tournament Department; some at the PGA’s National Training Academy; others in Coaching Development roles.   

In short, our graduates gain leading and influential positions within the golf industry at every level. Whilst we all appreciate that many students wish to become Tour Pros, the reality is often different, so it is hoped that through a love, appreciation, and understanding of the game, our graduates will be the future managers, administrators and coaches of the sport. However, a playing career is not out of the question. It is of course possible for students to do further postgraduate study at the University when they graduate, and it is hoped that through the degree some world leading research will be established and as the degree progresses, more opportunities will become available for our students elsewhere.

A lot of our graduates have registered for higher degrees (e.g. MSc in Sports Psychology, PhD in Golf Psychology and a PhD in youth coaching, MA’s and MBA’s in Business and HRM) and have used AGMS as a springboard for their career.

Other graduates are undertaking the MSc in Sport Coaching that we also offer. 

To find out more about our graduates, it is worth using LinkedIn and searching for “Applied Golf Management Studies” and you will identify the majority of them on there where you can view their employment and career trajectories.

You can find out more about some of our graduates here.

If you have questions about accommodation, please contact the individual University departments directly. Visit our Accommodation Services page here.

If a student wishes to bring a car to University, we suggest that you discuss this with Accommodation Services before deciding where to live. The advice we have been provided on this suggests that students should opt for Pritchatts Park or The Vale (subject to the type of accommodation preferred by the student). Please note that there may be charges for parking at these halls, so students are urged to apply for accommodation early and to contact Accommodation Services to discuss the issue of car parking and charges.

All students doing the AGMS degree can purchase UoBGolf team kit and must adhere to the PGA's dress code when at lectures at The PGA Training Academy. Information on this for successful candidates will be made available after confirmation.

Further information about the practicalities of life as a student at the University can be found across the University website.

The PGA has the Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Professional Golf Studies in partnership with the University that keen golfers may wish to undertake. It is a 3-year programme undertaken by distance learning, and in-person residentials. Students need to be accepted as a PGA Trainee in order to be eligible to apply. On completion, students can continue studying and work towards a BSc (Hons). For further information please contact the PGA National Training Academy directly as the programme is run and administered by them. 

The University of Birmingham has a number of other world-renowned and popular Sports related undergraduate degree courses – e.g. Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Sport, Physical Education & Coaching Science.

For further details about these courses please see our undergraduate courses page.

Consistently ranked inside the world’s top 150 universities, Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for more than a century. Characterised by a tradition of innovation, research at the University has broken new ground, pushed forward the boundaries of knowledge and made an impact on people’s lives. We continue this tradition today and have ambitions for a future that will embed our work and recognition of the Birmingham name on the international stage.

In 1946 the University of Birmingham became the first university in the UK to offer a degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences, extending the original focus from physical education. Today, we are still leading the sector in both research and teaching in sport/exercise science and also physical education and coaching science.

Our graduate employability record speaks for itself. We are ranked 6^th in the UK for sporting academic programmes (Times Higher Methodology), 6th in the World for Sport and Exercise Science programmes (QS World University Rankings) and ranked 1st in UK for provision of physiotherapy/rehabilitation degrees in 2023 and 2024 (Complete University Guide). Our undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees are recognised as being sector leading, providing research led, interdisciplinary education across the fields of sport, exercise and health and delivering high student satisfaction.

On the degree you will have the chance to use the specialist PGA facilities (Swing rooms/Gym and Workshops) at The National Training Academy.

The School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation facilities in the UK boasts a host of world leading laboratories and facilities. These include teaching and research laboratories for physiology, biochemistry, psychophysiology, musculoskeletal assessment, biomechanics, sport and exercise psychology, motor skills, immunology, muscle mechanics and the neurophysiology of movement. Our state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities offer excellent learning spaces for our integrated modules where theory and practice go hand in hand.

We also work in partnership with UB Sport, using their facilities for applied research and teaching practical sessions. This partnership has been further strengthened with by our £55 million sports centre offering some of the best sports facilities in the UK including a 50m swimming pool and one of the largest gyms in Europe.

When we look through a UCAS application we not only look at grades, GCSE’s and School statements - we also look at your personal statement in some detail.

As well as good grades in relevant subjects and a good handicap, we are also looking for students who are mature; motivated; have a strong willingness to work, improve and succeed; and who will be committed to their studies and their own personal development.  They should be aiming to work in the golf industry in some capacity, maybe as a PGA Professional and be willing to learn the skills involved in coaching, administration, management and the game’s development. 

Students will be expected to represent the University and The PGA, and will be closely bound by their rules and regulations once they change status. Students should also note that lecture attendance is compulsory and a close eye is kept upon each student’s attitude, work, and welfare in order to help them progress and succeed.

This academic-pastoral approach will also be reflected in regular student reviews and reports, and will be central to any reference for your PGA application.

Because of the nature of the degree and the expectations of the golf industry, we expect a high level of commitment from our students. For example attendance at all lectures is compulsory; academic tutorials are vital; and behaviour and dress are equally important. In return for this high level of commitment, students will receive academic and pastoral reviews, support, tutorials and advice as part of a relatively small group. AGMS staff get to know each student individually and we believe this is pivotal to the success of the degree and the student.

We have a public statement on the expectations of our students:

“The AGMS degree has very high expectations of its students. Because of the nature of the qualifications and the professional expectations of the industry to which you aspire, there are high requirements in terms of attendance, punctuality, appearance and commitment (much like they are in other professional qualifications like Medicine, Physiotherapy and Teacher Training). All of these are closely monitored and will be reflected in references, reports and ultimately applications for membership of The PGA”.

As well as the AGMS degree, the Part Time Foundation Degree (and Part Time Top up to a full degree qualification), we have Masters Degree routes in various aspects of the game, such as the MSc in Sport Coaching. It is also possible for appropriately qualified graduates to register for PhD research degrees within the University, using staff expertise of the golf field. We currently have a number of individuals heavily involved in Golf who are undertaking PhD’s with us. In addition, staff are involved in research into all aspects of the game, and are working with The PGA to develop golf participation, technology, health and social wellbeing through research into the sport.

If you still have further questions, please feel free to contact Dr Paul Garner at the University of Birmingham or Lindsey Edwards at The PGA. They can provide further information or advice on applications or entry requirements: 

Dr Paul Garner (University of Birmingham: AGMS Programme Lead and Admissions Tutor) 
Email: p.f.garner@bham.ac.uk

Mrs Lindsey Edwards (AGMS Administrator) 
Telephone: 01675 470333 
Email: lindsey.edwards@pga.org.uk

Recent news

• Sophie Mills
• Fraleigh appoints new General Manager
• Tom Devine (P56-57)
• Harry Boyd
• Jason Palmer
• Aaron Lansberry
• Chris Fitt
• Mathew Fieldsend
• Jo Taylor (P49-49)
• Tom Devine (P48-49; Chris Knight (P56-57); Aaron Lansberry (P6) & Jonathan Wright (P14)
• Aaron Lansberry
• Chris Fitt
• Sian James
• Richard Shaw
• Brad Barnes
• Sean Graham
• James Jewell
• Joe Way
•  Eleanor Woodall
• AGMS students go behind the ropes
• Ex-banker cashes in with AGMS degree
• Degree delivers Chinese feast for Griffiths

You can find stories about AGMS, our graduates and our success across the world in various publications, but as a taster, below are 2 links to TV snippets that have been AGMS focussed:

• BBC Midlands today
• Sky Sports - Get involved - Charlotte Stanton