Applied Golf Management Studies BSc (Hons)

PGA logoThis world-leading degree programme is a partnership between the University and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).

It gives you the chance of combining a high-level applied theoretical degree with membership of the PGA (subject to application). The course is taught in collaboration with The PGA, both at the University and at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry. 

2018 National Student Survey "1st in the Russell Group for overall satisfaction and assessment and feedback"

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Course details

Frequently Asked Questions about the Applied Golf Management Studies BSc

This world-leading golf degree programme is a partnership between the University and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). As the industry’s leading golf management programme, it gives you the chance of combining a high-level applied theoretical degree with membership of the PGA (subject to application).

The programme is based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences; however, staff from other key schools are involved in its delivery. PGA specialist staff also contribute extensively to the delivery of the course.

Matthew Davies

“Putting it boldly, I wouldn't have got the job I have now if I hadn't completed the AGMS course.”

Matthew Davies - The Professional Golfers' Association
Read more...

Across all three years of the degree you cover modules in the areas of applied sports science, equipment technology, coaching theory and business management 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 membership of the PGA.

First year

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

Second year

Year 2 involves modules on: applied sports science, equipment technology, financial performance, coaching science and research methods. During the summer vacation you can also complete a placement in collaboration with the PGA.

Third year

The final year of the programme contains modules on: Human Resource management and golf coaching. 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.

Professional placement

A key part of this course is the opportunity to spend the summer working with PGA professionals in the golf industry. 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, Egypt and the USA , gaining experience and making valuable contacts within the industry. For many students, this has lead directly into employment.

Extra-curricular golfing opportunities

Students on the course have the opportunity to represent the University of Birmingham in both team and individual golf competitions. The university runs five 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.

Students can also get involved in volunteer golf coaching through UBSport Golf Volunteerz. This is a student based volunteer team and was initially founded by three University of Birmingham students and has since expanded, with the majority studying AGMS. This team won the University Sports Club of the Year (SCOTY) award 2010 for making an outstanding contribution within their community. This is another opportunity for students to promote the game of golf, make useful contacts in the industry and increase their future employment prospects.

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 2019. 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 and funding

Standard Home/EU student fees 2019-20

For UK students beginning their studies in September 2019, the University of Birmingham will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. The fees for your first year of study will therefore be £9,250. Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Standard international student fees 2019-20

International fee
Fee Band (Undergraduate) Full-time
Band 1a (Classroom) £16,740

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. 

Entry requirements

Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
ABB (2019) AAB-ABB (2018)
Required subjects and grades:
Preferred subjects are: PE, Sports Studies/Sports Science, Business Studies, Economics, Design & Technology, Mathematics, A science e.g. Physics, Biology or Psychology. GCSE Mathematics, English and a science at a minimum of grade 4/C (for 2019) 6/B (for 2018)

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.

Applicants need to meet a golf handicap as stipulated by the PGA (before A level results) in the year of application. Handicap of 6 required if male, 8 if female. A level requirements dependent on the number of preferred subjects being offered.

Additional information:

BTEC Extended Diploma accepted with D*D*D* plus Distinctions in all modules.

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.

Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service check (previously the Criminal Records Bureau check) is required from accepted candidates before registration for the programme.

International students:

International Baccalaureate Diploma:

  • For students starting their course in 2019 the entry requirements are 6,5,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall.
  • For students starting their course in 2018 the entry requirements are 6,6,5 - 6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall. 

Higher level subjects need to include the required subjects as defined for the A-level qualification, where applicable.

Standard English language requirements apply 
Learn more about international entry requirements

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.

How to apply

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

Key Information Set (KIS)

Key Information Sets (KIS) are comparable sets of information about full- or part-time undergraduate courses and are designed to meet the information needs of prospective students.

All KIS information has been published on the Unistats website and can also be accessed via the small advert, or ‘widget’, below. On the Unistats website you are able to compare all the KIS data for each course with data for other courses.

The development of Key Information Sets (KIS) formed part of HEFCE’s work to enhance the information that is available about higher education. They give you access to reliable and comparable information in order to help you make informed decisions about what and where to study.

The KIS contains information which prospective students have identified as useful, such as student satisfaction, graduate outcomes, learning and teaching activities, assessment methods, tuition fees and student finance, accommodation and professional accreditation.

OverviewLearning and teaching

As a Birmingham student you will be taught by world-leading academics and professionals in their subjects from both the University and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and expertise with you; you will become part of the School’s academic community which includes professors, lecturers, visiting experts, postgraduate students and researchers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner.

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.

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 - watch the video above to find out more.

Speed BSc - Video transcript

How will I be supported?

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 welfare 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.

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 department 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.

Course detailsEmployability

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.

AGMS has a 88.9% employability rate
"2016/17 Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey (DLHE)"

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

  • 1 x Sports Coaching qualification

Examples of current employers:

  • Ryder Cup 2018 (France)
  • Titleist
  • TaylorMade-adidas 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

Dr Martin Toms

Tel:+44 (0)121 415 8392/8285

Email: m.r.toms@bham.ac.uk

Learning and teachingStudent life

Birmingham has transformed into one of Europe's most exciting cities. It is more than somewhere to study; it is somewhere to build a successful future.

Clubs and societies

The Guild has over 200 Societies, community volunteering groups and associations for you to join; they cover every topic and activity that you can think of - there really is something for everyone.

Shape your academic experience

Choose to study here and you will have a Student Representative, who works with the University and Students' Union on issues that directly affect students. You could even become one yourself. Not only would you be making a difference to the academic student experience, but you would also be developing transferable skills for the future. Find out more on the Guild of Students website

Accommodation

Coming to Birmingham might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your new-found independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.

The City of Birmingham

One of Europe's most exciting destinations, Birmingham is brimming with life and culture, making it a wonderful place to live, study and work.

Our students fall in love with the city - around 40% of our graduates choose to make Birmingham their home.

Employability