# PGA Qualifications

> The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) offers accredited golf qualifications — FdSc Professional Golf Studies, DipHE Professional Golf, and BSc Applied Golf Management Studies (AGMS) — training members for careers across coaching, golf club management, retail, and more than 80 other roles worldwide.

The PGA has trained golf professionals to degree level for over 50 years and supports members across more than 80 countries. Courses are delivered in partnership with the University of Birmingham (FdSc, BSc/AGMS) and the University of the Highlands and Islands, UHI (DipHE, Scotland only). Trainees must work at a golf facility under a PGA-qualified professional while studying, so distance-learning content is applied in a real-world setting. Entry to the FdSc and DipHE routes requires a WHS handicap of 6.4 or better (male) / 8.4 or better (female); there is no handicap requirement for AGMS entry, though the same handicap criteria apply for PGA Membership upon graduation.

## Courses

- [Courses overview](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/courses): Compares the three routes and helps prospective students choose between part-time study while working (FdSc/DipHE) versus full-time university study (AGMS).
- [FdSc Professional Golf Studies](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/foundation-degree): 3-year, part-time distance-learning foundation degree awarded by the University of Birmingham. Core element of the PGA Training Programme, focused on golf coaching, sports science, business & finance, equipment technology and custom fitting. Delivered mainly online via the iVLE, with face-to-face residential blocks at the PGA National Training Academy. To gain PGA Membership, students must also hold an up-to-date Disclosure/DBS check, a Safeguarding and Protecting Children certificate, two external coaching qualifications, a first aid certificate, pass the PGA Coaching Assessment, and play in at least 21 PGA-recognised tournaments. Minimum entry: 4 GCSEs grade 4-9 (A-C) including Maths and English, or equivalent. 2025/26 UK/ROI tuition is £4,750/year, £6,750/year for international students, plus an annual PGA Membership fee (currently £238).
- [DipHE Professional Golf](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/diphe-professional-golf): 3-year, part-time diploma delivered in partnership with UHI, unique to Scotland. Students must be working at a Scottish golf facility under a PGA Training Professional. Covers individual/group coaching, equipment technology, sports science and business, building year on year. Minimum entry: 2 Scottish Highers at grade C+ (or 4 National 5 awards at grade C+, including English and Maths); applicants must be 18+ by 30 September of their start year. Scottish residents may be eligible for a part-time fee grant via SAAS.
- [Top-up Degree](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/top-up-degree): Lets FdSc or DipHE graduates convert their qualification into a full honours degree. FdSc graduates can progress to BSc (Hons) Professional Golf Studies with the University of Birmingham (open to those who averaged 50%+ on the FdSc, competitive on marks); DipHE graduates can progress to UHI's BA (Hons) Professional Golf, typically entering year three. Both top-up routes are part-time, allowing continued work in the golf industry while studying.

## Why Become a PGA Pro

- [Why become a PGA Pro](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/why-become-a-pga-pro): Explains the career case for a PGA qualification — globally recognised credibility, and graduates working in over 80 different job roles across retail, coaching, golf management, technology, golf course architecture, and refereeing.
- [Career Impact](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/career-impact): Detail on the range of roles and countries PGA graduates go on to work in.
- [Trainee Roles](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/trainee-roles): Explains what working as a trainee under a PGA Training Professional involves while studying, including the requirement to be employed at a golf facility throughout training.

## Getting Started

- [Enquire Now](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/enquire-now): Online form for prospective applicants; submissions go to the PGA admissions team, who follow up on eligibility, application requirements, and upcoming open days.
- [Open Days](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/open-days): Dates and booking details for in-person and virtual open days.
- [Information for Applicants](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/applicants): Covers the application process end-to-end — age, academic, employment and playing requirements; the Stage 1 application guide; document submission (playing history, WHS handicap index, 12-month competitive record signed off by a PGA Professional or club official); what happens after a conditional vs unconditional offer; and guidance for applicants who don't initially meet entry requirements.
- [International Students](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/international-students): Requirements and guidance specific to applicants from outside the UK, including international tuition rates.
- [Download Brochure](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/download-brochure): Downloadable guide covering all three courses and career outcomes.

## About

- [About The PGA](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/about): Background on the Professional Golfers' Association, its history, and its role in the golf industry.
- [Meet our Staff](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/our-staff): Profiles of PGA education staff and tutors delivering the courses.
- [Be Inspired](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/be-inspired): Stories and features from PGA members and graduates about their career paths.

## Optional

- [FAQs](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/faqs): Answers on handicap/eligibility requirements, course structure and length, differences between the three courses, current tuition fees, and the Scottish fee grant (SAAS).
- [Golf Jobs Glossary](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/golf-jobs-glossary): Glossary explaining the 80+ job roles open to PGA qualification holders.
- [Access and Participation Statement](https://www.qualifications.pga.info/access-and-participation-statement): The PGA's statement on widening access to its courses.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.pga.info/privacy-policy/): Data privacy policy for The PGA.