MSc Football Communications & Digital Marketing

The way football and sports fans consume media has meant the role of content creators and marketers have had to evolve, adapt, and in some instances merge. It is now essential to understanding digital viewing trends, social media audiences and how to plan engaging and effective digital media coverage for an ever demanding fan base.

Overview

The MSc Football Communications & Digital Marketing degree programme is designed for graduates and industry practitioners with a keen interest in football and sport.

The programme leverages contemporary themes from marketing, such as digital marketing, public relations, fan engagement and multimedia journalism, to enable students to evaluate the relationships between these areas. Those with a particular interest and experience relating to the marketing and communications industry are particularly suitable for this programme.

No longer are fan bases constricted to the home country. International audiences are now vital, and in some instances more important, base to tap into and engage with. Premier League football clubs are global brands within themselves, let alone their all-star cast of players. Social media videos and strong in-house storytellers help to promote the club and its merchandise.

• Duration: One or two years
• Study Mode: Full-time (one year) or Part-time (two years)
• Fees: UK and EU students – £9,950
  • International students – £14,950

Modules

Semester One

• Digital Marketing for Football
• Engaging the Football Consumer

Semester Two

• Public Relations and Crisis Management in Football
• Multimedia Football Journalism

Semester Three

• Dissertation and Research Methods

Requirements

Applicants should hold a 2:1 honours degree or a recognised overseas equivalent. Applicants may be accepted with a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) provided that they can otherwise demonstrate a strong profile with 50% or above in their dissertation module.

Professional experience and industry qualifications can be assessed for applicants without the standard entry requirements.

All applicants will be provided with an opportunity to be assessed and to discuss their suitability for the programme with the academic team. All applicants are also provided with information relating to student services, with whom they can make contact, should they require additional support or advice as well as information related to appropriate bursaries and funds.

Applicants from non-majority English speaking countries will be asked for an English qualification which tests Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing and will be asked to achieve IELTS 6.5 overall.

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria for this programme, or whether you require IELTS results, please email mastersenquiries@ucfb.comwith a copy of your most recent CV including nationality, visa status if applicable, and undergraduate degree transcripts. Candidates with a strong CV may qualify for a supplementary admissions interview to support their academic application.

Applications

To apply for this programme please download and complete the application form, then return the completed form and relevant documents as instructed to mastersenquiries@ucfb.com.

Relevant documents for EU, UK and international applications:

• Completed and signed application form;
• Personal statement;
• Copy of transcripts of highest qualification achieved and English translations (if applicable);
• One academic and one professional reference and English translation (if applicable);
• Copy of proof of English language level e.g. IELTS (if applicable).

Career Prospects

The specificity of sport, with its high media coverage and numerous stakeholders, requires managers to have uniquely honed business skills and in-depth knowledge of the football industry. The programme has been developed for those with aspirations towards senior positions within the core media and marketing departments of football and sports clubs and similar organisations.

Tuition Fees

• UK and EU students – £9,950
• International students – £14,950

Student Loan Funding

A Postgraduate Loan of up to £10,609.00 can help with course fees while you study a postgraduate master’s course.