Sport Coaching BSc(Hons)

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Top reasons to choose this course

• Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

• Sport courses at Brighton have received the 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for quality from CIMSPA. 

• Option to specialise and graduate with an award of with development, with performance, or with youth sport and PE.

• Placement opportunities give you the chance to gain valuable experience and make industry connections.

• Practical coaching experience throughout the degree.
• Choice of option modules to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations.
• Learn in our extensive on-site sport facilities.
• Learn with coaching experts and innovative researchers.
• 8th in the UK for sport science courses – Guardian University Guide 2025.

Course structure

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, group activities and hands-on experience. The balance of knowledge and practical skills is designed to prepare you for career success in the sport coaching profession. 

The first year of the degree provides a broad introduction to coaching through topics such as physiology, psychology, biomechanics, training principles, sport development and sociology. During your first year you will decide whether to continue on the Sport Coaching BSc(Hons) or to study for one of the specialist pathways: 

• Sport Coaching with Development
• Sport Coaching with Performance
• Sport Coaching with Youth Sport and Physical Education.

The pathway you choose will shape the rest of your degree and the modules you study in years 2 and 3. On all pathways you will learn practical sports coaching skills in years 1 and 2 and put these into practice on work placements in years 2 and 3.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, we will inform you of any improvements or innovations to the curriculum through Student View.

Year 1

The first year provides a broad overview of the field of sports coaching. Your experiences in year 1 will help you to decide which area you would like to specialise in, or whether to retain a more general focus to your studies.

Modules

• Fundamentals of Coaching

  This module will enable you to develop your understanding of roles, responsibilities and processes of coaching. You'll explore the foundation of skills and knowledge needed to create a successful coaching environment. You will reflect on your coaching experience, practice your coaching skills in unfamiliar and challenging contexts, and examine the implications of policy and legislation on coaching.

• Practical Application of Coaching

  This module will give you the opportunity to apply fundamental coaching principles in a range of different settings. The module targets the planning, application and reflection of foundation skills which are generic to all coaching contexts. You will be challenged to display fundamental coaching skills in increasingly challenging contexts. Alongside this practically oriented module, you will contribute to ongoing analysis and discussion of coaching case studies.

• Preparing for the World of Sport

  This module will support you in the transition to academic study at university. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for, and reflect upon your own learning, development and employability. You will be given support to develop the skills needed to produce high quality academic work. This module will also introduce you to research skills and practices used to investigate sport as well as raising awareness of careers information and services.

• Science of Movement

  This module combines the study of physiology, psychology and biomechanics into a module designed to meet the needs of PE, sports studies and sports-coaching-based students.

  You will develop an understanding of muscular and cardiovascular aspects of human development and movement. You will study skill acquisition and gain an understanding of motor control. Finally, you will develop biomechanical understanding through recording, analysing and evaluating human movement and performance using qualitative analysis.

• Sport, the Body and Society

  This module will give you an insight into a range of social issues connected to the sporting body. It will introduce you to socio-cultural theories and concepts about the body and sport. This is done through a variety of case studies and topic areas that you will explore through an active and engaged problem-solving pedagogy. You will be encouraged to reflect on taken-for-granted behaviours and experiences in sport to enable you to develop your own social scientific approach to understanding the sporting body.

• Who Runs Sport?

  Understanding why sport is structured and organised in the way it is, has become the most important factor for anyone thinking of developing a career in sport. This module will introduce you to issues of governance, government, policy initiatives, funding and media coverage. Content includes a view of the relationships between sport and sports coaching, sport and health/physical activity, sport and physical education, the sources of funding for sport and why sport is such 'big business'.

Year 2

Modules

Core modules

• Coaching Contexts and Methodologies

  In this module, you will get an in-depth insight into three of the most popular and fastest growing sport coaching contexts: field-based physical training; games methodologies; and the coaching of special populations, including the elderly and athletes with disabilities. The module includes theoretical discussion, lectures and presentations on each pathway with practical demonstrations and workshops to assist you in applying theory to practice.

• Coaching Professional Practice

  This module focuses on the applied use of planning, evaluating and reflective practice in professional contexts. supported by a mentor, you will conduct work-based professional practice in an internal or external coaching environment. This may include structured assistance or observation and analysis, project organisation and management, match analysis and coach education. The module aims to enhance your ability to evaluate and reflect upon your experiences in a professional environment.

• Data Analysis and Research Methods

  Data Analysis and Research Methods will give you the tools to conduct your own independent research in the field of sport and exercise science. There is a significant data analysis component to this module, which builds upon the first-year research-based module. The module integrates this information with the other study skills necessary to complete an undergraduate dissertation, including quantitative and qualitative design, methods and interpretation of results.

• Contemporary Issues in Sport Coaching

  This module builds on the fundamental principles of coaching, linking theory to practice, professional development and an evolving philosophy of coaching. You will focus on generic content which can be applied to the development of effective coaching across different contexts and populations. Content will then expand into areas of interest relevant to the three sports coaching exit routes: performance, community and youth, and physical education.

Options*

• Power and Politics in Sport

  This module is an exploration of historical and contemporary relationships between sport, power and politics. You'll examine the political nature of sporting structures, practices and events, and take a look at the legacy repercussions of mega events like the Olympics, Paralympics and world cups. You'll also explore policies around inclusion and exclusion in sport, focusing on race, sexuality, dis/ability and community.

• Leading and Managing People in Sports Organisations

  This module evaluates the importance of people as the most significant resource within sport business organisations. You will study areas including the nature of organisations and organisational behaviour, the concepts, techniques and styles of leadership and management, motivation, communication and perception. The module also covers equality, diversity and inclusion in sport management, recruitment and selection, employee relations and the legal and regulatory framework of employment.

• Sport for Development and Peace

  On this module you will get involved with our partner NGO Football4Peace (F4P) by taking part in practical coaching sessions. Through your engagement with F4P you’ll explore some of the theoretical ideas that underpin how sport can be a tool for community development, social justice and peace. The module will enable you to apply principles of sport for development and peace in practical, fieldwork settings.

• Primary Physical Education: Theory and practice of teaching KS1 and KS2 PE

  This module explores the teaching of primary PE, focusing on understanding child development and motor skill acquisition to plan and deliver appropriate physical activities. It will involve the application of theory to practical contexts and help you develop teaching methods and practice to ensure that learning in and through PE is maximised alongside addressing health, body awareness, development of positive attitudes and self-confidence.

• Creating a Positive Teaching and Learning Environment

  This module will introduce you to aspects of behaviour management within a school context. You will examine factors influencing pupil behaviour and strategies that may be employed by the teacher/support staff to help a child approach schooling in a more positive way. Topics will include expectations in the classroom, school and national behaviour policies, pupil motivation, special categories of pupils with behaviour problems, and theoretical approaches and their practical application to classroom management.

• Education Studies 2: Policy and Practice

  This module introduces behaviour management in a school context. You will examine various factors that influence pupil behaviour and strategies that may be used by the teacher and support staff to help the child approach the process of schooling more positively. 

• Sport and Exercise Psychology

  This module focuses on developing your understanding of selected theoretical aspects of sport and exercise psychology and their relevance to practitioners. It covers areas including group dynamics in sport and exercise settings; the psychological effects of taking part in sport and exercise; factors of sport and exercise participation and performance; and skill acquisition and development of expertise.

• Performance Assessment and Training Prescription in Strength and Conditioning

  An essential skill for strength and conditioning coaches is the ability to reliably assess the physical performance of clients and communicate the results and their implications. This module teaches you how to conduct a variety of valid and reliable functional movement screening and field-based fitness assessment techniques and develop an appreciation of the corrective exercises required for improvement.

• Performance Analysis

  In this module you will explore the theories behind effective performance analysis and develop your skills in practice. You will study key aspects of the performance analysis process related to technical, tactical and time-motion analysis within individual and team sports. To individualise the physiological and physical demands of sport, you will also be introduced to field-based fitness tests.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placements

Spend a year on placement

Gain valuable sector experience and earn money during an optional placement year. You’ll return to the final year of your degree with added confidence, additional real-world experience and valuable contacts. 

A placement year significantly improves your CV, giving you a distinct advantage over others when applying for jobs and starting your career. It will also help you to develop the softer skills such as communication and teamwork.  

Our dedicated Placements and Employability team will support you in getting a placement that aligns with your interests and career ambitions.  

They can help with CVs and cover letter writing, applications, online testing and more. Plus, they’ll provide support and guidance when you’re on placement and make sure that everything is going well. 

Professional practice modules for hands-on experience

You’ll have a placement opportunity in both the second and final year of your course to put your classroom learning in to practice.

During your second year you’ll plan a project supported by a mentor and implement the project with the organisation. In your final year you’ll spend around 40 hours with an organisation.

For both placements our employability hub will help you find one to meet with your interests and career aspirations. 

We will support you before, during and after your placements, and keep in touch with your placement host.

Final year

Modules

Core modules

• Dissertation

  This module builds on the research skills you have already developed and gives you the opportunity to design and conduct a detailed research investigation into an issue of your choice which will be assessed by a written dissertation. Taught content covers ethical considerations, reviewing the literature, refining research questions, methods and data analysis in relation to disciplines within Sport Science, Exercise Science or Coaching Science.

• Coaching Professional Enquiry

  Through this module you will gain further practical coaching experience and apply what you’ve learnt to situations within a vocational setting. You will benefit from integrating theory and practice in sub-disciplines of sport coaching, while gaining valuable insight into a professional environment. You’ll also be able to explore your own career path development by learning from the experiences of others with careers in sport coaching.

• Critical Perspectives in Sport Coaching

  This module will increase your knowledge of the multifaceted role of the coach and examine the relationship between theory and practice in the coaching context. You will initially study a series of generic critical perspectives before specializing in topics specific to your chosen exit route, whether that be performance, development or youth sport and PE. Topics may include ecological coaching, cognitive behavioural coaching, coaching mindsets and mentoring athletes and coaches.

• Dissertation

  In this module, you will design, plan and produce a research study into an issue relevant to your degree route. You will explore ways of gathering, presenting and analysing data as appropriate to your chosen area of study. The work will include a literature review, research methodology, a critical analysis of key findings, conclusion and where appropriate, recommendations for practice and/or further research.

Options*

• Community Sport Development: Policy and Practice

  In this module you will explore and analyse the relationships between government policies for sport, physical education, physical activity, social policy and the concept of social capital. You will learn about the strategic planning techniques used in sport policy and development, specifically regarding performance measurement and funding, consider the importance of partnership working in community sport, and look at theories of behavioural change and sports participation.

• Primary Physical Education: Active Learning in the Primary Setting

  This module will enable you to reflect on your understanding of developmental physical education and become a reflective teacher and leader. You will develop research and planning skills to effect change within a primary school setting and learn how to lead, manage and advocate PE in primary schools to ensure the curriculum is appropriate to the school and the pupils.

• Physical Education in the 14–16 curriculum

  This module identifies the principles underpinning the development of Physical Education (PE) curriculum design at Key Stage 4 and introduces the different academic and vocational routes available to you. It will expand your knowledge of the structure and content of 14-16 PE, including the understanding and delivery of key theoretical areas such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and contemporary Issues within accredited PE.

• Education Studies 3: Inclusive Practice

  Issues of inclusion and exclusion in education will be examined in this module to help you learn how to work with various groups of children to promote inclusive practice. You will look at education legislation relating to provision for children with a variety of needs and study adapted physical activities which may be used when teaching children who have physical, social and emotional needs and those who have English as an additional language.

• Applied Sport Psychology

  This module is concerned with the practical application of theory and research in sport psychology. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the psychological parameters associated with individual and team performance and will learn intervention strategies for athletes and sports teams. The module will cover team planning and effectiveness, cohesion and leadership, developing team effectiveness through team building, self-confidence, concentration and emotional control.

• Advanced Strength and Conditioning

  This module will help you develop the knowledge base and the soft skills to become an evidenced-based practitioner. You will learn to coach complex resistance-based exercises, including Olympic lifting, and biomechanical analysis techniques such as ground reaction force analysis and bar path tracking to assess lifting proficiency. By taking this module, you will develop the knowledge, skills and attributes required to become a UKSCA-accredited coach.

• Advanced Performance Analysis

  In this module, you will have the opportunity to apply the principles of performance analysis to specific activities in a practical setting. You’ll observe, analyse and critically evaluate performance in relation to the performance analysis literature, and give feedback to assist coaching in future planning. The module will teach you to develop and interpret a variety of methods of detailed performance analysis using video and computerised systems.

• Critical Social Issues in Sport

  This module will explore the diverse social issues affecting the world of contemporary sport. You will study the ways in which sport can reflect problems that exist in wider society, how it can exacerbate or cause problems, but also ways in which sport can provide solutions to these and other issues. Topics covered may include athletes’ mental health and wellbeing, the commercialisation and commodification of sport, doping and other drug use by athletes, racism and anti-racist activism in sport.

• Sport Business Entrepreneurship

  During this module, you will look at sport business entrepreneurship and learn how to turn an innovative idea into a successful enterprise in the sport, exercise and physical activity sectors. It gives you the chance to develop enterprise and innovation skills and enhance your wider business acumen. The module will emphasise the use of technology within this environment so you can audit and apply your digital literacy skills.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Specialise in development

At the end of your first year you can choose to continue with the broad study of coaching with the Sport Coaching BSc(Hons) degree or to specialise in one of three areas: development, performance or youth sport and physical education.

Sport Coaching with Development BSc(Hons)

Sport when used as a tool for development can increase participation, promote a healthier lifestyle, bring communities together and tackle social issues. 

Alongside core sport coaching modules you’ll choose options focusing on areas including sport for development and peace, politics in sport and social issues in sport. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in the university’s award-winning Football 4 Peace programme.

This pathway will provide you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in this important area. Opportunities exist with many organisations including NGOs, sport and leisure clubs, and local and central government. 

Specialise in performance 

At the end of your first year you can choose to continue with the broad study of coaching with the Sport Coaching BSc(Hons) degree or to specialise in one of three areas: development, performance or youth sport and physical education.

Sport Coaching with Performance BSc(Hons)

Our performance pathway focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to analyse and improve the performance of athletes.

Alongside core sport coaching modules you’ll choose options that include advanced strength and conditioning, sport psychology and performance analysis.

This pathway will provide you with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers with organisations such as professional sports clubs, National Governing Bodies and in educational settings. Roles could include personal trainer, performance coach, scientist or performance analyser.

Specialise in youth sport and physical education

At the end of your first year you can choose to continue with the broad study of coaching with the Sport Coaching BSc(Hons) degree or to specialise in one of three areas: development, performance or youth sport and physical education.

Sport Coaching with Youth Sport and Physical Education BSc(Hons)

This sport coaching pathway is designed for those who wish to work with children and young people in a coaching context. 

Alongside core sport coaching modules you’ll choose options which include creating a positive teaching and learning environment, primary PE and the secondary PE curriculum. 

The skills and knowledge gained from this pathway will make you suitable for a variety of roles within youth coaching, PE and school sport. You could also apply to study for a one-year PGCE to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Facilities

As a Brighton student you’ll use our extensive sport facilities at Falmer which include:

• dance and spin studios
• five outdoor grass football pitches
• full-size floodlit synthetic turf pitch
• floodlit non-slip netball and tennis courts
• indoor swimming pool
• large fitness suite
• outdoor grass rugby pitch
• sports hall with netball, volleyball, basketball and badminton courts, and cricket nets
• strength and conditioning suite
• tennis and badminton courts.

You’ll be able to see the facilities when you visit us and learn more by checking out our Falmer campus information.

Take a tour of our labs with technician Bill.

Meet the team

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you’ll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out about sport scholarships.

Brighton Cricket Academy

Develop your cricketing skills in the UK’s largest indoor cricket facility alongside studying for a degree. Whether you can already play or you’re new to the game offers the opportunity to train with top coaches in our world-class training environment. 

Find out about the Brighton Cricket Academy.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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