Course overview

The coach is responsible for instructing, training and directing the athlete or the team. Their aim is to develop the players' skills or to achieve a specific goal. But how does the coach know which methods to use?

In this innovative degree, you will explore the scientific approach to coaching. You will find out which areas of knowledge, such as human movement, pedagogy, child development, physiology and psychology, can contribute to making coaching methods more effective.

This course is designed to explore the bases of coaching to supplement the craft knowledge gained by a coach. These methods are explored within a specialised laboratory environment utilising the latest technology and analytical equipment in a small, friendly and supportive setting.

This degree has two main aims:

• To provide you with a firm understanding of the theory underpinning the physical education and coaching processes and how such theories can be applied.
• To equip you with communication, organisational, practical, analytical and scientific skills necessary for coaching and teaching sport.
• The specific aims of this course are:
• To enable you to address relevant QAA subject benchmark statements and United Kingdom Coaching Certificates (UKCC) qualification guidelines.
• For you to meet local, national and international needs.
• To provide a framework of modules for the development of the theory, concepts and practical application of Coaching and Physical Education.

To provide you with the necessary oral, written, practical and technical skills to operate effectively as coaching practitioners.

• To provide you with the required knowledge to operate ethically and safely as coaches.
• To allow you the opportunity to work independently in real-life situations.
• To develop you in a range of transferable skills and competences relevant to careers in coaching sports development and other graduate employment situations.
• To allow you the opportunity to plan, execute, analyse and report on a research project of your own design.
• To provide you with the opportunity to study for professional qualifications (national governing body coaching).
• To promote access to, and further progression within, higher education, research and professional development.

Module guide

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, group assessment, presentations, class and laboratory-based tests, case studies, group project work and the major project.

Associated careers

This innovative blend of theory and practice will develop you into a modern scientific coach who is able to coach an array of learners in any age group.

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Entry Requirements

180 UCAS tariff points.
A levels required; 2 A levels one of which needs to be a science subject
BTEC/Access required; A BTEC National or a full Access Certificate in a related subject.
GCSEs required; 3 GCSEs at grade C or above in English, Maths and Science.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements