BSc (Hons) Football Studies Degree

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Football Studies degree at Solent University equips students with comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in the football industry. Through six main strands of study, students gain expertise in coaching, development, psychology, performance analysis, research, and sociology. The program features guest lectures from industry professionals, practical work experience, and a partnership with Southampton FC, providing students with invaluable connections and real-world insights. Graduates have pursued successful careers in various sectors of the football industry, including Premier League clubs, football governance, and media.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Football Studies degree at Solent University is designed for individuals passionate about football who aspire to work within the industry. The program provides comprehensive knowledge and real-world experience of the national and international football industry. Students have the opportunity to study contemporary areas within the game and tailor their studies to their specific interests.

Outline:

The program consists of six main strands of study:

• Coaching
• Football development
• Psychology
• Performance analysis
• Critical research and study skills
• Sociology and politics
Students will benefit from the University's extensive network of contacts in the game. Regular lectures from guest speakers, including former Premier League and international players, managers, academy directors, leading club chairmen, media professionals, match officials, and England national team staff, enable students to learn from and interact with professionals with first-hand, high-level experience within the game. Practical work experience is at the heart of the course, and students are encouraged to apply their skills within a range of different clubs and in local community settings. Support is offered to students to help them undertake work and gain the experience that matches their future career plans within the game.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a combination of essays, individual and group presentations, fieldwork, practical activities, and written exams.

Teaching:

The academic staff on the Football Studies degree possess a wealth of knowledge and experience at all levels of the game. Many are research-active, publishing their peer-reviewed work in various books and internationally renowned journals. Some have coached at Premier League and Football League clubs, while others have conducted major research reviews that have informed public debate and changed football-related policy.

Careers:

Graduates of the Football Studies degree have gone on to careers at Premier League clubs including Southampton, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. The program has also supported graduates in securing roles in football governance, county football associations, national organizations and teams, the Football League, the National Conference, the Women's Super League, the Women's Championship, European Professional teams, Major League Soccer, UEFA, FIFA, and as football agents and media professionals.

Other:

• The University has provided administrative education for FIFA, the Football Association, the Premier League, the Football League, the National League, and more than 60 professional clubs.
• Students have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester.
• The University has a partnership with Southampton FC, providing students with access to real-world industry experience at the Club as part of the curriculum, including professional coaching and development from Premier League coaching staff.
• Solent and Saints will also be collaborating on research projects to help influence the future of the game using applied learning gained by students through working with the Club.

UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees:

£9,250 per year

International full-time fees:

£16,125 per year