BA (Hons) in Professional Golf
University of the Highlands and Islands
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
Dornoch, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 - 8 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 13,980 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* Scotland or EEA (outside of the UK): £1,820 per year | UK: £9,250 per year (Years 1, 2 and 3) | International: £13,980 per year
Introduction
What is special about this course?
This degree, unique in Scotland, is part of a partnership between the university and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). Based in Dornoch, close to the world-renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, the BA (Hons) Professional Golf is aimed at those aspiring to a career in the golf industry and offers the opportunity to work in various roles, with a particular focus on coaching and performance.
This degree is recognised by the PGA and graduates gain membership of the PGA (subject to application).
Scotland's golf industry is worth £1 billion and annually directly contributes £496 million to its gross domestic product (GDP). Estimates suggest that one in every 125 jobs in Scotland are dependent on golf.
This degree will incorporate themes relevant to the varied demands of the industry and, in particular, those met by professional coaches. These themes will develop from year one, through to the honours year and encompass coaching, equipment technology, sports science and business.
You will work alongside our BA (Hons) Golf Management students.
Special features
The course is unique due to its proximity and close working relationship with Royal Dornoch Golf Club, rated Number 5 in the world in 2016 by Golf Digest. The club is also supportive of our students' development offering coaching opportunities, hosting golf events and providing placement opportunities.
- Graduates can gain PGA membership (subject to application)
- You will study in a unique location – playing opportunities include Royal Dornoch Golf Club
- You will access dedicated on-site specialist teaching facilities and equipment, including Trackman and SAM Puttlab
- Benefit from PGA qualified and golf business teaching staff
- Get the opportunity to improve and develop personal golf-related skills and performance
- Participate in professional industry-based placements on an annual basis
- You will become a member of the University of the Highlands and Islands Golf Club (UHIGC) currently hosted by Royal Dornoch Golf Club
- Be involved in events throughout the academic year with the university golf team in British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) and Scottish Student Sport (SSS)
- Have institutional support for applications for individual R&A bursaries which financially support elite golfers in tertiary education
- Volunteer coaching in the Highland region is also well-established and there is an excellent and supportive working relationship with Clubgolf as well as with local schools and clubs
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation in Dornoch ideally suited to students on this course.
Admissions
Curriculum
Content
Year 1 - CertHE
In the first year, you will be introduced to general concepts in the golf industry and professional sport.
Core modules are:
- Activity Performance and Skills Acquisition
- Introduction to Business
- Introduction to Equipment Technology for Golf
- Introduction to Sport Coaching and Leadership
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
- Preparing for Work-based and Placement Learning
Year 2 - DipHE
You will continue to build on and develop the concepts from year one and begin to evaluate their application in practice. New topics will also be introduced.
Core modules are:
- Applied Coaching and Leadership
- Event Planning and Organisation
- Golf Equipment and Analysis
- Principles of Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Retailing
- Work Placement: Team-working and Communication
Year 3 - BA
In the third year, academic skills will be further developed alongside practical and industry-specific skill sets.
Core modules are:
- Design, Manage and Evaluate Human Fitness and Physical Performance
- Developing Entrepreneurial Effectiveness
- Research Skills
- Small Business Planning
- Sports and Exercise Science: A Critical Analysis
- Work Placement: Industry-specific skills
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
The Honours year is used to deepen your understanding and consolidate the themes carried throughout the programme.
Core modules are:
- Niche Professional: A Business Analysis
- Sports and Exercise Psychology
- Work Placement: Professional Practice
Option modules include:
- Advanced Applications of Coaching and Instruction
- Legal Issues in Sport and Fitness
You will also complete a dissertation (double-credits), or research and present a plan for a new business venture.
Career Opportunities
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in the golf industry and beyond. Opportunities may include:
- PGA professional
- Golf coaching and development
- Golf facility operations
- Golf education
- Sports science
- Sports retail
- Events management and operations