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MA Golf Management Blended Learning

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course is designed to enable students to make a significant contribution to the dynamic and complex global golf industry. The course provides a management-focused golf programme which develops awareness and ability in corporate management, equipping students with the skills and confidence necessary to manage others in the golf industry. More specifically, the course will develop students’ knowledge of international golf business through modules including: The Global Golf Industry, Strategic Management in Golf, Golf Consultancy Project, Golf Business and Innovation, and Contemporary Developments in Golf. Offering blended delivery via online sessions complimented with campus delivery at various junctures, the course is intellectually and academically stimulating whilst still being focused on the vocational needs of the golf industry. The staff teaching on the MA are friendly and supportive, who combined have extensive experience working both academically and vocationally within the golf industry. The course produces well qualified postgraduates with the necessary skills to move up the job hierarchy in variety of international golf related careers. The course is suitable both for existing industry professionals and those with an appropriate undergraduate qualification who aspire to a career in golf management.

Please note that this course may run as a roll-on, roll-off programme, so new students may start with either ‘Year 1’ or ‘Year 2’ modules, depending upon their year of entry.

Course modules

Year 1

The Global Golf Industry

This module aims to critically analyse the global context of golf by examining a number of issues, including: the spread of golf in the Middle and Far East; the globalisation of the world golf tours; and the lives of professional golfers. In doing so, this module will enable students to critically examine the social, economic and environmental consequences of golf’s global rise and also includes a specific focus on the growing internationalisation of golf business practices.

Strategic Management in Golf

This module aims to explore the area of strategic management in golf organisations. The module introduces the core concepts of strategic management so that students are able to fully understand the content and process involved in strategic management. The module will enable students to analyse the business environment and suggest how organisations might manage the strategy process. This includes structure, processes, systems and culture needed to be successful within the golf industry. Students will develop an appreciation of the global challenges facing golf organisations. Students will develop knowledge of the strategic options open to organisations and this will include strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions.

Golf Consultancy Project

This module aims to provide students with the skills to undertake a process of environmental scanning and consultancy in a golf industry workplace. In doing so, students will carefully monitor an organisation’s internal and external environments, detect early signs of opportunities and threats, and build a plan to influence current and future developments. This module will give students an awareness of the wider issues affecting golf business in relation to a specific industry sector. Students will be encouraged to record and reflect on their own personal development during the module and thus promote the transferable skills required to succeed in the ever changing golf industry.

Year 2

Brand Awareness and Marketing Strategies

This module aims to develop contemporary marketing knowledge, skills and experiences in a range of golfing contexts and environments. This module will develop the students’ ability to identify, problem solve and deploy a range of golf marketing theories and practices in this rapidly developing area. Students will engage with a diverse range of marketing theory as related to the contemporary golf context. This will be complemented by developing a pragmatic understanding of the practical application of golf marketing strategies and tactics in the 21st century.

Research Methodology and Design

This module provides students with the essential personal, organisational, management, theoretical and statistical skills needed to work at Postgraduate Level. It will explore research philosophies, research process and design and the process of questionnaire development and design. The module will develop skills in advanced data organisation, presentation, dissemination and problem solving.

Contemporary Developments in Golf

This module will provide students with the analytical skills to enable them to examine a number of contemporary issues that are relevant in the modern golf industry. Analysis will focus on issues such as: participation in golf in regards to ‘race’, gender, class and disability; performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in golf; golf and the Olympics; golf and the mass media; the relationship between golf and health; and the relationship between golf and social inclusion.

Year 3

Masters Dissertation

The dissertation is a triple module and allows students to design and conduct a substantial piece of independent, supervised research related to the field of study. The dissertation is an independent piece of academic work which allows the student to identify and work in an area of interest to them and manage the research process to agreed deadlines.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Applications are sought from individuals possessing a minimum of Lower Second Class (2.2) Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline.

Candidates not possessing an Honours Degree at the above grade but with relevant professional qualifications and experience will be welcomed. All non-standard applicants may be interviewed to assess suitability for the course.

Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experience/Learning (APE/L) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to have an English qualification to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Learning and assessment

Modules are assessed using a variety of methods, including written reports, essays, literature reviews, dissertation, research proposal, presentations and group work.

Students will participate in lecture seminars and discussion groups, and receive support from a personal tutor but will also be expected to demonstrate autonomy for their own learning. Our virtual learning platform (accessed via the internet) will provide additional learning resources, guidance and collaborative links to all students irrespective of their location.

Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

What Work Experience Can i Get?

The Golf Consultancy Project modules uses a relevant working environment to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area. Through this module students can work on a “real world” golf business management project for an external client, and thus apply the theoretical and practical knowledge that they have developed within the programme in a relevant, practical context. Students can either use their own selected workplace or take advantage of the many industry links the International Institute for Golf Education has fostered.

What International Opportunities are Available?

There are a number of international opportunities available, including: work and/or research experience on the PGA European Tour at tournaments such as the Dunhill Links Championship (St. Andrews), BMW PGA Championships (Wentworth), Turkish Airlines Open (Turkey), Ladies British Open, Senior British Open and the Ryder Cup. Such opportunities enable students to gain experience in a real working environment as well as increasing employment prospects.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for PhD by Research

Careers

The MA in Golf Management helps equip students to operate at managerial level in various positions in the golf industry. There are a number of careers which successful golf students have entered, including: Director of Golf / Golf Operations Manager; Golf Event Management; Golf Retail; Golf Equipment Technician; Golf Rules Official; and Golf Manufacturer Representatives

Professional accreditations

External liaison with governing bodies and organisations including: England Golf, Golf Foundation, Professional Golfers’ Association, European Tour, Ladies European Tour, and various private sector companies.

Special requirements

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include: students will be advised on software requirements for this course, where possible this will be provided as part of the course.

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

  • Student corporate clothing - £75.00
  • Dunhill Links Championship, St Andrews (PGA European Tour) - £100.00
  • Turkish Airlines Open, Antalya (PGA European Tour) - £625.00
  • BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth (PGA European Tour) - £120.00
  • Warm Weather Training Camp, Vilamoura, Portugal - £725.00
  • Golf Course (Myerscough College GC) Membership - £49.00
  • Annual Locker Hire - £10
  • Collegiate / Prospects Tour Membership - £100 (+ fee per qualifying event)

UCLan Sports Scholarship

The University of Central Lancashire offers opportunities for student athletes to be supported with their aspirations of maintaining their playing career whilst also studying for a high-quality degree. Our panel will consider applicants as part of the admissions cycle and will offer support to those they feel will make a valuable contribution to the University’s sporting objectives. Find out more and how to apply on their website