Why you should study this course
Sports coaching plays an important role in encouraging/inspiring people a range of abilities, backgrounds and ages to engage in sports and physical activity.
This course will provide a wealth of opportunities for you to develop your practical coaching skills and knowledge of coaching theories that underpin the development of participants in sports and exercise settings. A large element of the taught content and assessment will be practical. This allows you to apply theory to practice and immerse yourself in the coaching process through developing knowledge of the needs of the participants, understanding how to create an engaging learning environment and developing your ability to reflect upon your coaching experiences.
Throughout the course you will explore and apply various pedagogical approaches, applied sport science and sport development topics. It is designed to allow you to develop a holistic approach to coaching across a range of sports and exercise settings, for individuals and teams, at varying ages and ability levels, from grassroots to elite level sport. You will develop communication skills, leadership skills and adaptability, be able to recognise talent and to help participants to achieve their potential.
Based at our sports facilities at Westwood Heath, you can take full advantage of our cutting-edge facilities, including seven grass sports pitches, an astroturf pitch, and state-of-the-art classroom with an analysis suite.
Many of our current staff members have competed or coached at a high level, working with both elite and amateur participants in sport. Most staff maintain membership of professional institutions - such as accredited sport governing bodies - and are actively engaged in scholarship, creating an opportunity for you to explore and develop an understanding of current research in contemporary topics in sport coaching.
Importantly, we have a team of staff and students working with many local schools on physical activity research projects, which may enable you to be involved in research and projects designed to enhance your coaching skills.
What you'll study
Year one
In the first year, you will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of a range of key practical and theoretical approaches to sports coaching. The coaching process, which includes the planning, delivery and reflection on coaching and various pedagogical approaches will be introduced. In addition, you should gain knowledge of sport science disciplines (physiology, biomechanics and psychology) which will help inform a broad understanding of the needs of the individual.
Modules
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Introduction to Sports Coaching - 30 credits
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Pedagogical approaches to coaching - 30 credits
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Introduction to Motor Learning and Control - 20 credits
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Introduction to Study Skills and Research in Sports Coaching - 10 credits
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Physiological Principles of Participant Development - 20 credits
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Add+vantage - 10 credits
Year two
In the second year, further competence will be developed in the coaching process with greater emphasis placed on the analysis of the pedagogical approaches and scientific principles underpinning practical coaching sessions. You will apply your knowledge to a range of scenarios, with the practical skills programme continuing the development of professional skills and their application, particularly reflective practice and career management. In addition to this, you will further develop research skills and employability through an exploration of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research and structured work experience.
Modules
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Sports Coaching - 30 credits
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Application of Physiological Principles to Sports Coaching - 20 credits
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Sports Coaching Experience - 20 credits
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Psychosocial Principles Applied to Participant Development - 20 credits
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Research Skills in Sports Coaching - 10 credits
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Creative and Innovative Approaches in Sports Coaching - 10 credits
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Add+vantage - 10 credits
Final year
The final year encourages independent and innovative approaches to the coaching process. You will have the opportunity to further develop your self-awareness, informed by understanding and applying a range of appropriate information from scientific and non-scientific sources. The year is designed to give you the skills to enhance your coaching practice and develop a level of specialism in an independent research project. You will also have the option to choose at least one of the two key coaching management modules focused on general participation or high performance-oriented interests to aid the further development of your employability profile.
Modules
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Project Development - 20 credits
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Advanced Sports Coaching - 30 credits
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Contemporary Issues in Sport Coaching - 10 credits
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Independent Research Project - 20 credits
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Add+vantage - 10 credits
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Optional modules
