FdSc Professional Golf Studies

Applicants are usually 18 years or older by 30 September of the year you intend to start the programme.

You will require an email address and internet access.

Golf Playing Handicap

You should have maintained a handicap of 6.4(M) or 8.4 (F) handicap. Full details of playing requirements will be provided on application.

Be working at a golf facility under the supervision of a PGA Training Professional.

Academic in England and Wales

The minimum academic entry criteria is 4 GCSE’s at grades 4-9 (A-C). Maths and English Language, included. Preference will be given to applicants who have achieved 6 GCSE’S at grades A-C or better.

English equivalents or higher that are accepted are:

Level 3 Communication will be accepted.

Passes at “A” Level (Grade A- D) or higher will naturally be accepted.

BTEC First Diploma along with GSCE English & Maths at grades A-C.

14-16 Diploma Higher Award we will accept with GSCE English Language.

Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma we will accept with GCSE English Language

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the International version of the GCSE this is also acceptable at Grade A-C.

Alternatively consideration will be given to applicants with Level 2 in Adult Literacy and/or Numeracy. Functional Skills 2 in Maths and/or English Language.

The minimum academic entry criteria is 4 National 5 awards grades A-C or better (including English and Maths).

Leaving certificate obtaining a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in both English and Mathematics plus a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in 2 other subjects.

Passes at higher and honours level will naturally be accepted.

Junior Certificate passes at either ordinary or higher level are not accepted.

Applicants from outside the UK must have their country’s equivalent.

Academic in Scotland

The minimum academic entry criteria is 4 National 5 awards grades A-C or better (including English and Maths).

Academic in Ireland

Leaving certificate obtaining a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in both English and Mathematics plus a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in 2 other subjects.

Passes at higher and honours level will naturally be accepted.

Junior Certificate passes at either ordinary or higher level are not accepted.

Academic Overseas

Applicants from outside the UK must have their country’s equivalent.

A suitable level of written and spoken English must be demonstrated. All overseas students will have to pass their IELTS before they apply.

You may find this link helpful www.ielts-exam.net

It should be understood that Foundation Degree Level work is the same as the first 2 years of an honours degree, so there is a need for candidates to posses a good level of English writing ability.

The programme is delivered as a distance learning course with a face-to-face intensive residential course delivered at the PGA National Training Academy covering core subject areas. These sessions are delivered in small groups by experienced PGA tutors.

E-lessons, lectures, activities and assessments have been designed and developed in each subject area. All students have access to the Virtual Learning Environment (iVLE).

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed throughout the 3 years of the course including;

Assignments; essays, reports or logs.

Examinations; practical workshop and filed assessments, written theory and video analysis examinations.

As well as completing the FdSc course, students must also hold an up to date Disclosure, a Safeguarding and Protecting Children certificate, complete two external golf coaching qualifications, hold a first aid certificate, pass the PGA Coaching Assessment and play in a minimum of 21 PGA recognised tournaments before applying for PGA Membership.

Full details are provided on application and during open days.

The first coaching qualification will introduce the core elements of coaching and provide students with key knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities to begin coaching golf.

The second qualification will build on the foundations laid by the first and seek to ensure that trainees are competent in planning, delivering, and reviewing coaching sessions, as well as demonstrating the ability to review and improve their own coaching practice.

Both qualifications are a blend of online learning and face to face delivery, and successful completion of each one relies on passing a combination of theoretical and practical assessments of your coaching knowledge and skills.