Sports Coaching BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Students on a football pitch training

This course aims to produce competent, confident and reflective coaches with strong practical application of scientific knowledge. You will experience a range of opportunities to develop their coaching practice, emphasising optimal youth development.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

C610

Start date

September 2024


Course overview

Sports coaches can provide support to professional sports teams and national governing bodies developing future sports stars, help build skills and confidence as PE teachers in school settings, or positively impact lifelong participation in physical activity.

  • The course aims to foster the skills to be an exceptional sports coach and develop a range of attributes such as leadership, teamwork, and communication required to gain employment in the graduate job market.
  • A large element of the taught content and assessment will be practical, giving you the opportunity to apply coaching theories to your coaching practice, considering the needs and wants of the participants.
  • The breadth of sports coaching in community settings and schools (e.g. sports clubs, physical education and youth projects) and talent pathways (e.g. professional teams and national governing bodies) is covered throughout the degree programme, supporting diverse career pathways.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • Graduate attributes will be a central theme embedded throughout the degree to enhance employability.
  • Expert guest lecturers specialise in community coaching, physical education, elite talent pathways, and high-performance sport (Subject to availability).
  • High levels of student satisfaction related to assessment and teaching delivery (Module Evaluation Questionnaires show >90% are satisfied with the modules studied)
  • Students have the opportunity to complete a level 2 coaching qualification at no additional cost, and numerous placement opportunities are available in a range of coaching settings, enabling students to gain applied experience during their degree programme2.
  • Staff who teach on the degree programme actively engage in scholarship, coaching practice, and research, creating an opportunity for students to explore and understand current research and practical applications in contemporary topics in sports coaching (staff subject to change).

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

The Sports Coaching BSc (Hons) is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). This endorsement reflects a commitment by Coventry University to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively transition into roles in the sector by aligning courses with professional standards. CIMSPA-endorsed degree programmes are certified as meeting professional standards set by the most highly regarded employers in the sector. Students may also apply for discounted membership of CIMSPA.


The course has lots of practical sessions that help shape the way you would go about coaching. The support you get from the lecturers is really helpful, and it eases the transition process into uni by knowing you can always come to them for help.

Kenny Godwin (Sports Coaching student) 2022
One student standing back observing as a number of students job past wearing sports bibs

We’re based at Westwood Heath, we’ve been able to coach practically and use the theory that we’ve learnt in the classroom out on the pitches. We’ve got a lot of data analysis equipment, such as the cameras, so we’re really lucky to be here.

Chloe Gillett, Sports Coaching BSc (Hons) current student, 2021
Shot of a football field through the goal net

What you'll study

Modules consist of fundamental practical and theoretical approaches to sports coaching. The coaching process, which includes planning, delivery, reflection, and various pedagogical approaches, will be introduced. In addition, you will gain knowledge of bio-psycho-social, which will help inform a broad understanding of the needs and wants of the individual or group. You will develop their discipline-specific study skills and professional practice. A key aspect is acquiring the necessary skills base and understanding the process of practical coaching in preparation for year two study, where these skills will be developed further. In addition, you will have the opportunity to gain a national governing body coaching qualification. 

Modules

Modules build on the fundamental knowledge gained in year one. You will develop competence in the coaching process, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of the pedagogical approaches and scientific principles underpinning practical coaching sessions. You will apply your knowledge to practical scenarios, enabling you to continue developing your professional skills and their application, particularly reflective practice and career management. In addition to this, you will further develop research skills and employability by exploring qualitative and quantitative approaches to research and a mandatory structured work experience module.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

Modules encourage independent and innovative approaches to the coaching process. You will further develop self-awareness informed by critiquing, synthesising and applying a range of appropriate information from scientific and non-scientific sources. Critical self-awareness allows you to enhance your coaching practice and develop a specialism in an independent research project. In year three, modules focus on contemporary issues, community participation, and high-performance pathways to further develop your employability profile. 

Modules

We regularly review our course content to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

The Sports Coaching course is delivered in various pedagogical approaches to ensure all learners are catered for. Practical sessions and workshops employ a range of innovative approaches, (e.g. escape rooms, gamification, group projects) to engage students and make learning memorable. The personal tutor system and study skills support offered throughout the course supports students in the transition from school or college to university. Finally, the academic staff have years of experience working in the field, bringing to life real-world scenarios which creates a unique experience for the students (staff subject to change).

Teaching contact hours

Depending on the year of study you will typically have between 9-18 hours of structured weekly teaching and learning hours which may include activities such as workshops, laboratories, online tutorials, seminars and lectures. This will be supported by a weekly course programme hour with your tutors. In addition, you will be expected to undertake around 18 hours of self-directed study each week.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. All assessments are coursework based.

  • Practical coaching
  • Group projects
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Essays
  • Podcasts
  • Debates

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and monitors student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Our sandwich degree option allows a full-year work placement, which can be taken abroad, or you can undertake a study year abroad. The university runs several specific schemes to enable overseas study periods or work experience2. Teaching staff also ensure that they bring their internationally rated research expertise into their teaching practices. You will also have opportunities to challenge yourself in a range of community and academic projects, both locally and globally. These international opportunities may include collaborative online learning with students at established overseas participating universities and field trips2.

The course has a fantastic group of coaches working here to try and develop you. Our aim is to produce competent and exceptional coaches who can go out and work with people in a variety of environments.

Mark Noon, Course Director 2021
Students in football gear and bibs running on a pitch

The Sports Coaching mission is to develop and enhance the coaches of tomorrow using a variety of pedagogical approaches to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Jonathan Pendlebury, England U18’s (men’s) Head Coach, 2022
A smiling student holds a camera on a tripod

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC to include PE, Biology, Psychology or Sociology. Excludes General Studies.
BTEC DMM in the BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in a Biological or Sport Science based subject. Excludes Health and Social Care.
International Baccalaureate 30 points to include 5 points in Biology at Higher Level.
GCSE
5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and two sciences.
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits above Merit of which 15 must be at Distinction in Biology or Sport Science related units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Additional information

Please note that some work placements may require additional health and professional suitability checks including criminal record checking via DBS. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The university is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an International Foundation Year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Sports Science will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Facilities

This course is based at Coventry University's main campus, with most of the teaching being delivered at our Westwood Heath facility. Westwood Heath houses both excellent teaching rooms and sports facilities. Some teaching will also be delivered at the Alison Gingell building4.

Football field on a sunny day

Westwood Heath

Our Westwood Heath facility houses modern teaching rooms alongside grass and AstroTurf pitches, where most of your time will be spent. Practical sessions are captured using our state of the art AP Capture camera system and software to enrich the teaching and learning experience.

Student running, among lots of equipment

Alison Gingell Building

You will benefit from the outstanding sports and exercise sciences facilities in the purpose-built Alison Gingell building. This includes a sports hall, sport and exercises science laboratories, strength and conditioning suite, gait analysis track, 3D motion capture system and an environmental chamber.


Careers and opportunities

The professional experience opportunities, along with the content of this course, will enable graduates to reflect the competencies expected of an advanced level coach or PE teacher. Practical experiences are embedded into the course and will be facilitated by our established links with local and national sporting organisations, teams and local schools. In addition, the optional sandwich year allows you to enhance your CV by incorporating a full year of work experience in a coaching environment2. This course's exciting and innovative aspect is that the degree aims to complement coach education from national and international governing bodies. You will have the opportunity to take a Level 2 UKCC (UK Coaching Certificate) vocational qualification included within your degree to enhance your coaching profile and employment opportunities.   

The course will suit students wishing to pursue careers in sports coaching, PE teaching, sports development, leisure management and community programmes.

PGCE courses allow entry to teaching careers and our more specialist sport MSc programmes provide opportunities for graduates to develop skills in a more specific area of study.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
HLSU268

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.


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