BSc Sports Coaching and Performance Science

Undergraduate

BSc Sports Coaching and Performance Science

Work with professional teams and athletes and learn to apply theoretical knowledge to high-level coaching.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

CB69

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

This course is for anyone wanting to begin a career in coaching people across all ages and abilities as well as those interested in teaching physical education.

Our links with local authority sports development units (and other organisations) open up opportunities for work experience, coaching education courses, workshops and events.

You’ll learn from tutors who've collaborated with the likes of FIFA, the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency. You'll work in facilities such as our Sports Rehabilitation Suite, Health and Human Performance Laboratory, Environmental Chamber, Performance Analysis Suite, and Exercise Physiology Laboratories.

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2020 prospectus

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Six reasons to study Sports Coaching and Performance Science at Hull

  1. Gain experience as a sports coach on placements
  2. Links with local authority sport development units
  3. Free exposure to the latest wearable technology#
  4. Learn from staff who work for the likes of FIFA
  5. 95% graduate employability rating†
  6. Study at the only university partner of Team GB

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

At Hull, we pride ourselves on giving you scope for autonomy and self-directed learning. You will discover the fundamental principles and theories that underpin key aspects of sporting performance, health, and exercise science. A number of modules enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life coaching situations.

The first year gives you an introduction to the physiological, biomechanical and psychological aspects of sports performance, in addition to learning how to conduct science and research in the field of sports coaching and performance science.

  • Core

    Applied Human Physiology

    In lectures and lab sessions, you'll cover the structure and function of the body's major organ systems. 

    Principles of Anatomy and Biomechanics

    Explore anatomical structures of the musculoskeletal system and how they relate to functional human movement.

    Preparation for Learning in Sport, Health and Exercise Science

    This module considers the key study skills required to succeed in the sport, health and exercise science programmes. 

    Sport, Health and Exercise Psychology

    This module provides you with knowledge of various psychological assessment tools and techniques, such as anxiety inventories, imagery, relaxation and goal setting.

    Introduction to Coaching Pedagogy

    This module will provide a critical introduction to a number of pedagogical theories relevant to the facilitation of athlete learning.

    Conducting Science in Sport, Health and Exercise Science

    A solid grounding in to the scientific practice underlying the subject. It explores and critiques how data is collected and analysed.

Second year modules

Here the emphasis shifts to the sociocultural, biophysical, psychological and pedagogical aspects of coaching, strength conditioning and performance analysis.

  • Core

    Introduction to Strength and Conditioning

    Analyse the physical demands of a sport or activity and design scientifically informed training programmes. You'll also learn the basics of strength and conditioning coaching.

    Social Psychology of Sport, Health and Exercise

    Examine the effects of psychosocial dynamics in performance sport, health and exercise. You'll explore issues like muscle dysmorphia, drug use in sport and barriers to exercise. 

    Contemporary Issues in Coaching Pedagogy

    What social factors influence sport? Where do they come from? You'll learn about sport's influence in society and consider taken-for-granted coaching practices for elite athletes.

    Applied Issues in Strength and Conditioning

    ​This module introduces you to fitness assessment and testing and how to use information to design training programmes. It also advances your strength and conditioning coaching experience.

    Introduction to Performance Analysis

    We'll introduce you to the use and applications of time motion using GPS and Catapult Sports technology, as well as notational analysis techniques, including video analysis.

    Research Methods

    Prepare and complete a small action research project. It's hands-on learning about research methodology, ethical approval, data analysis and formulating research questions. 

Final year modules

In your third year you undertake a dissertation in an area of your own particular interest. You move on to more advanced specialist topics such as advanced sport and exercise psychology; performance analysis in practice; and professional practice in coaching and performance.

  • Core

    Dissertation

    You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

    Performance Analysis in Practice

    Performance analysis is considered an important tool to assist athlete and coach learning. You'll gain first-hand practical experience of performance analysis within sporting contexts.

    Socio-cultural Implications of Surveillance Technologies in Sports Coaching

    Consider the implications of the increased application of surveillance technologies, such as self-tracking devices, video-analysis, GPS and heart rate devices, in sports coaching contexts. You will use social theory to analyse how monitoring athletes and physical activity participants influences these individuals' lives.

    Professional Practice in Coaching and Performance

    This module provides you with an opportunity to engage in an approved work experience placement in coaching and related activities.

    Sport Psychology for Coaches

    Gain a deeper understanding of the psychological principles of coaching practice. You'll apply your knowledge of psychological principles and assessment techniques in a safe environment.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

204 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

996 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

38%
22%
40%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

216 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

984 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

17%
40%
43%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

216 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

984 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

25%
26%
49%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

David Scott Sports Coaching and Performance Science

"My favourite thing about the course is the practical element to it, you get to do a lot of work experience and back it up with a lot of theoretical knowledge."

sports indoor courts 600x600

£16-million sports facilities

We've invested £16-million into our sports facilities to offer an unrivaled fitness experience.

Find out more
steve barrett cropped

Placement opportunities

Learn from practical experience as a sports coach on professional placements and work towards National Governing Body of Sport coaching awards.

Entry requirements

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications 

Alternative qualifications 

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 18 credits at distinction in science units.

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. For Foundation Year, we require IELTS 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

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Take a tour of the facilities

Take a 360-degree look at our physiology teaching lab where you'll gain the skills to treat top athletes and NHS patients.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

Home / EU

£9,250 per year*

International

£17,200 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK and EU students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course, and UK students can take out a maintenance loan of up to £9,203 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of the website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

Scholarships

If you achieve

112 UCAS tariff points or above

from 3 A levels or equivalent, you could receive

£1,200 to £2,000

Find out more

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Personal trainer
  • Sports coach
  • Sports therapist
  • Sports development officer

Our graduates have valuable transferable skills, sound theoretical knowledge and real-world practical experience.

Hull graduates have gone on to work in positions within primary and secondary teaching, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, sports development and professional sports coaching, as well as academic institutions and self-employment.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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This. Is. Hull.

A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

#Gain an industry advantage by having free exposure to the latest wearable technology that uses GPS and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) in the sports performance world through our partnership with Catapult Sports (subject to contract).

†Percentage of students from this subject area in work or further study within six months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA 2018