final year students with outstanding academic performance
Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching (with Foundation Year) at Northampton. You'll develop expertise across core coaching theory, research methods, applied practice, and professional skills, culminating in an independent project that showcases your learning.
About this course
Learn the skills required to become a sport coach with UON’s sports coaching degree and specialise with modules that can shape your career. Apply now! From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Sport and exercise sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 72% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Sport and exercise psychology is an exciting discipline area providing the opportunity to explore the psychological influences on human behaviour. The module offers an introduction to key psychological theories and concepts relevant to sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching contexts.
- The Social Context of Sport and ExerciseCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the various ways in which sport and exercise are shaped by the social contexts in which they occur. It offers a broad introduction to sociological investigation by outlining some key contemporary social issues in sport, exercise and physical activity. Thus providing a foundation for the further study of socio-cultural issues connected to sport, exercise and physical activity.
- Sport Coaching ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces the learner to the multi-disciplinary nature of sports coaching. It intends to offer a general insight into the areas of; performance analysis, movement analysis, strength and conditioning concepts, sports physiology, anatomy and sports injury. The module will provide a greater understanding of core subject disciplines thereby enabling sports coaches to develop a holistic approach to coaching athletes.
- Introduction to Motor Learning and Skill AcquisitionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the core principles related to motor learning and skill acquisition in sport and exercise settings, developing knowledge from both an athlete and coach perspective, enabling them to apply theortetical-based information into practical environments to enhance optimal performance.
- Sport Coaching PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of coach role and effective behaviour in a range of sports and sport settings. During the module learners will have exposure to, and gain experience from, practical coaching delivery across a range of sporting environments and theoretical perspectives and be able to analyse their own effective coaching behaviours. In addition, learners will be encouraged to learn from, and through, coach education resources, materials, and indi
- Professional Skills for the Coaching IndustryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to give students the essential academic and employability skills in order to improve their capabilities and excel at university, and then onto their chosen career.
Year 2 7 modules
- Sport Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of research designs, methods and research skills within a subject-based context. It equips the student with a framework in which to conceptualise quantitative and qualitative traditions and applications. The emphasis will be upon understanding and experiencing the research process and developing critical skills necessary to collect, analyse and present data.
- Performance Analysis and CoachingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Performance analysis is an integral part of the coaching process, it provides athletes and coaches with objective information to help them better understand performance. This module aims to provide the sports coaches with strategies that can be used to analyse and quantify sports performance in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and performance-related decisions. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to conduct objective analysis of sports performance through
- The Developing AthleteCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to examine the developmental changes in children and adolescents from a multidisciplinary perspective in a sporting context. Participation in sport and structured physical activity sessions may begin as early as three years of age and continue well into adulthood. It is imperative, therefore, that sport professionals understand the biological, social, and psychological changes affecting an athlete¿s developmental journey. Students will critically consider the key de
- Developing Professional PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is prepare students for employability in the field of coaching sport, sport development and physical education. They will apply for and carry out 120 hours of work placement and link their placement to theory and reflection to develop their understanding and experential knowledge within the field.
- Sport Pedagogy in ContextCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module focuses on coaches¿ ability to apply pedagogical theory to understand how participants interact with their environment, peers, and other coaches to co-construct knowledge and skills, while developing adaptable and creative approaches to sports performance. The emphasis is on active, problem-solving, self-regulated learning and the importance of social interactions in shaping participant¿s experiences.
- Fitness Training MethodsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role and application of the assessment of sport and exercise specific fitness components. It will further explore the complex issues surrounding overall design and monitoring of individual¿s training programmes in the context of sports performance or special populations. It will also provide the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the different m
- Psychology of Sport PerformanceOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop students¿ knowledge of theory and research explaining performance-related emotions and psychological constructs important to the understanding of peak performance in sport. Further, this module aims to provide students with an awareness of key psychological skills utilised to inform applied practice with athletes.
Year 3 8 modules
- Creating Performance Coaching EnvironmentsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the role of the coach and the knowledge needed in the design and maintenance of optimal performance coaching environments, and the effective working practices of sport coaches in performance settings. Special emphasis will be placed on analysing, and challenging, contemporary research exploring the efficacy of coaches working practices in the context of developing talent across a range of performance sport settings.
- DissertationCompulsory40 credits
Module details
The dissertation provides an opportunity for sport students to apply knowledge, concepts, and research techniques to a question or problem in sport, exercise, or physical activity. The dissertation builds and expands on students' prior knowledge of research acquired at levels four and five. It aims to foster the development of expertise in methodology and skills in the planning, conducting, and writing up of research reports. This form of independent, experiential learning will require students
- Applied Sport PsychologyOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding of sport psychology from previous modules at levels four and five. There will be a focus on the role of the sport psychologist and an application of psychological skills theory in relation to enhancing sport performance and well-being.
- Contemporary Issues in Sport DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to critically examine a range of contemporary issues in the field of sport development, particularly those that directly impact upon the role of the sport development officer. It aims to explore 'real world' sport issues in areas such as youth, community and elite sport settings. Relevant models and concepts from sport development literature and real world case studies will be drawn upon to help critically analyse these areas, building upon earlier content that intr
- Advanced Fitness Training MethodsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build upon the knowledge gained in the previous two years in Fitness Training Methods (SPO1012 and SPO2020). The module will focus on the applied nature of training with a strong practical and work experience focus for students to gain valuable understanding of periodised training prescription. It specifically addresses the use of applied strength and conditioning training, techniques and develops student preparation for independent work in a sporting environmen
- Applied Practice in SportOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding from the experiences gained at level 5. Students will put into practice the skills and knowledge they have acquired in real life work based environments and reflect upon their development and readiness to meet the demands of their specific areas of sport and exercise employment.
- Performance Analysis ApplicationsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide students with the skills and knowledge essential for collecting, analysing, interpreting and applying real world performance analysis data. It is vital that the processes and application of this data is grounded within current and relevant research within the performance analysis field.
- Coaching Professional Development and EducationOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to examine the importance of professional development within sports coaching and to understand the bodies and organisations vital to this process. Coach education, mentoring systems and professional bodies are to be evaluated and placed within theoretical context.
Foundation Year 2 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
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 equips you with practical coaching skills and the science underpinning sport performance. You'll usually begin with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology and introductory sport psychology, alongside applied coaching practice. In Year 2, a course like this normally moves to biomechanics, training physiology and research methods. From Year 3 onwards, you specialise through optional modules in areas such as strength & conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, whilst undertaking an applied placement with teams, clients or schools and completing an independent research project.
Who it's for
You're drawn to sport and understand that effective coaching demands more than enthusiasm, it requires grounded knowledge of human performance, evidence-based practice, and genuine skill in developing others. You'll thrive if you're self-directed, keen to move beyond classroom learning into practical coaching environments, and interested in how research shapes real-world coaching decisions. This course suits those aiming to build a credible foundation for a coaching career, whether you plan to specialise in a particular sport or sport context.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Among those in employment, 62% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their education. National earnings data for Sport & Exercise Science graduates show starting salaries of £22,000–£30,000 (at 15 months), £19,125–£27,000 after three years, and £23,375–£33,000 after five years. These figures reflect the wider graduate population, not a specific guarantee. The University of Northampton is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body and holds Silver recognition for teaching quality from the Office for Students (TEF 2023).
University & format
You will study full-time at the Waterside Campus of The University of Northampton over 4 years. The degree is taught in English and leads to a BSc (Hons) qualification, a nationally recognised UK degree. The University holds Silver for teaching quality under the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 1% |
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.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £28,000 | £23,000 – £30,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £21,500 | £18,500 – £25,000 | 70 |
| 5 years after | £27,500 | £23,000 – £31,500 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 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.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 95; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching (with Foundation Year) worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching (with Foundation Year) earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 95.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 72%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
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 Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 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 Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 Northampton’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 Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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