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 your 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 2025


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.
A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

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).
  • Students have the opportunity to complete a level 2 coaching qualification at no additional cost2.
  • 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 for the 2025/26 intake:

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

First year modules consist of fundamental practical and theoretical approaches to sports coaching. The coaching process, which includes planning, delivery, reflection, and various academic 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 your 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

Year two modules build on the fundamental knowledge gained in your first year. 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 module2.

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 participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

Final year 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 BSc (Hons) course is delivered in various academic 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 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.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments.

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. Current teaching staff also ensure that they bring their internationally rated research expertise into their teaching practices (staff may be subject to change). 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.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed2.

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 entry requirements:

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

Additional information

Please note that some work placements may require additional health and professional suitability checks including criminal record checking via DBS2. 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.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for 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

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £18,300 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to 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.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

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.

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).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


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.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

The professional experience opportunities2 (subject to availability), along with the content of this course, will enable you 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 opportunities2.

If you are looking to pursue a career in sport coaching, PE teaching, sports development, leisure management and community programmes this could be the course for you.

Further study

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.

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