Football Studies

Solent University has been at the forefront of football education for over two decades and our Football Studies degree has emerged as the leading supplier of graduates to the football industry. Graduates have gone on to careers at Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Women's Super League teams, Major League Soccer, and European and other international clubs.

This degree provides students with comprehensive knowledge and real-world experience across the local, national, and international football industry. Students explore a range of contemporary areas within the game and develop a critical understanding of football in relation to its continued growth and evolution.

Football underpins all teaching, with modules spanning development, coaching, performance analysis, recruitment, psychology, innovation, technology, data, player care, research, and the future game - areas shaped and informed by graduates who now lead in these roles across football. Gaining advanced knowledge of key football issues, undertaking research to influence those issues, and playing an active role in shaping the future of the game are central to the ethos of the course.

Students benefit from the opportunity to tap into the University’s extensive network of contacts in the game. Regular lectures from guest speakers - including former Premier League and international players, managers, academy directors, leading club chairmen, media professionals, match officials and England national team staff - enable students to learn from and interact with professionals who have first-hand, high-level experience within the game.

Gaining practical work experience is at the heart of the course, and students are encouraged to apply the skills learnt as part of their degree within a range of different clubs and in local community settings. Support is offered to students to help them undertake work and gain the experience that matches their future career plans within the game.

Students on this course will also benefit from the University's partnership with Southampton FC, with access to real-world industry experience at the Club as part of the curriculum, including professional coaching and development from the Club's coaching staff. Solent and Saints will also be collaborating on research projects to help influence the future of the game using applied learning gained by students through working with the Club.

If you’re looking to study our football studies degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the sport foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the sport foundation year.

This course also offers the option of a placement year. A placement year allows you to put what you've learned in your first and second years into practice in the workplace, gaining valuable real-world work experience before you graduate. Our course and placements teams will help you find the perfect industry placement in your chosen field.

What does this course lead to?
Graduates of Solent’s Football Studies degree go on to shape the game at every level, from local clubs to the international stage. Our alumni work in football governance, county associations, national teams, and major leagues such as the Premier League, Football League, National League, Women’s Super League, and Women’s Championship. They also take roles with European professional clubs, Major League Soccer, UEFA, FIFA, football agencies, player care, and representation, influencing the game both on and off the pitch. Whether driving strategy, developing talent, or shaping the future of the game, our graduates are equipped to turn their passion for football into impactful, rewarding careers.

Don't wait for the future. Build it. At Solent, every module is built around real-world learning, so you graduate with practical skills, confidence and experience — not just theory.

Our career-ready revolution is transforming the way every course is designed, taught and connected to the world of work, to ensure your degree prepares you for the career you want. This isn't a tweak. It’s s a complete shake-up of what your university experience should be, using five key elements: learning by doing from day one, a timetable that fits real life, strong links to industry, an outstanding student learning experience, and careers support for life.

Our world-class facilities are also built with your future career in mind, and include the renowned Warsash Maritime School, Solent Sports Complex with advanced science labs, animation and 3D modelling studios, plus applied mechanics and composites labs.

And when you're not in class? Southampton has it all — shopping, culture, live music, football, cricket, festivals and markets, plus tiny Thai cafes, ghost walks and record fairs. It's friendly, walkable, and one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. With a diverse community and societies for every interest, you'll find your tribe here too.

Register your interest now and join the career-ready revolution.