Football: More than a Game — FutureLearn Review & Syllabus

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Is this course only for football experts and fans? Not at all, everyone is welcome - anybody interested in football and its place in the world. We recommend a broad interest in football as a contemporary phenomenon - you will cover some of the top football clubs, grass-roots football projects, the FIFA World Cup, and the Homeless World Cup. What resources will I need for this class? All you need is internet access to join in the discussions and time to work through each week’s content.

Topics Covered

Introduction to early history, origins and myths about football
Golden football moments
The rise of global football, FIFA and the Big 5 Football Leagues
Introduction to football finance and wealth
Great football clubs, nations, rivalries and matches that changed the world
Introduction to football data, trends and what it tells us
Who are the world champions and what makes them champions?
The rise, popularity and myths about women’s football
Tackling inequality, homelessness and health through football
Introduction to football governance, ownership and power
What makes a great football team?
Is football more than a game?
Meet a football legend and their views on Brazil and the greatest footballer they played against

Reviews summary

Football: exploring history and society

According to learners, this course offers a broad and engaging look at football, delving into its history, societal impact, and economic aspects beyond just the game itself. Students praise the way it covers topics like finance, governance, and women's football, providing a foundational understanding. While generally receiving largely positive feedback, some more experienced fans might find certain sections introductory. The course structure and diverse content are frequently highlighted as strengths, making it suitable for anyone interested in football's place in the world.

Provides a good introduction but may lack depth.

"Good foundation, but if you're already deeply knowledgeable about specific topics like finance, it might feel a bit basic."

"Covers a lot of ground but doesn't go into extreme detail on any single aspect, which is fine for an intro."

"It's an excellent starting point for understanding the multifaceted world of football."

Lectures and materials are interesting.

"The lectures were engaging and kept my attention throughout the course."

"I found the content really interesting and well-presented."

"The interview with the football legend was a highlight and provided unique perspective."

Suitable for fans without deep prior knowledge.

"Very accessible even if you're not a super expert, just a fan interested in the background."

"The course does a great job of introducing complex topics in an easy-to-understand way."

"Perfect for someone like me who loves football but wanted to know more about its wider world."

Covers football history from origins to modern day.

"A good overview of the history of football, covering its early origins and evolution over time."

"I really enjoyed learning about the historical context and how the game developed."

"The modules on early history and key moments were fascinating and well-explained."

Explores social, financial, and governance topics.

"It's much more than just tactics; it covers the social, financial, and political sides of football."

"Loved the insights into finance, governance, and how football impacts society beyond the pitch."

"Learning about women's football and initiatives like the Homeless World Cup was particularly impactful for me."

"I appreciated the sections that discussed inequality and health through the lens of football."

Career center

Learners who complete Football: More than a Game will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Football

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Reviews summary

Football: exploring history and society

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