Football Studies

Course Overview

This course is taught through block learning. Find out more at https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/block-learning

Football is more than a game - it’s a global industry, a social force, and a powerful tool for public health. Our BSc (Hons) Football Studies gives you the chance football from every angle, combining academic theory with real-world practice.

Our Preston Campus is close to the English Football League (EFL) headquarters and Preston North End FC, with many top clubs across the North West. This gives you access to exceptional placements and networking opportunities. You’ll gain hands-on experience through visits to leading football organisations and build valuable connections through our partnerships.

Our academic team brings extensive industry experience, having worked as coaches, academy managers, and chief scouts at elite levels. You’ll learn in small, interactive classes that encourage discussion and evidence-based practice. As your studies progress, you can tailor your learning to your interests. You'll specialise in areas such as coaching, management, or performance analysis.

We offer a unique, inclusive football environment with professional coaching, performance analysis, and individual development plans. This gives you every opportunity to play and excel in elite football. By graduation, you’ll have the skills, knowledge, and networks to launch your career in the football industry.

Why study with us

• Gain hands-on experience in football industry placements and build your network in the game.

• Learn from staff with industry experience as coaches, academy managers, chief scouts, and more.

• We offer a unique, inclusive football environment which includes professional coaching, analysis, and individual development plans, giving you every opportunity to play elite football.

What you'll do

• You’ll study football from every angle, from global media markets to tribalism on the terraces.

• Gain real-world experience through visits to top football industry providers. Build networks through our partners and shape your football career.

• Study with an evidence-based, real-world approach and develop your football industry knowledge through interactive, discussion-based classes.

Future Careers

Our BSc (Hons) Football Studies degree is focused on your future. You'll learn the specialist knowledge, develop key skills, and gain vital experience to get you ready for a variety of roles within the football industry.

Whether you want to be a coach, analyst, scout, or work in other football careers, our Football Studies program is for you.

We focus on building both your practical skills and the strategic insight needed to succeed in football. Our strong ties with community clubs, professional teams, and other organisations offer plenty of real-world opportunities to apply what you learn. Work placements help you gain experience and start building connections in the industry.

If you are interested in applying your knowledge and skills on the field as a coach, you can check out our how to become a football coach guide.

You can also boost your career prospects internationally by studying or volunteering abroad, including options like our Sport for Development project in Zambia and various internships and exchange programs worldwide.