The history modules run alongside the common core of the UCFB business degrees programme in all three years of study, providing an in-depth insight into the history of sports such as sport, writing and history, the history of football and rugby, social and cultural contexts of sport, politics and policy, researching sport history and the social contexts of events, alongside the fundamentals of business management.

Degree content

We must study the past to understand the future. Sport has been present since the beginning of man, with prehistoric cave paintings depicting wrestling and swimming. Studying the history of sport can not only tell us about the constantly changing sport environments but can also be key in the study of social change and development.

The modern world of sports business is based upon a hunger for the sense of escape, commitment, fun and passion that playing, watching, reading about and discussing sport can deliver. Sports business, in all its varied forms, feeds and services the demand for physical recreation that helps shape the lives of countless millions globally. Beyond the adrenaline-rush, sport has deep meaning, commands attention, and helps shape the identity of individuals, groups and nations. What better way of understanding sport’s unique place in society than by examining its development over time.

Increasingly, sports clubs and organisations at all levels are developing a greater awareness of their histories and heritage to ensure, in an age of global commercialism, that they remain relevant within their local communities. This interest is reflected in the literature and publicity surrounding sport, in sports merchandising and image-creation, public engagement, public history, and heritage and museum links.

Read the benchmark statement for this course

* Subject to validation.

First Year

  • Understanding Sports Business
  • The Making of Modern Britain
  • Sports Marketing Communications
  • Sources & Methods in Sports History

Second Year

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Sport & British Society: Profit & Pleasure
  • History & Heritage
  • Media Relations for PR and Events
  • Sport & Politics

Third Year

  • Read All About It: Strategic Management, Sport & the Media
  • Read All About It: Sport & the Media
  • Research Project
  • Sport in Popular Culture: Literature, Film and Art
  • Sport Policy & Ethics

* 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.