Sport Performance and Coaching with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Foundation year
Male student weightlifting next to a coach

Sports coaching and athlete development is an exciting and rewarding field which includes a range of employment opportunities across the sport and exercise industry.

Year of entry

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

Course code

UCAS Code: N087

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
May 2024
July 2024

How to apply
Open days
Download a prospectus
Contact us

The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

The Sport Performance and Coaching with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the sports sector.

The strength of the course lies in preparing students, who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Sport Performance and Coaching.

  • Sports coaching and athlete development is an exciting and rewarding field which includes a range of employment opportunities across the sport and exercise industry. 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 new £50m 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.
  • Your foundation year aims to build your confidence and develop your academic and professional skills focusing on providing foundation level knowledge, skills and experience including introduction to anatomy and physiology, sport coaching, sport performance and academic and professional skills for sport.
  • Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons).
  • The Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons) degree part of the course has been designed to be broad in scope and is therefore both interdisciplinary and inter-professional, focusing on several related areas of study that are pivotal for students wanting to continue into employment within the sector. Its curriculum enables students to acquire a robust understanding of professional, applied practice in the sport coaching and sport performance sectors. This is an engaging, industry-aligned, values-led course that provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience required to progress successfully into employment or postgraduate study.
  • The concept underpinning the degree is the building of academic and professional skills for professional practice. In addition to the academic qualification gained, students are signposted to continuing professional development delivered by key stakeholders such as the Football Association and UK Coaching, as well as established communities of practice, which are embedded into the modules.

Why CU Scarborough

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. Wherever possible, we aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities2 to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and most of our courses cover one module at a time, so you have the opportunity to study topics in-depth and give assignments your full attention before moving onto the next.

How can we help?

How can we help?

Chat with an advisor now or leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

What you'll study

The foundation year aims to help students develop an independent, reflective and self-managed approach to using skills appropriate to successful academic integrity. It also aims to provide a toolkit of skills required for a pursuance of further study in this field.

The Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons) degree element of the course has been designed to be broad in scope and is therefore both interdisciplinary and inter-professional, focusing on several related areas of study that are pivotal for students wanting to continue into employment within the sector.

Its curriculum enables students to acquire a robust understanding of professional, applied practice in the sport coaching and sport performance sectors. This is an engaging, industry-aligned, values-led course that provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience required to progress successfully into employment or postgraduate study.

Your foundation year will provide a strong framework for your continued studies toward your Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons) degree.

Modules

  • The human body is a complex system performing a multitude of functions every day and like any system, it can malfunction for a variety of reasons. This module introduces students to fundamental knowledge of anatomy and physiology and its relationship with health and disease. They relate this knowledge and understating of the working of the human body in order to enhance care and promote an individual’s full potential. Students have the opportunity to undertake practical activities which require them to take measurements of the cardio-vascular system, the respiratory system and of body temperature, using non-invasive techniques to investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning.

    Compulsory

  • This module will introduce the student to the knowledge, skills and experience required when designing sport performance-based programmes and individual sport performance sessions in accordance with the professional guidelines and codes of conduct. The human body is a complex system performing a multitude of functions and this module aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills from the fundamentals of strength and conditioning coaching principles, to the delivery of physical preparation for optimal sport performance.

    Compulsory

  • The Foundations of Sport Coaching module is a dynamic module that aims to develop understanding of the theories and practice within the sport coaching domains. In line with national initiatives this module illustrates the professionalisation of sport coaching and the importance of high-quality delivery. Consequently, the main emphasis of the module is placed on developing a range of intellectual, professional, practical and transferable attributes that are essential for the modern coach.

    Compulsory

  • The transition into learning in higher education can pose a range of challenges to students before they can become effective independent learners. The aim of this module is to ensure students have a clear understanding of the requirements of academic study by providing them with a range of skills that enable them to navigate their future programme of study in higher education with the greatest chance of success. Students will examine core occupational standards and promote effective relationships. As students continue their journey, they will also examine, the importance of reflection and continuing professional development. This benefits the student personally and professionally as it builds their competence and confidence in using academic skills whilst understanding the essential skills to enable them to become an effective practitioner.

    Compulsory

The second 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 two are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Sport Performance and Coaching.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

Year three 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 three are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Sport Performance and Coaching.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

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.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

During the final year of the course, you will focus on the professional environment. You will spend time on practical application, 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. Students who successfully complete their final year are awarded a Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons).

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

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

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

After your foundation year, you will have the option to do either another three years full-time or another four-year sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, 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

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Assessment

During your foundation year, 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 include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the degree selected or the module.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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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

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


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

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 (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.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK TBC   Not available
International TBC   Not available

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

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.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

We’ve spent £14 million on a brand new campus building. It’s a purpose-built, state of-the-art development that is one of the most modern facilities in the UK.

It includes a library, IT suites, mock law court, engineering and science labs, cafe and lots of individual and group study spaces4. Next to us is Scarborough’s new leisure village. The complex includes an Olympic legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all weather pitches and the new Scarborough Athletic football ground.

Careers and opportunities

The Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons) degree prepares 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 directions. 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

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    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 Home Students, if Parliament permit 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.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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Your next steps

Student life
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Fees and funding