DipHE Professional Golf PGA at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The DipHE Professional Golf PGA is a three-year structured part-time Diploma in Higher Education delivered in partnership with The Professional Golfers' Association (The PGA) and is unique in Scotland. It is aimed at people employed, or seeking employment, as PGA trainees working full-time at golf facilities. Graduates can gain PGA membership, subject to application.

Duration: 3 years part-time | Intake: October (apply through the September application links) | Study mode: part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers introductions to sport and exercise science, sports coaching, golf equipment technology and professional practice. Year 2 covers applied sports science, golf equipment and analysis, applied coaching and an introduction to business. Year 3 covers retailing, on-course and career development skills, applied coach development and the use of sports science in golf coaching. Students also complete two additional coaching qualifications and take part in annual residential teaching blocks.

Career pathways

Graduates can work as PGA professionals, in golf coaching and development, golf facility operations, golf education, sports science, sports retail, and events management and operations. Graduates can progress to honours-level study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above; four National 5 awards at grade C or above (including English and Maths) or equivalent are also considered. Applicants must be working in the golf industry under a PGA Professional, hold a current golf handicap of 6.4 or better (men) or 8.4 or better (ladies), and be over 18 at the course start date. Successful applicants must complete a PVG Disclosure Check and become PVG Scheme members. Application deadline for September starts: 31 August. The course is not open to international applicants who need a Student Route visa.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,250 a year (2026/27). Part-time (80-credit modules) per year, Scotland-domiciled students. Excludes the additional PGA elements fee of GBP 1,237.50 paid directly to the PGA and annual PGA membership fees. Source

Intake: October (apply through the September application links)

Duration: 3 years part-time

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