BSc (Hons) Professional Golf Studies
About the Course
Since 2021, PGA Members who have successfully completed the Foundation Degree qualification have had the opportunity to work towards a full honours degree.
The BSc course, jointly delivered by The PGA with the University of Birmingham is available to those who have completed the Foundation Degree and who averaged 50% or more. Competition for places may mean those with higher FdSc marks will be prioritised for entry.
Entry is by application only following the successful completion of the Foundation Degree course. Those applying for the BSc course will be assessed based upon previous performance of the Foundation Degree programme.
The Top-up Degree is right for you if:
You are already working in the golf industry
You would like to work abroad during your career, most visa / work permits require a full degree
You would like to set yourself apart in applying for more senior roles within the industry
You would like to demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development (CPD)
Hear from recent graduate Ethan Rockley on why the top-up degree was the right choice for his future career.
Course Syllabus
Year One
Research Methods in Sports
Case Study (50%)
Timed Essay (50%)
Integrated Coaching
Assignment (50%)
Case Study (50%)
Leading & Managing People
Assignment (50%)
Timed Essay (50%)
Year Two
Developing Professional Practice
Assignment (50%)
Timed Essay (50%)
Civic Engagement Dissertation
Reflective Interview (10%)
Multimedia Presentation (15%)
Executive Report (75%)
-
BSc Professional Golf Studies
Applications should be made directly to PGA via our online form.
The BSc course with the University of Birmingham is available to those to those who completed the Foundation Degree and who averaged 50% or more
Competition for places may mean those with higher FD marks will be prioritised.
BA Professional Golf
The BA course is available to any PGA Member, or PGA Members who have completed the DipHE course with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
Deadline for the 25-26 academic year: 31st August 2025
-
BSc Professional Golf Studies
The programme is delivered as a distance learning course with a variety of online materials such as recorded lectures, required tasks and readings (Canvas).
There are weekly online 1 – 2-hour seminars and tutorials which are recorded but students are expected to actively participate.
Students are expected to commit 5-10 hours of self study per week.
Modules start: September and January.
Students are assessed throughout the 2 years of the course including; assignments, reports, and timed essays.
BA Professional Golf
Delivery of the programme can be fully online or on campus at Dornoch. The modules are delivered solely by UHI.
-
BSc Professional Golf Studies
On completion of the top up degree, your highest level of academic qualification will be a BSc, you cannot also claim to have a Foundation Degree.
All students will have full access to UoB student services, including student support and a personal tutor.
PGA Professional, Anton Samsonov
“It is two years of hard work, but it will help to improve your knowledge and to stand out from others in what is a very competitive jobs market. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to other PGA Members, especially if they are thinking of working internationally or are already based outside of the UK.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the BSc (Hons) Professional Golf Studies Programme
-
The BSc (Hons) Professional Golf Studies works like any traditional undergraduate programme at level H, and there are four taught modules and a final Professional Project dissertation focused upon a particular project negotiated with your academic tutor.
-
As well as being jointly delivered by the University of Birmingham and The PGA, the programme is different in that it is more academic and theoretical than your FdSc qualification (in other words it may be more challenging and more academic than vocational).
It is important to recognise that this may be a new type of challenge so will require the further development of skills and theoretical knowledge as it applies in the golf industry.
-
Two years of part-time study, running from September to March with a final graduation in the July (e.g. for 2024 entry, graduation for successful students would be in July 2026).
-
The programme will be delivered online by staff from the University of Birmingham and the PGA National Training Academy (as appropriate on the module content).
Online content will be supported by weekly group webinars/seminars, with online pre-recorded lectures, academic reading and other key materials.
-
For the BSc Professional Golf Studies, the fees for the 24/25 academic year are £4,750* per academic year for UK and ROI entrants, and £6,750* for international students.
*Fees are subject to inflationary increase in subsequent years in line with UK government policy.
-
Yes, if you are entitled to receive one.
We would advise you to contact the relevant Student Loans Company directly.
-
No, a key benefit of the course being part time means that you can continue working whilst studying.
The nature and level of study means that this is not possible.
-
The minimum criteria to be considered for entry onto the programme is having passed the Foundation Degree with an overall average of more than 50%.
However, where there is competition for places within each cohort then these may be allocated based upon Foundation Degree grades.
-
For the 24-25 academic year, there are 20 places available.
-
All applications must be made through the PGA once you have successfully completed either the FdSc course.
Applications will be accepted until 31st August and successful candidates will be informed in early September.
-
If you are not accepted onto the degree, then there is no restriction to you applying by the August of the following year. Again, competition for places may apply.