Sport Coaching BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The coaching process, pedagogy, developing your own coaching philosophy, coaching styles, effective coaching approaches, long term athlete development and comprehensive planning/needs analysis are at the core of our Sport Coaching degree. As well as performance analysis, coaching theory and work placement modules.

  Sports Coaching students can then select from the remaining optional modules to specialise and focus their programme towards their intended career goals, Modules in areas such as; Sports Development, Sport and Society, Fitness Training and Sport Psychology.

  To develop your applied skills, you complete a minimum of 120 hours of work-based learning in your second year and third year of the sports coaching degree, so you have many opportunities to apply ideas from the course and build the skills that employers look for. This Sports Coaching course has strong links with many local and national organisations, clubs and bodies.

  Watch what our students have to say about BSc Sport Coaching in this video.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Sport Pedagogy for Coaching 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1011

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for the learner to be introduced to the concept of pedagogy in the teaching and learning of sport. Developing an understanding of the coaching process, and models for/of coaching, from a cross-disciplinary and athlete-centred perspective, is central to the delivery of the module. Learners will be predominantly engaged in practical, small-group and blended learning delivery methods.
    • Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1024

      Status: Compulsory
      Sport and exercise psychology is an exciting discipline area providing the opportunity to explore the psychological influences on human behaviour. The module offers an introduction to key psychological theories and concepts relevant to sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching contexts.
    • The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1038

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the various ways in which sport and exercise are shaped by the social contexts in which they occur. It offers a broad introduction to sociological investigation by outlining some key contemporary social issues in sport, exercise and physical activity. Thus providing a foundation for the further study of socio-cultural issues connected to sport, exercise and physical activity.
    • How to be Successful at University (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1039

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the essential academic and employability skills in order to improve their capabilities and excel at university, and then onto their chosen career.
    • Sport Coaching Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1041

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the role of the coach in a range of sporting contexts. During the module, learners have exposure to, and gain experience from, coaching delivery across a range of team and individual sports. In addition, learners will be encouraged to learn from coach education resources, materials, and individuals associated with different National Governing Bodies and key coaching agencies.
    • Sport Coaching Science (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1042

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces the learner to the multi-disciplinary nature of sports coaching. It intends to offer a general insight into the areas of; performance analysis, movement analysis, strength and conditioning concepts, sports physiology, anatomy and sports injury. The module will provide a greater understanding of core subject disciplines thereby enabling sports coaches to develop a holistic approach to coaching athletes.
  • Stage 2
    • Sports Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2007

      Status: Designate
      This module focuses on the varied roles of sport development on the delivery of sport in the United Kingdom. The changing nature of sports development is governed by government priorities for sport and is often conflicted by the twin principles of delivering mass participation and achieving international success. These principles are explored to explain their relationship to successful sport development.
    • Sport Research Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of research designs, methods and research skills within a subject-based context. It equips the student with a framework in which to conceptualise quantitative and qualitative traditions and applications. The emphasis will be upon understanding and experiencing the research process and developing critical skills necessary to collect, analyse and present data.
    • Fitness Training Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2020

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role and application of the assessment of sport and exercise specific fitness components. It will further explore the complex issues surrounding overall design and monitoring of individual?s training programmes in the context of sports performance or special populations. It will also provide the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the different methods of training and how this information may be applied to enhance specific performance or life style characteristics. Finally, the module will introduce the student to the associated adaptation developed during training.
    • Positive Psychology Coaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2036

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students knowledge and understanding of how exciting concepts in positive psychology (e.g. character strengths, flow, positive relationships) can be applied to sport, exercise, coaching and physical education contexts to influence key outcomes (e.g. performance, wellbeing).
    • Performance Analysis and Coaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2046

      Status: Compulsory
      Performance analysis is an integral part of the coaching process, it provides athletes and coaches with objective information to help them better understand performance. This module aims to provide the sports coaches with strategies that can be used to analyse and quantify sports performance in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and performance-related decisions. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to conduct objective analysis of sports performance through the collection, analysis and interpretation of real-time data.
    • The Developing Athlete (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2048

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examine the developmental changes in children and adolescents from a multidisciplinary perspective in a sporting context. Participation in sport and structured physical activity sessions may begin as early as three years of age and continue well into adulthood. It is imperative, therefore, that sport professionals understand the biological, social, and psychological changes affecting an athlete?s developmental journey. Students will critically consider the key developmental factors, contemporary research, and the implications for the professional practice of coaches working in child and youth sport.
    • Sport Leadership and Team Dynamics (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2052

      Status: Designate
      This module explores the knowledge and skills needed by sport leaders to shape a group into an effective and winning team. Students will examine the critical factors underpinning effective leadership, group dynamics and team cohesion in sport. The module will provide a fascinating examination of key psychological and organizational concepts and draw from evidence-based interventions to uncover how to lead sport teams to peak performance.
    • Applied Practice and Business Skills (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2056

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will enable students to gain experience working within a sport coaching environment and make an effective contribution to a sport coaching porgramme and/or organisation. This module will also help prepare students to develop business skills and insights as well as investigating sport organisational structure and funding application procedures.
  • Stage 3
    • Applied Sport Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3007

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding of sport psychology from previous modules at levels four and five. There will be a focus on the role of the sport psychologist and an application of psychological skills theory in relation to enhancing sport performance and well-being.
    • Contemporary Issues in Sport Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3024

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to critically examine a range of contemporary issues in the field of sport development, particularly those that directly impact upon the role of the sport development officer. It aims to explore 'real world' sport issues in areas such as youth, community and elite sport settings. Relevant models and concepts from sport development literature and real world case studies will be drawn upon to help critically analyse these areas, building upon earlier content that introduces sport development principles in SPO2007.
    • Advanced Fitness Training Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3025

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build upon the knowledge gained in the previous two years in Fitness Training Methods (SPO1012 and SPO2020) . The module will focus on the applied nature of training with a strong practical and work experience focus for students to gain valuable understanding of periodised training prescription. It specifically addresses the use of applied strength and conditioning training, techniques and develops student preparation for independent work in a sporting environment. The student will develop practical skills such as data collection, training and lifting techniques, periodised training prescription and applied practice with various teams. The module will have a strong work placement / experience focus which will help develop the student ready for the work place.
    • Applied Practice in Sport (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3042

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding from the experiences gained at level 5. Students will put into practice the skills and knowledge they have acquired in real life work based environments and reflect upon their development and readiness to meet the demands of their specific areas of sport and exercise employment.
    • Creating Performance Coaching Environments (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3044

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the role of the coach and the knowledge needed in the design and maintenance of optimal performance coaching environments, and the effective working practices of sport coaches in performance settings. Special emphasis will be placed on analysing, and challenging, contemporary research exploring the efficacy of coaches working practices in the context of developing talent across a range of performance sport settings.
    • Performance Analysis Applications (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3064

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the skills and knowledge essential for collecting, analysing, interpreting and applying real world performance analysis data. It is vital that the processes and application of this data is grounded within current and relevant research within the performance analysis field.
    • Coaching Professional Development and Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3065

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to examine the importance of professional development within sports coaching and to understand the bodies and organisations vital to this process. Coach education, mentoring systems and professional bodies are to be evaluated and placed within theoretical context.
    • Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: SPO4001

      Status: Compulsory
      The dissertation provides an opportunity for sport students to apply knowledge, concepts, and research techniques to a question or problem in sport, exercise, or physical activity. The dissertation builds and expands on students' prior knowledge of research acquired at levels four and five. It aims to foster the development of expertise in methodology and skills in the planning, conducting, and writing up of research reports. This form of independent, experiential learning will require students to ask logical questions to diagnose and define problems, generate and implement solutions and evaluate the effectiveness of their action-outcomes. It therefore develops in the students the ability to work independently, and to reflect on the subject-specific research process.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Sports Coaching degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your sports coaching university course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a sports degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  Will I have access to specialist sports facilities on campus?

  Sports Zone at Waterside is home to a multi-use sports dome suitable for a variety of sports, including football, badminton and netball. The facilities include two sports performance labs, a pair of teaching rooms and changing rooms. In addition, there also are three outdoor multi-use games areas and floodlit full-size all-weather sports pitch. The sports dome is used for teaching, research and recreational activities.

  Will I have the opportunity to go on placement during the sports coaching degree?

  You complete a minimum of 120 hours of work-based learning in your second year and have the option to complete a further 120 hours in your final year as part of your studies, so you have many opportunities to apply ideas from the course and build the skills that employers look for.

  An optional placement year between years 2 and 3 is also available.

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