About the course
This two-year course is ideal for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Football Studies; encompassing practical techniques, academic knowledge and technical skills in Sport, with a focus on football.
The course incorporates a mix of practicals, classroom lectures, industry visits and case study exercises. It also incorporates a number of FA courses that enable learners to complete recognised National Governing Body qualifications.
You will develop your knowledge of football training techniques for a range of players, from children to professionals. Our qualified coaches will also help you to explore your own game, to ensure you improve as a player.
Students have the opportunity to study these Additional Qualifications as part of their course:
FA Playmaker
FA Guide to Laws of the Game
FA Play Phase Philosophy
FA Guide to Futsal Laws of the Game
FA Introduction to Futsal
FA Player Welfare in Open Age Football
FA Sudden Cardiac Arrest
FA Introduction to Talent Identification
FA Intro to Coaching Disabled Footballers
FA Safeguarding for All
FA Concussion Guidelines
Our College teams compete in a range of leagues, including Men's AoC Tier 1 Football (highest classification of football within the AoC's football structure), Men's AoC Tier 3 Football and Women's Tier 2 Football.
Trips & Experiences
Annual trip to Lisbon, Portugal - based around either Benfica FC or Sporting Lisbon FC (includes training sessions with coaches from respective clubs, tours or training grounds, stadiums, museum visits etc)
Gain experience of shadowing PFA members (Professional Footballers Association - players union) whilst they complete UEFA A & B Licences at St Georges Park or onsite.
Analysis Software includes Veo Cameras and Catapult tracking system.
Students enrol initially on a one-year course (which is why it refers to one-year in the 'Course Length' section adjacent) and, upon successful completion of the first year (with strong attendance and behaviour), progress to the second year.
Applications are now open for entry in September 2026. Please ignore the '2025 start date' on the next application screen!
This is a 2 x A Level equivalent course. We also offer a 3 x A Level equivalent course (the National Diploma), with slightly higher entry requirements. Students normally apply for the one that best meets their anticipated GCSE Results.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (35 weeks)
Start date: September 2025
Course Modules
Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Learners will develop an understanding of careers in the sport and active leisure industry. They will gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for employment in the industry.
Developing Coaching Skills
Learners will develop their coaching knowledge and skills to help improve others� performance skills, techniques and tactics across a range of sports.
Health, Wellbeing and Sport
Learners will explore the importance of physical activity and wellbeing for different types of participants and suggest ways to improve their physical and mental health status.
Entry requirements & additional information
This course provides an excellent vocational alternative to A Level study. Students enjoy the varied style of teaching that goes far beyond traditional classroom study. They also enjoy the fact that - should they choose it - there's the opportunity to progress to Higher Education degrees, with the course carrying the same value (in terms of UCAS points) as two traditional A Levels.
The Entry Requirements are as follows:
A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher. These must include English Language and either Maths or either a single or combined science.
Applicants for all courses in Football Studies are also expected to show a strong commitment and interest in the subject.
All work is assessed via assignments, presentations, practicals and reports. There are no formal examinations at the end of the course.
Equivalent to studying two A Levels, the BTEC National Extended Certificate is an ideal spring board for progression to university degrees. Some students have used the programme to continue with their love of sport, progressing to sports coaching and sports performance degrees at a range of universities. Others have continued their studies at University Centre Myerscough, on our popular Football Coaching and Performance degree. Some have progressed to degrees in the likes of Business, Accountancy, Law and Marketing.
Progression onto degree programmes at other universities is dependent upon their own individual entry criteria. This might include specific requirements relating to the type of course being studied, the particular 'modules' or '�units' studied on a course, the work-experience that you�ve undertaken or even previous GCSE attainment. Entry requirements can also change from year-to-year.
It is essential that, if you have a clear career goal in mind, you check and confirm the entry requirements of your preferred degree programme prior to commencing your Level 3 studies here at Myerscough. Information, Advice and Guidance will be provided by the College to support you in making the right choices, but please ensure that you have taken time to consider your future career goals and the specific entry requirements at other universities. The UCAS website is a good starting point: https://www.ucas.com/
Equipment and / or Clothing: Football kit, boots and trainers. Study Tour: Visits and contact with local football clubs.
Costs that are mandatory for the course:
Clothing - £50-£150
Footwear & equipment - £50-£100
Costs that are optional for the course:
Trips - approx. £350