About the course
Coaching is a great way to express your passion for sport and - with Great Britain now a leading competitor in world sports - there has never been a better time to work in the field. This course gives you the understanding and skills you need to follow a career as a coach.
The course combines a thorough understanding of sport and exercise science with knowledge of the range of roles and settings within which a coach works. The combination of theoretical, vocational and practical elements helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of the sport science that underpins coaching practice.
The course is accredit
ed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) and, as we are a Higher Education Partner of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), it is also closely aligned to the relevant professional standards you need to follow a career in the sports sector.
Why choose this course?
- Study a challenging and enjoyable course which prepares you for employment – 90% of our students are in work or study six months after finishing
- Learn in a high-performance environment that combines scientific knowledge with sports performance
- Explore coaching with internationally recognised staff in the fields of science, exercise and sport, who draw on their experience in organisations such as The Football Association and Sport England
- Benefit from up-to-the-minute facilities including six BASES-accredited sport and exercise science laboratories; our Human Performance Centre; two molecular and cellular physiology labs; and a sports therapy and rehabilitation centre with a sports injury clinic
- Enhance your profile through the use of industry-leading technology such as Analysis Pro and Catapult GPS equipment
- Take up opportunities for placements with our official partners, Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC, and other sporting organisations
- You have the chance to specialise, with optional study routes in your second and third years
- There is the opportunity to undertake a fee-free, one-year sandwich placement in industry (see below)
- If you need to step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year (see below), which guarantees you a place on the degree course
Course Leader - David Pears
I have worked at the University of Bedfordshire since 2006 and am currently a senior lecturer in the faculty of Education and Sport at the University of Bedfordshire with responsibility for coordinating all academic study of coaching and player and match analysis.
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Units
- Academic Writing Skills (SPO048-1) Compulsory
- Anatomy And Biomechanics (SPO049-1) Compulsory
- Applied Exercise Practice (SPO082-1) Compulsory
- Developing The Coaching Environment And Practice (SPO068-1) Compulsory
- Human Physiology (SPO084-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Research Methods (SPO052-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Sport And Exercise Psychology (SPO019-1) Compulsory
- Performance Analysis For Coaches (SPO089-1) Compulsory
- Coaching For Development (SPO081-2) Compulsory
- Coaching: Developing The Performer (SPO073-2) Compulsory
- Dissertation Preparation (SPO095-2) Compulsory
- Motor Performance And Learning (SPO027-2) Compulsory
- Physiology Of Exercise And Adaptation (SPO098-2) Compulsory
- Quantitative Research Methods (SPO099-2) Compulsory
- Social Psychology Of Sport (SPO026-2) Compulsory
- Biomechanics (SPO032-2) Optional
- Performance Analysis (Player And Match) (SPO035-2) Optional
- Applied Exercise Physiology (SPO033-3) Compulsory
- Coaching In Context (SPO071-3) Compulsory
- Dissertation For Sport Science And Physical Activity (SPO051-3) Compulsory
- Performance Coaching (SPO058-3) Compulsory
- Work Placement Project (SPO057-3) Compulsory
- Applied Biomechanics (SPO014-3) Optional
- Applied Sport And Exercise Psychology (SPO010-3) Optional
- Sports Injuries (SPO013-3) Optional
- Work Experience For Sport Science And Coaching (SPO073-3) Optional
The strategies adopted for learning and teaching in BSc (Hons) Sport Science and Coaching reflect the diverse nature of the subject. The course employs practical activities in the lab and field, lead lectures, seminar discussions, workshops, on-line activities, and individual and small group tutorials. Practical sessions or discussion seminars will enable you to apply theories taught during lectures and gain a deeper understanding of their use and contexts. Laboratory work and computer-based learning activities will provide opportunities to practise and develop research skills and techniques in preparation for conducting your own research and facilitate your understanding of research-based literature. You will examine case studies and receive invited lectures from professionals in the field to learn from their expertise and reflect upon how your learning can be transferred into real life workplace settings. Throughout the degree, small group sessions require you to engage in problem-solving exercises and analytical discussions with your peers. You will learn to locate, evaluate and synthesise information from a variety of sources and be given opportunities to learn, practise, and develop communication and presentation skills, including a topic specifically designed to develop professional skills used by healthcare professionals.
Our students say our courses, teaching and support are a winning combination, that’s why we are 54th out of 122 for Sport in the Guardian University Guide 2023.
We’re 4th for employability in the Guardian League Table 2023 because our courses get you a degree-level job.
Sports Science ranked 5th for Graduate Prospects in the 2023 Times / Good University Guide league table.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 104 points which should include three A levels at C or above
- At least 104 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in the BTEC Diploma or Distinction Merit Merit in a BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 104 points which should include three A levels at C or above
- At least 104 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in the BTEC Diploma or Distinction Merit Merit in a BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
- A levels in sport science, physical education, natural science or psychology (preferred)
How will this course improve my career prospects?
You will be well placed to take up careers with a range of organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. For example:
- professional sports clubs
- national sporting associations governing bodies and other sporting agencies
- private health and fitness clubs; spas; and public sports and recreation facilities
- local authorities
- schools, further education and higher education institutions
- the health sector, including the NHS
Graduates from this course have gone on to work for NGBs, professional sports teams and other organisations as coaches and performance analysts.
You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level. The University of Bedfordshire offers a range of relevant Master’s including our MA Physical Education and Sport (Pedagogy).
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra costs for this course
Level 1, 2 and 3 Coaching courses
- Level 1 coaching course (£150-£200)
- Level 2 and 3 coaching course (£300-£500)*
*You may apply for a coach bursary (up to £200) for Level 2 and 3 coaching courses. If your application is successful, you will be paid retrospectively. You must therefore fund the course yourself, but the bursary would then reimburse you after completion of the Level 2 and 3 coaching course.
Travel costs
You will need to budget for some travel costs for your coaching placement. The total spend on travel would be around £100, but may vary depending on location.
*The information above is for guidance only. Exact costs may vary.
Find out more about additional costs while studying at Bedfordshire. Click here
Extra Costs
School of Sport Science and Physical Activity facilities
The School of Sport Science and Physical Activity houses a multi-million pound, state of the art teaching and research sport sciences laboratory facility.
Facilities include six purpose-built British Association of Sport & Exercise Science (BASES) accredited sport and exercise science laboratories, a nutrition research kitchen, and two molecular and cellular physiology labs, which promote excellence in both teaching and research.
Sports Science Labs
Our specialist sports science labs give students a fantastic environment to develop their research skills and expertise, where a student can explore the biology of an elite athlete who could be performing simultaneously within the sports hall.
The state-of-the-art laboratories are purpose built for research and teaching in the fields of exercise and nutrition science. This includes specialised equipment and facilities for assessing human health risk and delivering exercise and diet interventions for health promotion.
Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre
Our Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre includes three clinical teaching spaces, a sports injury clinic, a rehabilitation room, a community exercise clinic and a private room for consultations and treatments.
Environmental chamber
Our environmental chamber is used for teaching, research and by top-class athletes in training for competition in different climates.
International standard sports arena
Our sports facilities include a gym, strength and conditioning suite, AstroTurf, grass pitches, outdoor basketball, tennis and netball courts, in addition to the International standard sports arena, which seats up to 400 spectators.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gyms offer a range of affordable membership options giving students exclusive use of a convenient campus-based fitness facility.
The Bedford gym facilitates state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smartphone compatibility as well as an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area. Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
