Diploma in Professional Football Studies
Overview
Introducing our Certificate and Diploma in Professional Football Studies:
If you are someone looking to learn more about the fast-paced world of professional football, this qualification is for you. By combining the academic expertise of the University of Liverpool’s world-renowned, triple-accredited management school with an authentic traditional football club at Tranmere Rovers, our Certificate and Diploma in Professional Football Studies offers an unparalleled opportunity for individuals to learn and experience how a football club operates, and understand the reasons behind key decisions.
High-intensity modules are delivered onsite by world-leading academics and senior management at Tranmere Rovers. This combination empowers students to observe, experience, reflect, and apply their understanding throughout their learning journey. Onsite residential delivery is augmented with online content and activities to create an immersive approach that ensures a transformative learning experience that transcends the traditional classroom.
THE COURSE
The certificate phase encompasses modules on Football Strategy, Football Operations, and Marketing & Communications. These modules start simultaneously through our online digital learning platform and are followed by an intensive six-week residential period in the UK where classes are divided between the University of Liverpool campus, Prenton Park, and Tranmere’s training facility. Here, students gain invaluable firsthand exposure to the captivating world of football and experience what it is like to operate in this high-pressure environment. A final 3-week assessment period concludes the certificate and can be completed in the UK or remotely. At this stage students may exist with the “Certificate” as a stand alone qualidiation, or choose to continue their studies through the Diploma.
Upon completion of the Certificate in the initial 12 weeks, students embark on the next phase: the Diploma. This advanced stage follows the same delivery pattern as the Certificate including another captivating six-week residential period on Merseyside. The Diploma delves deeper into crucial subjects such as Football Finance, Managing People in Football, and Communicating with Influence, equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and skills to excel in their careers. The diploma phase also offers the opportunity for students to complete their UEFA C coaching license and observe training at a professional level.
*NB: Students must complete the certificate before enrolling on the diploma.
This is a ground-breaking opportunity to elevate your understanding of the sports business industry, and to join an exclusive group of individuals shaping the future of this industry. Enrol today to unlock your full potential and embark on an educational experience like no other.
price
Certificate
£3595 inc VAT
diploma
£6996 inc VAT
Please note: There is a non-refundable deposit of £1000 required to secure your place.
Interested?
Participation
To be selected for this programme you must:
- Hold a recognised English Language Qualification.
- Be aged 18 or over and have completed secondary education.
Benefits of Participation:
- Real World Insight and the opportunity to experience the management and operation of a real professional football club.
- The opportunity to engage with and be mentored by an industry-led academic faculty from one of the world’s leading schools of business and management.
- Development of skills required to perform key roles within a professional football club including presentation, communication, analytics and strategic planning.
Format
When?
This Certificate runs from January 2024 until April 2024, and the Diploma from April 2024 to August 2024.
Who?
This Diploma is restricted to a maximum cohort size of 30 students per year.
What?
You will study modules relating to the business of football and includes strategy, marketing, operations, finance, leadership.
How?
Modules are delivered through combinations of on-site and online delivery by faculty from the University of Liverpool and members of Tranmere Rover’s Board of Directors and Executive Chairman.
Where?
Hybrid of online and at the University of Liverpool, Management School & Tranmere Rovers, Prenton Park.
Certificate modules
Football Strategy:
Explore the intricate Pyramid of English Football, understanding its hierarchical structure and dynamics.
Analyze the governance and organizational structure within the football industry, identifying key stakeholders and their roles.
Conduct comprehensive stakeholder analysis and mapping, identifying influential individuals and organizations within the football ecosystem.
Delve into the allocation and management of football resources, including financial, human, and infrastructural aspects.
Develop effective decision-making skills specific to the football industry, considering various factors and their impact on strategic outcomes.
Football Marketing:
Conduct in-depth market analysis specific to the football industry, examining market trends, consumer behaviour, and competition.
Formulate effective marketing strategies tailored to the unique characteristics and demands of the football industry.
Understand the concept of football brands and explore successful brand management strategies within the football context.
Explore fan-base analysis and gain valuable customer insights to develop targeted marketing initiatives that resonate with football enthusiasts.
Football Operations:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and complexities of football operations.
Learn the art of benchmarking for success in football operations, studying best practices and identifying areas for improvement.
Explore the interrelation between on-field performance and business operations, recognizing how operational efficiency impacts overall success in football.
DIPLOMA modules
Football Finance:
Interpret and utilize key financial documents specific to the football industry, such as financial statements, budgets, and investment plans.
Understand and apply essential financial ratios and metrics within the context of football, analyzing their implications for clubs and organizations.
Evaluate the relationship between financial data and decision-making processes in the football industry, recognizing the influence of financial insights on strategic choices.
Communicating with Influence:
Develop a deep understanding of your audience, studying effective communication techniques tailored to different stakeholders within the football industry.
Explore the psychology of motivation and action, gaining insights into persuasive strategies to drive engagement and desired outcomes.
Master the art of public speaking, learning techniques to deliver impactful and compelling presentations within the football industry.
Managing People in Football:
Learn the intricacies of managing relationships with boards of directors and owners in the football industry, understanding their expectations and priorities.
Develop effective strategies for managing relationships with various stakeholders in football, including players, coaches, agents, sponsors, and fans.
Enhance team-building skills, recognizing the importance of cohesion and collaboration within football organizations.
Hone negotiation skills specific to the football industry, understanding the dynamics and unique considerations involved in football-related negotiations.
Embrace diversity and inclusion within football, gaining insights into managing multicultural teams and fostering an inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
Application process
Applications closed for October in take - accepting applications for January 2023
- Complete Online Application Form
- Submit Full CV-
- Submit 250 word cover letter explaining your interest in the programme
Application Window:
- July 2023 - 15th December 2022
- Submit application
- Upload Documents
- Accept Offer
A maximum of 30 students will be selected for this programme per cycle.
Contact:
Programme Information (Teaching and Learning): Dr. David Cockayne, Academic Programme Director | Associate Professor: david.cockayne@liverpool.ac.uk
Programme Information (Application and Arrival): footballdiploma@tranmererovers.co.uk