Academic Studies With Football Training
This is an exciting course for male and female students who are 14 years of age and over who have a passion for football. It offers the opportunity to study our GCSE, A-Level, Combined Studies or International Foundation Programme in the mornings and have football training sessions led by professional coaches in the afternoon.
This is a unique opportunity for students to gain qualifications for entry to university alongside intensive football training which could lead to playing professional or semi-professional football in the future. Football training is added to students’ timetables without impacting on the core study requirements to gain their qualification.
What are the academic course options?
Students will be able to choose from the following educational pathways depending on prior attainment and level of English if not from the UK.
A-Levels (2 or 3 Years)
- Biology, Chemistry Mathematics and Physics (three can be chosen from these four)
- Business Studies, Economics and Mathematics
Dependent on subjects we may accept students onto the second year of A Level if they have already completed their first year elsewhere.
International Foundation Programme (1 or 2 Years)
- Business Pathway
- Science Pathway
Students wishing to access the One Year International Foundation Programme must already have the equivalent of the first year of Level 3 study in their home country and an overall IELTS for UKVI score of at least 6.0.
GCSEs (1 or 2 Years)
Most subjects can be taken with this option.
These pathways will equip students to apply to a wide range of universities to pursue Science or Business related courses which could link to their sporting aspirations or they could apply for courses unrelated to sport. The subject combinations and qualifications offered allow students great flexibility as they move forward. Students will be taught in small classes (a maximum of 12 in each) and follow the routine and rigour of all Abbey College Manchester programmes.
One or Two term Programmes
Students who wish to only access a course for a shorter period of time should contact the college to find out the subjects that are available.
What is the daily routine?
- Students will have academic classes each weekday from 9.00am until 12.40pm at the Abbey College Manchester campus on their chosen academic programme.
- Two hour football training sessions will be delivered each afternoon by professional and experienced coaches.
- Students will have the option to undertake fitness programmes during the late afternoon or alternatively will be able to attend study/booster classes in the college.
Entry Requirements
A-Levels
This is traditionally a Two Year Programme although in certain circumstances it might be possible for a Three Year option to be undertaken.
To be considered for A-Levels students must:
- Have successfully completed GCSEs or IGCSEs, or the equivalent qualification in their home country if not from the UK, and have gained good pass grades in at least five subjects, including those to be studied at A-Level
- Be at least 16 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
- Have achieved an IELTS for UKVI band score of at least 5.5 if a GCSE or IGCSE in English Language has not been gained
International Foundation Programme (IFP)
This is only available to students who do not have a British passport. The Programme can be undertaken over One or Two Years:
One Year IFP students must:
- Have successfully completed GCSEs or IGCSEs, or the equivalent qualification in their home country, and have gained good pass grades in at least five subjects
- Have also completed one year of A-Level study or equivalent from their home country
- Be at least 17 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
- Have achieved an IELTS for UKVI band score of at least 6.0 for the Business or Science Pathways if a GCSE or IGCSE in English Language has not been gained
Two Year IFP students must:
- Have successfully completed GCSEs or IGCSEs, or the equivalent qualification in their home country, and have gained good pass grades
- Be at least 16 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
- Have achieved an IELTS for UKVI band score of at least 4.5 for the Business or Science Pathways if a GCSE or IGCSE in English Language has not been gained
GCSEs
These can be taken over 1 or 2 years depending on a student’s age and level of English.
To be considered students must:
- Be at least 14 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
- Have a level of English that is above beginners, which will be assessed through an online test
One or Two Term Programmes
Students who wish to only access a course for a shorter period of time should contact the college to find out what the entry requirements are.
How do I apply?
Please contact Admissions at Abbey College Manchester with the completed application form together with a copy of your passport and school reports. They will arrange an interview and all the necessary support with the application onto the programme and with the subsequent visa application if applicable.
Please click here to download the application form for the programme.
Fees 2020/21
| Academic studies with football training | Full Year | Two Term | One Term |
| UK/EU Students excluding accommodation* | £15,400 | £10,260 | £5,130 |
| International Students including accommodation at Riverside House | £30,850 | £20,560 | £10,280 |
Notes:
* The cost for UK/EU students who require accommodation is available from the college on request
