HND Sport Performance and Coaching Foundation degree at Coventry University
HND Sport Performance and Coaching at Coventry University. You'll study core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
About this course
Sports coaching and athlete development is an exciting and rewarding field which includes a range of employment opportunities across the sport and exercise industry. On successful completion of our Sport Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons), practitioners can work with athletes of all skill levels and across the many co From the provider’s course page.
HND Sport Performance and Coaching is a Foundation degree (HND) at Coventry University, based in CU Scarborough. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 4 modules
- Foundations of Sports PerformanceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to introduce you to the theory underlying effective sports performance. You will be introduced to the analysis of performance indicators, planning and evaluating individual training programmes, using industry-based methods to measure performance and applying problem-based learning to develop sport performance improvement strategies. You will be introduced to the multidisciplinary environment within sports performance and coaching.
- Human Movement and Physiology for Sport PerformanceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
The main focus of this practical-based module is to introduce you to the fundamentals of physiological and movement assessment, which is at the cornerstone of effective strength and conditioning provision. Also, you will be exposed to core gym-based exercises.
- Nutrition for Sport PerformanceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
The module aims to equip you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that underpin the application of sport and exercise nutrition to enhance sporting performance. This will include the fundamental processes within energy metabolism required for sport and exercise. Consideration will be given to the controlling mechanisms as they relate to digestion and absorption, the metabolism of macronutrients, adaptation through training, fluid balance, nutrient timing and metabolic demands of vario
- The Developing CoachCompulsory30 credits
Module details
The module aims to introduce the underpinning issues of practical sports delivery. The module also aims to introduce the coaching process and focuses on the requirements of the participant/athlete; the demands of the activity/sport; the pedagogical approaches to facilitate the learning environment (decision-making, planning and reflection); the 'who', 'what' and 'how' approach used across a range of sports. The practical delivery of coaching sessions and underpinning theory will be at the core o
Year two 4 modules
- Principles of Strength and ConditioningCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of strength and conditioning with a specific focus on periodisation, testing and athlete assessment, benchmarking and data interpretation.
- Research Methods for Sport Performance and CoachingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the skills needed for researching sport performance and coaching. Key aspects of scientific methods will be introduced including the various experimental methodologies, study design, conduct, summarise and evaluate research as well as analysis of data and the basic descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used. The key concepts of reflective practice, evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary work will be introduced. Data presentation in
- Practical Coaching for Sport PerformanceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to build upon previous modules by developing both theoretical knowledge and applied practical skills of sports coaching in a performance setting. You will focus on an experiential approach to learning and be exposed to a range of practical scenarios, including observations of peers and experienced sport performance coaches. Additionally, you will explore and evaluate a range of current theoretical thinking developed by national and international policies and frameworks for sport
- Maximising Sport PerformanceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to apply mono, interdisciplinary approaches to maximising sport performance. The module is designed to encourage reflection upon current theory and practice across the key disciplines within sport performance and coaching, namely: exercise physiology, human movement, sport and exercise psychology, nutrition and coaching as well as British, European and International perspectives. It will draw examples across sport and exercise domains, from eli
Placement year 2 modules
- UK Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your course. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, with regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
- International Study/Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, with regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
Final year 4 modules
- Coaching in the High-Performance EnvironmentCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to build upon previous modules by developing both theoretical knowledge of and applied practical delivery sports performance coaching. You will aim to create and evaluate innovative and evidence-based mid-term coaching plans critically appraising how they design and deliver effective participant and athlete-centred learning. You will be expected to critically reflect on all aspects of your coaching practice and develop a clear understanding of coaching expertise. Additionally, y
- Applied Strength and ConditioningCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to prepare you to work with athletes and players across a wide range of levels from beginners through to elite athletes. You will gain a broad range of practical analytical skills, capable of analysing the physical and movement demands of your chosen sport. You will also take responsibility for the design, planning and implementation of a comprehensive strength and conditioning programme.
- Exercise for Specific PopulationsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to further develop your knowledge, skills and experience to prescribe, plan and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes at an advanced level. You will be able to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to plan, review and adapt programmes of physical activity and exercise for a variety of specific populations and to those with specific programming needs. Subsequently, you will aim to make the best possible use of a range of environments and equipment to achieve the bes
- Research ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
The module enables you to undertake a sustained, in-depth research exploration and thereby demonstrate the ability to search and evaluate relevant academic literature and data and apply the necessary and appropriate research skills for the production of a scholarly empirical or conceptual piece of work. You will undertake a research project using secondary research, within an aspect of sport performance and coaching. The experience you have gained on the course will allow you to construct a proj
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course focuses on coaching athletes and improving sport performance, covering the science and practice behind training and development. In your first year, you'll usually study anatomy and exercise physiology to understand how the body adapts to training, alongside introduction to sport psychology covering motivation and performance under pressure. You'll also develop practical coaching skills across applied sessions. Year two typically moves to analysing technique through biomechanics, testing athletes and designing training programmes via physiology of training, and learning research methods in sport. You'll usually progress to specialist options such as strength & conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, combined with applied placement experience working with athletes or teams, and an independent research project.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking practical, theory-informed training in sport performance and coaching. It's designed for full-time study and taught in English. The two-year structure allows you to progress into specialist roles or further study within Sport and Exercise Science.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90% of Sport and Exercise Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 62% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, rising to £23,375–£33,000 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes across the field; your own prospects will depend on your experience, location, and career choices. Check the university's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
This HND Sport Performance and Coaching is studied full-time over 2 years at Coventry University (CU Scarborough), a University founded in 1970. Teaching is delivered in English. The course is recognised as a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding body. Coventry University holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Coventry University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Coventry University
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around CU Scarborough
1,378 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Coventry University
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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