Sport, Coaching and Physical Education BSc (Hons) DPS/DIntS

What you'll study

The principal aim of our Sport, Coaching and Physical Education BSc (Hons) course is to provide a multi-disciplinary and practically-based approach to the contemporary study of sport, coaching and physical education, underpinned by both sport and exercise science, and critical social and health perspectives.

The information below reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Final year

You will embark on a compulsory first year which provides a platform for future years. Modules will provide fundamental information and practical experience in Sport, Coaching and Physical Education and fundamental knowledge in the complimentary disciplines of Sport and Social Sciences, Kinesiology, Growth and Development, Psychology, Biomechanics and Physiology.

An additional module addressing the Research, Employability and Academic Skills necessary for a successful career in Sport, Coaching or Teaching will also be taken.

Fundamentals of Sport Coaching Core

Fundamentals of Sport Coaching

The aims of this module are for students to develop a holistic understanding of coaching and coaching practice, and to introduce students to evidence-based research and research-informed practice.

Fundamentals of Teaching Physical Education Core

Fundamentals of Teaching Physical Education

The aim of this module is for students to develop fundamental teaching skills and the basic pedagogical knowledge needed to develop an understanding of the principles underpinning effective PE teaching in selected practical activities.

Academic, Research and Vocational Skills Core

Academic, Research and Vocational Skills

The aims of this module are to support students’ transition into and progression through university education by developing the core academic and vocational knowledge and skills required for their programme and future career; and to introduce students to qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Sport and the Social Sciences Core

Sport and the Social Sciences

The aim of this module is for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying social science theories and topical debates that relate to sport, coaching and pedagogy.

Kinesiology, Growth and Development Core

Kinesiology, Growth and Development

The aim of this module is to examine the anatomical structures of the body and the ways that the muscular and skeletal systems interact during human movement, exercise and sport and understand how these changes are impacted during periods of childhood growth and development.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science Core

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science

The aim of this module is for students to develop foundational knowledge and understanding of the core sport and exercise science disciplines of psychology, biomechanics and physiology

You will take compulsory modules in Teaching, Coaching and Research Methods. You will then select from a series of optional modules in the areas of Sport Sociology, Physical Activity and Health, Skill Acquisition and Fitness Training and Analysis where you will further develop your knowledge, understanding and academic and practical skills through more in depth study.

Semester 1

Coaching Process and Practice Core

Coaching Process and Practice

The aims of this module are for students to examine coaching effectiveness and the complexity of the coaching process and to be able to apply and demonstrate this theoretical knowledge in practice in authentic coaching contexts.

Sport, Diversity and Social Justice Optional

Sport, Diversity and Social Justice

The aim of this module is for students to develop a critical understanding of the relationships between sport, diversity and social justice as they relate to contexts within and around sport, coaching and pedagogy.

Acquiring Movement Skills Optional

Acquiring Movement Skills

The aim of this module is to examine both theoretically and in practice, the key factors governing the acquisition and performance of human movement skills.

Semester 2

The Reflective Practitioner in Physical Education Core

The Reflective Practitioner in Physical Education

The aim of this module is for students to develop as reflective practitioners exploring more advanced teaching skills and identifying aspects of high quality PE, furthering their pedagogical knowledge and applying this to a range of practical activities.

Conceptualising Sport Optional

Conceptualising Sport

The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of more advanced social scientific concepts which combine to form the basis of social theories and perspectives used in the analysis of sport and physical cultures in modern societies across the world.

Physical Activity and Health Optional

Physical Activity and Health

The aim of this module is for students to develop knowledge and understanding of physical activity and sedentary behaviour and their relationship with health, including measurement of the behaviours, correlates/determinants and settings for promotion of the behaviours.

Semester 1 & 2

Research Skills and Methodologies Core

Research Skills and Methodologies

The aim of this module is for students to develop an understanding of the philosophical and methodological underpinnings of the research process and to gain experience of formulating appropriate research questions, research designs and proposals for conducting research in sport, coaching, physical education and management.

Fitness Training and Analysis Optional

Fitness Training and Analysis

The aim of this module is for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the science of physical fitness, training and performance analysis.

You will have the opportunity to take select one or two modules focusing on Teaching and Coaching. You will then have the opportunity to select from a series of modules from the areas of Sport Sociology, Physical Activity and Health, Psychology, Leadership and Development Skills, Strength and Conditioning and Performance Analysis. These modules will be more advanced and encourage you to foster a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the contemporary field of Sport, Coaching and Physical Education.

You will also undertake a substantial Research Project module that will involve investigating a sport, coaching, teaching or related discipline in which you have developed a particular interest.

Research Project Core

Research Project

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to select, design and conduct a research project in a topic relevant to their development and programme.

Contemporary Issues in Physical Education, or Advanced Sport Coaching Core

Contemporary Issues in Physical Education, or Advanced Sport Coaching

Contemporary Issues in Physical Education explores contemporary policy, curriculum and pedagogical issues relevant to a school PE context and how these impact on teaching and learning, as well as providing an opportunity to gain experience of the delivery and practice of PE and selected areas through work based learning. Advanced Sport Coaching seeks to develop a critical understanding of coaches’ development and life-long learning and the ability to specialise in specific coaching domains.

Psychology of Coaching and Physical Education Optional

Psychology of Coaching and Physical Education

The aim of this module is for students to gain an in-depth understanding of psychological issues relating to coaching and teaching children and adolescents in school and community settings.

Physical Activity and Health in Practice Optional

Physical Activity and Health in Practice

The aim of this module is for students to develop detailed knowledge, critical understanding and vocationally relevant skills relating to the real world application of physical activity for health within varied contexts.

Leadership and Managing Change Optional

Leadership and Managing Change

The aim of this module is for students to develop a critical understanding of different theoretical perspectives on leadership and how leadership styles shape organisational practice. Students will also develop and evaluate their own preferred leadership approach and skills.

Applied Sport Science: Analysis and Conditioning Optional

Applied Sport Science: Analysis and Conditioning

The aim of this module is for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the applied sports science disciplines of strength and conditioning and performance analysis.

Module specification