Since 2020, the Global Institute of Sport (GIS) has been the brand for University Campus of Football Business’s (UCFB) on-campus, distance and distance with attendance postgraduate degrees. As part of the GIS growth plans, members of the UCFB|GIS executive team, Sharona Friedman (GIS President) and James McKeown (GIS Chief Operating Officer), have acquired the majority control of GIS through a new operating company, Barracuda 18 Holdings Ltd.
UCFB will retain a share in GIS, allowing both institutions to benefit from GIS’ growth going forward. It marks a significant milestone in the history of UCFB and GIS and presents an exciting opportunity for GIS to use investment to grow and develop as a global sports education provider outside of the UK.
On-campus and Distance with attendance undergraduate students – No change
Students on undergraduate, on-campus and Distance with attendance degrees studying in the UK will remain with UCFB.
On-campus postgraduate students – No change
Students on postgraduate, on-campus degrees studying in the UK will remain with UCFB. The GIS brand will cease to apply to your course from 1st September 2024 but everything else remains the same.
Distance, and Distance with attendance postgraduate students –
Students on postgraduate Distance, and Distance with attendance degrees:
Completing this academic year – no change. UCFB will continue to be first point of contact for all matters related to your assessments, timetabling, support, and communications. You will graduate with your fellow students as planned.
The GIS brand will cease to apply to your course from 1st September 2024 but everything else remains the same.
Continuing studies next academic year (includes January 2024 starters) - Students currently studying postgraduate degrees will continue to be part of the combined UCFB|GIS experience until the end of 2023-24 academic year. You will transfer fully to GIS for the next academic year (September 2024). This means you will become a GIS student enrolled on a UEL course (rather than a UCFB|GIS student enrolled on a UEL course). The UCFB brand will cease to apply to your course from 1st September 2024.
GIS teams will be in touch to give full details of any changes with regard to how you continue to access your online learning content, resources, emails etc. for the 2024/25 academic year.
New Distance, and Distance with attendance postgraduate students –
You will become a GIS student enrolled on a UEL course (rather than a UCFB|GIS student enrolled on a UEL course). The UCFB brand will not apply to your course.
Who will be delivering my course?
Some academic staff will continue to be employed by UCFB and some have transferred to GIS but any changes in teaching staff on your course will be communicated before the start of the next academic year. UCFB and GIS are both committed to ensuring there is no change to the quality of your experience and our academic teams will continue to collaborate fully to give you the best possible experience.
What is changing with my course content?
No changes will be made to your course content. All courses delivered by UCFB and GIS are validated by UEL and this change does not impact that.
Will my award change?
No. All awards issued for students at UCFB and GIS are made by UEL.
What about the graduation?
Arrangements for Graduation ceremonies remain unchanged and will be jointly celebrated by UCFB and GIS graduands.
If you would like further information, you can also contact our dedicated teams through the following email:
