“I secured an internship at West Ham United as an Academy Recruitment Analyst thanks to the university’s support.”
BSc (Hons)Football Studies
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2026
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: FOO3
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a football studies degree at Solent University
The course is designed and tailored for individuals passionate about football and enthusiastic to learn from the game to reach their aspirations to work within it.
- Top0in the UK for satisfaction with assessment in sport science, out of 84 institutions (Guardian Uni Guide 2026)
- 0thin the UK for teaching quality in sports science, out of 82 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- 0thin the UK for learning resources in sport and exercise sciences studies, out of 86 institutions (NSS 2025)
- Our partnership with Southampton Football Club provides unique learning opportunities, guest lectures from industry professionals and exclusive experiences at St Mary's stadium.
- Solent graduates work for FIFA, the FA, the Premier League, the Football League, and more than 60 professional clubs.
- Sessions are delivered at the multi-million-pound Test Park football centre, which boasts a full-sized all-weather 3G pitch, an FA Step 5 football arena and modern teaching space.
- Practical work experience is at the heart of this course, and students are encouraged to apply their skills within a range of different clubs and in local community settings.
- A booming industry - the European football industry is now valued at €38bn (Deloitte, 2025).
- There are no exams on this course - assessment is through practical assignments, live briefs, presentations, podcasts and vivas to mirror industry expectations.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
Solent University has been at the forefront of football education for over two decades and our Football Studies degree has emerged as the leading supplier of graduates to the football industry. Graduates have gone on to careers at Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Women's Super League teams, Major League Soccer, and European and other international clubs.
This degree provides students with comprehensive knowledge and real-world experience across the local, national, and international football industry. Students explore a range of contemporary areas within the game and develop a critical understanding of football in relation to its continued growth and evolution.
Football underpins all teaching, with modules spanning development, coaching, performance analysis, recruitment, psychology, innovation, technology, data, player care, research, and the future game - areas shaped and informed by graduates who now lead in these roles across football. Gaining advanced knowledge of key football issues, undertaking research to influence those issues, and playing an active role in shaping the future of the game are central to the ethos of the course.
Students benefit from the opportunity to tap into the University’s extensive network of contacts in the game. Regular lectures from guest speakers - including former Premier League and international players, managers, academy directors, leading club chairmen, media professionals, match officials and England national team staff - enable students to learn from and interact with professionals who have first-hand, high-level experience within the game.
Gaining practical work experience is at the heart of the course, and students are encouraged to apply the skills learnt as part of their degree within a range of different clubs and in local community settings. Support is offered to students to help them undertake work and gain the experience that matches their future career plans within the game.
Students on this course will also benefit from the University's partnership with Southampton FC, with access to real-world industry experience at the Club as part of the curriculum, including professional coaching and development from the Club's coaching staff. Solent and Saints will also be collaborating on research projects to help influence the future of the game using applied learning gained by students through working with the Club.
If you’re looking to study our football studies degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the sport foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the health, sport and social sciences foundation year.
This course also offers the option of a placement year. A placement year allows you to put what you've learned in your first and second years into practice in the workplace, gaining valuable real-world work experience before you graduate. Our course and placements teams will help you find the perfect industry placement in your chosen field.
Endorsements
Endorsed by:
Who is this course for?
We welcome applications from students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Graduates from the foundation course are guaranteed direct entry to the degree.
All our students are passionate about football, and we will support your aspirations for a career within the game. The course is ideal for students who want to work and impact football and who are eager to combine academic study with real-world experience, gain industry connections, and contribute to shaping the future of football at every level, from grassroots and local settings to national and international environments.
What does this course lead to?
Graduates of Solent’s Football Studies degree go on to shape the game at every level, from local clubs to the international stage. Our alumni work in football governance, county associations, national teams, and major leagues such as the Premier League, Football League, National League, Women’s Super League, and Women’s Championship. They also take roles with European professional clubs, Major League Soccer, UEFA, FIFA, football agencies, player care, and representation, influencing the game both on and off the pitch. Whether driving strategy, developing talent, or shaping the future of the game, our graduates are equipped to turn their passion for football into impactful, rewarding careers.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The academic staff on the Football Studies degree possess a wealth of knowledge and experience at all levels of the game. Many are research-active, publishing their peer-reviewed work in a variety of different books and internationally renowned journals. Some have coached at Premier League and Football League clubs, while others have conducted major research reviews that have informed public debate and changed football-related policy. Our staff frequently appear on national and international media channels to provide expert comment and analysis on football-related issues.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Practical sessions are delivered at Solent’s multi-million-pound Test Park football centre, which boasts a full-size all-weather 3G pitch, an FA Step 5 football arena and state-of-the-art built-in teaching space. Students also have access to AnalysisPro/Nacsport video and performance analysis equipment and software.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Work-Ready Professional Skills
This module will guide you through work-ready professional skills and personal development planning for your professional practice. You'll focus on the career you intend to pursue and explore different tools and techniques to help you structure your professional development over the short, medium, and long term. This approach will help you fully benefit from your course, with the goal of achieving success in your future studies and career.
Wellness, Recreation, Society
This module introduces you to relevant theories of society as a framework for understanding the nature, purpose and contribution of the wellness and recreation industries to social flourishing. You'll explore how fundamental social, cultural, economic and political processes shape everyday experiences, public policy, and inequalities in contemporary society. Using sport and health as case studies, you will learn how social processes, actors, structures, and policy influence behaviour, identity, opportunities, and wellbeing.
Coaching and Physical Activity (Sport and Health Pathway)
When working in health and sport, part of your role is to effectively respond to the needs of the participant or the group and the demands of the environment. This module will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of leadership theories and experience of leading within a variety of contexts, including your chosen discipline, and opportunities to reflect and develop.
Human Body, Fitness and Wellbeing (Sport and Health Pathway)
This foundation module provides an introduction to a multidimensional approach that is underpinned by research informed practice. You'll explore fundamental scientific principles such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and health and exercise instruction, while gaining the knowledge and practical skills required to be able to plan, design and deliver an evidence-based, credible, safe and effective fitness session.
Core modules
Studying Football
In this module, you'll be introduced to what it means to study football and how this applies to your future career. You'll examine how football relates to and is challenged by contemporary issues in local, national,and international perspectives, while developing an understanding towards the social-cultural relationship through football.
Psychology in Football
In this module you will explore psychological concepts relating to individual and team performance. Through applied learning, you'll gain an outline knowledge of basic psychological analysis to understand individual and team performance and be able to demonstrate how psychological techniques can help improve performance.
Coaching Football for Participation
This module introduces you to planning and delivering a coaching session at local level in the grassroots game that engages participants, develops skills and physical qualities, and maintains safety and welfare.
Performance Analysis in Football
This introductory module covers performance analysis concepts and approaches. You'll understand the purpose behind performance analysis, gain the ability to design and complete a rigorous performance analysis process, and interpret analysis to provide insights to support coaches.
Core modules
Coaching Football for Specialisation
This module will increase your understanding of coaching football at national level, aligned to CIMSPA coach accreditation. You'll learn to plan, deliver and evaluate safe, effective and participant-centred coaching sessions and programmes for elite youth players that meet individual needs, support long-term development, and continually approve coaching practice.
Strategic Football Development
In this module you will explore the influence of the political and strategic landscape on the national game, applying structures, directives and initiatives for the development of the national game.
Fitness in Football
In this module you'll investigate the key factors affecting the development of effective physical conditioning and fitness programmes for male and female footballers. You'll evaluate key concepts and player movement competencies, both on and off the field, to develop an effective programme for physical performance enhancement and injury mitigation.
Talent Identification and Recruitment
In this module you'll develop an understanding of the complexities around talent identification and recruitment. You'll explore talent identification systems, frameworks and strategies and examine and co-create new talent ID systems and how these underpin recruitment (through the player stage, age, phase of performance).
Core modules
International Football for Development
This module provides an opportunity to explore the wider social reach and impact of football. By engaging with contemporary case studies, academic debates, and real-world initiatives, you will learn to examine policy frameworks, organisational practices, and community-led programmes to understand when, how, and for whom football can be a vehicle for positive change.
Coaching Football for Performance
This module prepares you to become a globally competent, research-informed performance coache by integrating advanced coaching teaching methods with international football contexts.
Future Game
This module integrates innovation and advancements in football, helping you to understand future game opportunities and development.
Research and Practice in Football
In this module you'll prapare a practice-based study to apply a concept learned and reflect on implications for your own professional development through a narrative literature review. This will prepare you to operate as a practitioner-researcher who can critically investigate contemporary issues in football.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Block teaching at Solent
You will learn by:
You may be assessed at the end of each block by:
- Essays
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Fieldwork
- Practical activities
- Assignments
- Live briefs
- Poster presentations
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Learn more about block teaching
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in the football industry?
A career in football can be incredibly rewarding, whether you're working at grassroots level, with children and young people, or at the highest level. And it's a booming industry - the European football industry is now valued at between £20–25bn (Deloitte, 2021).
Throughout this degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience to help prepare you to hit the ground running in your first graduate role.
The academic staff on the football studies degree possess a wealth of knowledge and experience at all levels of the game. Many are research-active, publishing their peer-reviewed work in a variety of different books and internationally renowned journals. Some have coached at Premier League and Football League clubs, while others have conducted major research reviews that have informed public debate and changed football-related policy. Our staff frequently appear on national and international media channels to provide expert comment and analysis on football-related issues.
The course benefits from extensive industry links which include a recently re-launched relationship with Southampton Football Club. The University has provided administrative education for FIFA, the Football Association, the Premier League, the Football League, the National League and more than 60 professional clubs.
Our links with industry
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“I secured an internship at West Ham United as an Academy Recruitment Analyst thanks to the university’s support.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MA Physical Education and School Sport
The MA Physical Education and School Sport programme will help you to develop the academic knowledge and practical skills that underpin a career in physical education and youth...
Find out more
MA Sport Management
Gain advanced knowledge and skills in research, analysis and communication to apply to a career in sport management, leadership or governance fields.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees for foundation year: £5,760 per year for foundation level (subject to UK Government changes). Fees will increase for year 1.
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,790 per year
- International full-time fees: £16,178 for foundation level. Fees will increase from year 1 onwards.
- International full-time fees: £19,081 per year (from year 1)
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Compulsory costs
General
Students enrolling on our sport courses are expected to wear a Solent sports kit. This kit (at a cost of around £135) will be provided to you by the University.
Any additional kit would need to be bought by the individual.
Students are required to undertake DBS criminal records checks as part of their enrolment: £60
Optional costs
Optional discounted professional body endorsement (NGB): Prices vary, please click here to view our courses.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who have not recently undertaken a formal course of study at A-level, or equivalent, but can demonstrate relevant work or voluntary experience, that's indicative of their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 48
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
