Ranking
5th
in the UK for Sports Science
Course overview
Transform your passion for golf into a career with this foundation programme. The PGA Training Academy, based at The Belfry, offers world-class golf education, blending tradition with innovation. With over 50 years of experience and strong ties to the University of Birmingham, it stands as a global leader in professional golf training.
The course has enabled me to continuously hone my craft in a practical environment, whilst having the theory to support where and when necessary.
Here is a short overview of what you can expect when choosing our Professional Golf Studies programme.
Year 1
Year 1
In Year 1, you will develop key industry skills essential for the golf sector and gain an understanding of the professional environment as a PGA Professional. You will be introduced to golf coaching techniques and the fundamentals of applied sports science, with a focus on junior development. This comprehensive foundation sets the stage for a successful career in the golf industry.
Year 2
Year 2
In Year 2, you will delve deeper into the technical and business aspects of golf. You will explore equipment technology and applied custom fitting, enhancing their ability to tailor equipment to individual needs. Advanced golf coaching techniques will be covered, building on the foundational skills from Year 1. Learning the principles of business, will equip you with the knowledge to manage and grow a golf-related enterprise. Additionally, the applied sports science component will continue, furthering your understanding of how scientific principles can optimise performance and health in golfers.
Year 3
Year 3
In Year 3, Master advanced custom fitting and equipment technology, enabling you to provide highly personalised equipment solutions. Gain a solid understanding of business finance, essential for managing and growing a golf-related business. The curriculum will also cover applied golf coaching and coach development, refining coaching skills and techniques. Additionally, learn to apply sports science principles specifically to golf coaching, optimising performance and health outcomes for golfers. This comprehensive training prepares you for leadership roles in the golf industry.
Course highlights
Taught by staff drawn from the ranks of qualified PGA Professionals, the PGA National Training Academy offers world-class golf education at The Belfry, supported by the University of Birmingham.
With over 50 years of experience and a reputation for excellence, the Academy provides a strong foundation for aspiring golf professionals.
After completing the FdSc, students can choose to continue their academic journey by converting their qualification to a BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf Studies.
- 4th
in the UK for Sport, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
The Complete University Guide 2026
- 2nd
in the UK for Sports-related subjects
QS World University Rankings 2025
Open Days
The PGA offers you the opportunity to learn more about the course through in-person and virtual open days.
You’ll hear from experienced tutors, learn more about the course and see the fantastic facilities on offer at The PGA National training academy at The Belfry, spiritual home of the Ryder Cup.
Course delivery
The course is primarily delivered as a distance learning course, complemented by a face-to-face intensive residential course at the Belfry, covering core subject areas.
Lecture
Seminar
Workshop
Online Live classes
- Face-to-face intensive residential course delivered in small groups at the Belfry (PGA National Training Academy).
- Flexible, accessible online learning through the Virtual Learning Environment (iVLE).
- Lectures provide structured topic exploration, taught by experts to deepen understanding and subject knowledge.
Contact hours
The FdSc and DipHE courses are designed to be part-time, allowing trainees to balance their studies with a role at a golf facility under a PGA Training Professional.
Anticipate dedicating at least 10 hours per week to attending online lectures and completing assignments. This structure ensures that trainees can effectively integrate their learning with practical experience, enhancing their overall educational and professional development.
Assessment methods and feedback
You will be assessed through assignments (essays, reports, logs) and examinations (practical workshops, field assessments, written theory, video analysis) over three years.
You must also maintain certifications in Disclosure, Safeguarding and Protecting Children, first aid, and complete two external golf coaching qualifications. Additionally, you must pass the PGA Coaching Assessment and participate in at least seven PGA-recognized tournaments annually.
The first coaching qualification covers core coaching elements, while the second ensures competence in planning, delivering, and reviewing sessions. Both qualifications blend online learning with face-to-face delivery, requiring successful completion of theoretical and practical assessments.
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.
Year 1
Year 1
The following must be taken:
| Introduction to Applied Sports Science and Junior Development | 20 | Full Term |
| Introduction to Golf Coaching | 20 | Semester 1 or 2 |
| Introduction to Key Industry Skills | 20 | Full Term |
| Your workplace and being a PGA Professional | 20 | Semester 1 or 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
The following must be taken:
| Applied Sports Science | 20 | |
| Equipment Technology and Applied Custom Fitting | 20 | |
| Golf Coaching DL | 20 | Full Term |
| Principles of Business | 20 |
Final year
Final year
The following must be taken:
| Application of sports science to golf coaching | 20 | Full Term |
| Applied Golf Coaching and Coach Development | 20 | Full Term |
| Business Finance | 20 | Full Term |
| Advanced Custom Fitting and Equipment Technology | 20 | Full Term |
Teaching staff
Dr Paul Garner
Admissions Tutor
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
We've grouped our requirements into simple sections below to help you quickly find what applies to you—whether you're applying from the UK, Ireland, or overseas.
General requirements
- You must be 18 years or older by 30 September of the year you start the programme.
- You need an email address and internet access.
Golf playing handicap
Full details of playing requirements will be provided on application.
- You should have maintained a handicap of 6.4 (M) or 8.4 (F) handicap.
- Be working at a golf facility under the supervision of a PGA Training Professional.
Academic requirements
England and Wales
A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A-C). Maths and English Language, included. Preference will be given to applicants who have achieved 6 GCSEs at grades A-C or better.
Scotland
A minimum of 4 National 5 awards grades A-C or better (including English and Maths).
Ireland
Leaving certificate obtaining a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in both English and Mathematics plus a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in 2 other subjects.
Passes at higher and honours level will naturally be accepted.
Junior Certificate passes at either ordinary or higher level are not accepted.
Alternative qualifications accepted
- Level 3 Communication.
- BTEC First Diploma accepted in combination with GSCE English & Maths at grades A-C.
- 14-16 Diploma Higher Award accepted in combination with GSCE English Language.
- Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma accepted in combination with GCSE English Language.
- The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the International version of the GCSE and is accepted at Grade A-C.
- Consideration will be given to applicants with Level 2 in Adult Literacy and/or Numeracy. Functional Skills 2 in Maths and/or English Language.
- A minimum of 4 National 5 awards grades A-C or better (including English and Maths).
Overseas
Applicants from outside the UK must hold a relevant, equivalent qualification from their country.
A suitable level of written and spoken English must be demonstrated. All overseas students will have to pass their IELTS before they apply. Visit www.ielts-exam.net.
Foundation Degree Level work is the same as the first 2 years of an honours degree, so there is a need for candidates to hold a good level of English writing ability.
Additional requirements
As well as completing the FdSc course, before applying for PGA membership, students must also:
- Hold an up-to-date Disclosure, a Safeguarding and Protecting Children certificate.
- Complete two external golf coaching qualifications.
- Hold a first aid certificate.
- Pass the PGA Coaching Assessment.
- Play in a minimum of 21 PGA recognised tournaments before applying for PGA Membership.
Full details are provided on application and during open days.
If you have any questions, please contact admissions@pga.org.uk
Fees and scholarships
- £4,750*
Per academic year
*Fees are subject to inflationary increase in subsequent years in line with UK government policy.
Additional Costs
In addition to the course fees, Trainees must pay the annual PGA Membership fee, currently £238.
Travel expenses when attending face-to-face residential courses, exams, coaching courses, tournament entry fees and associated travel expenses must be met by the individual.
Application process
Applications are made through the PGA. If you’re interested in applying for our Professional Golf Studies course, you can complete their online enquiry form. This will be sent to the PGA admissions department who will then send you more information on your eligibility and the application requirements.
If you have any other questions, please contact admissions@pga.org.uk.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are highly regarded among employers in the UK, as evidenced by the fact that we’re the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2025’ report). Golf is now very much a profession with a recognised career structure which offers PGA Professionals global-wide career opportunities.