“Working with industry professionals at the highest levels and allow you to research and understand the theories”
BSc (Hons)Sport Coaching
Apply on UCAS- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
Why study a sport coaching degree at Solent University
Get ready to take athletes to the next level with our CIMSPA-endorsed degree. You’ll be working in professional facilities and alongside national sports clubs to gain top-class knowledge and skills.
- Top0for teaching in sport and exercise sciences studies, out of 83 institutions (NSS 2024)
- 0%positive responses for teaching (NSS 2024)
- 0%positive responses for academic support (NSS 2024)
- This course offers additional qualifications for you to obtain with your degree, ActiveiQ, REPs and 1st4sport.
- Ultra-modern sports complex, featuring two sports halls, two fitness studios, strength and conditioning and high-performance gyms, health and fitness and personal training teaching gyms, and a sport and exercise therapy clinic.
- Partnership agreement with Southampton Football Club, with real-world industry experience at the Club as part of the curriculum featuring professional coaching and development from Premier League coaching staff.
- The course team have excellent links with both local and national sports organisations and clubs, as well as experience of working in the industry.
Course overview
The course will progress your skills in delivering coaching sessions to local athletes and community groups and will provide opportunities and links to volunteer or undertake placements working with individual athletes and community groups.
This course offers two pathways in either science of sport coaching or sport development.
The pathway in the science of sport coaching will develop a deeper knowledge of scientific theory – physiology, biomechanics and the psychology of coaching.
The pathway in sport development will develop deeper knowledge of sport policy, sport development, and project delivery with an opportunity to devise, deliver, and evaluate a community-based initiative.
Both pathways provide opportunities to put theory into practice, either by working with individual athletes, or with groups in the local community to provide training and sport development for local partners, for example local schools, sports clubs, youth groups, and community projects.
The course has real-world learning and employability at its core and you’ll be able to develop practical and professional skills through a variety of placement options, from working and volunteering in the local community, to a full year-long placement.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Endorsed by:
Course features
Additional qualification
This course offers additional qualifications for you to obtain with your degree
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Placement year
If you apply for this course with a placement year, you have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry between your second and third years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
Solent’s sport coaching course is ideally suited to sport enthusiasts who see their future working with athletes or sports and community groups of all abilities and backgrounds helping them to realise their ambitions.
What does this course lead to?
Previous graduates have gained sports coaching employment in a variety of sports including rugby, swimming, sailing and gymnastics.
Graduates with sport development interests have gone on to work for sport providers such as Sport Hampshire and the Saints Foundation with common roles being sport development officer, coach and camp manager.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The course team have excellent links with both local and national sports organisations and clubs, as well as experience of working in the industry. Their experience can provide valuable networking and part-time work opportunities.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Solent University is home to a range of sporting facilities and gyms. Students on this course will use the Solent Sports Complex to plan, deliver and evaluate their coaching practices.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of biomechanics. This includes linear kinematics and kinetics, and angular kinematics and kinetics. Understanding these biomechanical principles will allow you to apply them to sport and exercise in relation to human movement.
Coaching and Volunteering in Sport Development
In this module, you'll have the opportunity to work in groups and collaborate with others on your joint work. You will gain valuable knowledge and find ways of applying this in your own specific subject area in the future. You will also be able to challenge yourself to learn in different ways and to gain a better and deeper understanding of different topics.
Principles of Sport Development
In this module you will examine the theoretical concept of sport development and be introduced to its structural and organisational origins. You will be involved in discussions and debates regarding contemporary research and topical issues in the practice of sport development. You will develop knowledge of the relationship between sport and society, as they are needed for informed decision making in relation to understanding issues within sport development.
Research and Study Skills
Each week you will explore a different topic area that will help prepare you for your ‘research journey’. You will ask yourself: what is research; why is it important; and how do I successfully undertake it? Learning will encompass how to locate and use information, how to evaluate the quality of the information found, and how to analyse research design. You will explore research examples and be challenged to identify a potential research area that is of interest to you.
Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition
In this module you will learn about different psychological topics such as confidence, motivation, and anxiety and how these can influence an athlete's participation and performance. You will discuss and consider how as coaches we can have an impact on these different constructs. You will discover the different stages of the learning process in which athletes learn and develop new skills and gain an understanding of how athletes process the information around them and make effective decisions.
Sports Coaching and Fitness Instruction
In addition to learning the theories that underpin the subject of sports coaching and fitness instruction in sport, you will engage with various topics and learning styles and opportunities, such as coaching topics such as coaching and learning styles, needs analysis, differentiation and progression, long term athletic development and fundamental movement skills. From a gym-based fitness instruction perspective, you will learn safe and accurate delivery of cardiovascular machines, free weight exercises, machine-based exercises and body weight exercise.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Assignments
- Practical activities
- In-class tests
- Case studies
- Reflective accounts
- Group work
- Group presentations
- Written exams
- Practical exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out moreStudy support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in sport coaching?
A recent study by YouGov for Sports Coach UK revealed 3.1 million adults in England coached sport or physical activity each year, and over 370,000 make their living from coaching full time. Full time coaches deliver 45% of the 7.6 million coach-led participation experiences each week.
As the coaching industry continues to grow, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to provide for and support the changing sport and physical activity needs of the UK population.
You could earn:
Sports coach
Starting salary: £15,000 to £25,000
The typical salary range for senior coaches employed by NGBs or professional sports clubs is £30,000 to £35,000.
Personal trainer
Starting salary: £15,000 to £24,000
This is for those employed by a gym or similar - salaries could rise to £35,000. Freelance instructors could earn between £20 and £40 per hour.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“Working with industry professionals at the highest levels and allow you to research and understand the theories”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Endorsements
Endorsed by:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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MSc Sport Science for Performance Coaching
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Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
- Students must purchase a Solent sports kit. As a package, this will cost approximately £135.
- Students are required to undertake DBS criminal records checks as part of their enrolment. This is compulsory and is payable by the student at a cost of £60. The DBS check is organised by the University.
Optional costs
- Students may have the chance to undertake optional Active IQ qualifications alongside their studies. Prices vary but are between £100 and £300.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum two completed A-levels with science A-Levels preferred, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D, a T-Level Merit, or equivalent, which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above.
- All students will be required to undertake a criminal convictions check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years