UCFB, a world first in higher education delivering university degrees in the football, sport and events industries in and around the iconic Wembley Stadium, has signed a landmark partnership with the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea, the 10-time European champions’ higher education arm.
The unprecedented agreement will allow students to live, learn and work within UCFB’s campus in and around the world’s greatest sporting venue, Wembley Stadium, as well as experience the inner workings of the world’s biggest football club, Real Madrid.
From September 2016, UCFB’s postgraduate students will be given the opportunity to add to their unique experience of studying in and around the famous Wembley Stadium by spending a period of time in Madrid. The Real Madrid Graduate School’s facilities include the new Sports City and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid.
Brendan Flood, Founder and Chairman of UCFB, said:
“The ambition with this partnership has been to pair UCFB, a leader in its field located at the world-class Wembley Stadium, with the Graduate School of the globe’s most successful football and sports business. This is the coming together of the best in class.”
Philip Wilson, Chief Executive of UCFB, led the partnership process, commenting:
“We recognise the need for the sports business industry to be populated with professionals who are equipped with a broad business knowledge and specialist academic insight. We believe this partnership with the Real Madrid Graduate School will provide our students with an unrivalled international sports education that cannot be obtained at any other higher education institution.”
Emilio Butragueño, the legendary former Spain and Real Madrid striker, and current Director General of the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea, welcomed the partnership with UCFB. He said:
“Our partnership with UCFB is an exciting development that brings together excellence and sport, producing leaders with the skills required to succeed in the international sports industry. Studying in these two world-leading locations will inspire and empower students to reach their potential.”
In addition to its array of inimitable degree programmes, UCFB offers an exclusive Complementary Curriculum™ programme to all students. This gives access to best-in-class executive speakers across the industry and exceptional opportunities to apply for work experience placements, ensuring UCFB students graduate as well-rounded, empowered individuals.
Guest speakers have included former Liverpool footballer and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher; former footballer and BT Sport pundit Steve McManaman; Peter Salmon, Director, England at the BBC; Greg Dyke, Chairman of The Football Association; Kelly Simmons, Director of The National Game and Women’s Football at The Football Association; and Niall Sloane, Director of Sport at ITV.
