Sport Coaching BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The coaching process, pedagogy, developing your own coaching philosophy, coaching styles, effective coaching approaches, long term athlete development and comprehensive planning/needs analysis are at the core of course. As well as performance analysis, coaching theory and work placement modules.

  Students can then select from the remaining optional modules to specialise and focus their programme towards their intended career goals, Modules in areas such as; Sports Development, Sport and Society, Fitness Training and Sport Psychology.

  To develop your applied skills, you complete a minimum of 120 hours of work-based learning in your second year and third year. So you have many opportunities to apply ideas from the course and build the skills that employers look for. The course has strong links with many local and national organisations, clubs and bodies.

  • Stage 1
    • Sport Pedagogy for Coaching 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1011

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for the learner to be introduced to the concept of pedagogy in the teaching and learning of sport. Developing an understanding of the coaching process and models for/of coaching from a cross-disciplinary and athlete-centred perspective is central to the delivery of the module. Learners will be predominantly engaged in practical small-group and blended learning delivery methods.
    • Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1024

      Status: Compulsory
      Sport and exercise psychology is an exciting discipline area providing the opportunity to explore the psychological influences on human behaviour. The module offers an introduction to key psychological theories and concepts relevant to sport exercise physical activity and coaching contexts.
    • The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1038

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the various ways in which sport and exercise are shaped by the social contexts in which they occur. It offers a broad introduction to sociological investigation by outlining some key contemporary social issues in sport exercise and physical activity. Thus providing a foundation for the further study of socio-cultural issues connected to sport exercise and physical activity.
    • How to be Successful at University (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1039

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the essential academic and employability skills in order to improve their capabilities and excel at university and then onto their chosen career.
    • Sport Coaching Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1041

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the role of the coach in a range of sporting contexts. During the module learners have exposure to and gain experience from coaching delivery across a range of team and individual sports. In addition learners will be encouraged to learn from coach education resources materials and individuals associated with different National Governing Bodies and key coaching agencies.
    • Sport Coaching Science (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1042

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces the learner to the multi-disciplinary nature of sports coaching. It intends to offer a general insight into the areas of; performance analysis movement analysis strength and conditioning concepts sports physiology anatomy and sports injury. The module will provide a greater understanding of core subject disciplines thereby enabling sports coaches to develop a holistic approach to coaching athletes.
  • Stage 2
    • Sports Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2007

      Status: Designate
      This module focuses on the varied roles of sport development on the delivery of sport in the United Kingdom. The changing nature of sports development is governed by government priorities for sport and is often conflicted by the twin principles of delivering mass participation and achieving international success. These principles are explored to explain their relationship to successful sport development.
    • Sport Research Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of research designs methods and research skills within a subject-based context. It equips the student with a framework in which to conceptualise quantitative and qualitative traditions and applications. The emphasis will be upon understanding and experiencing the research process and developing critical skills necessary to collect analyse and present data.
    • Fitness Training Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2020

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role and application of the assessment of sport and exercise specific fitness components. It will further explore the complex issues surrounding overall design and monitoring of individual?s training programmes in the context of sports performance or special populations. It will also provide the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the different methods of training and how this information may be applied to enhance specific performance or life style characteristics. Finally the module will introduce the student to the associated adaptation developed during training.
    • Positive Psychology Coaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2036

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students knowledge and understanding of how exciting concepts in positive psychology (e.g. character strengths flow positive relationships) can be applied to sport exercise coaching and physical education contexts to influence key outcomes (e.g. performance wellbeing).
    • Sport, Society & Social Equality (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2044

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to outline a range of social theories and explore how they can be applied to further an understanding of sport. A particular emphasis is placed on the study of social inequalities in sport and how social theories can be used to explain participation trends in sport and physical activity. The module then invites students to apply their theoretical knowledge to a research setting and explore the ways in which theory can inform research design and practice in sport and social equality.
    • Performance Analysis and Coaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2046

      Status: Compulsory
      Performance analysis is an integral part of the coaching process it provides athletes and coaches with objective information to help them better understand performance. This module aims to provide the sports coaches with strategies that can be used to analyse and quantify sports performance in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and performance-related decisions. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to conduct objective analysis of sports performance through the collection analysis and interpretation of real-time data.
    • The Developing Athlete (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2048

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examine the developmental changes in children and adolescents from a multidisciplinary perspective in a sporting context. Participation in sport and structured physical activity sessions may begin as early as three years of age and continue well into adulthood. It is imperative therefore that sport professionals understand the biological social and psychological changes affecting an athlete?s developmental journey. Students will critically consider the key developmental factors contemporary research and the implications for the professional practice of coaches working in child and youth sport.
    • Applied Practice and Business Skills (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2056

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will enable students to gain experience working within a sport coaching environment and make an effective contribution to a sport coaching porgramme and/or organisation. This module will also help prepare students to develop business skills and insights as well as investigating sport organisational structure and funding application procedures.
  • Stage 3
    • Applied Sport Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3007

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding of sport psychology from previous modules at levels four and five. There will be a focus on the role of the sport psychologist and an application of psychological skills theory in relation to enhancing sport performance and well-being.
    • Theoretical Concepts of Coaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3015

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to examine the development of coaching over the last twenty years and the resulting impact on young people?s engagement with sport and physical activity. The role of the coach within both school and club settings will be explored with a clear focus on `developing the whole child? a key theme emerging within coach education.
    • Contemporary Issues in Sport Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3024

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to critically examine a range of contemporary issues in the field of sport development particularly those that directly impact upon the role of the sport development officer. It aims to explore 'real world' sport issues in areas such as youth community and elite sport settings. Relevant models and concepts from sport development literature and real world case studies will be drawn upon to help critically analyse these areas building upon earlier content that introduces sport development principles in SPO2007.
    • Advanced Fitness Training Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3025

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build upon the knowledge gained in the previous two years in Fitness Training Methods (SPO1012 and SPO2020) . The module will focus on the applied nature of training with a strong practical and work experience focus for students to gain valuable understanding of periodised training prescription. It specifically addresses the use of applied strength and conditioning training techniques and develops student preparation for independent work in a sporting environment. The student will develop practical skills such as data collection training and lifting techniques periodised training prescription and applied practice with various teams. The module will have a strong work placement / experience focus which will help develop the student ready for the work place.
    • Applied Practice in Sport (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3042

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding from the experiences gained at level 5. Students will put into practice the skills and knowledge they have acquired in real life work based environments and reflect upon their development and readiness to meet the demands of their specific areas of sport and exercise employment.
    • Physical Activity and Society (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3043

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of the module is to develop a critical understanding of the significance and importance of physical activity practices research and policies within contemporary society. Specifically the module explores the credibility of various claims made about the contribution of physical activity participation to public health and wellbeing within the context of the available evidence and lived experiences.
    • Creating Performance Coaching Environments (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3044

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the role of the coach and the knowledge needed in the design and maintenance of optimal performance coaching environments and the effective working practices of sport coaches in performance settings. Special emphasis will be placed on analysing and challenging contemporary research exploring the efficacy of coaches working practices in the context of developing talent across a range of performance sport settings.
    • Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: SPO4001

      Status: Compulsory
      The dissertation provides an opportunity for sport students to apply knowledge concepts and research techniques to a question or problem in sport exercise or physical activity. The dissertation builds and expands on students' prior knowledge of research acquired at levels four and five. It aims to foster the development of expertise in methodology and skills in the planning conducting and writing up of research reports. This form of independent experiential learning will require students to ask logical questions to diagnose and define problems generate and implement solutions and evaluate the effectiveness of their action-outcomes. It therefore develops in the students the ability to work independently and to reflect on the subject-specific research process.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be CCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. In addition, you will need to have studied a physical education, sports science or science related subject at A Level, BTEC level 3 diploma or equivalent qualification.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation course is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,780 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £13,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £13,000 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  Additional costs

  Additional costs will be incurred if you decide to participate in optional field trips/visits as part of your course. The exact cost will depend upon the location chosen for the trip.

  You will need to wear suitable sports kit for practical sessions as part of the course. You can purchase Sport and Exercise kit (polo shirts and hoodies) but these are not compulsory. The exact cost of kit will be provided at the start of the course.

  Costs associated with producing a poster for the final year conference.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and EU – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK and EU – Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  • UK and EU – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £12,900
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £12,900 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  Additional costs

  Additional costs will be incurred if you decide to participate in optional field trips/visits as part of your course. The exact cost will depend upon the location chosen for the trip.

  You will need to wear suitable sports kit for practical sessions as part of the course. You can purchase Sport and Exercise kit (polo shirts and hoodies) but these are not compulsory. The exact cost of kit will be provided at the start of the course.

  Costs associated with producing a poster for the final year conference.

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Further information

  For further information, talk to our enquiry team. Email study@northampton.ac.uk or call us 0300 303 2772.

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• FAQs

  Will I have access to specialist sports facilities on campus?

  Sports Zone at Waterside is home to a multi-use sports dome suitable for a variety of sports, including football, badminton and netball. The facilities include two sports performance labs, a pair of teaching rooms and changing rooms. In addition, there also are three outdoor multi-use games areas and floodlit full-size all-weather sports pitch. The sports dome is used for teaching, research and recreational activities.

  Will I have the opportunity to go on placement?

  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.

  An optional placement year between years 2 and 3 is also available.

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