Since 2021, Members who have successfully completed the Foundation Degree or the DipHE qualifications have had the chance to work towards a full degree or honours degree - a unique pathway exclusively designed to position PGA professionals as the driving force in the golf industry.
The Top-Up qualification provides advanced knowledge and skills in key areas like business management, showing a commitment to furthering your career through CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and enabling you to advance your research or build expertise in a specialist area, whilst establishing you as a leader in the profession.
Before we dive into syllabus details, here are some of the key messages for PGA Members considering the Top-Up Qualification:
- You can still do your everyday job, as this is a part-time course
- You can apply for a student loan by contacting the Student Loans Company, which can help to fund your studies
- A full degree helps with the processing of international visas, benefitting those who want to work abroad
- Qualification complements job applications and doors can be opened to higher-level positions in golf clubs, academies and management
Here is a rundown of the Top-Up Qualification: BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf Studies:
- 2-year part-time course, delivered by The PGA and the University of Birmingham
- Begins in October 2026
- Distance learning
- Available to those who have completed the Foundation Degree and who averaged 50% or more
- The fees for UK and ROI entrants are £4,750 per academic year, and £6,750 for international students
You can register interest through The PGA via an online form – (link). Applications will be accepted until August 31st and successful applicants will be informed in early September. With limited spaces available, early applications are encouraged to secure your spot.
The Top-Up Qualification will allow you to spend your working life immersed in golf and represents a significant step in your own personal development. Ready to take the next step on your career ladder as a pioneer in your field.
Pictured: PGA graduate Enzo Avery
Course Syllabus
Year One:
- Research Methods in Sports (Case Study 50%, Timed Essay 50%)
- Integrated Coaching (Assignment 50%, Case Study 50%)
- Leading and Managing People (Assignment 50%, Timed Essay 50%)
Year Two:
- Developing Professional Practice (Assignment 50%, Timed Essay 50%)
- Professional Dissertation (Reflective Interview 10%, Multimedia Presentation 15%, Executive Report 75%)
“The reason I did the Top-Up Degree was the opportunities that are given. The fact this it is a USP – secondly, the case of moving abroad. I want to move to Europe and since politics has changed, you’ve got to have a visa. It’s become a massive kudos to have this." - PGA graduate Enzo Avery
The PGA also recognises that there are Members who qualified before the Foundation Degree was founded in 2004. Current Members also have the chance to gain a degree with the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), which recognises previous work experience of Members who don’t have Foundations Degrees or DipHE qualifications.
Here is a rundown of the course syllabus of the Top-Up Qualification: BA (Hons) Professional Golf Course, which is delivered by the University of the Highlands and Islands on behalf of the PGA:
- 2-year part-time course
- Begins in October 2026
- Distance learning
- Available to any PGA Member, or PGA Members who have completed the DipHE course.
Core Modules
- Design, Manage and Evaluate Human Fitness and Physical Performance
- Developing Entrepreneurial Effectiveness
- Research Skills
- Sports and Exercise Science: A Critical Analysis
- Sustainable Niche Tourism
- Work Placement: Industry-specific Skills
Key things to know about the BA (Hons) course:
- The programme is delivered online by staff from UHI, and the content will appear as pre-recorded lectures, academic reading and other key materials.
- For a Scottish Resident, it is £305 per module or £1830 to complete the six 20-credit modules over two years
- For the rest of the UK, it is £1542 per module or £9252 to complete six 20-credt modules over two years
- For international students, it is £2498 per module or £14,988 to complete six 20-credit modules over two years
- Similar to the BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf Studies, fee grants are available to Scottish residents, and student funding is available for the rest of UK residents. You are advised to contact the relevant Student Loans Company directly
- After successful completion of the BA programme, you can then earn a BA (Hons) degree by undertaking an additional two years of part-time study