Golf Management - MSc
2025/26 Full-time Postgraduate course
Award:
Master of Science
Faculty:
Ulster University Business School
School:
Department of Hospitality Tourism and Events Management
Campus:
Coleraine campus
Start date:
September 2025
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 2nd in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2024). 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 emphasizing the unique aspects of the golf industry, positioning graduates as sought-after professionals ready to drive success in the world of golf management.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Course modules include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
You will be taught by academics who are highly qualified and experts in their fields.
All of the teaching colleagues in the department have achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and seven of these team members have Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Cromore Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1SA
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted aspects shaping one of the world's most prominent recreational, sport 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.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module covers various aspects of managing golf clubs or resorts, including strategic planning, operations management, finance, and customer service. Students will gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the golf club or resort environment and develop strategies to optimise performance and enhance customer satisfaction.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module presents students with an opportunity to critically examine the impact of golf and discuss the external factors that golf managers must contend with. It encourages students to look beyond the functional aspects of golf management and appreciate the wider environment in which they must operate. Through this critical lens, students will develop a more balanced understanding of golf management, and this will allow them to make better-informed decisions.
Year: 1
Status: C
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.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module covers essential theories, models, and roles for effective responsible leadership. It highlights the significance of ethical decision-making and sustainable solutions, optimising the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when appropriate. Participants will learn how to responsibly manage change, build strong teams, and promote diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the module emphasises personal and professional development, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and preparing individuals to lead ethically and sustainably in today's dynamic business environment.
Year: 1
Status: C
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.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This capstone MSc module will demonstrate student ability to undertake independent research on a topic related to sustainable tourism, taking the research from proposal stage through to write up of the dissertation. Students will be able to build on knowledge and understanding from other taught modules.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
The Capstone Management Project is the culmination experience of the Master's degree programme. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to real-world management issues and challenges within their chosen area of industry interest. Under guidance from supervisors, students demonstrate their expertise, creativity and leadership as they produce a comprehensive project that showcases their readiness to excel in the professional arena.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance 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 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.
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.
In this section
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 skills. 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.
There is no defined work placement on this course.
Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
