BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: C610
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
104 - 112	BCC - BBC	MMM - DMM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Clearing entry requirements

We’re committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. Over Clearing, we’ll be taking a flexible approach so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	IB requirement
104–112	BCC– BBC	DMM	104–112 UCAS points Please see additional requirements for accepted T Level subjects.	104-112 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

Accepted T Levels: Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	IB requirement
104–112	BCC– BBC	DMM	104–112 UCAS points Please see additional requirements for accepted T Level subjects.	104-112 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations
The University of Hertfordshire is in partnership with CIMSPA, and the Sports degree programme(s) will be gaining endorsement against sector professional standards. As a result, students will be able to register with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) whilst studying with us here at Hertfordshire University. A CIMSPA student membership introduces sports-related students to their sector’s chartered professional body and supports them through their studies to develop skills and improve employability, ready for a smooth transition to the workplace, therefore even sports graduates can benefit.

The specific benefits of having a CIMSPA student membership include:
- CIMSPA Academy – Access to selected FREE recognised CPD eLearning
- CIMSPA magazine – Digital access to S&PA Professional
- S&PA Extra – Monthly digital newsletter counterpart to the CIMSPA magazine
- Workforce opportunities – Access to graduate work placement, volunteering, internships, and job opportunities
- Engagement opportunities – Linking to employers with students and providing opportunities through guest lectures
- CIMSPA Code of Conduct – standards expected of sector professionals

Why choose this course?

2nd in the East of England for Sports Science (2023 Complete University Guide)
Master the art and science of sport practice and pedagogy
Opportunity to access coaching awards

If you love sport and want to focus on coaching, this is the course for you. The course has a strong emphasis on practical coaching experiences being applied to the sporting area of your choice.

Our sports coaching degree gives you the opportunity to explore coaching theory, research and practice. You’ll focus on contemporary areas of sports coaching study, including coach education, learning and practical skills. You’ll also develop your own specialised coaching knowledge, attributes and abilities through a wide range of theoretical and hands-on experiences. Throughout, we’ll encourage you to shape your own professional development journey and achieve the appropriate vocational coaching qualifications to take your career in the direction you want. We’ll also emphasise the importance of developing your academic and research strengths, improving your confidence, credibility and critical writing skills.

You might be thinking about becoming a high-performance coach, a PE teacher, a performance analyst or coach within your local community, or you could be considering starting your own business. Work experience opportunities are integrated into the programme. So whatever career you decide to pursue, work-related experience combined with academic study and a focus on communication skills will enhance your prospects.

The University also works closely together with national and international researchers, coaches and athletes, who engage with our facilities and workforce.

We are thrilled to announce our official partnership with Watford FC for the 2024-25 season. As a Herts student, you will have exclusive access to a variety of unique career and educational opportunities with this prestigious football club. Find out how you can get involved.

Benefit from our specialist sports facilities 

You’ll have access to some of the best University sports facilities in the UK. You’ll benefit from our brand new multi-million-pound Institute of Sport Building based at the De-Havilland campus and will be able to join our on-campus Sports Village. Facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a 12m high climbing wall and a 110+ station gym. The gym has both strength and cardio equipment, such as rowing machines, cable stations and a free weights area. Facilities also include match-quality courts, sports halls and new generation astro pitches and so much more. There is also a smaller 24-hour gym on the College Lane campus.  

Whether you’re interested in sport on a competitive or casual level, there is something for you. There are opportunities for students to take part, compete and represent the University in a wide variety of sports.  We are also one of the few universities with an Active Students and programme. This means we offer free sports and exercise sessions to all our students and staff. This is something you can tap into as a participant or possibly also as a facilitator.  

What's the course about?

In your first year, you’ll learn the foundations of sports coaching and practical coaching delivery, aspects related to physical activity and sports development, and begin to understand how the sport sector operates within a global world. You will study two sport science modules that support your coaching skills and practice: anatomy and physiology for coaches, and exercise prescription and fitness testing. To help you settle into university life, you’ll take a module focused on developing the academic skills you need to be a successful student.

Your second year builds on what you learnt in the first year. You’ll study coaching pedagogy, periodisation and planning in coaching, performance analysis, process and practice in high-performance sport, and exploring sports ethics. The module on research methods helps you to understand the principles and methods that underpin coaching-based research. You’ll be able to use this to critique and understand the research done in the areas of sports coaching. Your sport experience learning module provides you an opportunity to get applied work experience in the sport coaching industry. In addition, we also offer optional modules for you to choose from such as sport finance or leadership in sport. 

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or complete a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about, but it will also give your CV a boost. If you would rather go straight to your final year, that’s fine too. You can decide in your second year with us, so there is still plenty of time to think about this. 

In your final year, you’ll be able to develop either your research skills through our research dissertation module or focus on a work experience dissertation within the field of sports coaching. You’ll get a personal supervisor to support you with the research or work experience dissertation that you choose to study. Here, you’ll design and undertake your own project on a topic relevant to your area of study, and more importantly, it will be aligned to an area that interests you. You’ll also be able to study other modules in the final year, and learn in more depth about coaching in the community, excellence in coaching, psychology in coaching, behaviour change for physical activity and sport, and professional practice in sports coaching. In addition, we also offer optional modules for you to choose from such as creating business strategies for sport or contemporary issues in sport.

Applying for this course is easy. Simply add us to your UCAS account by using the institution and course code mentioned in ‘Key information’. There is no interview for this course. We’re just interested to hear why you want to study this subject at degree level.

  For a full list of modules, see the section under ‘What will I study?’ .

de Havilland Campus

You’ll share this campus with students from business, law, sport, and education subjects. The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends.  Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.  Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.   

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways via coursework, debates, presentations, viva and practical. The type of coursework is varied, depending on the module and includes reports, reflections, write up of practicals, portfolios, posters and presentations.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Sport Business Management: National and International Perspectives	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will set the scene for the way in which sport is run as both a commercial and not-for- profit business both in the UK and internationally. Delivery models for sport in various areas of the UK and internationally will be explored, including the franchise model popular in most North American sport organisations.
Sports as Social and Global Phenomena	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will focus on the social context of sport and the interaction between sport, society and culture. This will include an exploration of the development of sport as a significant part of many societies today, as well as consideration of the ways in which sports may be seen as global phenomena.
Developing an Academic Approach	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is focused on introducing and developing skills required to develop a successful academic approach to be a successful student in Higher Education, while also considering the professional/transferable skills for a successful career. With regards to academic approach, this module primarily provides an introduction to the academic, IT and communication skills that students will require to become effective autonomous learners in Higher Education.
Exercise Prescription and Fitness Testing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will develop the key theoretical and practical skills essential to assess fitness and design training programmes. Specifically, the module aims to introduce a number of fitness tests to assess different components of fitness, with particular attention to tests that measure or estimate cardiorespiratory fitness and strength. Furthermore, this module will introduce basic data analyses and will provide tools to contextualise the data obtained from fitness testing. In addition, the module will introduce the principles of training as a basic theoretical framework underpinning a training programme, with a specific focus on improving cardiorespiratory fitness and strength in the general population.
Introduction to Sport Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce the core concepts that shape and influence community sport development. The sport participation and physical activity of various population groups will be explored, while the role and influence of policy in the sector will be appraised.
Anatomy and Physiology for Coaches	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to human musculoskeletal anatomy, relating to the structure and function of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. This module will also provide students with an introduction to human physiology applied to sport and exercise. Focus will be on a basic understanding of muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and nervous systems. The taught content will be tailored towards coaching students, allowing them to consider how this knowledge can be applied within coaching contexts.
Introduction to Coaching	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the foundational principles of coaching practice. The module is designed to introduce the novice coach to a range of relevant topics that inform the coaching process in its early stages. Students will be asked to reflect on their experiences of shadowing a coach outside of the University.
Practical Coaching Delivery	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module involves the application of coaching practices, with reference to relevant supporting theory and literature. It aims to facilitate the development of practical coaching experience in context through the planning, delivery, and evaluation of the student's own coaching. This module is designed to introduce the novice coach to a range of relevant topics that inform the coaching process in its early stages. Students will be introduced to key reflective models including Driscoll's 'What' Model, Kolb's Experiential Learning and Gibbs Reflective Cycle and use these to reflect on their own practice.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Process and Practice in High-Performance Sport	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the essential processes and practices that contribute to successful high-performance sport systems. Students will identify and analyse the factors that influence the success/failure of nations at the Olympic and/or Paralympic Games. The challenges of creating and delivering a successful high-performance sport system will be assessed.
Exploring Sports Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore a range of issues and concerns relating to sports ethics in 21st century societies. Matters for consideration include amateurism and professionalism, discrimination, deviant behaviour in the sports context, and the role of technology. Students will be encouraged to analyse such issues through the application of theoretical perspectives from the field of sports sociology.
Research Methods for Sports Coaching	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students are introduced to research traditions and philosophies within the context of Sports Coaching. The concept of research design is explored, with an emphasis on the role of literature in informing decisions about what to investigate and how-to guiding principles. The topic of ethical consideration for research is also introduced. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis are examined. Overall, the core aim of the module is to enable students to develop the skills required to progress to Sports Coaching Research Dissertation at Level 6.
Coaching Pedagogy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is focused on the analysis of personal and professional coaching practice in an applied performance environment. The module will seek to facilitate practical coaching skills, gaining of further vocational coaching awards and development of experience in a coaching environment, with a particular focus on coaching pedagogy. It is hoped this will enable students to become more professionally focused regarding their coaching practice as well as more evidence-based in their practice. Students will revisit reflective models previously introduced at Level 4 as well as explore models that can be used to reflect within their coaching, such as Schon's Reflective Model.
Periodisation and Planning in Coaching	15 Credits	Compulsory
Building on Level 4 coaching modules, there will be further investigation of how wider subdisciplines (e.g. psychology, physiology, biomechanics) are integrated into interdisciplinary performance enhancement. Students will learn key principles within periodisation and planning and understand how these principles can be used to facilitate training and athletic development. The module will involve mostly theoretical sessions, and some practical sessions and experiences, to enhance learning and development. Students will revisit reflective models previously introduced at L4 as well as explore models that can be used to reflect within their coaching, such as Schon's Reflective Model.
Sport Finance	15 Credits	Optional
This module will encourage students to develop an understanding of the different aspects of economics and finance in the world of sport, both on a national and international level. Aspects of entrepreneurship and stakeholder management will be included as well.
Performance Analysis in Sport	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will gain leading-edge academic knowledge, along with key practical and research skills, to become a critically reflective practitioner who is prepared to work in Performance Analysis at any level. Some key strands running through the module will be using technology to enhance performance, using performance analysis to aid the multi-disciplinary team and the use of performance analysis to support competition preparation and execution.
Leadership in Sport	15 Credits	Optional
The module aims to enable students to gain leading-edge academic knowledge of how to work with different individuals and to adopt conflict solving techniques. Group exercises will be used as well as individual tasks. Leadership knowledge will be gained in class, enabling students to become more professionally focused to work in groups in later working life.
Sport Experience Learning	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides opportunities for the student to apply academic and vocational learning in a professional sport-related setting, and vice versa to bring workplace skills and issues into the academic and vocational learning environment. Students will develop evidence-based working practices and enhance associated knowledge and skills to improve their employability and reflective practice. Opportunities for continuing development to add personal transferable skills will be present. Students will revisit reflective models previously introduced at Level 4 as well as explore models that can be used to reflect within their coaching, such as Schon's Reflective Model.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Creating Business Strategies for Sport	15 Credits	Optional
This module aims to provide an understanding of the concept of strategic management and its application to sport organisations. It will enable the student to appraise the influences of the macro and micro environments within which such sport organisations exist and operate. Students will implement strategic analysis to identify the options for the future operation and marketing of sport organisations.
Sports Coaching Research Dissertation	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module is intended to offer students the widest possible scope, within controlled parameters, to research a topic beyond the constraints of usual coursework assignments and examinations and design, plan, execute and present the results of the research in a dissertation in the field of Sport Coaching.
Sandwich Placement - Sport	0 Credits	Optional
The Sandwich placement will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes acquired during levels 4 and 5 of the relevant degree programme, in a professional work-based environment. Prior to the commencement of the sandwich placement, students will seek and apply for a position suitable for their programme of study, in the UK or overseas. Students will be allocated a workplace, and a University supervisor. The student will agree an appropriate working pattern with the workplace supervisor and will establish relevant aims to work towards during the sandwich placement. Students completing a UK-based sandwich placement will normally attend a one-day placement symposium at the university, part way through the year. They will present a poster relating to their placement experience. Students completing an overseas sandwich placement will normally submit a poster electronically. Throughout the Sandwich placement, students will evaluate and reflect on their experiences, with consideration of current literature and evidence-based practice. The Sandwich placement will culminate in a work-based evaluation, and the production of a reflective placement report.
Study Abroad - Sport	0 Credits	Optional
Learning and teaching methods may include taught courses, a research project, practical studies, or a mixture of these components. The Year Abroad will be for two academic semesters or their equivalent. The students will therefore follow a programme negotiated by the Programme Lead or nominee and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to commencement of the Year Abroad, the student, the programme officers from the University of Hertfordshire and from the host institution will agree a learning agreement and mode of attendance.
Professional Practice in Sport Coaching	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the techniques and tools required to manage oneself effectively in the sports industry. Topics that may be covered include how to manage time, set goals, prioritise activities, create a strategic networking plan to achieve career aspirations, personal development planning, and prioritisation of tasks.
Coaching in the Community	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will focus on the coach as a leader and explore how they can plan, deliver, and reflect on a session in a variety of community environments. The role of the coach from an educator and orchestrator standpoint will be explored and the impact of holistic coaching and developing the coach/athlete relationship will be focused upon. There will be an emphasis on coaching in community contexts, such as schools, development roles and Active Staff/Students. Students will be expected to use reflective models introduced at Levels 4 and 5 to critically reflect on their own coaching practice/ work experience and appraise areas for future development.
Excellence in Coaching	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore how the coach can demonstrate excellence in their practice. Students will gain an understanding of the attributes that lead to elite and effective coaching. Students will develop enhanced awareness and critical understanding of advanced coaching related research, theories, areas, and issues such as critical thinking, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, reflection and advanced coaching philosophy. Finally, the module will explore how to effectively set goals and create a development action plan to develop student careers. Students will be expected to use reflective models introduced at Levels 4 and 5 to critically reflect on their own coaching practice/ work experience and appraise areas for future development.
Psychology in Coaching	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to introduce students to how Sport Psychology principles can help to enhance coaching practice. Students will explore key psychological principles such as basic psychological needs, well-being, the coach-athlete relationship and athlete career transitions. By the end of the module students will be able to critically evaluate the importance of psychological concepts within coaching and reflect on how they can incorporate this into their own practice.
Contemporary Issues in Sport	15 Credits	Optional
This module will offer an engaging, informative, yet challenging introduction to some of the most pressing contemporary issues in sport. The module aims to provide students with a critical awareness of contemporary issues in sport by examining a number of topics ranging from global issues such as corruption, gambling and commercialisation to national issues of gender, sexuality, racism and women in sport. Students will develop an understanding of these issues by being empowered to formulate personal opinion underpinned by sociological theoretical evidence in the format of assessed seminar discussions. Furthermore, listening skills, alongside verbal reasoning will be developed in order to develop critical understanding of relatively complex themes that affect both the sports industry and society as a whole.
Behaviour Change for Physical Activity and Sport	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on how to positively change physical activity and sport participation behaviour. A range of behaviour change theories will be critiqued and appraised for their potential to change individual and population physical activity and sport participation. In addition, a whole systems approach to influencing behaviour change will be examined.
Sport Coaching Experience Dissertation	30 Credits	Compulsory
This Experience Dissertation module embraces the philosophy of empowerment in that it offers Level 6 students the opportunity to continue their professional experience in a Sports Coaching setting of particular interest. The module builds upon the 15-credit Sport Experience Learning module at Level 5, while having a greater focus upon the opportunity for immersion in a community of practice, whilst appreciating the value of professional debate of contemporary issues. The module is an academic and vocational hybrid, which relies upon the application of advanced academic theory and skills developed during the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching programme to professional practice in the chosen experience setting. The reflective nature of the assessment will facilitate the appraisal of learning and the prominence of significant milestones to enhance future employability and to inform future career destinations. Students will be expected to use reflective models introduced at Levels 4 and 5 to critically reflect on their own work experience and appraise areas for future development.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, the experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

Throughout your time at the university, you’ll work closely with a personal tutor in order to help develop academic, personal, and vocational skills. This work is supported by the University’s online platform, which provides a location for lecture slides, lecture recordings, module guides, assessment details and discussion forums amongst other things.
Personal Tutors and Supervisor Support
From the first year, students are allocated a Personal Tutor and will have frequent meetings throughout the first year (L4) and into the second year (L5) on all degree programmes we offer. In the final year (L6), students will be aligned with a project supervisor who will support them with their dissertation module(s) and provide overarching guidance.
Academic Support Services (ASU)
You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we have got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you will have access to our Academic Support Services (ASU). You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) run drop-in study skills sessions.
Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing is here to support you with any emotional, mental health, disability and health-related issues which you may experience throughout your time at university. All of our services are delivered by trained and experienced staff who take a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that you get the best support possible.

Alumni Stories

Annabelle Bullock

Meet Annabelle Bullock, a BUCS gold medallist, who studied Sports Studies alongside her athletic pursuits. As an athlete she competed in target shooting and as a member of the women's Lacrosse team.

Read more stories BSc (Hons) Sports Studies MA Education

Current job role	Education Liaison Coordinator
Year of graduation	2018 / 2019
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Sports Studies
Course of study	MA Education

University experience and support

The University supported Annabelle by making her one of its sponsored athletes providing her with greater flexibility and access to sporting facilities and opportunities. This helped her develop a broad and transferable set of skills and experience.

Annabelle says, 'Being an athlete and studying was challenging, but the University and my lecturers were so supportive. Being made a sponsored athlete also came with a bunch of perks. All this support and the opportunities that the University provided helped me to build the skills and confidence I needed to be truly successful in my job today.'

Annabelle currently works as one of the Education Liaison Coordinators at Herts. Having established fantastic contacts within the University, her student activities meant she could seamlessly progress into a professional role that complimented many of her skills and interests.

'I always assumed that I would do something within sport, but when it came to my final year in BSc Sport Studies, I had found my passion for Coach Education. During my MA in Education at the University, I discovered another passion for helping others and working with student athletes.'

Opportunities to explore

The University is committed to recognising talent in its students and offering any exciting opportunities that can enrich their studies and further their careers. Annabelle's lecturers' encouraged her to explore her passion for research which inspired her to continue with postgraduate study. Most impressively, the University helped her win its first BUCS gold medal in target shooting, which she says 'felt amazing as I was the only one in the team!'

Annabelle's advice for new and current students is to 'Do things that are out of your comfort zone because the skills and experiences you develop may just be the thing that your employer is looking for. Take all of the opportunities you can. I thought I was going to be an athlete forever, then I discovered coaching. I am very lucky that my first "proper" job is something that I absolutely love but I am still able to continue coaching. This summer I am helping coach a target shooting national team in the biggest junior, under 21, competition in the country.'

Alumni Stories

Gavin Beard

Meet Gavin Beard who has taken his love for sports into industry. Since graduating he has worked his way up the career ladder and is now the Head of Marketing for Norwich Football Club.

Current job role	Head of Marketing
Year of graduation	2013
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Sports Studies

More than a degree

Gavin graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with more than a degree; his university experience helped him to gain valuable insight to several disciplines and allowed him to narrow down his career choices.

He says, 'My degree allowed me to study various disciplines, including coaching, science and business. Having exposure to these different areas helped me understand what I favoured, and it was clear that business (and in particular, marketing) was an area I felt I could forge a career in.'

After successfully completing his degree Gavin began moving up the career ladder, working at many well respected companies such as Coral, BT Sport and currently Norwich City Football Club. Gavin puts a lot of his success down to the degree he studied and the support provided by the university.

He comments, 'The variety of modules and the exposure to different disciplines within my course were extremely useful. This was crucial in helping me determine my path. After year one, I knew I liked marketing, so I worked with the ERASMUS team to find a pathway to help me study this abroad. I then studied business in Valencia for a year and it was an experience I’ll never forget.'

Aspirations for the future

Gavin is still really enjoying his career in leading the Marketing team at Norwich City Football Club. He says, 'It’s an incredibly varied role; one day I could be leading the campaign to promote the new kit, the next it’ll be marketing the Take That gig at Carrow Road!'

Gavin is hopeful for the future and says 'Given my experience, my future roles will continue to be in marketing, hopefully I will help Norwich to become an established Premier League team. Then who knows!'

What's next for my career?

Graduates are equipped for a career in coaching for example high performance coaching, multi sport coaching in schools, specialised coaching support roles, coach education, or establishing their own coaching business. They may also progress into high performance coaching roles with elite level teams and athletes. Many of our students work within educational settings or progress onto teacher training through PGCE or schools direct programmes. Students are also equipped for postgraduate study.
View our Alumni profiles

Annabelle Bullock Gavin Beard

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching (Revised 2024)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
21/09/2026	31/05/2027	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

Apply through Clearing

Get info and updates

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: C610

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Clearing entry requirements

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Benefit from our specialist sports facilities

What's the course about?

de Havilland Campus

What will I study?

Personal Tutors and Supervisor Support

Academic Support Services (ASU)

Student Wellbeing

Alumni Stories

Meet Annabelle Bullock, a BUCS gold medallist, who studied Sports Studies alongside her athletic pursuits. As an athlete she competed in target shooting and as a member of the women's Lacrosse team.

University experience and support

Opportunities to explore

Alumni Stories

Meet Gavin Beard who has taken his love for sports into industry. Since graduating he has worked his way up the career ladder and is now the Head of Marketing for Norwich Football Club.

More than a degree

Aspirations for the future

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Benefit from our specialist sports facilities 