Sport Coaching

Ranked 2nd for Satisfied with Teaching and 4th for Satisfied with Feedback Satisfied for Sports Science - Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide, Sport Science Subject table filted by Teaching or Feedback

This degree is designed to develop your key coaching skills to understand participants and their sport, and how to plan, deliver and review both short and long-term training programmes. Coaching is a very broad subject so we have designed the degree with lots of options for you in the second and third year of study so you can specialise in the area that most interests you. So for example, you can focus on coaching and performance analysis, or coaching children or the psychology of coaching or coaching and PE. In effect with our programme you can design your coaching degree to meet your career aspirations.

Modules on offer include applied coaching, performance analysis, skill acquisition, coaching special populations as well underpinning sport disciplines modules such as physiology, fitness training and sport and society.

To develop your applied skills, you complete a minimum of 120 hours of work-based learning in your second year and have the option to complete a further 120 hours in your final year as part of your studies. So you have many opportunities to apply ideas from the course and build the skills that employers look for.

UON’s Sport and Exercise Sciences subject area was ranked 3rd based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS)^

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

^Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities

Course Modules

STAGE 1

• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (compulsory)

• The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (compulsory)

• Professional Skills for the Coaching Industry (compulsory)

• Sport Coaching Practice(compulsory)

• Sport Coaching Science (compulsory)

• Introduction to Motor Learning and Skill Aquisition (compulsory)

STAGE 2

• Sport Research Methods (compulsory)

• Performance Analysis and Coaching(compulsory)

• The Developing Athlete (compulsory)

• Developing Professional Practice (compulsory)

• Sport Pedagogy in Context (compulsory)

• Fitness Training Methods (designated)

• Psychology of Sport Perforamnce (designated)

OPTIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR

• Sport Optional Placement Year (designated)

STAGE 3

• Dissertation (compulsory)

• Creating Performance Coaching Environments (compulsory)

• Applied Sport Psychology (designated)

• Contemporary Issues in Sport Development (designated)

• Advanced Fitness Training Methods (designated)

• Applied Practice in Sport (designated)

• Performance Analysis Applications (designated)

• Coaching Professional Development and Education (designated)

Module information is quoted for 2026 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.