Sports Performance Coach
A Sports Performance Coach works within sport, coaching and physical performance, applying specialist knowledge and practical skills to...
The BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching & Development course combines coaching and sport development, preparing you for professional roles in schools, communities, disability sport and wider sport settings.
BSc (Hons)
Four years full-time or eight years part-time
September, January, May
The BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching & Development course blends sport coaching and sport development, with a focus on the settings where sport can make a meaningful difference, including schools, communities, disability sport and physical education.
You will study coaching practice, sport policy, physical education, psychosocial aspects of sport, sport research and evaluation, development for targeted groups and global issues in sport development. The course balances theory with practical application, helping you develop evidence-based, transferable professional skills.
Work-based learning and academic, personal and professional development run through the course, supporting your growth as a reflective practitioner who can work with diverse participants and organisations.
This course is for students who want to work in sport coaching, sport development, physical education, community sport, disability sport or related areas where sport and physical activity are used to support participation, inclusion and wellbeing.
Graduates can progress into roles in Active Schools and sports development, sport coaching, disability sports development, facilities management, national governing bodies, community sport, teaching or further postgraduate study. The course also supports development of transferable skills for wider graduate employment.
Blend practical coaching skills with sport development theory and policy.
Explore schools, communities, targeted groups, disability sport and physical education.
Develop work-ready skills through placements, professional development and applied assessments.
Full-time students typically engage in around two to three hours of in-person activity per module per week, alongside online tasks and readings. Teaching includes tutorials, seminars, one-to-one interaction, practical workshops, simulated work environments, small group teaching, group projects, online learning, peer learning and independent study. Assessment methods may include practical work, presentations, reports, reflective tasks, case studies, programme planning, debates and research outputs.
The course includes work-based learning and professional development across the programme. Students may need to meet costs linked to PVG membership, placement or internship travel, external facilities, optional field trips, CIMSPA membership and optional branded sports kit.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please visit our Undergraduate entry requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.
Standard entry is 120 UCAS tariff points, normally AABB at Scottish Higher including a science subject, preferably Biology, or PE. Minimum entry is 108 UCAS tariff points, normally BBBB including a science subject, preferably Biology, or PE. Maths is required at Standard Grade 3, Intermediate 2 or National 4.
A Levels: BCC including a science subject, preferably Biology, or PE. Relevant HNC awards may also be considered for Year 1 entry, normally with Grade B in the graded unit.
Year 2 entry may be possible with A Levels BBB including a science subject, preferably Biology, or PE. Relevant HNC awards including Applied Sports Science, Applied Sports and Exercise Science, Coaching and Developing Sport, Sport Coaching and Development, Fitness, Health and Exercise, or Physical Activity and Health normally require Grade A in the graded unit.
Year 3 entry may be possible with relevant HND awards including Applied Sports Science, Coaching and Developing Sport, Fitness Health and Exercise, Sport and Recreation Management, or Sport & Exercise Science, normally with strong graded unit performance. From 2023/24 onwards, HNDs adopting a single graded unit approach require Grade A.
Volunteer or work experience in sport, health or exercise environments is expected. Applicants should submit a strong personal statement and reference. Successful applicants will need to register with the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme.
Explore the career opportunities this course can lead to. The skills and knowledge you gain can prepare you for a wide range of roles across your chosen industry and support your long-term professional development.
Select your degree and preferred intake month.
Complete and submit the application form.
Provide transcripts and supporting materials.
We’ll review and send your offer quickly.
Confirm and start your student visa application.
Opens TEG application portal in a new tab
Clicking below will take you to the TEG application portal. Your UWS course selection will be pre-filled where possible.
