Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Sport Performance & Coaching students using gym equipment and spotting each other

This course prepares you for a range of employment opportunities available in the exciting and rewarding field of sports coaching and athlete development.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

UCAS codes

N089 / N090 / N099

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026


Course overview

An engaging, industry-aligned and values-led course, the Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons) aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience required to progress successfully into employment in the sports and exercise industry, or onto postgraduate study.

The course has been designed to be broad in scope and is therefore both interdisciplinary and inter-professional. The curriculum aims to enable you to acquire a robust understanding of professional, applied practice in the sport coaching and sport performance sectors.

Why you should study this course

The concept underpinning the course is the building of academic and professional skills for professional practice.

  • In addition to the academic qualification gained, you will be signposted to continuing professional development delivered by key stakeholders such as the Football Association and UK Coaching, as well as established communities of practice across the modules.
  • Practitioners can work with athletes of all skill levels, and across the many coaching positions available in the areas of performance analysis and performance sports.
  • CU Scarborough is part of a complex which includes a modern campus building, a sports village and a football stadium that is home to Scarborough Athletic Football Club. The state-of-the-art sports village hosts two swimming pools, a 60-station gym, fitness studios and a sports hall, in addition to a 3G sports stadium pitch.
  • We have a dedicated teaching space for you - our state-of-the-art new fitness suite, kitted out with the latest strength and conditioning equipment. This means you can learn in a safe environment, under expert teaching supervision, how to operate cutting-edge technology.

What you'll study

The Year One modules are currently under review and any changes will be updated by Summer 2024. Please refer back to this page before applying.

The first year introduces you to an overview of sport performance and coaching through the fundamental components of the sector and the professional application within the industry.

Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for an HNC in Sport Performance and Coaching.

Modules

Year two will introduce you to further practical elements of both coaching and strength and conditioning, while exploring an interdisciplinary approach to maximising performance and the importance of research in sport performance and coaching.

Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Sport Performance and Coaching.

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 before your 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

During the final year of the course, you will focus on the professional environment. You will spend time on practical applications, the high-performance environment and working with specific populations. You will have the opportunity to produce a research project in your chosen field of interest.

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.

The teaching approach for this module was designed to be highly engaging and enjoyable by Prof. Shane, who made sure no one was left behind in any way, both academically and on a general basis. He emphasised the value of coaching in all spheres. As an international student, the experience was beyond what I had anticipated. Seeing such a positive, encouraging and supportive environment for one’s success inspired me to work harder.

Arnav Srivastava, Year One international student from India, Sports Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons), quoted 2023
Group of students performing sports tests

How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.


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

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and may include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments.

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

Completing a Sport Performance and Coaching degree at CU Scarborough is a transformative experience that opens doors to a world of opportunities. This course goes beyond theory, immersing you in practical, hands-on learning that enhances your skills and knowledge. You'll work closely with experienced academic and industry professionals, gaining invaluable insights and mentorship. The dynamic curriculum equips you with the expertise to optimise athletic performance, inspire teamwork, and lead with confidence. Additionally, CU Scarborough provides a supportive and vibrant community where you can forge lifelong connections with like-minded individuals. As you graduate, you'll possess a competitive edge, ready to excel in various sports-related careers and make a positive impact in the ever-evolving field of sports.

Mathew Butterworth, Head of Academic Studies, 2023
Head and shoulder shot of Mathew Butterworth

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. We also recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

All HNC/Degree courses require at least two A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

CU Scarborough welcomes international students from all around the globe. If you are an international student and are interested in applying for a Foundation Year, HNC or Degree course you can do so by completing our online application form.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application via your given email address.
Please be aware you will need the following information in order to make your application:

  • All academic transcripts
  • Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
  • One academic reference
  • Be trained to English language proficiency level IELTS 6.0
  • Your personal statement
  • Copy of your current passport

 

English language requirements

  • Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

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.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees-£7,950 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - as UK 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).

*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

Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and includes:

  • indoor social spaces, including a café
  • a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
  • open-access computers, free Wi-Fi
  • student support and careers advice teams.

The campus is conveniently located next door to Scarborough’s Sports Village, with its Olympic legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all weather pitches and the new Scarborough Athletic Club football ground.

It's also just a 10-minute walk from the East Yorkshire seafront. North Bay is Scarborough’s Blue Flag beach, meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness both on the sand and in the water, for facilities and safety.

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

This course is designed to prepare students to pursue a career in high-performance sport as an analyst, sport performance or strength and conditioning coach, sports coach, or one of the many other professional roles aligned to sport performance and coaching.

The flexible and interdisciplinary nature of this degree will enable you to take your career in a number of direction, and work with athletes of all skill levels to facilitate not only their physical, but also their social, emotional and psychological development.

You could also choose to progress your expertise with a master’s programme in a related discipline, such as nutrition, sports coaching, or strength and conditioning.


How to apply


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