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.

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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:

UCFB Wembley

UCFB Manchester Campus

In addition to our teaching locations, we also use specialist facilities throughout the academic year as well as additional facilities where required.

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Gabriella Ward, LMA

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.

Gabriella WardUCFB graduate and Communications and Commercial Partnerships Executive at the League Managers Association

Modules

Foundation
  • Skills for Learning
  • Mental Wealth
  • Research Project
  • Contemporary Issues in Sport
  • Managing Football Operations and People
  • Introduction to Business and Management (Sport and Football)
First Year
  • Understanding International Football Business
  • Introduction to Football Law
  • Industry Competencies (Mental Wealth)
  • Marketing and Communication
  • Financial Management Information Systems
  • Technical Directorship and Leadership
Second Year
  • International Football Analysis
  • International Culture and Relations
  • Industry Readiness (Mental Wealth)
  • Research Methods
  • Marketing, Technology and Innovation
  • Intermediate Financial Accounting
Third Year
  • Strategic Management
  • International Football Law and Governance
  • Professional Project
  • International Events and Project Management
  • Industry Engagement (Mental Wealth)
Degree specification documents & information

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

Benchmark statements
  • QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Business and Management (2019)

Visit the QAA website to access each of these benchmark statements.

Entry requirements

With Foundation Year
UCAS codes
  • UCFB Wembley course code: IFBF
  • Institution: U10
  • Campus: W
  • UCFB Manchester Campus course code: IFBF
  • Institution: U10
  • Campus: E
Academic entry requirements
  • 64 UCAS tariff points or equivalent non-tariff qualifications
  • GCSE Maths and English Language (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent e.g. Functional Skills Level 2
  • International applicants will be asked to pass the Academic IELTS test with a minimum overall score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each of the four elements

All applications are reviewed on a case by case basis. If your academic achievements do not meet the minimum level required but you have considerable professional experience, please contact admissions@ucfb.com.

International

Please be aware that all applicants who do not hold British or Irish nationality will require a visa to study in the UK.

Our access to a UK Government Student Visa licence is currently being reviewed. This means we are unable to consider applications from any applicant who would require a student visa to study in the UK as we cannot issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you are unsure whether you would need a visa to study in the UK, or for more information, please contact compliance@ucfb.com.

If you don’t hold a visa for the UK and would still like to study with UCFB, please consider Football Coaching (Distance with Attendance).

Three Year Degree
UCAS codes
  • UCFB Wembley course code: IFB1
  • Institution: U10
  • Campus: W
  • UCFB Manchester Campus course code: IFB1
  • Institution: U10
  • Campus: E
Academic entry requirements
  • 96 UCAS tariff points or equivalent non-tariff qualifications
  • GCSE Maths and English Language (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent e.g. Functional Skills Level 2
  • International applicants will be asked to pass the Academic IELTS test with a minimum overall score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each of the four elements

All applications are reviewed on a case by case basis. If your academic achievements do not meet the minimum level required but you have considerable professional experience, please contact admissions@ucfb.com.

International

Please be aware that all applicants who do not hold British or Irish nationality will require a visa to study in the UK.

Our access to a UK Government Student Visa licence is currently being reviewed. This means we are unable to consider applications from any applicant who would require a student visa to study in the UK as we cannot issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you are unsure whether you would need a visa to study in the UK, or for more information, please contact compliance@ucfb.com.

If you don’t hold a visa for the UK and would still like to study with UCFB, please consider Football Coaching (Distance with Attendance).

Advanced entry

We accept applications with advanced standing via our Advanced Prior Learning (APL) application process. Should you wish to apply for direct entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of one of our undergraduate degree programmes, you will be required to complete an APL application form and provide us with evidence of your previous studies.

Please contact admissions@ucfb.com for further detailed guidance. Please note that should you wish to apply via this process, we strongly encourage you to begin the application process early in the cycle and you will still be required to complete a UCAS application.

How to apply

All applications for an undergraduate degree programme are submitted via UCAS. To apply, please visit UCAS.com.

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.

The UCFB Employability & Enrichment programme

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

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UCFB Award In Football & Sports Leadership
Mental Wealth

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.

UK Operations Manager at Jacksonville Jaguars Mackenzie Cadman

"It was a great time. I think what I’ve taken out of that course is just to grasp every opportunity that you create yourself or you get from UCFB. The inspirational leaders who taught me were brilliant and led me to where I am today.”

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Mackenzie Cadman

Fees

Home students
£9,250 per year
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International students
£14,950 per year
Apply Now
Additional information about fees and costs

Visit our dedicated page about fees and student finance.

Additional costs

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.

Scholarships & bursaries

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.

Our UK campuses

UCFB provides an exceptional environment to live and learn in, with state-of-the-art facilities in two inspirational campuses in London and Manchester.

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