This course is available with a Foundation year for those who do not meet the main entry requirements.
Degree overview
The globalisation of football has been swift. Growing markets in the likes of Asia and the Americas mean an understanding of the sport in an international context opens many career paths in football business.
You will study the key drivers which fuel this rapid growth, including the nature of ‘fandom’, the development of the international football and sports industries and the implications of cultural differences linked to commercial deals. An understanding of how to bid for international events will also form part of this degree programme.
Degree content
Football is a multi-billion-pound global industry, and the sport industry as a whole is growing faster than GDP both in emerging and mature economies.
You will study the key drivers which fuel this rapid market growth including the nature of ‘fandom’, the development of the international football and sport industries, and the creation of a global strategy.
There are over 200 member associations around world who each govern and manage football in their respective countries. Therefore, you will examine the international licencing schemes and regulations of organisations such as UEFA, CONCACAF and FIFA, along with the implications of cultural differences linked to commercial and sponsorship opportunities.
Teaching locations for this degree include:
In addition to our teaching locations, we also use specialist facilities throughout the academic year as well as additional facilities where required.
UCFB provided me with multiple opportunities over the years to work in football and the sports industry and this resulted in having an impressive CV upon graduating.
Modules
- Skills for Learning
- Mental Wealth
- Research Project
- Contemporary Issues in Sport
- Managing Football Operations and People
- Introduction to Business and Management (Sport and Football)
- Understanding International Football Business
- Introduction to Football Law
- Industry Competencies (Mental Wealth)
- Marketing and Communication
- Financial Management Information Systems
- Technical Directorship and Leadership
- International Football Analysis
- International Culture and Relations
- Industry Readiness (Mental Wealth)
- Research Methods
- Marketing, Technology and Innovation
- Intermediate Financial Accounting
- Strategic Management
- International Football Law and Governance
- Professional Project
- International Events and Project Management
- Industry Engagement (Mental Wealth)
University Campus of Football Business is an embedded college of the University of East London. All graduates that begin their degrees with UCFB from September 2021 onwards will receive a degree from the University of East London.
Click here to download the course specification.
UCFB degrees fall under five subject benchmark statements – Business and Management (2019); Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (2019); Events, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism (2019); Law (2019); and Psychology (2019). Visit the QAA website to access each of these benchmark statements.
Entry requirements
Applications are welcomed from students with a genuine passion and ambition to work in the football and sports industries.
- UCFB Wembley course code: IFBF
- Institution: U10
- Campus: W
- UCFB Etihad Campus course code: IFBF
- Institution: U10
- Campus: E
The minimum academic requirement for the degree course with Integrated Foundation Year is a 64 UCAS points.
International Baccalaureate - 30
Applicants will normally have achieved one of the following:
- A Levels with DDE or higher
- A BTEC Extended diploma grade MPP
- A BTEC Diploma grade MM
- A combination of BTEC and A-Level qualifications
Applicants are also expected to hold a GCSE grade C in Maths or English.
To be considered eligible for the programme, applicants must have completed at least two years of post-secondary education or work experience.
Applicants applying without the minimum required UCAS points can still be considered on a case by case basis and may be requested to attend an interview and assessment prior to receiving an offer.
International applicants will be asked to achieve IELTS for UKVI at grade 6.0 overall or above.
Enquiries are encouraged from anybody who does not meet the above criteria but would like to be considered for the programme. Please email admissions@ucfb.com for further advice.
International students
UCFB cannot currently sponsor non-EU students’ visas.
You will not need a visa to study in the UK if:
- You are a British citizen
- You are a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) member state or Switzerland
- You have a visa to stay in the UK for another purpose that allows you to study
If you are still unsure whether you would need a visa to study in the UK, or for more information, please contact admissions@ucfb.com.
- UCFB Wembley course code: IFB1
- Institution: U10
- Campus: W
- UCFB Etihad Campus course code: IFB1
- Institution: U10
- Campus: E
The minimum academic requirement for this degree course is a 96 UCAS point score under the UCAS tariff system.
International Baccalaureate - 30
Applicants will normally have achieved one of the following:
A minimum of 2 A Levels including two C grades
A BTEC Extended diploma grade MMM
A BTEC Diploma grade DD
A combination of BTEC and A-Level qualifications with at least two C graded A levels or Merit graded BTEC equivalents.
International applicants will be asked to achieve Duolingo 95 or IELTS for UKVI at grade 6.0 overall or above.
International Baccalaureate (minimum of 30 points)
An Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject at Distinction level
An Access Course: minimum of 60 credits, including at least 45 at Level 3
An equivalent level 3 qualification
Applicants should have a strong GCSE profile, including English at Grade 4 or Grade C, or equivalent and Maths at Grade 4 or Grade C (specifically for Football Business & Finance, Sports Business & Sports Law and Sport Psychology).
Other equivalent qualifications, including those from your own country, will be considered for entry.
Applicants for whom English is a second language will need a valid Academic IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.0 with no lower than 5.5 in each component for entry on to a degree programme (Level 4).
All qualifications are subject to approval by the UCFB Admissions team, based on UKVI requirements.
We also welcome applications from mature students who may not possess the above qualifications but may have relevant experience.
All applicants will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in their preferred area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject through the academic programme and our complementary curriculum involving high profile guest speakers, master classes and short course opportunities.
International students
UCFB cannot currently sponsor non-EU students’ visas.
You will not need a visa to study in the UK if:
- You are a British citizen
- You are a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) member state or Switzerland
- You have a visa to stay in the UK for another purpose that allows you to study
If you are still unsure whether you would need a visa to study in the UK, or for more information, please contact admissions@ucfb.com.
Students are normally expected to start at Level 4, but can be admitted to any level of the course which is considered suitable depending on an assessment of their previous certificated studies or evidence of relevant experience. To be considered for entry with advanced standing, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@ucfb.com for information, advice and guidance.
Career prospects
Due to the flexible nature of the BA (Hons) International Football Business degree programme, graduates will be able to access roles ranging from event operations to business development, including the possibility to work for clubs, sport businesses or governing bodies.
Over 90% of UCFB graduates are in employment within six months of graduating and almost two-thirds of them work within the global sports industry.
At UCFB we bridge the gap between education and business, allowing a unique approach to education. We provide two curricula; the academic curriculum which encompasses exams and coursework and the Employability & Enrichment programme – a three year journey of professional and personal development.
This provides access to best-in-class industry guest speakers, additional qualifications and exceptional opportunities to apply for work experience placements to ensure our students graduate as well-rounded, empowered professionals.
Find out more about your career journey at UCFB
Each of our UCFB undergraduate degrees is underpinned by an embedded strand of learning and skills development, including a formalised a short work-placement opportunity, to better equip students for the 21st century workplace and enhance employability opportunities.
This allows students to develop a set of key transferrable skills to ensure they are ready for the modern workplace when they graduate, including emotional, social, physical, cultural and cognitive intelligence, digital proficiency, industry and community connections, and giving back to the community through projects and volunteering.
Every UCFB degree has one Mental Wealth module in each academic year to cover these skills, and our learning outcomes for all modules are closely mapped to these same competencies in order to maximise graduate's industry readiness and career opportunities.
"What I love about the sports industry is that it’s so unique to any other industry. Social, political, and economical affairs, to name a few, all come into question."
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Visit our dedicated page about fees and student finance.
The provision of a facility or service including accommodation may be subject to an additional charge (i.e. separate from tuition fees). Where this is the case, we will make this clear in advance and payment for such service shall be made in accordance with any additional contract made between you and the University.
In some instances, optional Employability & Enrichment activities provided by UCFB may carry an additional cost for participants (e.g. qualifications with external certification such as FA Coaching Badges). Any additional costs will be provided to students in advance of any such sessions running.
UCFB has a range of scholarship and bursary options to help with the cost of studying and to encourage students to embrace their time at UCFB and graduate with more than just their university degree. Click here to learn more.
UCFB provides an exceptional environment to live and learn in, with state-of-the-art facilities in two inspirational campuses in London and Manchester, which have the iconic Wembley and Etihad stadiums at their heart.
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