.jpg&w=55&h=55&zc=1)
Wolves Launch Degree
A world first was announced at Wilderspool today, the first degree in Rugby League is being offered at Warrington Collegiate Institute as part of a University of Manchester accredited BA (Hons) course. The course has been developed in partnership with the Wolves and Warrington Collegiate. The full time three year course covers all aspects of Sports Studies, specialising in Rugby League. Modules will include business studies, history of the game, a nine week placement and a final dissertation. Hilary Tucker of Warrington Collegiate said, "This is a prestigious and relevant degree and one that students will have to work hard to attain." Head of Sports and Leisure, Peter Leyland commented, "News of the degree has created interest at all levels, both local and international. We've already received an enquiry from New Zealand for the forthcoming year." The initial intake will be 15, but will rise in subsequent years, a minimum of 2 A levels with 12/14 points is required for entry to the course. David Oxley, former Chief Executive of the RFL and Chairman of the Student Rugby League said, "This is a wonderful opportunity, Rugby League needs highly qualified and motivated young men and woman in its ranks. This is a degree well worth having. It'll be exhilarating, challenging and liberating, just like the game of Rugby League." 
The main driving force behind the degree is Adam Jude the Wolves Community Development Manager a former student Rugby League International and graduate of Warrington Collegiate. Adam commented, "The degree completes the educational stage from the the primary, secondary and sixth form studies, moving through to Higher Education. The club will get access to a fantastic resource in quality students, who will spend some time with the club and work on club projects and doing some great research and dissertations that will only benefit the club." "Sports Studies students from the collegiate have already helped out this year, they performed sports science testing in pre-season training and have provided our head conditioner Tony O'Brien with an array of statistics." "This is the way of the future and hopefully one day in 3-5 years time we'll be talking about a Masters in Rugby League, who knows from there maybe a PhD!"
14, Jun, 2000
