Master your trade as a sports coach. Put practical learning first, developing your own coaching style through regular opportunities with school children, and young athletes, as well as performance sports men and women on campus.
We're a partner of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). That means, everything you’ll learn is taught in line with nationally recognised coaching standards. Graduate industry-ready with the skills you need to be a successful coach.
This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc Sports Coaching qualification.
Throughout your degree you’ll be encouraged to gain real-world experience. Build a diverse portfolio that you can use to evidence your coaching expertise, experience and philosophy to employers when you graduate.
We’ve got strong links across the sports industry, including with the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union, giving you access to a wide range of coaching opportunities.
With 10 sports academies on site, you won’t be short of opportunities to put what you’re learning into practice. You could also find yourself gaining experience with local sports clubs, and physical activity organisations.
We’ll support you to discover and progress your own coaching philosophy and style. A diverse range of modules will introduce you to differing coaching theories, concepts and practices, aimed at giving you a personal skillset to become an accomplished coach.
Accreditation
As a partner of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), our curriculum is underpinned by professional coaching standards.
UCAS tariff points | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent including a Biological Science, Sports Studies or PE subject.
GCSE | A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, (or A* to C grades if relevant) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.
A-level | Typical offer is EE-DD or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A-levels.
Vocational award | Typical offer is a PPP in an Extended Diploma or equivalent.
Access | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biological Science, Sports Studies or PE module at Level 3 module at Level 3.
IB | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of one Highers at H3 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.
Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced Higher.
Irish Leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of one Highers.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.
OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a PPP in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
T Level | Typical offer is Pass in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject.
We welcome students with equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss.
We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.
Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course.
Our course is strongly linked with the local sporting community, providing you with a broad range of opportunities to develop your coaching skills, gain valuable experiences, and developing connections needed for your graduate career.
Work experience
Our performance sports teams offer opportunities for students to gain industry experience ready for their careers. You could get involved with performance analysis, and coaching, as well as management roles. There are also opportunities for you to work with some of our partner sports clubs, schools and organisations. Many students go on to graduate roles with these employers.
Graduate destinations
Our sports coaching graduates work in a range of sport, exercise, and health and wellbeing areas in the performance, school and community sports sectors. Studying sports coaching also develops the skills needed for other graduate careers. Recent graduate destinations have included:
We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 15 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year - this is 25% above the UK average.
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
This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc Sports Coaching qualification.
Throughout your degree you’ll be encouraged to gain real-world experience. Build a diverse portfolio that you can use to evidence your coaching expertise, experience and philosophy to employers when you graduate.
We’ve got strong links across the sports industry, including with the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union, giving you access to a wide range of coaching opportunities.
With 10 sports academies on site, you won’t be short of opportunities to put what you’re learning into practice. You could also find yourself gaining experience with local sports clubs, and physical activity organisations.
We’ll support you to discover and progress your own coaching philosophy and style. A diverse range of modules will introduce you to differing coaching theories, concepts and practices, aimed at giving you a personal skillset to become an accomplished coach.
Accreditation
As a partner of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), our curriculum is underpinned by professional coaching standards.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent including a Biological Science, Sports Studies or PE subject.
GCSE | A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, (or A* to C grades if relevant) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.
A-level | Typical offer is EE-DD or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A-levels.
Vocational award | Typical offer is a PPP in an Extended Diploma or equivalent.
Access | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biological Science, Sports Studies or PE module at Level 3 module at Level 3.
IB | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of one Highers at H3 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.
Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced Higher.
Irish Leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 32-48 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of one Highers.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.
OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a PPP in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
T Level | Typical offer is Pass in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject.
We welcome students with equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss.
We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.
Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course.
Please contact us for further information:
Employability
Your career
Our course is strongly linked with the local sporting community, providing you with a broad range of opportunities to develop your coaching skills, gain valuable experiences, and developing connections needed for your graduate career.
Work experience
Our performance sports teams offer opportunities for students to gain industry experience ready for their careers. You could get involved with performance analysis, and coaching, as well as management roles. There are also opportunities for you to work with some of our partner sports clubs, schools and organisations. Many students go on to graduate roles with these employers.
Graduate destinations
Our sports coaching graduates work in a range of sport, exercise, and health and wellbeing areas in the performance, school and community sports sectors. Studying sports coaching also develops the skills needed for other graduate careers. Recent graduate destinations have included:
Football Coach, Paris Saint Germain
Rugby coach, Play Rugby USA
Rowing coach, Canterbury Christchurch College
Head of Sport, private school
Sport Development lead, Young Gloucestershire
Performance Analyst, Gloucester Rugby
Lecturer, Hartpury College
How you'll study
We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 15 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year - this is 25% above the UK average.
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 covers a broad range of fundamental sports topics through core modules, from teaching and coaching, to sports science, and psychology. In addition to these core topics, you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from, allowing you to specialise to suit your interests and career goals.
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 and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.
Your foundation year will provide you with the foundation knowledge and skills in sport, academic skills and general science.
Compulsory Modules
Foundation Skills Development
Gain key skills, including understanding the scientific method, teamwork, research, and effective time management.
Academic Skills in Practice
Develop skills ready for level 4 study through an internship at Hartpury, linked to your.
Reviewing Literature
Develop an understanding and knowledge of literature reviews.
Foundation Biological Principles
Cover fundamental biological aspects, including how organisms function and operate for survival and performance.
Foundation Sports Science
An introduction to central human anatomy and physiology, its adaption to sport training, and factors that impact the performance of athletes.
Your first year will focus on introducing you to a broad range of topics, providing you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to begin developing your own coaching identity. Alongside your core coaching module, you’ll study physiology, psychology, and sociology topics, as well as developing your academic and professional skills.
Compulsory Modules
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)
Apply coaching theory to evaluate your own abilities, illustrating your personal development.
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 the Sport Industry
Investigate how participation is influenced by the structure, leadership and organisation of sport.
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
This module covers the biological systems used during exercise.
Comparative Sports Study
Study how historical and political influences have shaped practices in a chosen sport.
Alongside your core coaching and academic skills modules, in your second year, you’ll start to choose your own path with a choice of optional modules. You could focus on sports business management, sports science, health topics, inclusion, and youth development.
Compulsory Modules
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Pedagogy)
This module focuses on developing learning strategies and evaluating your ability to educate others.
Coaching Children
Use study methods and theories of practice to identify their appropriateness for coaching children.
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.
Optional Modules
Applied Performance Analysis
Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.
Health Related Exercise
Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.
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.
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.
Your final year allows you to concentrate the topics that interest you most and will support you best in your future career. One module is dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area, as well as gaining an insight into where current research and coaching practice is focusing.
Compulsory Modules
Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project
Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Reflection)
Critically reflect on your coaching abilities and how you’ve developed throughout the programme.
High Performing Teams
Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.
Optional Modules
Contemporary Issues in Sports Education
Studying what we can learn from professional development in other sectors to develop coaching and teaching practice.
Performance Analysis in Practice
Students apply and evaluate the impact of performance analysis techniques within the coaching cycle.
Special Populations
Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.
Sport and Social Media
This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research.
Sport Psychology in Action
The purpose of this module is to give students a real picture of sport psychology in action by providing the framework from which psychological techniques can be applied to facilitate psychological and performance outcomes.
Modules
Overview
What you'll study
This course covers a broad range of fundamental sports topics through core modules, from teaching and coaching, to sports science, and psychology. In addition to these core topics, you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from, allowing you to specialise to suit your interests and career goals.
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 and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.
Level three foundation year (year one)
Your foundation year will provide you with the foundation knowledge and skills in sport, academic skills and general science.
Compulsory Modules
Foundation Skills Development
Gain key skills, including understanding the scientific method, teamwork, research, and effective time management.
Academic Skills in Practice
Develop skills ready for level 4 study through an internship at Hartpury, linked to your.
Reviewing Literature
Develop an understanding and knowledge of literature reviews.
Foundation Biological Principles
Cover fundamental biological aspects, including how organisms function and operate for survival and performance.
Foundation Sports Science
An introduction to central human anatomy and physiology, its adaption to sport training, and factors that impact the performance of athletes.
Level four (year one)
Your first year will focus on introducing you to a broad range of topics, providing you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to begin developing your own coaching identity. Alongside your core coaching module, you’ll study physiology, psychology, and sociology topics, as well as developing your academic and professional skills.
Compulsory Modules
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)
Apply coaching theory to evaluate your own abilities, illustrating your personal development.
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 the Sport Industry
Investigate how participation is influenced by the structure, leadership and organisation of sport.
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
This module covers the biological systems used during exercise.
Comparative Sports Study
Study how historical and political influences have shaped practices in a chosen sport.
Level five (year two)
Alongside your core coaching and academic skills modules, in your second year, you’ll start to choose your own path with a choice of optional modules. You could focus on sports business management, sports science, health topics, inclusion, and youth development.
Compulsory Modules
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Pedagogy)
This module focuses on developing learning strategies and evaluating your ability to educate others.
Coaching Children
Use study methods and theories of practice to identify their appropriateness for coaching children.
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.
Optional Modules
Applied Performance Analysis
Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.
Health Related Exercise
Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.
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.
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.
Level Six (year three)
Your final year allows you to concentrate the topics that interest you most and will support you best in your future career. One module is dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area, as well as gaining an insight into where current research and coaching practice is focusing.
Compulsory Modules
Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project
Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.
Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Reflection)
Critically reflect on your coaching abilities and how you’ve developed throughout the programme.
High Performing Teams
Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.
Optional Modules
Contemporary Issues in Sports Education
Studying what we can learn from professional development in other sectors to develop coaching and teaching practice.
Performance Analysis in Practice
Students apply and evaluate the impact of performance analysis techniques within the coaching cycle.
Special Populations
Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.
Sport and Social Media
This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research.
Sport Psychology in Action
The purpose of this module is to give students a real picture of sport psychology in action by providing the framework from which psychological techniques can be applied to facilitate psychological and performance outcomes.
The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.
The Foundation Year includes an internship using Hartpury’s on-site facilities and industry links.
Year
Contact learning
Independent learning
Placement learning
Level three (year one)
30%
70%
0%
Level four (year two)
26%
74%
0%
Level five (year three)
24%
76%
0%
Level six (year four)
18%
82%
0%
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 on-line (electronic and oral), and in some cases face-to-face.
Year
Written exam
Practical exam
Coursework
Level three (year one)
28%
44%
28%
Level four (year two)
13%
56%
31%
Level five (year three)
0%
54%
46%
Level six (year four)
13%
28%
59%
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
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Please visit our 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
Students have an option to purchase sports kits which can be bought as a bundle for approximately £150. Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. A comprehensive package of non-repayable financial support is available to facilitate engagement with placements and study tours / trips where additional costs are involved.
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.
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.
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.
TEF Gold
Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.
Teaching quality
Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).
Graduate employability
97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2023).
Academic support
We’ve been named as the top university in England for academic support (National Student Survey, 2023).
CIMSPA-endorsed
This degree programme is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
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.
“The support I received from Hartpury is one of the main reasons the company is up and running today. I had so much support from Simon Spooner and all the ICE team, special thanks to Lucy Scannell and Vicki Crossland. I will always be grateful for the help and funding I received from Hartpury.”
Harrison Lowe
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
"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.
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.
Work with the next generation of student athletes, improving their performance through sports science and exercise. Learn in our new, dedicated Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories, which are kitted out with technology used by Premier League and NFL teams.
Examine the science behind the effect of nutrition on athletic performance. Use our dedicated sport performance kitchen and human performance laboratories, working with a range of athletes, including from our Championship rugby team, 10 sports academies, and recreational sports men and women.
Immerse yourself in a performance sports environment, using dedicated gyms and human performance laboratories to perfect your coaching style. Work alongside our student athletes as you develop the knowledge to improve the physical preparation of sports men and women.
