Overview
Explore the exciting and challenging world of sports coaching, and study the science associated with coaching individuals and teams.
On our course you’ll study and experience sport coaching with modules in coaching theory and practice, and learn about the evidence behind sports performance and physical activity.
You'll develop strong analytical and research skills, and gain plenty of hands-on experience in our dedicated labs, specialist equipment includes eye tracker technology, brain imaging equipment, reaction timers and gas analysis systems.
During the course, you'll have a ‘consultancy’ and ‘research’ informed experience whereby you'll take part in activities linked to our consultancy unit, SportsLab, which provides scientific services for sports people. You'll also have opportunities for paid employment working for SportsLab.
What's more, you'll undertake placement opportunities throughout your course, which will enable you to gain first-hand experience on a practical level. Here, you'll be able to put knowledge into practice whilst increasing your work experience.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. This is why we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Our 2026 course will reflect this new approach. The 2026 course page will be made live shortly.
British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
Our sports laboratories are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
I feel that I transferred the skills I learnt from the classroom into my own coaching sessions. I now feel much more confident and prepared for my coaching sessions because I know how to keep my students constantly engaged and motivated.
LouisSport Coaching alumni
Entry requirements
Qualification type |
Grades |
|
A Levels |
BBC |
|
BTEC |
DMM |
|
Access |
15 Distinctions and 30 Merits |
|
International Baccalaureate |
29 Points |
|
Combinations |
A combination of qualifications totalling 112 UCAS points |
If you have any questions about entry requirements for this course, please contact our Course Enquiry Team.
International students
Find more information on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirements on our website.
Depending which country you're from, there may be specific entry requirements. Check your country to see if this is applicable to you.
DBS requirements
A current satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Where you do not already have this you can apply for this check through the University. There will be a charge for such applications. For more information please see CCCU DBS requirements.
It is a condition of registration on any course requiring a satisfactory check from DBS that the student maintains good standing in relation to their behaviour and, where required, subscribes to the criminal record status check service.
112
UCAS Points
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
You will be taught through a combination of real and virtual lectures, seminars, practical sessions, labs, workshops and tutorials.
Seminars and tutorials in smaller groups will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and other sessions. In addition, you will meet with your personal academic tutor on a regular basis.
In years' 2 and 3 you will undertake a 40 hour coaching placement.
All courses are informed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2022.
When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops or other timetabled sessions you will continue learning through self-study. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for workshops, seminars, coursework and examinations. This work should equate to approximately 3-5 hours per week for each module you are studying.
Each module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before and/or after class to support your learning and development. Your allocated personal academic tutor will help you review your performance, and support your independent learning.
Your overall workload typically consists of 10-14 contact hours per week. You will also undertake 15-20 hours of independent learning and assessment related activity each week.
During each semester you will normally study three modules, so each module will have a 10-14 hour commitment per week.
The teaching team consists of highly qualified academics, supported by a skilled technical team. They have a range of expertise and experience across the breadth of disciplines in coaching generally, and sport and exercise science specifically.
The majority of staff hold the highest academic qualification (doctorate), with a small number of staff working towards achieving this standard. Staff are research-active and many of the teaching team are at the forefront of their research fields in the UK and beyond. They have substantial experience in delivering research led and research informed teaching.
You can find out more about the current teaching teams on our Sport and Exercise Sciences Staff web pages. You should note that members of the teaching team might change.
Postgraduate students sometimes assist in teaching and assessing some modules. However, experienced academics teach the vast majority of lectures and seminars.
The degree in Sport Coaching Science explores the scientific underpinnings of high quality coaching practice. Coaching placements with an experienced coach mentor are central to this degree. We also offer a bursary to help you gain National Governing Body sport coaching qualifications.
Dr Katie Dray Sport Coaching Course Director
How you’ll be assessed
The course frequently provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Many modules contain practice or 'formative' assessments or similar submissions for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Formative or practice assessments and submissions are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
The formal or 'summative' assessments on each module are planned to take account of two interdependent aspects - the acquisition of relevant theory / principles, and the development of both academic and practical skills.
Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, presentations, your final year project (dissertation) and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
You will be assessed through a range of methods, including individual and group presentations, portfolio’s, case studies, essays, scientific reports and examinations. These are planned to take account of two interdependent aspects:
- The acquisition of relevant theory and principles.
- The development of both academic and practical skills.
Accordingly, assessment procedures will take account of not only your newly acquired knowledge and skills, but also the process of developing skills and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in the world of work.
Your future career
This degree opens up roles in sport coaching, sport development, coaching in sport clubs, sport, physical activity administration and research, as well as the ever expanding leisure industry.
In addition it provides an excellent foundation for careers in the public sector, sport related business, and the armed and police forces look favourably upon our graduates. Students who successfully complete a Sport Coaching degree possess many of the specific and generic knowledge, skills and sport coaching experience that employers require.
The degree will also open up routes into teaching, such as a PGCE (Physical Education), and prepares you for further postgraduate study at all levels through to PhD.
I have just returned from competition this weekend and we had a massive medal haul. I would say that part of the success was down to being able to apply all the psychological understanding, coaching skills, physiology and biomechanics that I learnt during the course. The degree has allowed me to add a greater breath and understanding of my gymnasts needs, not just the technical coaching.
ClaireGymnastics Coach
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated. The fees represented here are for study with Canterbury Christ Church University. If you are looking to study at a partner institution, please visit their website for fees information.
Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 our undergraduate home tuition fees are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
3 yearsUCAS code:
38BDLocation(s):
CanterburyStudent life
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