COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Coach Development curriculum provides a progressive combination of coaching theory, sport science, leadership, and applied practice to prepare students for professional coaching careers. In the first year, students build a strong foundation through modules including Academic and Research Skills for Sport and Exercise, Foundational Movement Skills, Coaching and Skill Acquisition, The Coaches' Playbook: A Good Coach Changes Games, a Great Coach Changes Lives, Introduction to Coaching Science, and Introduction to Coach Development through Performance Analysis. These modules develop academic writing, research techniques, coaching principles, movement analysis, performance evaluation, and the practical skills required to support athlete development. Personal and professional growth is also encouraged through career development activities and digital learning resources. In the second year, students strengthen their coaching expertise through core modules in Research Methods for Sport and Exercise, Principles and Practices of Training, The Learning Coach: The Learning Approach, Coaching Children and Adolescents, and Applied Sport Coaching. They learn how to design training programmes, coach participants across different age groups, apply evidence-based coaching practices, conduct research, analyze performance data, and develop effective coaching methodologies. The curriculum also enhances employability through professional development activities and practical experiences. In the final year, students undertake an Independent Study, allowing them to complete an in-depth research project or industry-focused investigation while applying advanced research and critical analysis skills. They also study Adaptive Coaching Theory and Practice, Advanced Sports Coaching, Advanced Coach Development, and Working in High Performance Sport and Talent Identification, gaining expertise in inclusive coaching, elite athlete development, talent identification, leadership, and high-performance environments. Throughout the program, students combine theoretical learning with practical coaching experience, research, and industry engagement, developing the technical, analytical, communication, and leadership skills required for careers in sports coaching, athlete development, performance analysis, talent development, sports organizations, and community sport, while also providing a strong foundation for postgraduate study and continued professional development.