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.
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.
Your personal tutor
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. We also have dedicated academic tutors 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.
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.
We have introduced the Speed BSc which is an innovative approach to introducing new students to the school. As well as a great place to meet students from the course, the Speed BSc helps you learn useful skills that will serve you well during your time here and help you with the transition from school/college to university.
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.