A new partnership is tapping into people’s passion for football so they can learn new skills.

The link-up with Hibernian Football Club, which begins on 6 November, will teach adult learners about data management, health and finances.

Football: More Than A Game is a seven-week course and is part of the University’s programme of widening access to education.

Credit bearing

Through studying Hibernian FC’s history and links with the local community, participants will be taught data literacy, financial management, and about healthy lifestyles. They will also earn credit at SCQF level 7.

The first group of students will reflect upon issues affecting the game and, by employing skills learned through the course, will be asked what some of the solutions might be.

The first course is full but there are plans to run it again next year and create similar courses in tandem with other clubs around Scotland.

Educated pass

Working with Hibernian Community Foundation, the University’s Academy of Sport will also deliver its successful Educated Pass scheme for young people linked to the club.

Educated Pass has been raising aspirations and awareness of higher education through football for more than 10 years.

Many areas of multiple deprivation are in the original heartlands of Scottish football. Sport, football in particular, has huge power in connecting people with education. This partnership with Hibs enables us to widen access to what the University has to offer. Professor Grant Jarvie Course leader and Chair in Sport

Sporting history

The new course continues a long association between Hibs and the University that began in 1878 when Hibernian defeated the University 5-2 in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Football: More Than A Game is an extension of the University’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) of the same name. Since its launch in 2014, the MOOC has reached more than 40,000 learners around the world, including Chile and South Africa.

Related links

Hibernian Community Foundation

Academy of Sport

Football: More Than A Game (MOOC)