PGA to offer 'top up' opportunity for existing Foundation Degree

As our relationship with the University of Birmingham enters its third decade, both The PGA and the university are delighted to announce that we are now in a position to offer Members the opportunity to ‘Top-Up’ their existing Foundation Degree qualification to a full Honours degree. 

Simon Hubbard, Head of the PGA Training Programme, explains more about this exciting opportunity.

Since 2004 those people who have gone through the Training Programme and studied the Foundation Degree course have effectively completed the first two years of a full-time degree. 

Success in achieving the qualification and ultimately becoming a Member has deservedly been recognised throughout the industry.  Member feedback has requested the opportunity to differentiate, specialise and for many Members working overseas the requirement to have a full degree when applying for work visas.  There has always been the desire to offer an option to top-up to a full degree so, the rationale is now compelling and the result is the opportunity for people who have the Foundation Degree qualification to work towards a BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf Studies if they meet the entry criteria.

The top-up will be studied over two years which (like the Foundation Degree) means it will be part-time, this will allow Members to continue their day to day occupations and this was a major consideration during the creation of the programme.

Entry is by application, there is still time to express your interest and submit an application form.  There are approximately twenty-five places available and applications will be assessed based upon previous performance of the Foundation Degree programme.  The course will start in the January 2021.

Delivery of the programme will be fully online with a blend of online sessions and distance learning via the Canvas learning platform.  As is the case with the BSc (Hons) Applied Golf Management Studies (AGMS) programme, the delivery will be split 50-50 between the PGA and the University of Birmingham.

Details of the modules covered, methods of assessment and any other queries can be provided, email training@pga.org.uk 

For 2021 entry, course fees are £4,250 per academic year for home students and £5,250 for international students, and applicants will be able to obtain student funding if they have the entitlement available.

Simon Hubbard says “This exciting announcement has been the culmination of nearly two years of work by colleagues from both the PGA and the University of Birmingham and marks a landmark in the educational opportunities we are able to offer PGA Members who wish to add to their existing Higher Education qualification.”

Dr Martin Toms, the lead for PGA programmes at the University of Birmingham, has said: “I am very pleased that we have managed to achieve this important milestone, and this Top Up provides able students with the added challenge of engaging in final year undergraduate work to achieve a full honours degree. It is a key development within the industry and I look forward to helping students on their higher education journey."

At a glance:

For those Members who did not complete the Fdsc programme or have taken the DipHE course with UHI in Scotland, we are now pleased to now offer additional opportunities through our relationship with The University of the Highlands and Islands.

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