There are currently over a hundred stadia across the world under planning and/or construction. This degree will help you gain an understanding and research different international stadia, design processes, pitch construction, architectural challenges, and other important factors such as health and safety constraints. You will cover topics such as international retailing, international stadia and football infrastructures, the challenges of dealing with differing stakeholders, cultural differences and attitudes to corporate social responsibility. Lastly you will learn how to understand and formulate successful bids for global football competitions and events, developing your operational understanding of sports law with an international perspective, for example, international player transfers and migration and the development of a global strategy.

Degree content

The football business is a multi-billion pound global industry, which is growing exponentially all over the world. The sports industry is growing faster than GDP both in emerging economies and more mature markets. You will study the key drivers which fuel this rapid market growth including the nature of ‘fandom’, the development of the international football and sports industries and the creation of a global strategy. There are over 200 member associations all over the world who each govern and manage football in their country. Therefore, you will examine all of the international licencing schemes and regulations of the Global Confederation (OFC, AFC, CONCACAF, CAF, UEFA, FIFA), along with the implications of cultural differences linked to commercial and sponsorship opportunities. To enrich your learning, there will be opportunities for work experience both in the UK and internationally, between your second and third year. Furthermore, during your three years at UCFB Wembley, there will be opportunities to interact with global events at Wembley Stadium and Orlando City Soccer Club, Florida, enabling you to apply your knowledge and increase your competitive edge in the workplace. Your studies will provide you with an understanding of the broader global football industry and its history as well as contemporary challenges to provide a solid foundation for your degree. You will cover topics such as the nature of ‘fandom’, the growth and development of the international football industry and sports sponsorship specific to international markets. You will explore marketing in the football industry with an international perspective as well as an appraisal of the different types of league structures and franchises such as in the USA.

UCFB degrees fall under three subject benchmark statements – General business and management (2007); Hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism (2008); and Psychology (2010). Visit the QAA website to access each of these benchmark statements.

Download the BA (Hons) International Football Business Programme Specification.

First Year

  • Understanding Football Business
  • The Role of Marketing in Business
  • Managing Money
  • An Introduction to International Football

Second Year

  • Intermediate International Football Business
  • Football Entrepreneurship
  • Stadium Management
  • Electives (1 of 2):
    • Financial Reporting
    • Digital Technologies for Marketing

Third Year

  • Dissertation
  • Leadership & Management
  • Advanced International Football Business
  • Elective (1 of 2):
    • Football Brand Strategy
    • International Finance

* 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 280-320 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 Sport 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.

Scholarships & Bursaries

A limited number of scholarships and bursaries are available for 2015. Visit the undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page for more information.

If you have any further questions regarding entry requirements, please contact us at admissions@ucfb.com.