Football: More than a Game - The University of Edinburgh

At the beginning of the twentieth century, football was the most popular game in the western world and has since grown to become a global spectacle.

From street soccer to multi-million dollar transfers, from the beaches of Brazil to the fight against poverty and inequality in Africa, this free online course looks beyond the pitch, to explore football’s role in society today.

Over six weeks, we will address several important questions, as we introduce you to different major aspects of the sport:

• Why is the history of football important?

• Is football played in every country in the world? Is it really global?

• Where are the great clubs and rivalries?

• Who are the champions of the world?

• Can football act as a language that helps countries talk to each other?

• Where are the richest clubs and leagues?

You will be be joined by Liverpool legend and former Match of the Day analyst, Alan Hansen, and Mel Young, founder of the Homeless World Cup.

Through the course, you will: learn where football has come from and where it is going; gain an insight into some of the greatest sporting events in the world; explore great football clubs, leagues, countries and profiles; consider the power of football as a tool for development; discuss the role of football in the world today; and understand football money, trends, data and sources of information.

You can find out more about some of the issues covered by this course in Grant Jarvie’s post for the FutureLearn blog: “What now for FIFA and football?”