Communications are essential to all sports, not just the means of communications, such as the different media channels, but also the ‘how and why’ of communications. How do sports organisations, clubs, stars and other athletes get their message to the public without it being distorted or diluted in the process?

Sports pages at the back of the newspaper have given way to sports supplements, specialist magazines, television programmes and whole channels. Meanwhile social media such as blogging and Twitter has opened up the lines of communication to everyone with an interest in sport.

Degree content

All sports increasingly need media professionals working for them. Understanding the requirements of different media, and those being developed, is essential for any organisation in a digitally interconnected world.  In the corporate world, PR and communications are an increasingly important function and a basic requirement of any organisation.

This is a challenging and exciting programme which has been designed to thoroughly prepare you for working in a press or communications role, or as a specialist in public affairs or corporate communications within the sports and related industries. Your studies will focus on the foundations of media communications and how it relates to the sports business in particular. You will learn through an integrated mix of academic theory and practical application, taught by staff who have not only academic experience but expertise acquired from working in the national media at many levels.

Through UCFB’s Complementary Curriculum you will have the opportunity to interact with leading practitioners at football clubs and within the media. You will gain unique insights from current and former Directors of Communications at leading football clubs who have a wealth of experience within the industry.

The degree culminates with a dissertation which gives you an opportunity to select an area or topic you are passionate about and investigate it through liaising with some of the major names in that field.

Read the benchmark statement for this course

* Subject to validation.

First Year

  • Understanding Sports Business
  • Introduction to Sports Media
  • Understanding Sports Fans & Customers
  • Effective Modern Marketing Communications

Second Year

  • Communication Entrepreneurship
  • Media Relations for PR & Events
  • Research Methods for Sport

Third Year

  • PR Strategy
  • Strategic Media Management
  • Dissertation
  • Elective

* Modules listed above may vary depending on changes to the syllabus.

Applications are welcomed from students with a genuine passion and ambition to work in the football and sports industries.

The minimum academic requirement for this degree course is a 240-280 UCAS Tariff point score.

Other minimum requirements

Applicants will normally have achieved one of the following:

  • A minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent
  • International Baccalaureate (minimum of 24 points)
  • A National Diploma or Certificate in an appropriate subject at Distinction level
  • An Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject at Distinction level
  • An Access Course: minimum of 60 credits, including at least 45 at Level 3
  • An equivalent level 3 qualification

Applicants should have a strong GCSE profile, including English at Grade C, or equivalent and Maths at Grade C (specifically for Football Business & Finance, Sports Business & Sports Law and Sports Business & Psychology).

Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered. Applicants for whom English is a second language should have achieved IELTS 6 or equivalent for entry into Level 4.

We also welcome applications from mature students who may not possess the above qualifications but may have relevant experience.

All applicants will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in their preferred area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject through the academic programme and our complementary curriculum involving high profile guest speakers, master classes and short course opportunities.

Entry with advanced standing

Students are normally expected to start at Level 4, but can be admitted to any level of the course which is considered suitable, after portfolio review and interview, using the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). Under this arrangement, a student may apply to have previous academic credits or other learning or experience taken into consideration. Such applications are considered by the Faculty CATS committee and must be supported by the Academic Department.

The UCFB Bursary

A limited number of bursaries are available for eligible fully enrolled UK students who are progressing to UCFB from a partner college/sixth form, and can be used towards studying costs.

The UCFB bursary amount is not paid to the student directly but is allocated for payment towards studying costs for eligible students.

The UCFB Scholarship Award

A limited number of scholarships will be available for 2015. Information will be announced soon. Contact us on 0843 208 2222 or mail scholarships@ucfb.com to register your interest.