To lead, inspire and shape the future of sport.
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.
In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.
This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.
This programme is only available as a full-time Option at Level 6 - Final Year only (Top Up degree). Anyone applying for this programme must have completed a Foundation Degree in one of the Regional Colleges.
This programme aims to develop the thinking of those who would like to pursue a career in the sports industry. We will challenge your thinking of the coaching process and how theory applies in practice. The specific areas taught in this programme are; sports coaching, performance analysis, teaching, sports development, sport and exercise science, athlete monitoring and/or management.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The programme is delivered through theory and practically applied sessions underpinned by three key strands: Coaching Pedagogy, Subject Matter and Professional Practice.
By the end of the year you will be able to;
You will attend on a full-time basis studying 120 credits in their Year of study.
In Semester one you will complete two modules (one compulsory - Coaching Process and one optional module). In Semester 2 a further two modules will be studied (compulsory work based learning module - Advanced Coaching Practice and one additional module).
Throughout the year you will also complete a 40 credit Research project on a subject of your choice.
Each module will seek to expose students to a variety of teaching and learning methods including:
Formal lectures – These are a core activity in teaching within the School of Sport and will constitute a major part of the teaching programme across a number of modules. Lectures are a foundation of the teaching and many sessions are taught in the form of workshops and with interactive activities contained within them. Lecture sessions will be supported through the development of online learning materials and Blackboard Learn.
Practical classes – Given the nature of sports coaching and the need to apply theory to a practical setting these will also be a key teaching method. Practical work will be conducted in groups and will involve sports participation, laboratory, computer and analytical work. Attendance at practical classes will be compulsory and these activities will in some modules form the basis of assessment.
Seminars – Many modules have seminar sessions where students are expected, in small groups, to discuss ideas raised in lectures. Students will be required to review research topics and make oral presentations.
Tutorials – A series of compulsory tutorials will be run by advisers of study during the course of the year. They will cover a range of subjects and will be designed to help students develop study skills, organise their time, and generally provide support for them.
Work based learning – Students will be required to complete a work-based placement in the programme. This placement opportunity will involve the compilation of a reflective diary, a placement provider's report, an academic supervisor's report and an action research project.
Independent work – Students are expected to read widely for all modules and to learn to manage their time in order to do so. Independent learning is also closely associated with preparation for assessment. The requirements of self directed study will have been covered at induction. In addition, clear guidelines on independent study will be contained within the student and module handbooks.
Group work - This is an important element of the learning regime within the school. Sports Coaching is both an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary subject and as such requires the integration of activities from a wide variety of individuals and disciplines. Group and collaborative working within the school tries to encourage this approach to assessment tasks and problem solving. Where group work is used students will be guided on completion of self and peer evaluation.
E-learning – A system of web-based support within the School of Sport. It is anticipated that significant progress on the provision of web based materials will be made in the near future.
Assessment
Modules will have a range of assessments associated with them. These will be designed to test both knowledge and skills and will vary from essays, literature reviews, practical / project / fieldwork reports, class tests and dissertations.
Modules may also be assessed by examinations. These will be of a two hour unseen format. Class tests may have a variety of formats including computer based testing, seen papers, data based tests or timed essays.
The means of assessment of the Research Project will be specific to and reflect professional practice in the selected subject area. Students may choose to conduct a scientifically-based project (e.g. measuring sporting performance) or a project focusing on coach development, sports development or coach education. Students will be assessed via a 10,000 word written piece and also present via a poster.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student wellbeing
The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is designed to introduce both the practical and conceptual understanding of research methodologies within sport, exercise and leisure research.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module further develops the work based learning elements required to develop
coaches in the field to support and develop effective reflection within their practice.
Year: 1
Status: C
Sports Coaching is a facet of the sports industry which has exhibited exceptional growth in recent times and something that has come under increasing academic scrutiny. Professionalisation of coaching is of paramount importance and an understanding of Coaching Processes is vital to ensure this development.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module enables students to enhance their theoretical and empirical understanding of the research process as it applies to sport. In so doing, it demonstrates the critical relevance of evidence-based practice to sport.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module explores the background, principles and practices of the strategic management process, which sports and leisure organisations employ to ensure competitive advantage over their competitors. The module is designed to ensure the students gain the underpinning knowledge and competencies to become potential managers in the fastest growing global industry of the 21st Century.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module is primarily concerned with investigating the evolution of sports development and examining the many different strands of the profession. The module will also highlight the role of government and key agencies in the formulation of policy and strategies that impact upon the sports development domain and seek to develop key vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module will involve students in the critical appraisal of recent research, educational policy and education initiatives and their impact on the subject area of physical education and school sport and its effective delivery in the school context.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module provides students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of theory, research and practice in the field of applied sport psychology. Students will develop an understanding of the sport psychology consultancy process and ethical principles and guidelines relevant to working in the field. This module takes students beyond understanding what is done in 'Applied Sport Psychology' to understanding how sport psychology service is delivered.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module considers the relationship between nutrition and exercise performance. The module provides the student with the opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body and how appropriate nutritional practices can be effective for exercise performance and overall health and wellbeing.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module will provide students with an in-depth knowledge and the practical skills required to evaluate the impact of performance analysis theories, principles and concepts on sporting performance and how these can be applied to a coaching, teaching and service provider environment.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module will explore the link between research- and science-based concepts of athlete monitoring with practical strategies to use with athletes and clients.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Only students studying the Ulster University validated Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching & Fitness(previously known as the Foundation Degree in Sport, Exercise & Fitness) can apply for this course.
Full Time Option is only available for Level 6 - Final Year of degree.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Maths. Successful completion of the Ulster University validated Sport,Coaching and Fitness Foundation Degree will cover applicants for the GSCE English and GCSE Science entry requirements to the course.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching & Fitness (previously known as the Foundation Degree in Sport, Exercise & Fitness) with an overall mark of 50% in level 5 modules. Individual interviews may be used as part of the selection . You may also be required to undertake a bridging module prior to progressing onto final year of the course (reviewed annually).
Applicants should note that, as they will be engaged in 'regulated activity' involving children or vulnerable adults as part of their course, there is a compulsory, legal requirement to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from AccessNI. The cost for this is payable by the applicant and is currently £33. More information on Enhanced Disclosures may be accessed by www.accessni.gov.uk.
There will be no exemptions for the optional modules or research project. You may apply for prior learning in terms of some of the prerequisites required for some of the optional modules based on your previous experiences at our partner institutions.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
There are numerous opportunities for you to progress either within Ulster or at another institution. Students who have completed their BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance degree have completed PGCE or Masters Study in a number of disciplines such as MSc Sports Coaching and Performance, MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology, MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition, MSc Strength and Conditioning all offered within the School of Sport or initiated research by applying for an MPhil or DPhil.
Employment opportunities within the field of coaching is growing due to current investments and the professionalisation of this area. Some graduating students have gained employment in local authorities or Governing Bodies of Sport as Sports Development or Coach Development Officers.
You will complete the 'Advanced Coaching Practice' module. This is a work based learning module and gives you the opportunity to apply theory into practice within a sporting community.
£4,710.00
£9,250.00
£15,840.00
The best performing final year student each year receives the 'Pat Duffy award'.
Professor Pat Duffy was a visiting professor at the School of Sport and had a wide range of roles in the development of coaching in the UK and Ireland. Pat was Chief Executive of sports coach UK from 2005 to 2009, where he led the development of the UK Coaching Framework. He was a popular figure, passionate about coaching which he championed persuasively at every opportunity, drawing on his deep professional knowledge and personal charm to promote the cause.
Additional costs - AccessNI check
Optional purchase of School of Sport practical Kit.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
"BSc Sports Coaching was exactly what I needed at the time in my career. I was looking for the much needed theoretical knowledge to back up the practical work I was carrying out in my daily working life. It developed me as a sports coach and gave me more confidence when dealing with matters such as sports science or sports development. I enjoyed the flexibility of being able to choose modules to suit my career. I gained much needed tutor support and I still have a working relationship with lecturers who are my first port of call when needing advice in the sporting world. I would strongly advise anyone looking for a career in the sporting industry to have a think about this course. Top class!"
Andrew Waterworth, IFA employee and MSc graduate.
"This is an excellent course for all coaches irrespective of level. With a good focus on 'how to' skills the student will soon be confident in all coaching environments. I completed the course while working full time and managed to fit in very well. Well worth doing for the forward thinking coach."
Dara Furey, Athletics Coach
"The course was structured in such a manner as to afford me the flexibility of studying whilst remaining in full time employment. The format of combining both practical and academic aspects of sports coaching gave me the opportunity to firstly reflect upon all facets of my coaching and secondly to apply them in my sporting environment. I have also found the course beneficial in that it has assisted me in securing a number of positions within my chosen sporting field".
Ian McGregor, Head Coach North West Warriors, Assistant Coach Ireland Under 19
Feedback from student cohort 2020/21
"Interesting and everything was well explained beforehand especially the assignments"
"Speakers throughout give us an insight into their personal experiences and how different areas in coaching helps with their current roles"
"I felt the lectures were well laid out, and presented in a way to keep you engaged. Lecturers were only too happy to help at all times and couldn't of been more encouraging. I feel like I have developed new skills and understanding through the lecture content and researching for assignments. "
