Program Overview

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Golf Management - MSc

Overview

Drive your career to success: Mastering Golf Management excellence at Ulster University

The Master's degree in Golf Management is a comprehensive programme designed to equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic and evolving golf industry. This specialised curriculum integrates business management principles with an understanding of golf operations, hospitality management, event planning, tourism and industry trends. Situated on our north coast based Coleraine campus, alongside a range of internationally recognised golf courses and facilities in the region, including Open venue Royal Portrush, you will gain hands-on experience through practical projects, site visits, workshops and industry speakers.

Ulster University is ranked 1st in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2025). Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, our qualifications are also recognised worldwide for international employment, hugely applicable to those who aspire to manage or develop further their current management knowledge, in a golf club or golf resort environment. In addition, our Coleraine campus has state of the art golf training facilities as part of our Centre for Golf Education and Research.

This master's qualification fosters a strong foundation in business acumen whilst also emphasising the unique aspects of the golf industry, positioning graduates as sought-after professionals ready to drive success in the world of golf management.

About this course

About

Course modules include:

• Year 1 Semester 1
  • The Global Golf Industry: This module offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted aspects shaping one of the world's most prominent recreational and business sectors. From historical evolution, examination of current dynamics and emerging future trends, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the global golf landscape.
  • Contemporary Issues in Golf Management: This module explores and analyses the current challenges and opportunities shaping the golf industry. Covering a range of topical issues such as technology integration, sustainability practices, marketing and brand image, diversity and inclusion initiatives and evolving player demographics this module encourages a forward thinking approach, enabling students to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of the golf industry.
• Year 1 Semester 2
  • Golf Tourism & Events: This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the strategic facets involved in organising and managing golf-related tourism, events and tournaments. Addressing aspects such as destination marketing context, event planning, customer experience, tourism and economic impact, the module delves into the unique intersection of sports management and tourism within the golf industry. As such it equips students with the holistic understanding of how to navigate such complexities and leverage the allure of golf for tourism and event success.
  • Leadership & Professional Development: This module places emphasis on professional development with a focus on a deep understanding of emotional intelligence and resilience, helping to empower learners to effectively coach and mentor individuals and teams’ performance, in response to the ever-evolving dynamics of global change. The module also examines the significance of ethical leadership and responsible decision-making in response to what is often global change.
• Year 2 Semester 1
  • Golf Club/Resort Management: This module examines the intricacies involved in operating and overseeing golf facilities. From strategic management of golf clubs to the integral challenges of golf resort administration, this module addresses key areas such as hospitality operations, member services, customer service excellence and revenue management.
• Year 2 Semester 2
  • Golf Consultancy Project: This module engages students in real-world scenarios, allowing them to work directly with golf clubs and resorts, assess challenges, analyse operations, consider new developments and propose strategic solutions. Through collaboration with industry professionals and on-site experiences, students will develop the consulting skills necessary to contribute valuable insights and recommendations to enhance performance.
• Dissertation/Management Project Planning: Preliminary advice sessions and workshops provide part time students with the opportunity to plan and prepare for their final project element, including a research/management proposal.
• Year 2 Semester 3
  • Dissertation or Capstone Management Project: This module element will enable students to undertake either a research dissertation at postgraduate level on a topic of their choice related to golf or a more management focused capstone project integral to golf management, building on the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course.

Attendance

The course starts with a 3 day induction period to introduce you to your new network of students and staff.

All modules are taught in 3 day blocks (usually Wed-Fri 9-5) so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle. Classes are taught on the Coleraine campus of the university.

One module is delivered approximately every 4 weeks during each semester (3 semesters in total) with a number of half day Learning Sets (tutorial learning support toward module assessment) per module to allow you to meet with your tutors and student groups.

The calendar of scheduled teaching will be made available to you prior to you starting the course and part time students discuss their schedule with the Course Director prior to each Semester commencing.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching & Learning:

A range of teaching methods will be employed, including traditional lectures, case studies, workshops and business simulations. We also arrange a number of site visits to internationally recognised golf clubs, courses and facilities in the region. Guest speakers from the industry will also contribute in the form of guest talks and industry workshops.

Assessment:

Assessment includes written reports, essays, short synopsis, reflections and peer reviews, case studies, business reports, individual and/or group presentations.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

Applicants must normally have gained:

• A second class honours degree or better from a recognised university of the UK, Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
• An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved professional qualification or other qualification; and
• Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Non-English speakers must demonstrate that English ability is appropriate for studying at this level and provide evidence of English competence to IELTs 6.0.

Applicants do not have to hold their primary degree in a cognate area, but prior knowledge of studying business and/or golf at an undergraduate level or relevant work experience may be beneficial.

In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Exemptions and transferability

Do you have another qualification awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or have evidence of accreditation of prior learning?

These may be considered for exemption from part of the programme, provided that you register as a student at Ulster University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level.

What exemptions can I get?

The Course Director can advise candidates as to the eligibility of their accredited course.

How do I apply for exemptions?

When accepted on the course, you are asked to complete an exemptions form, which is reviewed by the Course Director and exemptions are then agreed during the Induction process.

Exemption is not permitted from the dissertation or management project.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

This Master's degree opens up a range of exciting career options within the dynamic and ever-growing golf industry. Graduates from this specialised degree are well equipped to pursue roles that blend an interest and passion for golf with key business acumen and management expertise. Potential career paths include clubhouse operations and management, golf course management, golf resort management, tournament and event management, golf tourism and destination management and golf industry consulting.

Work placement / study abroad

There is no defined work placement on this course.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

Fees Credit Points	NI/ROI/GB Cost	International Cost*
5	£201.10	£494.70
10	£402.20	£989.40
15	£603.30	£1,484.10
20	£804.40	£1,978.80
30	£1,206.60	£2,968.20
60	£2,413.20	£5,936.40
120	£4,826.40	£11,872.80
180	£7,239.60	£17,809.20
240	£9,652.80	£23,745.60

*International student access to courses is subject to meeting visa requirements. More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section.

Annual Increase Disclaimer

Important Notice: Annual Fees Increase

Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees.

Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.