Football Science (Top-up) BSc Honours

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Football Science (Top-up)?

Over the course of the degree you will develop your coaching by learning to apply sport science theory to your practice, studying topics such as applied sport science, performance analysis, injury prevention, media training, sport nutrition, team management and optionally teaching and coaching.

You will have the opportunity to explore an area of your choice through an in-depth research dissertation, while developing advanced sport science and performance analysis skills in our state-of-the-art facilities at Allianz Park. As part of the degree you will also complete 50 hours of placement, with opportunities at a range of sports clubs and local sports development projects.

What will you gain?

An in-depth understanding of the scientific methods of training and performance, which are necessary for carving out a successful career in football. Those who complete the Performance Analysis module of the degree are able to apply for accreditation with the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS). After you graduate you will be equipped for a career coaching – in football or in any other coaching environment – and you will also be ideally prepared for a master’s degree studying performance analysis or coaching science.

This module aims to provide an insight into the professional world of football and being part of a coaching team. The module will cover team management, pitch side injury and medical, social media training, sport nutrition and session planning for an entire season’s football training to take into account today’s modern fixtures.

On this module, you will enhance your academic knowledge and practical experience of performance analysis in sport. You will learn to design, reliably collect, appropriately analyse and professionally present relevant performance-related data. Using a variety of sporting scenarios and techniques, you will gain a good understanding of how performance analysis is used in sport, and the role of the performance analyst. Upon successful completion of the module you be able to apply for ISPAS accreditation.

Here, you can choose to undertake either a 30 credit Research Project in addition to the Advanced Teaching and Coaching module, or the 60 credit Dissertation.

Similar to the dissertation but a smaller project overall, the Research Project module provides an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry-based approach, the employment and application of research skills, while facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. You will select a topic of personal interest you wish to study further and manage your own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

This module aims to provide an understanding of the necessary physical education and coaching standards, systems and guidelines required within the administration process of teaching and coaching. You will develop and extend your knowledge, understanding and confidence in the delivery of a range of physical activities and sports at Key Stage 1-4 (5-16yrs). The module will also teach you how to create an extensive provision of physical activities and sport teaching and coaching materials that examines and encourages progression and development of teaching and coaching skills. You will gain an understanding of analysing and developing any physical skills from its simple origin through its most complex and advanced forms.

You can choose to undertake either a 60 credit Dissertation, or complete a the 30 credit Research Project in addition to the Advanced Teaching and Coaching module.

The dissertation module provides an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity; an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. You will select a topic of personal interest on which you wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. You will manage your own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.