Golf Management

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.

F/T Programme

The Global Golf Industry

Golf Club/Resort Management

Contemporary Issues in Golf Management

Golf Tourism & Events

Leadership & Professional Development

Golf Consultancy Project



Optional Modules:

Dissertation

Capstone Management Project



P/T Programme

Year 1 Semester 1

The Global Golf Industry

Contemporary Issues in Golf Management



Year 1 Semester 2

Golf Tourism & Events

Leadership & Professional Development



Year 2 Semester 1

Golf Club & Resort Management



Year 2 Semester 2

Golf Consultancy Project

Dissertation/Management Project Planning



Year 2 Semester 3

Dissertation or Capstone Management Project

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 UKVI purposes.



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

• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



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.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

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, golf median golf industry consulting.