BA (Hons) Football Development & Coaching

at Plymouth Marjon University

BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Development is packed with real-life, hands-on experience, so you get ample opportunity to put theory into practice. We work closely with our partners, Plymouth Argyle’s Community Trust and Devon FA, to ensure that you have the very best learning experience, and you'll be taught by both university lecturers and industry professionals.

You’ll consider the role of football within the wider sports industry, applying your learning to real-life situations through football development projects, coaching, and performance analysis. You'll run football development programmes, organise events, and develop a critical understanding of how the football industry works. And through these experiences you'll improve your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

One of the highlights of BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Development is the 100+ hours of work placement in year two alongside a Practical Football Development module in which you'll deliver ‘live projects’ in collaboration with football organisations.

You will have the chance to gain an array of industry-recognised football coaching qualifications. Marjon funds coach education awards from FA Level, 1 Level 2, and UEFA B. Awards will be matched to your level of experience and expertise. The UEFA B licence is for experienced coaches and subject to a successful application with Devon FA (and is the minimum qualification needed to coach at a professional football club academy). These  coaching awards will boost your employability and give you a richer variety of experiences.

You will consider and debate many football-related topics including issues affecting coaches, administration, development and governance of football as a whole. You will also be introduced to the application of sport science principles, performance analysis, and football event management and their role in the development of football initiatives.

You'll gain professional endorsement of the Professional Occupational Standards for  ‘Assistant Coach’, and 'Coach' from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) the industry body.  This endorsement is built into the qualification so there is no additional assessment or cost. It demonstrates to employers that you have achieved the professional standards required in the sport and physical activity sector.

BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Development is inclusive of students from all backgrounds regardless of physical ability, gender, heritage or age and welcomes applications for underrepresented groups to further the inclusion and diversity agenda in football and the football workforce.