Football is a multi-billion pound global industry driven by the marketing of its products. Consumer retention targets place an increased emphasis on organisations to develop their relationships with fans and consumers. The emergence of digital platforms has provided football organisations with the tools to reach a range of stakeholders on a local and global scale. Consequently, elite and lower league clubs require increased expertise to apply online and offline tools such as websites, social media, advertising and direct mail to increase their brand communications.

The English Premier League is a cutting edge example of how the marketing of football related products can exceed growth. Understanding how this growth has been achieved in a turbulent economic environment makes this an ideal context for the study of marketing. Beyond football clubs, leagues and associations, the manufacturers and retailers of football shirts, boots and other kit are well known as among the most successful, fast-changing, fashionable and technologically advanced businesses in the world, responding to the tribal nature of ‘fandom’.

Degree content

Your studies will focus on the core functions of football business management accompanied by marketing modules. The marketing pathways explore the principles of marketing and communications theory and apply theory to live projects to develop your employability skills. You will gain an understanding of football business and be introduced to international business models and management concepts, business planning, return on investment, strategy integration, contemporary issues and digital marketing. You will plan, implement and evaluate digital marketing plans for an industry organisation.

You will be taught in lectures and participate in stimulating seminar debates, with academic support via UCFB’s virtual learning environment. Assessments combine practical web development with the academic rigour of market research, consumer segmentation and audience selection. The many facets of marketing provide a broad context for learning and there are exciting job prospects for those who can thrive in its multicultural, technologically sophisticated world.

Read the benchmark statement for this course

First Year

  • Understanding Football Business
  • The Role of Marketing in Business
  • Understanding Customers & Fans
  • Marketing Communications

Second Year

  • Intermediate International Football Business
  • Football Entrepreneurship
  • Football Business & Finance
  • Contemporary Issues in Football
  • Digital Technologies for Marketing

Third Year

  • Football Brand Strategy
  • Strategic Management
  • Dissertation
  • Elective (30 credits):
    • Global Marketing Management (30 credits)
    • Advanced International Football Business (30 credits)
    • Football Law (15 credits)
    • Football Policy & Ethics (15 credits)

* 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.