Sport Coaching & Development

Overview

Prepare for employment in the sports coaching and development industries with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching & Development programme.

This programme has been developed in consultation with sports industry partners to provide the knowledge and skills sought after by employers. The applied nature of this programme leaves you well-equipped to work in the promotion and development of sports, or in the teaching and coaching of sport.

Programme highlights

• Work-based learning is a key feature of this course and will help you to develop practical skills relevant to the modern sports coaching and development industries. Students have undertaken placements with a wide range of sports coaching and development organisations in Ayrshire and beyond.
• The programme focuses on a broad range of topic areas and is designed to open up a large number of employment routes for graduates.
• Highly qualified and experienced teaching staff are committed to providing a supportive learning environment and a flexible approach to study.
• This course is based at our stunning £81 million Ayr Campus.
• Throughout your studies, you will undertake various modules which will allow you to achieve CIMSPA* Professional Standards including Gym Instructor and Working with Inactive People.

*The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

Careers

This programme will prepare you for a successful career in sports coaching and development. You could potentially pursue a career in the following areas:

• Active schools and sports development
• Academia and education – including physical education teaching
• Disability sports development
• Facilities management or operations
• National governing bodies
• Sports coaching
• Sport event management
• Sport business ownership

Many graduates have gone on to complete postgraduate study, including Masters programmes and postgraduate diplomas in order to become qualified as Physical Education teachers.

Year 1

In Year 1 you will develop an understanding of the Fundamental skills and knowledge required within the sports industry including physiology, anatomy, psychology, coaching, development, health and fitness. You will also learn about general academic skills, embedding these skills within your studies and develop your personal and professional skills.

Year 2

Year 2 will introduce you to core areas including coaching theory and practice, physical education, policy, psychological and sociological aspects of sport and exercise. You will also undertake your first professional development module including your first placement within an area of the sports industry relevant to you.

Year 3

Year 3 provides the opportunity to continue to engage in your key areas of interest and your career path within the second of your professional development and placement modules. Understanding of contemporary issues in sport and exercise through coaching, physical activity, health and physical education will be enhanced through the application of theory and practice whilst also introducing you to key research methods.

Year 4

In Year 4 you will consolidate your understanding of theory and practice within modules whilst also tailoring your studies to focus on your career path and preparation for graduation. Topics include Global issues in sport development, coaching, adapted and inclusive sport and physical activity, outdoor sport, physical education, and applied sport psychology. You will also complete a dissertation in an area of interest to you with the support of your supervisor.

The BSc (Hons) Sport, Coaching & Development degree will be taught through a combination of learning methods including tutor-led lectures, tutorials and seminars, practical workshops and exercises in a simulated work environment, small group teaching and group project work. Independent, online and peer-to-peer learning is an important element of this course.

You will be exposed to a variety of assessment methods throughout your studies, including:

// group and individual work
// multiple-choice exams
// class tests
// presentations
// reflective practice reports
// essays
// practical examination
// research production
// journal reviews