College helps students kick-off career in football with new degree-level course

Football fans inspired by this year’s UEFA Euro 2024 tournament can funnel their passion of the beautiful game into their future career, as Nottingham College announces a new degree-level course in Football Studies.

BA (Hons) Football Studies, delivered at Nottingham’s further education college, is designed to equip students with the skills needed to kick off their career in elite football and will start in September.

With a focus on individual player development and overall team performance, the three-year course, taught at the Basford campus, will include modules on psychology, business, coaching, talent identification and analysis.

Nottingham College’s Sports faculty has close links with Notts County FC. The well-established club/college community partnership provides students with exposure to elite players, coaches and facilities.

Open to both progressing learners already studying at Nottingham College and applicants who have previously studied elsewhere, the courses have been validated by the Open University, giving a seal of approval on the courses’ content and delivery. Football Studies is available for both full-time and part-time learners.

Claire Barton, assistant principal for higher education at Nottingham College, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer Football Studies as an undergraduate course option, particularly a time when young people may feel inspired by the Euros – not only for their love of the game but as a potential industry and career option too.

“Studying a higher education course like this in a college environment, which offers more flexibility, smaller class sizes and more one-to-one support, is a great alternative to a large university, which can feel daunting for some. Here at college, we pride ourselves on our high-quality student experience, highlighted by our Bronze Award from the Teaching Excellence Framework, and our comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral programmes, to support students’ physical and mental health.”