Sports Coaching BSc (Hons)

Are you passionate about helping people realise their sporting potential?A Sports Coaching degree will help you develop the skills to work as an effective sports coach in a variety of settings.You will examine the fundamentals of sports coaching practice and the science which explains how coaches can be effective. You will use some of the latest coaching technology as used in professional sport and discuss the complex nature of working effectively and inclusively with different people in different environments, recognising that the coaching sector spans from participation and children’s coaching to elite performance coaching.As part of this course, you will study coaching models and styles, as well as psychosocial aspects such as learning and leadership. We’ll help you to understand the professional codes of practice to which coaches must adhere, exploring the ethical and moral responsibilities of the coach. Understanding the scientific principles of sports coaching is crucial, so you’ll learn how to identify performance indicators and coaching strategies across a variety of sports. You’ll examine the physiological components of performance, learning about skeletal and muscular anatomy and function. You will be taught in small groups to enable you to gain quality practical experience to 'learn through doing' with guidance and support from experienced staff.You’ll complete professional work placements, either at home or abroad, and will have the option to work with business experts in your final year to develop your own viable business plan. Plus, you’ll develop the sector-specific skills with experience of using the latest high-performance sport technology, such as GPS tracking and 3D motion tracking equipment.**Professional placements**Our students typically complete placements at professional sports clubs, community schemes or grassroots-level clubs. You could also work in primary or secondary schools. Opportunities also exist working in sports foundations in health and wellbeing and sports development roles. You can also go overseas, providing teaching and coaching sessions in South Africa.**Career opportunities**This degree will prepare you for a career working for sports clubs or providing sports opportunities within the community. Graduates can pursue a range of careers including training and education officer, teaching (after further study), high performance sports coach, children’s sport leader and sport development manager.