Bsc Hons Sports Coaching

Sports Coaching (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons)

Refine your skills as a sports coach through hands-on learning and develop your unique coaching style. You'll benefit from unparalleled opportunities to advance your coaching techniques within our on-site sports academies, as well as through collaborations with our partner sports clubs.

We're a partner of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). That means, everything you’ll learn is taught in line with nationally recognised coaching standards. Graduate industry-ready with the skills you need to be a successful coach.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 years full-time
UC UCAS Code: CF00
Part or Full Time: Full Time
Level of Study: Foundation Year Degrees
Typical Offer: 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc Sports Coaching qualification.

Throughout your degree you’ll be encouraged to gain real-world experience. Build a diverse portfolio that you can use to evidence your coaching expertise, experience and philosophy to employers when you graduate.

We’ve got strong links across the sports industry, including with the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union, giving you access to a wide range of coaching opportunities.

With 10 sports academies on site, you won’t be short of opportunities to put what you’re learning into practice. You could also find yourself gaining experience with local sports clubs, and physical activity organisations.

We’ll support you to discover and progress your own coaching philosophy and style. A diverse range of modules will introduce you to differing coaching theories, concepts and practices, aimed at giving you a personal skillset to become an accomplished coach.

Accreditation

As a partner of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), our curriculum is underpinned by professional coaching standards.

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points. 

 

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level. 

 

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma. 

 

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. 

 

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above. 

 

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

 

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.  

 

T Level | An overall grade of Pass. 

 

Additional Information 

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

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Your career

Our course is strongly linked with the local sporting community, providing you with a broad range of opportunities to develop your coaching skills, gain valuable experiences, and developing connections needed for your graduate career.

Work experience

Our performance sports teams offer opportunities for students to gain industry experience ready for their careers. You could get involved with performance analysis, and coaching, as well as management roles. There are also opportunities for you to work with some of our partner sports clubs, schools and organisations. Many students go on to graduate roles with these employers.

Graduate destinations

Our sports coaching graduates work in a range of sport, exercise, and health and wellbeing areas in the performance, school and community sports sectors. Studying sports coaching also develops the skills needed for other graduate careers. Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • Football Coach, Paris Saint Germain
  • Rugby coach, Play Rugby USA
  • Rowing coach, Canterbury Christchurch College
  • Head of Sport, private school
  • Sport Development lead, Young Gloucestershire
  • Performance Analyst, Gloucester Rugby
  • Lecturer, Hartpury College
Success Stories

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 15 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year - this is 25% above the UK average.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc Sports Coaching qualification.

Throughout your degree you’ll be encouraged to gain real-world experience. Build a diverse portfolio that you can use to evidence your coaching expertise, experience and philosophy to employers when you graduate.

We’ve got strong links across the sports industry, including with the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union, giving you access to a wide range of coaching opportunities.

With 10 sports academies on site, you won’t be short of opportunities to put what you’re learning into practice. You could also find yourself gaining experience with local sports clubs, and physical activity organisations.

We’ll support you to discover and progress your own coaching philosophy and style. A diverse range of modules will introduce you to differing coaching theories, concepts and practices, aimed at giving you a personal skillset to become an accomplished coach.

Accreditation

As a partner of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), our curriculum is underpinned by professional coaching standards.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points. 

 

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level. 

 

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma. 

 

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. 

 

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above. 

 

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

 

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.  

 

T Level | An overall grade of Pass. 

 

Additional Information 

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

Employability

Your career

Our course is strongly linked with the local sporting community, providing you with a broad range of opportunities to develop your coaching skills, gain valuable experiences, and developing connections needed for your graduate career.

Work experience

Our performance sports teams offer opportunities for students to gain industry experience ready for their careers. You could get involved with performance analysis, and coaching, as well as management roles. There are also opportunities for you to work with some of our partner sports clubs, schools and organisations. Many students go on to graduate roles with these employers.

Graduate destinations

Our sports coaching graduates work in a range of sport, exercise, and health and wellbeing areas in the performance, school and community sports sectors. Studying sports coaching also develops the skills needed for other graduate careers. Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • Football Coach, Paris Saint Germain
  • Rugby coach, Play Rugby USA
  • Rowing coach, Canterbury Christchurch College
  • Head of Sport, private school
  • Sport Development lead, Young Gloucestershire
  • Performance Analyst, Gloucester Rugby
  • Lecturer, Hartpury College

How you'll study

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 15 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year - this is 25% above the UK average.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

This course covers a broad range of fundamental sports topics through core modules, from teaching and coaching, to sports science, and psychology. In addition to these core topics, you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from, allowing you to specialise to suit your interests and career goals.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Your foundation year will provide you with the foundation knowledge and skills in sport, academic skills and general science.

Compulsory Modules 

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development. 

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

An introduction to central human biology, anatomy and physiology and its adaption to sport training. The module will explore the psychological and physiological factors that impact the performance of athletes.

Business Enterprise and Management

This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.

Your first year will focus on introducing you to a broad range of topics, providing you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to begin developing your own coaching identity. Alongside your core coaching module, you’ll study physiology, psychology, and sociology topics, as well as developing your academic and professional skills.

Compulsory Modules 

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)

Apply coaching theory to evaluate your own abilities, illustrating your personal development.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Learn academic and research skills through work with other sports science disciplines.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport exercise psychology.

Introduction to the Sport Industry

Investigate how participation is influenced by the structure, leadership and organisation of sport.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

This module covers the biological systems used during exercise.

Comparative Sports Study

Study how historical and political influences have shaped practices in a chosen sport.

Alongside your core coaching and academic skills modules, in your second year, you’ll start to choose your own path with a choice of optional modules. You could focus on sports business management, sports science, health topics, inclusion, and youth development.

Compulsory Modules 

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Pedagogy)

This module focuses on developing learning strategies and evaluating your ability to educate others.

Coaching Children

Use study methods and theories of practice to identify their appropriateness for coaching children.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

 

Optional Modules 

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Sport Psychology

Learn and apply psychological skills to improve athlete performance.

The Inclusive Practitioner

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive practice within sport, physical activity, and physical education.

Youth Physical Development

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

Your final year allows you to concentrate the topics that interest you most and will support you best in your future career. One module is dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area, as well as gaining an insight into where current research and coaching practice is focusing.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Reflection)

Critically reflect on your coaching abilities and how you’ve developed throughout the programme.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

 

Optional Modules

Contemporary Issues in Sports Education

Studying what we can learn from professional development in other sectors to develop coaching and teaching practice.

Performance Analysis in Practice

Students apply and evaluate the impact of performance analysis techniques within the coaching cycle.

Special Populations

Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.

Sport and Social Media

This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research.

Sport Psychology in Action

The purpose of this module is to give students a real picture of sport psychology in action by providing the framework from which psychological techniques can be applied to facilitate psychological and performance outcomes.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

This course covers a broad range of fundamental sports topics through core modules, from teaching and coaching, to sports science, and psychology. In addition to these core topics, you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from, allowing you to specialise to suit your interests and career goals.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Level three foundation year (year one)

Your foundation year will provide you with the foundation knowledge and skills in sport, academic skills and general science.

Compulsory Modules 

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development. 

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

An introduction to central human biology, anatomy and physiology and its adaption to sport training. The module will explore the psychological and physiological factors that impact the performance of athletes.

Business Enterprise and Management

This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.

Level four (year one)

Your first year will focus on introducing you to a broad range of topics, providing you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to begin developing your own coaching identity. Alongside your core coaching module, you’ll study physiology, psychology, and sociology topics, as well as developing your academic and professional skills.

Compulsory Modules 

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)

Apply coaching theory to evaluate your own abilities, illustrating your personal development.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Learn academic and research skills through work with other sports science disciplines.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport exercise psychology.

Introduction to the Sport Industry

Investigate how participation is influenced by the structure, leadership and organisation of sport.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

This module covers the biological systems used during exercise.

Comparative Sports Study

Study how historical and political influences have shaped practices in a chosen sport.

Level five (year two)

Alongside your core coaching and academic skills modules, in your second year, you’ll start to choose your own path with a choice of optional modules. You could focus on sports business management, sports science, health topics, inclusion, and youth development.

Compulsory Modules 

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Pedagogy)

This module focuses on developing learning strategies and evaluating your ability to educate others.

Coaching Children

Use study methods and theories of practice to identify their appropriateness for coaching children.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

 

Optional Modules 

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Sport Psychology

Learn and apply psychological skills to improve athlete performance.

The Inclusive Practitioner

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive practice within sport, physical activity, and physical education.

Youth Physical Development

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

Level Six (year three)

Your final year allows you to concentrate the topics that interest you most and will support you best in your future career. One module is dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area, as well as gaining an insight into where current research and coaching practice is focusing.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Reflection)

Critically reflect on your coaching abilities and how you’ve developed throughout the programme.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

 

Optional Modules

Contemporary Issues in Sports Education

Studying what we can learn from professional development in other sectors to develop coaching and teaching practice.

Performance Analysis in Practice

Students apply and evaluate the impact of performance analysis techniques within the coaching cycle.

Special Populations

Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.

Sport and Social Media

This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research.

Sport Psychology in Action

The purpose of this module is to give students a real picture of sport psychology in action by providing the framework from which psychological techniques can be applied to facilitate psychological and performance outcomes.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

The Foundation Year includes an internship using Hartpury’s on-site facilities and industry links.

Year Contact learning Independent learning Placement learning
Level three (year one) 24% 76% 0%
Level four (year two) 24% 76% 0%
Level five (year three) 24% 76% 0%
Level six (year four) 18% 82% 0%

You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given on-line (electronic and oral), and in some cases face-to-face.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level three (year one) 15% 35% 50%
Level four (year two) 13% 56% 31%
Level five (year three) 0% 60% 40%
Level six (year four) 13% 28% 59%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

  • Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
  • Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
  • Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
  • Timetables are available during enrolment week
View term dates

Please visit our finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear

Students have an option to purchase sports kits which can be bought as a bundle for approximately £150. Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. A comprehensive package of non-repayable financial support is available to facilitate engagement with placements and study tours / trips where additional costs are involved. 

Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Hartpury College Mens Football Academy

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hartpury University Accommodation

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Hartpury University Finance
Gold Gold Gold 01

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

GUG 2025 Top 10 Teaching Quality Landscape

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate Outcomes Singe Logo (1)

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024). 

Nss 2024 Top 10 Academic Support

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

CIMSPA

CIMSPA-endorsed

This degree programme is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

Harrison Lowe
“The support I received from Hartpury is one of the main reasons the company is up and running today. I had so much support from Simon Spooner and all the ICE team, special thanks to Lucy Scannell and Vicki Crossland. I will always be grateful for the help and funding I received from Hartpury.”
Harrison Lowe
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
Sport Therapy

Meet our academic team

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.