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Business of Football
Cert HE

BUSINESS

Want to turn your passion for football into a real-life career? The Cert HE in Business of Football, is a level 4 qualification that will kick-start your dream career or enable you to progress to the second year of our BSc Business of Football degree.
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STUDY OPTIONS

OVERVIEW

STUDY LEVELS

Cert HE

UCAS CODE

N804

DURATION

1 Year

START DATE(S)

Sep / Nov / Jan / Feb / Apr / Jun

ENTRY YEAR

2025/26

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

64*

What will you learn?

Want to turn your passion for football into a real-life career? The Cert HE in Business of Football, is a level 4 qualification that will kick-start your dream career or enable you to progress to the second year of our BSc (Hons) Business of Football degree.

Imagine yourself working behind the scenes at your favourite football club; developing strategies to win fans, attracting sponsors, managing finances, organising events, engaging with communities, or scouting the next generation of superstars.

This course gives you an introduction to the business side of football, from club management to fan engagement. You’ll focus primarily on understanding how a football club operates and how they engage with fans and the wider community. Get ready to dive into real-world scenarios, unpack the secrets of success and prepare to tackle industry challenges head-on.

When you complete the Cert HE, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to start a career in the fast-paced world of football. Or, if you want to continue to learn more, you can choose to continue your studies and go straight into the second year of our Business of Football degree.

So, if you are looking for a Football Business course in Manchester, our Cert HE in Business of Football is the perfect choice for you.

How You Will Study

Course
breakdown

24 weeks of
study

 

4 x 6-week blocks

1 subject module per block

4 CPD focus days per block

Subject Module
Breakdown

250 hours of
study per module

 

80 hrs face-to-face (32%)

20 hrs Digital Wednesdays (8%)

150 hrs independent study (60%)

Assessment
Breakdown

No traditional
end-of-year exams*

 

100% coursework

Your course modules

Module 1 - Management and Organisations

You’ll explore the business environment; understanding the internal and external forces that impact on organisations (including football clubs) the historical and contemporary issues affecting the management of people in organisations and the skills and attributes required to become an effective leader.

Module 2 - Introduction to Sports Events Management

You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of what it takes to organise, manage and deliver memorable and successful football events; covering event design, development and practical fundamentals as well as managing the health, safety and security of all stakeholders.

Module 3 - Sports Finance and Economics

You’ll cover the basics of business finance and the economics of professional football. This module will help you develop the fundamental knowledge and skills you need to become familiar with sports financial management, specifically the financial statements and economic factors within professional football.

Module 4 - Fan Engagement, Marketing and Commercialisation of Football

Ever wondered how football clubs sell out stadiums, sign up sponsors, and keeps fans glued to their seat? This module dives into the world of football marketing and commercialisation. You’ll learn how clubs build a passionate fanbase, manage relationships with customers and stakeholders, score big sponsorship deals, and build a recognised brand with socially responsible values.

What is the 92 Programme?

Alongside your subject modules, you will complete the 92 Programme.

Engaging with the 92 Programme is a requirement for all students and will count towards your overall grade.

In each block, you will take part in a number of Character and Personal Development focus days. During these focus days, you will complete activities designed to boost your mindset, develop your skillset and get you set for future career success.

Throughout the 92 Programme, you will develop skills in self-reflection and awareness, wellness and resilience and professionalism and employability, as well as upskill in different areas.

Find out more about how we prepare students for future career success.

Why the 92 Programme is part of your course?

In a recent study*, 78% of employers believe graduates do not arrive in the workplace fully equipped with the skills they need to be work-ready.

Another study conducted by the World Economic Forum** identified ‘10 Skills You Need for the Future of Work’. These skills include:

  • Emotional intelligence (EQ)
  • Analytical (critical) thinking
  • Active learning with a growth mindset
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Technology skills

At UA92, we prepare you for life after graduation and equip you with the skills employers value most. You may not realise it, but developing  these skills now, will get you set for career success and could land you that dream job in the future.

*CMI Report: Work Ready Graduates

**World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Report 2023

How is the 92 Programme assessed?

You will produce a learning journal that will document your experiences. This will be submitted at the end of the academic year to assess whether you have met the required standard to pass the module.

Why study at UA92

UA92 offer a deliberately different experience to traditional universities; with fixed morning or afternoon timetables and no end of year exams. Our industry-inspired courses, place character and personal development firmly at the core of the learning experience.

  • Degrees and Certificates of Higher Education awarded by the prestigious Lancaster University
  • No traditional end of year exams**
  • Study one module at a time
  • Courses co-designed with industry
  • Fixed morning or afternoon timetable***
  • Multiple start dates throughout the year
  • Focus on Character and Personal Development

90%

said they felt supported with their learning.

NSS Results 2024

UA92 scored higher than all Greater Manchester Universities for Teaching, Academic Support, Mental Health Support Services and Assessment and Feedback in the National Student Survey 2024.*

THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT

UA92 Business School

Our game-changing UA92 Business School in the city-centre of Manchester opened in September 2023. As our central hub for enterprise, it will transform the way we deliver our Business and Accounting courses. The campus is in the heart of Manchester’s thriving business district, less than one minute from Salford Central train station, and well connected to the rest of Manchester and beyond.

FIND US

UA92 Business School

Baskerville House

Browncross Street

Manchester UK

M3 5FS

Careers In Football Business

What’s next?

This 1-year course is the perfect stepping stone to a full Business of Football degree. If you pass the Cert HE successfully, you will automatically be eligible to progress to the second year of the 3-year degree programme.

If you choose to leave after the 1-year Cert HE, you’ll walk away with a valuable level 4 qualification which will support your job applications in the industry.

Whatever you decide, you’ll be building the skills to manage various aspects of the football industry, including team management, marketing, finance, operations, and player negotiations.

91%

of graduates are engaged in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

FIND OUT MORE

UA92 is above the national average for graduate outcomes. The Graduate Outcomes survey is the biggest annual survey that captures the status of recent graduates who completed their studies at a higher education institution in the UK. 

*Graduate Outcomes Survey Results released in 2024. National Average is 89%.

Industry Partnerships

We have over 60 industry partners who support our mission to develop career-ready graduates. These partnerships provide you with access to industry-leading expertise, mentorship opportunities and work-place experiences.

Our industry partners play a vital role in shaping both the curriculum you study and your student experience. From delivering guest lectures and masterclasses to providing internships and graduate roles. Here are just some of our partners:

Looking to find out more?

Meet our Course Leader in Sports Business Management, Spencer Fearn, who discusses the similarities and differences between the Business of Football and Sports Management courses. He explains the potential career paths post graduation, whether you dream of a future working in Sports or Football.

Meet the Business Team

Meet the Business Team

Ahmed Saleem - Business Academic

Ahmed Saleem

Business Teaching Associate

I’m a Teaching Associate in Accounting at UA92, with a strong foundation in both academia and industry. I hold a BSc in Mathematics with Finance from the University of Manchester and am currently pursuing an MSc in Accounting and Finance at Robert Gordon University (RGU). I have completed AAT Level 3, am nearing the completion of AAT Level 4, and have achieved the Knowledge level of ACCA.

I bring valuable industry experience to my teaching, having worked as a bookkeeper, finance assistant, and legal cashier. These roles have provided me with hands-on experience in managing financial records, supporting accounting operations, and ensuring compliance with legal financial practices.

At UA92, I’m responsible for delivering comprehensive accounting education across various modules. I am also instrumental in encouraging students to pursue professional qualifications such as AAT Level 2, guiding them to successful certifications. My teaching approach emphasizes the application of accounting principles in areas such as corporate governance, CSR, and financial analysis. I remain committed to continuous professional development and actively seek to ensure students are well-prepared for careers in accounting and finance.

Donna Walsh

Business Lecturer

I’m Business lecturer at UA92 with an eclectic career history, showing a a path does not have to be straight. Previously I have worked as a manager in day centers for adults with autism and challenging behaviors, project-managed the construction of a swimming pool, and have ran a successful childcare business before transitioning to teaching. A proud mother of two grown daughters and a dog lover.

Dr Firoz Bhaiyat

Head of Business

I’ve worked in academia for over 10 years following a short time in industry, holding positions at different levels. I started my academic career as a Graduate Tutor and progressed over time, holding numerous positions ranging from Course Leader, then Subject Head to more recently Associate Dean. I have a first degree in Business (a major in Accounting and Marketing) and a Masters degree in Banking and Finance. My passion for education has also led to a Diploma in Events Management, a Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and a Certificate in Financial Technology and Innovation. My research interests are within the field of Leadership, Management, Financial Distress and Financial Technology. I’m passionate about bringing real world experiences to students to provide them with an outstanding experience.

Emma Gaskill

Course Leader: Accounting and Finance

I have over 10 years of industry experience in various accounting roles and a BSc Hons in Business Law, Post Grad Cert in Education, and AAT Level 4 qualifications. I have been teaching in Accounting and Finance / Accounting and Business at UA92 for 4 years. My specialism lies in all areas of accounting, particularly taxation. I am a fully licensed accountant with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and run a successful accounting and finance business.

UA92 Jay Edwards

Jamie Edwards

Lecturer in Digital Marketing

As the Head of the World of Media, I bring a background in Audio and Video production to UA92, as well as over 6 years of experience in creating audio visual content with partners, podcasts and other outlets. Aside from this, I independently create my own podcasts and projects, and i’m passionate about getting our learners to unlock the potential creative avenue that video production provides.

Jayne Lawton

Business Lecturer

I’m an Award Winning Innovator and Inventor recognised for her groundbreaking biodegradable planting products. With over 15 years of lecturing experience also honoured as British Female Innovator of the Year, blending expertise in crop inspection, lecturing, and sustainable business with a passion for Business Management and Sports. I am also passionate about mentoring Women in Business, Global Women Inventors Innovators Network. As an England Masters Athlete, I embody a dynamic spirit, combining innovation with athletic excellence.

Kelly Henley

Course Leader: Business Management

I have over 14 years of teaching experience in Higher Education. Before teaching, I was a HR Manager within the hospitality industry for a few leading brands. In 2009, I decided to take the leap and went back to university to get my teaching qualification at L7 Post compulsory Education. I have a passion for Teaching and Learning and am a big advocate for the students and supports students as a Course Leader for Business Management. My areas of expertise are Cross Cultural Management and Leadership. My current research interests are Strategic Leadership and HRM At UA92, as well as Course Leading. I am also the 92Programme Lead for the World of Business and the Lead for Teaching and Learning.

Lisa Moreton

Lecturer in Business & Management

I have 15 years of experience teaching Business Management across a range of educational institutions. 

I have worked at UA92 since it opened in 2019 but before academia, I was an experienced business professional and spent several years as an owner/director of a small business working with some of the top Manchester sporting clubs on event days.

My passion is Business and Organisation Behaviour and the effects this has on the people that work within them, as such I often lead on the marketing and human resources modules. 

Mousa Alzoubi - Business Academic

Moussa Alzoubi

Business Lecturer

I am a lecturer in Business and Management. I finished PhD in Business management from Sheffield Hallam University 2023. I have worked with different universities around the UK. I am very passionate about innovation and how innovative impact firm performance.

Mudassar Sohail - Business Academic

Mudassar Sohail

Business Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Business Management and the Module Leader at UA92 Business School. As of 2022, I obtained a Doctorate in Business Administration from University of the West of Scotland, MSc in Marketing from the University of Salford and MBA from University of Chester. Prior to this, I have worked at the University of Salford as a Lecturer and dissertation supervisor. In 2019, i was awarded with ‘Best Research

Teaching Excellence Framework Silver Award

FIND OUT MORE

A TEF Silver award is a recognition that a university or college provides high-quality teaching, learning, and outcomes for its students. It’s given by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), a national scheme that assesses undergraduate courses in the UK. 

ASK OUR BUSINESS STUDENTS

Our friendly ambassadors are ready to answer your questions. Click on the ‘Ask me a question’ button to start a conversation.

*The NSS results referred to above compares UA92’s results against the 4 Universities in Greater Manchester (University of Bolton, Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford University and The University of Manchester). Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic support refers to the average score across all questions in these themes. Mental health support services refers to question: How well communicated was information about your university/college’s mental wellbeing support services?

** There may be exams in some subject areas where external accreditations are available.

*** If you start in February, April or June or as an accelerated student, we can’t guarantee your timetable will be fixed am/pm throughout your studies.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The standard entry requirements for the Business of Football Cert HE course is 64 UCAS points.* However, each application is assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration a wide range of factors. Depending on your personal circumstances, and in line with our  Contextual Admissions Policy, your application may still be considered if you have less than 64 UCAS Points. Alternatively, we have other courses that we can offer. If you would like to know more about applying to UA92 or have any questions about our entry requirements, please contact our Student Futures Team.

LEVEL 2

  • 2 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English Language
  • Accepted Alternatives: Functional Skills Level 2 (English and Maths)

LEVEL 3

  • UCAS Points: 64
  • A Levels: CC (64 equivalent)
  • BTEC National Extended Diploma: MPP
  • BTEC Diploma: MM
  • T Levels: P (C+)
  • Scottish Advanced Highers: DD
  • IB: 24 points with 14 from Higher Level Subjects

NON-TRADITONAL

Some qualifications do not carry UCAS Tariff points but may still be considered. We take into account a range of qualifications and work/life experience that can demonstrate your ability to succeed on the course. Each application is assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration a wide range of factors.

INTERNATIONAL

International Baccalaureat 

Pass the IB Diploma with minimum 24 points overall, with 14 points from Higher Level Subjects.

English Language Requirements

In addition to meeting the academic criteria, if your first language isn’t English, you may be asked for a recognised English language qualification. This is especially important if you are not a national of a majority English speaking country or you haven’t completed a degree in English. If you are an international student, in order to obtain a student visa, you will be required to demonstrate that you have the correct level of English language competency to study in the UK.

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5
FEES AND FINANCE
Students studying on the Accelerated Accounting and Business Management course.

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