Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Sport Performance & Coaching students using gym equipment and spotting each other

Build the practical coaching, sport science and performance knowledge relevant to supporting athletes in a range of sport and exercise settings.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N089

Start date

September 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Develop hands-on coaching and sport science skills while building the professional behaviours relevant to modern sport and exercise environments.

This course offers an applied learning experience grounded in professional and ethical practice. You’ll explore the scientific, coaching and behavioural foundations of athlete development through practical sessions, case studies and module-based activities. Depending on the module, typical activities may include performance analysis, physical preparation, coaching practice and approaches to supporting athlete wellbeing.

On this broad, interdisciplinary course, you’ll explore how practitioners in areas such as physiology, psychology and strength and conditioning work together in modern sport settings.

Why you should study this course

Train in a real sports environment
Develop your skills using campus and sport facilities as part of taught sessions and module activities. These may include CU Scarborough and Scarborough Sports Village, depending on timetabling, supervision and availability.
Build practical coaching and performance skills
Gain hands-on experience in coaching, athlete assessment, and strength and conditioning while connecting theory with practice through activities such as movement analysis and performance support.
Learn how athlete support works together
Explore how coaching, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition and wellbeing contribute to athlete development. You’ll examine how these disciplines work together in modern sport and exercise environments.
Study one module at a time
Focus on one 30-credit module over a six-week block. This approach uses practical, exam-free assessments to build your knowledge step by step with regular feedback.

What you'll study

Modules

Principles of Sport Performance – 30 credits

This module introduces the theory underlying effective sports performance. You will analyse performance indicators and plan and evaluate individual training programmes. Industry-based methods will be used to measure performance and apply problem-based learning to develop sport performance improvement strategies. You will also explore the multidisciplinary environment within sports performance and coaching.

Compulsory

Human Movement and Physiology for Sport Performance – 30 credits

This practical module introduces the fundamentals of physiological and movement assessment, which are central to effective strength and conditioning provision. You will explore fitness testing protocols, athlete-centred coaching practice, safe and effective strength and conditioning exercises, technical competencies and field-based speed performance.

Compulsory

Performance Lifestyle and Wellbeing for Athletes – 30 credits

Get an introduction to the key principles of managing wellbeing and lifestyle factors that influence performance in sport, from amateur to professional levels. Explore how nutrition, sleep, stress, communication and behaviour change contribute to both athletic development and long-term health.

Learn how to assess and support an individual’s lifestyle needs within a sporting context. Focus on evidence-based approaches to promoting sustainable performance, wellbeing and personal growth. By the end of the module, you should understand how lifestyle factors interact to shape performance outcomes and how to apply practical strategies that support balance and resilience in sport and life.

Compulsory

The Developing Coach – 30 credits

This module introduces practical sports delivery and the coaching process. You will explore the needs of participants and athletes, the demands of different sports and activities, and pedagogical approaches used to support learning environments. Practical coaching delivery and underpinning theory are central to the module. You will be encouraged to consider introductory training from governing bodies and future formal coaching qualifications.

Compulsory

Modules

360° Athlete Support – 30 credits

This module introduces holistic and interdisciplinary approaches to supporting athlete performance and wellbeing. Centred on the concept of 360° athlete support, it examines how key sport performance disciplines, such as physiology, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, sport psychology, nutrition, performance analysis and coaching, work together to optimise athlete development.

Explore contemporary theory and applied practice within effective multidisciplinary team environments, using case studies across elite sport, youth performance, and exercise-for-health contexts. Analyse and communicate across disciplinary boundaries by applying evidence-informed strategies for monitoring, planning and intervention to support comprehensive, person-centred athlete care.

Compulsory

Contemporary Issues in Coaching and Performance – 30 credits

Examine key contemporary issues shaping coaching practice and sport performance in modern contexts. You will engage critically with current debates, emerging research, and evolving professional challenges that influence how coaches, practitioners, and support teams work with athletes and participants. Drawing on perspectives from coaching science, sport performance, pedagogy, technology, ethics and policy, the module encourages you to analyse how wider social, cultural, and organisational factors impact coaching environments.

Explore issues such as athlete welfare, safeguarding, digital technologies, equality and inclusion, and evolving professional standards through case studies from participation and performance sport. Throughout the module, you should develop the ability to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and consider how contemporary challenges shape effective coaching and performance practice.

Compulsory

Principles of Strength and Conditioning – 30 credits

This module introduces the principles of strength and conditioning, including how to assess athletes and plan training approaches.

You will explore needs analysis, common movement patterns, injury incidence, metabolic pathways, and the application of biomechanical, physiological, nutritional and psychological principles to strength and conditioning practice. Module content also considers fitness testing, scientific assessment and the planning variables of periodised strength and conditioning programmes.

Compulsory

Research Methods for Sports Performance and Coaching – 30 credits

This module introduces the skills required to research sport performance and coaching. Examine key aspects of scientific methods, including various experimental methodologies, study design, and the conduct, summarisation and evaluation of research.

The module covers data analysis and the basic descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in the field. Explore key concepts such as reflective practice, evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary work. Additionally, you should learn to present data in various formats for both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Compulsory

To help you explore a potential career path and apply your learning in a professional setting, you may be able to undertake a work placement2 between your second and final years of study. Work placements can help you gain practical experience, develop transferable skills and gain insight into the type of work you may want to do in the future.

Placements are optional and are not guaranteed. You will need to apply for opportunities, and each placement must be approved before it can count towards your placement year. Employers or host organisations make the final selection decisions, and you may need to meet academic, conduct, right-to-work, visa or other eligibility requirements.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: apply for practical experience related to your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: where available, you may be able to apply for an international work or study opportunity. These opportunities may depend on availability, academic approval, eligibility, visa and travel requirements, and additional costs.

This optional year is non-credit-bearing. If you successfully complete it, your experience will be formally recognised on your final degree certificate. If you are sponsored by the University and choose to apply for an international work placement, you must comply with UKVI immigration regulations. You can contact us for guidance before making arrangements.

Modules

Applied Strength and Conditioning – 30 credits

Prepare for evidence-based professional strength and conditioning practice across a range of sporting contexts. Develop advanced skills in athlete profiling, diagnostics, periodised programme design and performance monitoring, drawing upon contemporary research and industry standards.

Learn how to justify training interventions using scientific principles of physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and sport-specific performance demands. You will complete an applied case study involving the assessment, design and evaluation of a comprehensive strength and conditioning programme for an athlete or sport.

Compulsory

Coaching in the High-Performance Environment – 30 credits

Explore evidence-based strength and conditioning practice across a range of sporting contexts. Critically evaluate how high-performance cultures are created, sustained and led. Analyse and apply leadership approaches, contemporary coaching frameworks, learning design theories and interpersonal skills essential for managing athletes, parents and multidisciplinary teams within performance pathways.

This module emphasises reflective professional practice, decision-making under pressure, and the strategic planning of learning environments that support long-term athlete development. You will produce an evidence-based portfolio demonstrating your capacity to lead, communicate and design purposeful high-performance coaching environments.

Compulsory

Exercise for Specific Populations – 30 credits

This module aims to develop your ability to prescribe, plan and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes at an advanced level.

Explore how to plan, review and adapt physical activity and exercise programmes for specific populations and people with specific programming needs. You’ll consider physical, psychological and social factors, as well as signs and symptoms of specific conditions and the implications of medication. You’ll also explore how to design progressive exercise programmes for groups such as older adults, pregnant people, children and adolescents, and people with neurological conditions.

Compulsory

Research Project - 30 credits

This module enables you to undertake an applied research project within sport performance and coaching. You will investigate a real-world performance or coaching problem using secondary data, existing datasets, and relevant literature.

The module emphasises how you interpret evidence, analyse data and translate findings into practical recommendations for coaching and performance environments. You should develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and professional communication, helping to bridge the gap between research and applied practice.

The experience supports your transition from student to practitioner by requiring independent project management, ethical awareness and the ability to justify decisions within realistic constraints.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures: gain expert insights and a structured overview of key concepts and cutting-edge research
seminars: engage in discussion and debate, deepening understanding and critical thinking
tutorials: receive personalised guidance to solve complex problems and consolidate learning
presentations: develop communication skills and the ability to convey technical ideas
group projects: build teamwork and collaboration skills while tackling real-world challenges
workshops: apply knowledge hands-on, enhancing practical skills and problem-solving abilities
practical laboratory sessions: gain hands-on experience with equipment and experimental techniques
online learning: access flexible resources for self-paced study and reinforcement of key concepts.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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

Assessment methods vary by module and may include:

coursework
practical class performance
project performance
written practical reports
project thesis
laboratory experiments
practical assessments
group work
presentations
time-constrained assessment
research tasks

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures fair assessment and supports student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

What we're looking for
104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification. Overall grade of Merit in the T-level qualification in any subject.

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.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

What we're looking for
104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification. Overall grade of Merit in the T-level qualification in any subject.

CU Scarborough welcomes international students from all around the globe. If you are an international student and are interested in applying 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

IELTS: 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.

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

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	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
EU	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year with EU Support Bursary 2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 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 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Fees and Funding 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 table above 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related 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.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Where available, you will have teaching sessions in Scarborough Sports Village and Scarborough Athletic Football Club’s stadium.

Our purpose-built campus provides a modern, open-plan environment designed for both group work and quiet study. You can use the ground-floor library, IT suites and laptop loan scheme to get your work done whenever it suits you. Between classes, grab a coffee in the on-site café or catch up with friends in the central social spaces.

You’ll use facilities through timetabled teaching, practical activities and relevant independent study. Access may vary by module, activity, capacity, supervision or safety requirements. Access may change or be limited where the University needs to follow public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates of this course have gone on to work in areas such as sport performance, coaching, athlete development, strength and conditioning, personal training, fitness management and wider sport development.

The course may also support progression to postgraduate study in areas such as sports coaching, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, sport and exercise science, health and wellbeing or sport therapy.

Potential career paths:

Sport coach
Strength and conditioning coach
Performance analyst
Sports development officer
Personal trainer
Fitness and wellbeing practitioner

These are examples of possible career paths. Some roles may require further training, professional accreditation or experience.

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students can apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU Scarborough directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

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

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions.cu@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUGU017

International students should apply to CU Scarborough directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

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

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

cus@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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, partnerships and memberships

Some 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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

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 UK (home) students, if the 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 annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2026/2027 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.

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Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons)

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

UCAS codes

Start date

Course overview

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

How to apply

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

Your next steps

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Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons)

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

UCAS codes

Start date

Course overview

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

How to apply

Your next steps

Discover Uni stats