DipHE Professional Golf Studies
About the course
The Diploma in Higher Education in Professional Golf, unique in Scotland, is delivered by the University of the Highlands and Islands.
The 3-year, structured part-time Diploma in Higher Education is aimed at those currently employed, or seeking employment, as PGA trainees working full-time at golf facilities across Scotland with graduates gaining membership of The PGA on completion of the course (subject to application).
The course incorporates many themes relevant to the varied demands of the golf industry and address issues faced by professional golfers and coaches. These themes will develop from year one and encompass individual and group coaching, equipment technology, sports science and business elements. The work-based component of the programme is key as it allows you to apply your learning to your own employment circumstances and provides you with access to a PGA qualified employer who can support your learning.
The DipHE course is right for you if:
You are 18 years of age as of 30 September of the year you intend to start the programme.
You have maintained a handicap of 6.4 (m) or 8.4 (f) with full details of playing requirements provided on application.
You are working at a Scottish golf facility under the supervision of a PGA Training Professional.
Course Syllabus
Year One
Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
Introduction to Sports Coaching
Introduction to Equipment Technology for Golf
Professional Practice and Personal Development
Year Two
Application of Sports Science
Golf Equipment and Analysis
Applied Coaching
Introduction to Business
Year Three
Application of Sports Science to Golf Coaching
On Course and Career Development Skills
Applied Coach Development
Retailing
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Applicants should be 18 years or older by 30 September of the year you intend to start the programme.
Applicants will require an email address and internet access to take the course.
Golf Playing Handicap
Applicants should have maintained a handicap of 6.4(M) or 8.4 (F) handicap. Full details of playing requirements will be provided on application.
Applicants must be working at a golf facility under the supervision of a PGA Training Professional.
Academic in Scotland
2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above
Alternatively consideration will be given to applicants with four National 5 awards at Grade C or above or equivalent (including English and Maths)
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You will study through a combination of face-to-face, video conference, online, workshop and practical approaches to support your work-based learning. This study method takes account of the demands and expectations of your job, online learning materials will be delivered through the university virtual learning environment (VLE). E-lessons, lectures, activities and assessments have been designed and developed in each subject area. These are interactive, visually stimulating and engage the learner.
You will be required to attend residential components, where students will engage in face-to-face lectures and workshops. The cost of the residential elements are funded by the student and are not part of the teaching fees or academic funding available. The additional fee will provide access to additional PGA resources and cover costs of supplementary PGA membership elements.
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All students will undertake two additional coaching qualifications during the training programme. Successful completion of these qualifications is compulsory for PGA Membership. The first coaching qualification will introduce the core elements of coaching and provide you with the key knowledge, understanding, skills, and abilities to begin coaching golf.
The second qualification will build on the foundations laid by the first and seek to ensure that you are competent in planning, delivering, and reviewing coaching sessions, with the clear ability to review and improve your own coaching practice.
Both qualifications are a blend of online learning and face to face delivery, and successful completion of each one relies on passing a combination of theoretical and practical assessments of your coaching knowledge and skills. The cost of these courses is part of the Additional PGA elements fee, which you pay directly to the PGA each year.
Graduates can gain PGA membership (subject to application) and must also: hold a current Safeguarding and Protecting Children certificate; complete the 2 additional coaching qualifications; hold a current first aid certificate; pass the PGA Coaching Assessment; and play in a minimum of 21 PGA recognised tournaments before applying for PGA Membership.
Full details are provided on application and during open days.
Accelerate your career and set yourself apart
Turn your FdSc or DipHE qualification into a full degree or honours degree with The PGA
PGA Trainees or Members who have gained the FdSc or DipHE qualification can continue their studies and professional development by working towards a full degree or Honours degree. The programmes are part-time, allowing you to continue to work and gain experience in the golf industry whilst you study.
Frequently asked questions
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The minimum academic entry criteria is 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above.
Alternatively, consideration will be given to applicants with four National 5 awards at Grade C or above or equivalent (including English and Maths).
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Applicants must be working in the golf industry under a PGA Professional.
Applicants must provide evidence of a current golf handicap of 6.4 or better for men and 8.4 or better for ladies. Details of playing requirements during the course will be provided on application.
Applicants should be over the age of 18 at the course start date.
Successful applicants will be required to complete a PVG Disclosure Check and become PVG Scheme Members in order to undertake this course.
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The PGA has a database of open positions which is available here.
We can support applicants who meet the rest of the entry requirements with securing a suitable role. Please contact admissions@pga.org.uk.
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Currently £1,250* per year for Scottish students, with a term-time address in Scotland. Fees for Scottish residents from October 2025 will be updated as soon as they are released.
For students living elsewhere in the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), the fee is £4,750 per year. For students based in the Republic of Ireland, the fee is £4,750 per year.
*Plus £1,237.50 for additional PGA elements each year.
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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.
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If you live in Scotland and you have an individual income of £25,000 per year or less, you may be eligible for a part-time fee grant. Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available from the Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
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Students are expected to spend at least 10 hours per week on completing assignments alongside their role at a golfing facility.
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The DipHE course takes three years to complete on a part-time basis. Following completion of the DipHE, there is the option to continue with academic study and convert the qualification into a BA in Professional Golf. This will require an additional two years of part-time distance learning.
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Students are assessed throughout the three years of the course. The methods of assessment include assignments (essays, reports or logs) and examinations (practical workshop and filed assessments, written theory and video analysis examinations).
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Yes, there are several open days throughout the year taking place both online and face-to-face.
Details of upcoming open days are available here.
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You can access our online enquiry form here.
If you have any questions, please contact admissions@pga.org.uk.
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Graduates from the DipHE can continue to honours degree level study on the UHI full-time BA (Hons) Professional Golf.
Advanced entry to this would be into year three of the programme.
