This page will provide the necessary information to be able to assess whether or not you wish to apply to participate in the Foundation Degree Programme.
The programme has been developed with the University of Birmingham and has evolved to meet the needs of PGA professionals in an ever-changing golf industry.
The programme is based around various modules. It mixes theory and practice and is assessed by assignments and examinations. Assistants work for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a golf environment, employed by a recognised PGA professional, and study via distance learning. In each of the three years of study and in addition to the assignments and exams, assistants attend a one-week residential course at the National Training Academy at The Belfry.
Coaching Key Subject Areas
- Equipment Technology
- Sports Science
- Business Management
- Career and Personal Development
- Rules and Tournament Organisation
Graduation from the course after three years can lead to a variety of employment opportunities anywhere in the world. Currently members of the PGA are employed in over 57 countries and the number is growing as golf expands in more developing countries.
Entry Criteria
From September 2009, the following criteria must be met if you would like to apply for the PGA Foundation Degree:
- Normally be 18 years or older by 30 September of the year you intend starting
- Have an email address and internet access
- Be maintaining a handicap of 4 or better (6 for ladies)
- Have four GCSE passes at Grades A to C including Maths and English Language
English equivalents or higher accepted are:
- Adult Numeracy Level 2 will count for Maths, and Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number.
- Adult Literacy Level 2 and Communication Key Skills Level 2. (In addition to this you will be required to take a written assessment in English at the ARP in the summer. Candidates who complete this successfully will be accepted onto the Foundation Degree. Details of this exam follow).
- Level 3 in Communication and/or Literacy will be accepted without having to take the PGA written assessment.
- Passes at A level (grades A-D) or higher will naturally be accepted.
- BTEC First Diploma along with GCSE Maths & English at grades A-C. We will accept Adult Numeracy and Literacy Level 2. (Applicants who have Level 2 Adult Literacy will have to take and pass a PGA English Entrance Exam to start the course).
- 14-16 Diploma Higher Award we will accept with GCSE English or Level 2 Adult Literacy. (Applicants who have Level 2 Adult Literacy will have to take and pass a PGA English Entrance Exam to start the course).
- Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma we will accept with GCSE English or Level 2 Adult Literacy. (Applicants who have Level 2 Adult Literacy will have to take and pass a PGA English Entrance Exam to start the course).
Scottish equivalents or higher accepted are:
- Four Standard Grade passes (grades 1-3) or Intermediate 2 (grades A-C). Maths and English Language must be included.
- Scottish Higher Certificate (grades A-C).
- Passes at a higher grade will naturally be accepted.
Irish equivalents or higher accepted are:
- Leaving certificate obtaining a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in both English and Maths plus a minimum grade at Ordinary Level of D1 in two other subjects.
- Passes at higher and honours level will naturally be accepted.
- Junior Certificate passes at either Ordinary or higher level is not accepted.
Please note that the Applied or Vocational Certificate along with the Intermediate Certificate is NOT accepted. Applicants from outside the UK must have their country's equivalent. A suitable level of written and spoken English must be demonstrated.
PGA Entrance Exam
The PGA English Entrance Test has been set up to cater for those applicants who do not possess GCSE English Grade C but do have Adult Literacy Level 2. For these individuals the entrance test is mandatory. The English Test has been designed to test:
- Comprehension
- Spelling, grammar and punctuation
- The ability to write an essay
It is golf related and takes an hour to complete under examination conditions on the Admission Review Programme. A pass mark of 50% has been set and applicants will receive feedback on each aspect of the test where they may be weak, so that they can gain extra tuition to help them. It should be understood that Foundation Degree Level work is the same as the first two years of an honours degree, so there is a need for candidates to posses a good level of English writing ability.
General
Maths and English are pre-requisites. However, it is noted that some people have achieved higher level qualifications without gaining Maths and/or English Language at GCSE level. In cases such as these applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
How to Apply
Upon meeting the entry criteria and satisfying yourself that you will be able to finance the costs of the course (an approximate breakdown of the fees can be found under the FAQs) you should contact the PGA Training Department for application forms.
These currently consist of three forms plus a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) application and should be returned together, along with the required documentation, copies of certificates and a handicap record. Foreign nationals applying from outside the UK are not required to complete a CRB form but will need to do so should they take up employment in the UK.
If accepted you will be eligible to complete the Admissions Review Programme (ARP). The ARP consists of two days at the PGA Training Academy and passing a Playing Ability Test (PAT), which are held throughout the UK and Ireland. Those who can prove a handicap of scratch or better upon application will be exempt from the PAT.
The ARP sessions held at the PGA Training Academy provide potential Assistants with the chance to spend taster sessions looking at the core subjects for the course.These will generally run from May through to August each year, with the Foundation Degree course starting the beginning of October.
Download the ARP and Playing Ability Test Dates
Upon completion of the Admissions Review Programme you will be eligible to sign contracts with your PGA professional and once these contracts are received and accepted by the Training Department, you will lose your amateur status.
At this time you will be able to book your place on the Foundation Degree programme and commence studies on 1 October. Assistants must have an email address where they can be contacted and should have internet access. Should you fail to complete the Admissions Review Programme you will be sent the relevant forms in February/March the following year.
In addition to the core subjects mentioned above, other qualifications and training courses will need to be completed during the programme. These include a Good Practice and Child Protection workshop, currently the Level 1 and 2 coaching certificates. To progress smoothly through the programme, pass grades must be achieved in the assignments and exams that take place during April of each year.
A playing record must be kept during the training period. Participants will be expected to continue playing and improving their own golf game. During each year of the programme Assistants should play in a minimum of seven tournaments each season, meaning that over the three years, 21 rounds must be recorded and submitted, to be eligible to apply for membership.
All the necessary information, study materials, contact people and dates of various courses and residential weeks are sent out by the Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the main frequently asked questions from people making enquires about the programme:
Q. How much will it cost?
A. For UK/EU Residents the cost will be approximately £1,400 per year, for those starting in October 2007. Please note this figure is for information only and is reviewed each year.
The cost to applicants who are resident outside the UK/EU, or who have not resided in the UK/EU for the three year period prior to the commencement of the course, will be £4,000 per year.
Q. Do I have to pay everything at the beginning?
A. No, you pay for the course by year. The first year will be the most expensive because you have the cost of ARP plus First Year Fees.
Q. Will I lose my amateur status by applying?
A. You will not lose your amateur status when you apply. Only after completing the Admissions Review Programme and having your contracts of employment accepted by the Training Department will you lose amateur status.
Q. Do I need to be working for a professional to apply and do the Admissions Programme?
A. No, you may apply and complete the Admissions Review Programme wherever you are working but must have found employment with a professional to sign contracts and start the Foundation Degree Course.
Q. Can I do the ARP without applying for the Foundation Degree?
A. No, the Admissions Programme (ARP and PAT) is only open to accepted applicants.
Q. Is there any other way of undertaking the Foundation Degree Course to become a PGA professional while I work fulltime in another industry?
A. No, there is no other way to become a member of the PGA other than by completing the Foundation Degree programme whilst working fulltime for a PGA professional.
Q. Is there any other way to become a PGA professional?
A. Yes, by completing the Applied Golf Management Studies (AGMS) programme, a full-time degree course run in partnership with the University of Birmingham. Further information can be found on the AGMS page.
Q. Can I obtain a Student Loan whilst undertaking the Foundation Degree?
A. No, because the Foundation Degree is not a full time course.
Q. Why do I need a handicap record, not a certificate?
A. We ask for a record so that we can see that you are maintaining a handicap of 4 or better and have not just arrived at it, because we find applicants in this situation struggle to pass the Playing Ability Test, putting themselves under more pressure.
Q. May I do the Foundation Degree while working abroad?
A. You may work abroad while undertaking the Foundation Degree provided the professional and establishment meet the usual training criteria.
Once you are sure that this is what you want to do and you meet the entry criteria, please contact the Training Department at training@pga.org.uk or call 01675 470 333 for the necessary application forms.