Postgraduate Scholarships

The UCFB Sports Leadership Scholarship recognises aspiring leaders who are committed to developing themselves and contributing meaningfully to the sports industry. This award is open to all applicants who demonstrate personal drive and a genuine commitment to improving themselves and the wider sports community. 

We are looking for students who show strong leadership qualities, whether through sport, academics, work, volunteering, or community engagement and who are ready to elevate their impact through postgraduate study.  

Applicants should demonstrate how they plan to influence positive change within the sports sector and reflect UCFB’s values:

• One team united around sport education – collaborating effectively, supporting peers, celebrating strengths, and constructively challenging to improve outcomes 
• Fair play for all – being inclusive, equitable, honest, and transparent 
• Bringing your best game – showing passion, inspiring others, embracing innovation, and continually striving for personal growth and excellence 

Recipients will become part of a growing network of future sport leaders and change-makers, gaining guidance, mentorship, and enhanced opportunities to accelerate their leadership journey and make a lasting contribution to sport globally. 

Benefits:

• £3,500 toward tuition fees OR CPD training to enhance professional skills.
• Gain early access to relevant Premier Events and assist on them if the opportunity arises.
• Industry mentoring to help students build valuable connections, develop confidence, and strengthen their readiness for a career in sport.

Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is open to applicants who: 

• Have received and accepted an offer to study one of the postgraduate course at UCFB (UK or international applicants) 

• Demonstrate leadership potential through sport, community, education, volunteering, or professional experience 

• Show personal drive and a genuine commitment to improving themselves and contributing to the wider sports community 

• Align with UCFB values through collaboration, ambition, inclusivity, and innovation 

The UCFB Sport Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarship celebrates postgraduate students who are ready to transform the sports industry through creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. This award recognises those who have a vision to develop new ideas, initiatives, or projects whether through technology, digital tools, business ventures, or innovative approaches to sport experiences. 

We are looking for students who demonstrate initiative, resilience, and a commitment to driving positive change, reflecting UCFB’s values of leadership, innovation, and collaboration. 

Recipients will gain access to mentorship, guidance, and resources to develop their ideas, connect with industry professionals, and build the skills needed to succeed as future sport innovators and entrepreneurs. 

Benefits:

• £3,500 toward tuition fees OR CPD training to enhance professional skills.
• Gain early access to relevant Premier Events and assist on them if the opportunity arises.
• Industry mentoring to help students build valuable connections, develop confidence, and strengthen their readiness for a career in sport.

Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is open to applicants who: 

• Have received and accepted an offer to study one of the postgraduate course at UCFB (UK or international applicants) 

• Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking or innovative ideas relevant to the sports industry 

• Show personal drive, ambition, and a commitment to creating positive impact in sport 

• Align with UCFB’s values of leadership, innovation, and collaboration 

The Future Game-Changers Scholarship recognises four aspiring sport leaders from underrepresented and financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to creating meaningful change within the global sports industry.

This scholarship supports students who demonstrate resilience, ambition, and a desire to challenge inequalities in sport. We are looking for individuals who not only represent UCFB’s values of Fair Play to All: Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Innovation, but who are ready to use their education to create impact  whether through community projects, policy change, fan engagement, technology, or athlete development.

Scholars will join a community of future sport leaders dedicated to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and dynamic sport industry.

Benefits:

• £3,000 contribution toward tuition fees OR CPD training to enhance professional skills.

• Gain early access to relevant Premier Events and assist on them if the opportunity arises.

• Industry mentoring to help students build valuable connections, develop confidence, and strengthen their readiness for a career in sport.

Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is open to applicants who meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Have received and accepted an unconditional or conditional offer to study at UCFB for September 2026 entry.

• Identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community in higher education and/or sport;

• Have a household income of under £35,000 per year

The She Leads the Game Scholarship celebrates ambitious, talented and determined women who are ready to elevate the sports industry through leadership, representation, and innovation.

Women continue to shape the future of sport in coaching, governance, media, events, sports business, performance-related roles, and beyond, yet many still face systemic barriers. This scholarship is for aspiring female leaders who want to challenge assumptions, break new ground, and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving global sports landscape.

We welcome applications from women who embody UCFB’s values:

• One team united around sport education – working together, celebrating strengths and achievements, and constructively challenging when needed

• Fair play for all – being inclusive, equitable, honest, and transparent

and who are committed to contributing to a more equitable, dynamic and inclusive sport industry.

The successful recipient will join a supportive network of women driving progress in sport gaining the knowledge, confidence, connections, and support needed to become influential leaders in the industry.

Benefits:

• £3,000 contribution toward tuition fees OR CPD training to enhance professional skills.

• Priority access to women-focused leadership and networking events, in collaboration with UCFB and industry partners

• Industry mentoring with a senior female professional from the sports industry, helping build networks, confidence, and sector insight

Eligibility criteria:

This scholarship is open to applicants who meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Have received and accepted an unconditional or conditional offer to study at UCFB for September 2026 entry.

• Are Female, or identifies as female.

• Must have  interest or involvement in sports leadership and/or female representation in the sports industry (academic projects, volunteering, community work, personal passion, or professional experience).

The Elite Athlete Scholarship celebrates athletes who have competed at the national or international level and are ready to combine their sporting excellence with academic and professional development.

We are looking for students who demonstrate discipline, resilience, and leadership, using their sporting experience to make a meaningful impact in the sports industry. Applicants should highlight how they will contribute to sport beyond their own performance and reflect the UCFB values:

• One team united around sport education – working together, celebrating strengths and achievements, and constructively challenging when needed

• Bringing your best game – showing passion, inspiring others, embracing innovation, and continuously striving to improve

Applicants are encouraged to highlight any experiences where they have overcome barriers in sport, or used their skills to support or mentor others.

The successful recipient will join a network of high-achieving athletes and emerging sport leaders, gaining mentoring, guidance, and tailored opportunities to develop professionally while making a lasting contribution to the global sports sector.

Benefits :

• £3,000 contribution toward tuition fees OR CPD training to enhance professional skills.

• Gain early access to relevant Premier Events and assist on them if the opportunity arises.

• Industry mentoring from a senior professional, offering insights, connections, and career guidance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• This scholarship is open to applicants who meet ALL of the following criteria:
  • Have received and accepted an unconditional or conditional offer to study at UCFB for September 2026 entry.
  • Are currently competing, or have competed, at national or international level in any sport

Awards: 

• 1x £4,000 towards UEFA A licence

•  1x £1,200 towards UEFA B licence

The Next-Gen Football Coach Scholarship empowers aspiring football coaches from historically underrepresented communities to turn their passion for the game into tangible impact.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to develop the next generation of players, influence grassroots football, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive coaching landscape. This scholarship is not just a contribution toward coaching qualifications, it is a career accelerator, providing a pathway to high-level coaching, leadership, and professional growth.

Applicants should demonstrate how they will use their coaching skills to make a difference in football, inspire others, and reflect the UCFB values:

• One team united around sport education – collaborating, supporting others, and constructively challenging when needed

• Fair play for all – being inclusive, equitable, honest, and transparent

• Bringing your best game – showing passion, inspiring others, embracing innovation, and continuously striving to improve

Successful scholars will gain access to mentoring from industry professionals, opportunities to build networks with clubs and associations, and tailored guidance from UCFB’s Employability & Careers Planning Team equipping them to make a lasting impact in football at all levels, from grassroots to professional pathways.

Benefits:

• Contribution toward either UEFA-A (£4,000) or UEFA-B (£1,200) coaching license. (NB. One scholarship will be available in each category)

• Gain early access to relevant Premier Events and assist on them if the opportunity arises.

• Mentoring from an industry professional, helping to build networks, confidence, and practical knowledge

Eligibility criteria:

This scholarship is open to applicants who meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Have received and accepted an unconditional or conditional offer to study at UCFB for September 2026 entry.

• Identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community AND have a low household income of under  £35,000 threshold

• For UEFA- A license category, applicants must already have their have UEFA B license.

• For UEFA- B license category, applicants must already have their have UEFA-C license.

The UCFB Progression Scholarship celebrates ambitious undergraduates ready to take the next step in their academic and professional journey by progressing to postgraduate study.

This scholarship is a springboard from UG to PG, helping students develop professionally and academically while contributing to the sports industry. It celebrates alumni who have used their skills, experience, and education to drive change, innovation, and inclusion in sport, and who continue to inspire others through their professional achievements. and demonstrate a positive impact in the sports industry.

Two recipients will gain advanced skills, tailored guidance, and mentoring opportunities to shape their careers and make a meaningful impact in sport.

Benefits:

• £3,000 contribution toward tuition fees OR CPD training to enhance professional skills.

• Gain early access to relevant Premier Events and assist on them if the opportunity arises.

• Industry mentoring from a senior professional, offering insights, connections, and career guidance

• Recognition and visibility through UCFB communications, social media, and event presentations

Eligibility criteria:

This scholarship is open to applicants who meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Have received and accepted an unconditional or conditional offer to study at UCFB for September 2026 entry.

• Be an Alumni from UCFB, GIS, VSI and UEL