BSc Applied Golf
Management Studies

About the course

The Applied Golf Management Studies (BSc) programme allows you to combine a high-level applied theoretical degree with membership of the PGA (subject to status and application) as a PGA Professional, PGA Coach or PGA Manager. The degree is taught in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry.

Across all three years of the degree, you cover modules in the areas of business management, applied sports science, equipment technology and coaching theory delivered by specialist staff from both the University and the PGA. You also complete three PGA-assessed vocational placements in a golf environment (which are a requirement for full membership of the PGA).

Each summer students can organise and undertake a placement in a golf facility. For many students, this has led directly into employment following completion of the course.

The AGMS Degree 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 an interest in golf and a future career in the industry.

You would like to apply for PGA Membership upon graduation.

You would like to study full-time at a prestigious UK University.

Course Syllabus

Year One

  • Introduction to Equipment Technology and Applied Custom Fitting

  • Introduction to Golf Coaching and Sports Science

  • Principles of Sport Business Management

  • Becoming a Researcher

  • Movement and Learning

  • Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology

  • Industry Placement

Year Two

  • Applied Sports Science and Golf Coaching

  • Integrating Technology into Professional Custom Fitting

  • Managing Golf Events

  • Research Methods and Data Analysis

  • Sport Development

  • Industry Placement

Year Three

  • Golf Operations Management

  • Leading and Managing People in Sport

  • Developing Expertise in Golf Coaching

  • Project OR Professional Dissertation

  • Final Industry Placement

  • Golf Playing Handicap

    There is no handicap requirement to apply to get onto the AGMS degree course, however students who wish to be eligible to apply for PGA membership at the end of the programme must get to a stage where they are playing off 6.4 (m) or 8.4 (f) and be able to demonstrate their playing ability.

    Academic Requirements

    Number of A levels required: 3

    Typical offer: ABB

    Required subjects and grades: GCSE Mathematics, English and a science at a minimum of grade 4/C

    Preferred subjects at A level: PE, Sports Studies/Sports Science, Business Studies, Economics, Design & Technology, Mathematics, A science e.g. Physics, Biology or Psychology.

    Specified subjects excluded for entry: UoB 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.

    BTEC Extended Diploma accepted.

    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.

    Other 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.

  • You will be taught by expert academics and researchers as well as specialist staff from The PGA National Training Academy. Lectures and seminars with industry experts and graduates ensure your knowledge of the industry and career prospects is kept right up to date.

    Because of the nature of the degree and the expectations of the golf industry, we expect a high level of commitment from our students. The close-knit nature of the course will mean that we can get to know you personally, and we believe this is pivotal to your success on the programme.

    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.

    The majority of our teaching takes place at the UoB’s Edgbaston campus, with approximately one day per week spent using the specialist facilities at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry, which is located approximately 15 miles from the campus.

    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.

    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 years 2 and 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.

    Each summer you are able to organise and undertake a placement in a golf facility. Many students choose to work abroad each year, which gives them the opportunity to experience living and working in a different country. 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, UAE, Egypt and the USA , gaining experience and making valuable contacts within the industry. For many students, this has led directly into employment.

    You will have the chance to represent the University of Birmingham in both team and individual golf competitions. The University runs a number 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.

Frequently asked questions

  • The current entry criteria are for students to have (or be predicted to achieve) grades of ABB at A-Level or equivalent). Students who are taking qualifications other than A-Levels, such as BTEC, are advised to speak to the University’s Admissions Team for a more precise comparison.

  • There is no requirement for applicants to hold a golf handicap to get onto the programme at point of entry. However, a handicap of 4.4 (m) and 6.4 (f) still applies for those who wish to apply for PGA membership at the end of the programme.

  • 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.

    You must supplement this with a significant amount of personal study in order to complete assignments.

  • The AGMS Degree course takes three years to complete on a full-time basis.

  • The University of Birmingham will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

    The fees for your first year of study in 2024 will therefore be £9,250 for UK entrants.

  • 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, and formal exams.

  • If you are studying for your first higher education course, you can apply for government loan via the relevant Student Loans Company (SLC).

  • 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.

  • You can apply directly through UCAS or learn more about applying here.