Solent University has been at the forefront of football education for nearly two decades, emerging as the UK’s leading supplier of graduates to football clubs and organisations. The industry’s rapid commercial expansion over the past 25 years has created a wide variety of new career pathways for those with the skills and enthusiasm required to succeed.
Throughout the course you’ll be guided by an academic team with experience at all levels of the game. They’ve conducted major research reviews that have changed Premier and Football League regulations; won acclaim from UEFA for their football development work; and produced a number of published works on the subject.
The curriculum offers a rounded business education, with all learning contextualised to the football environment. Modules cover marketing, management, football development, sociology, organisational behaviour and strategic planning. These themes run throughout the three year course, helping you to develop your general business skills alongside knowledge that is specific to the management of football organisations.
In the final year of the course you’ll select an area of specialism. This will help you to better prepare for roles that match your personal ambitions, and will give you the chance to have an in-depth look at a side of the business you find most engaging.
Employability skills are embedded throughout the degree, ensuring that you graduate well prepared to apply for relevant roles. Work experience is a core component of the ‚Principles of Football Development’ unit, which will see you working on leadership projects within the local football community. There is also a range of work experience and volunteering opportunities available through our network of partner clubs.
What does this course lead to?
As with any large business, football clubs need staff with a variety of skills. Opportunities exist in marketing, project management, recruitment, administration, accountancy, partnership development and many other areas of business specialism.
Who is this course for?
This football studies programme is open to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Candidates should be passionate about football and the corporate world, aspiring to a career in administration, analytics, marketing or research within a professional club or sporting organisation.
