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Bsc Hons Sports Coaching

Sport Performance and Coaching

FdSc

Study an industry-focused, practical degree that puts real-world experience first. Explore a range of subjects and tailor your studies to suit your interests and career goals.

By choosing this degree, you won’t be limited to studying just one discipline. You’ll develop expertise in sports science, coaching, and analysis, before specialising in your second year with a range of optional modules.

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Key Information

Course Duration: 2 years full-time; option to progress to 1-year full-time BSc (Hons) Sport Performance course; part-time options available
UC UCAS Code: C607
Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time
Level of Study: Foundation Degree (FdSc)
Typical Offer: 64-80 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

You’ll complete over 140 hours of industry experience, to ensure you’re ready for your next step. You could help out one of our performance sports teams, or alongside one of our many external sporting partners. This will give you insights into different career pathways as well as valuable experience for your CV.

The course will encourage you to think creatively, solve problems, and examine new concepts in the world of performance sport. You’ll learn with industry-standard facilities and have opportunities to work with athletes and teams from our Sports Academies.

On completion of the degree you should be ready to move into employment or top-up your qualification to a full BSc (Hons) degree, by progressing onto one of our one-year level 6 programmes.

UCAS tariff points | 64-80 UCAS tariff points. 

 

A Levels | CDD-CC or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. 

 

Vocational Awards | MPP-MMP in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. 

 

Access | 64-80 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. 

 

International Baccalaureate | 64-80 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include two Highers at H3 or above. 

 

Scottish Highers | 64-80 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

 

Irish Leaving Certificate | 64-80 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers.  

 

T Level | An overall grade of Pass, to include grade C or above in the Core component. 

 

Additional Information 

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 56 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.  

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placement and experience

This is a key part of the degree. Industry experience and building networks are essential for developing the skills employers are looking for, as well as for building key relationships with employers, and the community. Students have worked within local schools and communities, with others gaining experience at professional clubs. We’ll support you to find a placement based on your interests and career goals.

Graduate destinations

As a sports graduate you’ll have opportunities to progress into varied career paths. With the optional nature of the degree, it’s likely you’ll choose to find employment in the field that interests you most. The programme covers a range of different topics, including sport science, exercise physiology, performance analysis, and coaching modules. You may choose to focus your path in that direction. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate jobs. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • Performance analyst
  • Roles within professional and amateur sport
  • National Governing Bodies
  • Coaching youth athletes
  • Teacher training
  • Postgraduate study
Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

You’ll complete over 140 hours of industry experience, to ensure you’re ready for your next step. You could help out one of our performance sports teams, or alongside one of our many external sporting partners. This will give you insights into different career pathways as well as valuable experience for your CV.

The course will encourage you to think creatively, solve problems, and examine new concepts in the world of performance sport. You’ll learn with industry-standard facilities and have opportunities to work with athletes and teams from our Sports Academies.

On completion of the degree you should be ready to move into employment or top-up your qualification to a full BSc (Hons) degree, by progressing onto one of our one-year level 6 programmes.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 64-80 UCAS tariff points. 

 

A Levels | CDD-CC or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. 

 

Vocational Awards | MPP-MMP in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. 

 

Access | 64-80 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. 

 

International Baccalaureate | 64-80 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include two Highers at H3 or above. 

 

Scottish Highers | 64-80 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

 

Irish Leaving Certificate | 64-80 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers.  

 

T Level | An overall grade of Pass, to include grade C or above in the Core component. 

 

Additional Information 

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 56 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.  

Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placement and experience

This is a key part of the degree. Industry experience and building networks are essential for developing the skills employers are looking for, as well as for building key relationships with employers, and the community. Students have worked within local schools and communities, with others gaining experience at professional clubs. We’ll support you to find a placement based on your interests and career goals.

Graduate destinations

As a sports graduate you’ll have opportunities to progress into varied career paths. With the optional nature of the degree, it’s likely you’ll choose to find employment in the field that interests you most. The programme covers a range of different topics, including sport science, exercise physiology, performance analysis, and coaching modules. You may choose to focus your path in that direction. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate jobs. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • Performance analyst
  • Roles within professional and amateur sport
  • National Governing Bodies
  • Coaching youth athletes
  • Teacher training
  • Postgraduate study

How you'll study

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

This course places an emphasis on students getting industry experience. Throughout the two years, you’ll be required to complete 140 hours of industry experience. Alongside this you’ll study a series of core modules, covering everything from sports science to coaching, and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second year may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Of note, for those who want to progress and earn a full BSc (Hons) degree, credits awarded during the second year of the Foundation Degree may contribute towards this award.

In your first year, you’ll cover a series of specialist modules focused on sport psychology, sports coaching and exercise physiology. These will give you the fundamental skills and knowledge to study at a higher level. Alongside this, you’ll experience what it‘s like to work in a sporting environment through 50 hours of placement. This will start introducing you to key industry skills and knowledge ready for when you graduate.

Compulsory Modules 

Learning in the Performance Environment

Gain 50 hours of pre-approved industry experience, and reflect on your experience.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Learn academic and research skills through work with other sports science disciplines.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport exercise psychology.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Learning the biological systems used during exercise.

Comparative Sports Study

Study how historical and political influences have shaped practices in a chosen sport.

Introduction to Sports Coaching

This module covers coaching processes and practices, as well as different leadership theories.

Alongside 90 hours of practical experience, you’ll specialise in the areas that interest you most through a series of optional modules. You could choose to study youth physical development, nutritional strategies for athletes, or applied performance analysis, amongst others. Your core modules will also see you exploring more advanced theory.

Compulsory Modules 

Developing the Performance Environment

Undertake 90 hours of pre-approved work placement. Analyse the needs of the clients, management practices, and overall effectiveness of the performance environment.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Pedagogy in Action

Explore pedagogical theories, learning how to apply them in practical settings.

 

Optional Modules 

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Coaching Children

Recent research highlights the need for aspiring coaches and teacher to be provided with opportunities to apply theory to practice. This module and assessment is critically aligned to provide the student with the opportunity to put what they have learnt in the classroom in to action. Via a number of hands on teaching experiences a student will apply effective teaching and learning via the application of a broad and balance curriculum.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to the explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Sport Psychology

Learn and apply psychological skills to improve athlete performance.

Sports Nutrition

The basics of nutritional requirements for exercise, including metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Study Trip

You will engage in a programme relevant study trip which will provide a context for you to synthesise content from across your programme of study and make applications and inferences to this real world setting, while expanding your horizons.

The Inclusive Practitioner

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive practice within sport, physical activity, and physical education.

Youth Physical Development

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

This course places an emphasis on students getting industry experience. Throughout the two years, you’ll be required to complete 140 hours of industry experience. Alongside this you’ll study a series of core modules, covering everything from sports science to coaching, and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second year may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Of note, for those who want to progress and earn a full BSc (Hons) degree, credits awarded during the second year of the Foundation Degree may contribute towards this award.

Level four (year one)

In your first year, you’ll cover a series of specialist modules focused on sport psychology, sports coaching and exercise physiology. These will give you the fundamental skills and knowledge to study at a higher level. Alongside this, you’ll experience what it‘s like to work in a sporting environment through 50 hours of placement. This will start introducing you to key industry skills and knowledge ready for when you graduate.

Compulsory Modules 

Learning in the Performance Environment

Gain 50 hours of pre-approved industry experience, and reflect on your experience.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Learn academic and research skills through work with other sports science disciplines.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport exercise psychology.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Learning the biological systems used during exercise.

Comparative Sports Study

Study how historical and political influences have shaped practices in a chosen sport.

Introduction to Sports Coaching

This module covers coaching processes and practices, as well as different leadership theories.

Level five (year two)

Alongside 90 hours of practical experience, you’ll specialise in the areas that interest you most through a series of optional modules. You could choose to study youth physical development, nutritional strategies for athletes, or applied performance analysis, amongst others. Your core modules will also see you exploring more advanced theory.

Compulsory Modules 

Developing the Performance Environment

Undertake 90 hours of pre-approved work placement. Analyse the needs of the clients, management practices, and overall effectiveness of the performance environment.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Pedagogy in Action

Explore pedagogical theories, learning how to apply them in practical settings.

 

Optional Modules 

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Coaching Children

Recent research highlights the need for aspiring coaches and teacher to be provided with opportunities to apply theory to practice. This module and assessment is critically aligned to provide the student with the opportunity to put what they have learnt in the classroom in to action. Via a number of hands on teaching experiences a student will apply effective teaching and learning via the application of a broad and balance curriculum.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to the explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Sport Psychology

Learn and apply psychological skills to improve athlete performance.

Sports Nutrition

The basics of nutritional requirements for exercise, including metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Study Trip

You will engage in a programme relevant study trip which will provide a context for you to synthesise content from across your programme of study and make applications and inferences to this real world setting, while expanding your horizons.

The Inclusive Practitioner

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive practice within sport, physical activity, and physical education.

Youth Physical Development

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

The modules will contain a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical learning in taught contact hours.  Alongside this, students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour.

A key requirement of the course is that students complete a minimum of 140 hours work placement throughout their two years.

Year Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
Level four (year one) 20% 4% 76%
Level five (year two) 20% 8% 72%

You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given within four working weeks to allow students to reflect on work submitted.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level four (year one) 13% 59% 28%
Level five (year two) 0% 50% 50%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

  • Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
  • Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
  • Work placements may entail different days and hours
  • Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
  • Timetables are available during enrolment week
View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. Whilst students may wish to wear their own clothing, some will want to purchase Hartpury branded sports kit. Everything you may need is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100. More information fior current students is available here.

Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library
GUARDIAN 2024 4Th UK SPORTS SCIENCE RED

Guardian University Guide 2025

Hartpury University has received outstanding recognition in The Guardian University Guide 2025, in which Hartpury University now sits 4th out of 86 universities for Sports Science. This marks an impressive 65-place jump in just four years.

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Hartpury College Mens Football Academy

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hartpury University Accommodation

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Hartpury University Finance
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TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

GUG 2025 Top 10 Teaching Quality Landscape

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate Outcomes Singe Logo (1)

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024). 

Nss 2024 Top 10 Academic Support

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

Hartpury Sport Facilities

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Develop hands-on expertise and undertake research in our over £10 million Sports Academy, enabling our students to learn using some of the most advanced technologies in the UK.

With access to specialist laboratories, gyms and pitches, you’ll explore new ways to improve health and fitness for everyone – from elite athletes to school children.

Sport facilities

Success stories

Ed's story

Success Stories
Ed's story
Ed Williams
“In terms of an effective learning environment, I believe Hartpury is unrivalled. The facilities and support that’s available at Hartpury are more exceptional than professional environments that I have been a part of.”
Ed Williams
FDSC Sport Performance and Coaching
Dan Holloway Bsc Sports Coaching Graduate

"Being immersed in a high performance environment at Hartpury, both academically and practically, you develop a mindset that allows you to push yourself to perform at a higher level. That ethos and culture has helped me to take the path that I'm on now."

Dan Holloway, Nike Football UK Head Coach

"Being immersed in a high performance environment at Hartpury, both academically and practically, you develop a mindset that allows you to push yourself to perform at a higher level. That ethos and culture has helped me to take the path that I'm on now."

Dan Holloway, Nike Football UK Head Coach

Sport matters

When you have passion, you're far more likely to achieve your goals – especially when you study that passion in a place that shares it.

We're home to top-level coaches, sport and exercise scientists, nutritionists, conditioners, medics and athletes, across our Sports Academy programmes and student-led teams. Our students graduate with valuable skills to succeed in a range of different careers.

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Get in touch

Sports Students Laying Cones

Meet our academic team

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Meet our team

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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