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English Football: a Social History MOOC

3 weeks

This is for you if... you want to find out more about the history, sociology and politics of football with a focus on Leicester City FC.

English Football: a Social History MOOC, 3 weeks

This is for you if... you want to find out more about the history, sociology and politics of football with a focus on Leicester City FC.

Start date:

2025

Course information

Taught by Sociology

Please address all enquiries to FutureLearn.

Course description

Course description

  • Next start date: open now

This short course will explore the sociology and history of football, with a focus on Leicester City FC and their successful 2015/16 season.

We'll explore the origins of football, from early clubs to professional leagues and European competition; the role of the media and formation of the Premier League; and how LCFC rose from 5,000-1 outsiders to Premier League Champions.

The University of Leicester and De Montfort University have joined forces with Leicester City Football Club to give a unique insight into the history and sociology of the sport, and the inside story of a premier league club.

How a MOOC works

MOOCs are flexible courses which allow you to participate at your own pace. Once a course has started you can study the week's material at a time that suits you. You do not need to be online at the same time as the other students.

If you want to leave your course at any point you may do so, whether or not it has already begun. You can sign up for the same course when it runs again if you want to have another go at it. There is no limit on the number of MOOCs you can take: if you think you have the time to do several simultaneously, that's fine.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for the current range of MOOCs available from the University of Leicester. You simply need an internet connection and a computer or tablet device.

English Language Requirements

There are no specific English language requirements for our MOOCs. However, to get the most out of this course you should have a reasonable command of written English.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK Students

Enjoy this course for free - there are no fees for any of our MOOCs.

International Students

Enjoy this course for free - there are no fees for any of our MOOCs.

Careers and employability

Careers and employability

If this is a subject that fascinates you, why not consider some of our courses in Sociology?

Related courses

Course structure

Week 1

Week 1

The making of modern football 1850-1970

The first week of the course explores the origins of football, from early clubs and fandom to professional leagues and national cups, using Leicester City FC as a case study.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Week 2

Week 2

The changing face of football 1970-2015

This week focuses on the increasing role of the media, rising levels of funding, European competition, and the formation of the Premier League, finishing with Leicester City FC's great escape in 2014/15.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Week 3

Week 3

The 5000:1 shot

The final week of the course explores how LCFC rose from being 5,000-1 outsiders to Premier League champions. What effect has this had on football, the city of Leicester, and internationally? And what's next for football?

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Why Leicester?

As one of the longest established sociology departments in the UK we have a well-respected tradition in both teaching and research.

We are committed to academic excellence, intellectual diversity, good teaching and ensuring that the student experience provides a vital foundation for future employment.

Teaching and learning

At the end of each week of the course there is normally a set of multiple choice questions to test your understanding of what you have learned, and this will count towards your overall course score. Please note that this is a FutureLearn score, and is not valid as credit for other courses at the University of Leicester - although a MOOC is a great 'taster' for university learning.

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration Availability
Course English Football: a Social History Qualification MOOC Duration 3 weeks Availability Apply Now
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