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Sport Science and Coaching BSc (Hons)

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
  • UCAS Code(s): CX61 (full-time); 350N (sandwich)
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: Three years full-time / four years full-time with a year placement
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
Information for 2024

Introduction:

You can’t become a great coach without doing it for real. At NTU, we’ll give you lots of opportunities to do just that. Thanks to our fantastic links with NTU sports clubs, junior teams and local sport organisations, you’ll get to  experience coaching at every level.

You’ll be exploring why coaching is as important for professional sport as it is at grassroots level; and you will develop an understanding of what makes an effective coach. This will all be backed up with developing your core knowledge of sport science.

The course provides opportunities to get involved in a research and consultancy project, all benefiting from our strong connections with a host of leading sport and leisure organisations. These include Nottingham Rugby Club, England Hockey and Nottingham Forest Football Club.

This degree combines study of the rapidly expanding field of sport and exercise science, along with the more vocational area of coaching. You will approach coaching using scientific, evidence-based techniques. This will enable you to apply scientific sports principles to improve sports performance while developing vocational expertise.

Sport and Wellbeing Academy

Each year a number of our Sport Science students get the chance to work in our Sport and Wellbeing Academy. This exciting opportunity allows you to apply some of the theory you've learned in a real-world environment and develop the skills needed for working in industry. Working alongside our experienced Senior Exercise Practitioners you'll have the opportunity to deliver exercise programmes to help improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.

You can also work with local schools to implement 'The Daily Mile' which improves the fitness and concentration of their pupils. NTU's sports teams are currently in the top ten in the BUCS league (British Universities and Colleges Sport). Our aim is to reach the top and working in the Academy gives you the opportunity to work with our teams on their training, performance and nutrition to make this dream a reality. Find out more about the Academy...

  • Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality in Sport Science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
  • Top 10 University for Sport in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Championship.
  • 100% of our BSc (Hons) Sport Science and Coaching (Sandwich) students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
  • Get work experience in our Sport and Wellbeing Academy. You'll work on improving the health and wellbeing of the local community, schools and our sports teams.

What you’ll study

You will develop knowledge and skills of performance and technique analysis through the following modules:

  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Biomechanics
  • Observational Analysis.

You will also pursue coaching and reflective practice in some depth. There will be a continuing emphasis on research methods in Year Two and Three and you can choose more advanced modules in Psychology, Physiology and Biomechanics to combine with the core coaching modules. You will also have the opportunity to take part in sporting activities and coaching, which will lead to nationally recognised coaching awards.

Chartered institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

You’ll have the opportunity to take your CIMSPA Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer qualification alongside your degree.

By becoming part of CIMSPA, which is the largest community of qualified exercise professionals, you not only boost your graduate employability but also create a foundation for ongoing career growth. It's a fantastic way to start your journey in the world of sport science and fitness.

There will be a small fee to register with CIMSPA.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology

This module provides the foundations of the key human systems (both anatomical and physiological) and their responses and adaptations to sport and exercise.

Foundations in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Examine the psychological consequences of engaging in sport and exercise, as well as the mental factors that impact on quality sport and exercise experiences.

Introduction to Human Movement Science

Learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of biomechanics relevant to understanding motion of the human body and the forces generated or experienced by the human body.

Sport, Culture and Society: a Critical Introduction

Explore the importance of the social sciences in the understanding of sport and in the education of every sports professional.

Exploring Coaching Practice

The aim of this module is to facilitate and encourage exploration of areas within the academic discipline of coaching and begin to make links between and inform coaching practice.

Integrated Applied and Professional Skills

Get an overall perspective of the research process in the context of sport, exercise, health and leisure management, and learn the research skills necessary to successfully complete your studies.

Core modules

Coaching Science

You will devise and implement a coaching programme, drawing upon theory from your other modules.

Applying Coaching Theory to Practice

This module facilitates and encourages further exploration of topics within coaching, and develops the academic skills necessary to relate the study to coaching as a profession.

Research Design and Analysis

Using enquiry based learning, you will continue to learn about the research process and gain an understanding and experience of how research is conducted within the field of sport and exercise science.

Optional modules - choose one or two:

Practical Applications in Sport and Exercise Psychology

This module introduces the concept of evidence-based practice, and frameworks of assessment, intervention and evaluation to address issues in sport, coaching, social and exercise psychology.

Sociology of Sport, Health and the Body

Develop a critical understanding of the active body in society by connecting key theories and concepts with personal experiences, professional challenges, and popular cultural examples.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

Through both theoretical and practical study you will learn how the body’s structures and functions are altered by bouts of physical exercise, and how these concepts can be applied to training.

Optional modules - choose one or two:

Observational Analysis for Sport

Learn the key concepts, skills and techniques for observational analysis of sports, including match analysis, motion analysis and techniques analysis.

Analysis of Human Movement

This module builds on the basic principles introduced through the Level 1 module Introduction to Human Movement Science.

Optional year-long work placement.  If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.

Core modules

Advanced Coaching Practice

Further develop your coaching practice by drawing upon current understanding and critical evaluation of a range of topics within the disciplines of coaching and sport science.

Sport Project and Dissertation

You will produce an original and independent piece of work in a specialist area of sport science, coaching, exercise science or sport and leisure management depending on your focus of study.

Optional modules - choose one:

Contemporary Issues in the Sociology of Sport: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

This module seeks to situate sport within a broad consideration of global processes, practices and consequences.

Sport, Exercise and the Brain

You'll explore how psychological factors, such as self-control, affect exercise adherence and sporting performance. Additionally, you will examine how physical activity and exercise affect psychophysiological outcomes, such as cognitive function and mental health.

Strength, Power and Endurance for Sport and Exercise

The module typically focuses on six topics related to applied exercise physiology and strength and conditioning research.

Physical Activity for Health

This module will cover elements such as general principles of exercise testing and prescription, paediatric conditions, geriatric conditions and gender specific conditions.

Talent Development in Sport

This module will explore a critical view of the role of talent development in sport, focusing on the psychosocial, environmental, and personal factors that can influence the talent development process.

Optional modules - choose one:

Child and Adolescent Growth, Health and Performance

This module will describe and critically evaluate the processes of growth and development in humans, and the potential impact of these on the current (and future) health and performance of the growing child and adolescent.

Applied Human Movement Science for Sport

The aim of this module is to address in the context of biomechanics how to improve and or optimise human performance and to understand how human performance can be affected by or result in dysfunction.

Advanced Topics in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Students will become familiar with selected areas such as motivational climate, athletic identity, mental toughness, psychology of injury and morality in sport and the emphasis of this module will be placed on current primary research.

Hormone and Immune Function in Sport and Exercise

This module will introduce you to the endocrine and immune systems, exploring how these systems operate as separate entities and look at areas where they overlap. Using this knowledge, you will then be introduced to exercise immunology and endocrinology considering the physiological and molecular mechanisms that determine the function of both systems.

Optional modules - choose one:

Performance Skill and Expertise in Sport

This module outlines how human movement and motor programs are initiated, controlled, learned, taught and performed.

Challenging Critical Issues in Sport

You'll analyse complex problems such as sports injury, drug use in sport and inequality and develop potential solutions using positive social changes.

Environmental Sports Physiology

This module intends to outline some of the physiological adaptations that occur when the human body is exposed to an extreme environment.

Illness and Injury in Sport and Exercise

Investigate injury management and illnesses that occur in sport and exercise. You'll examine the epidemiology, mechanisms and risk factors and the use of strategies to avoid and lessen the occurrence of sports injuries and illnesses.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Alessandro Barcherini

Four years ago I was sat at Clifton Campus, taking the men’s first team against Newcastle Uni – and here I am now, working in the Premiership

Joseph Sullivan

During his career, Joe has worked with world-class sportspeople and their coaches at some of the best stadiums in the world.

Sebastian Hernandez

Exercise oncology really came unexpectedly. Even though I have always keep my doors open in regards to clinical practice, I saw myself working in cardiovascular disease or diabetes but never even considered working with patients living with and beyond cancer.

Video Gallery

Watch our facility tour video to get an insight into the equipment you'll use and what you'll study on the course.
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How you’re taught

How will I learn?

You will have around 12 hours of scheduled contact time per week. This will take the form of:

  • traditional lectures and seminars
  • practical workshops
  • external visits.

The remainder of your time will be self-guided independent study. You will be assessed using a variety of methods including:

  • coursework (assignments, dissertation, group projects, case studies)
  • practical (oral presentations, practical competencies tests)
  • written (exams)

Contact hours

Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (26%) and independent study (74%)

Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (24%) and independent study (76%)

Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (18%) and independent study (82%)

A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study

Research informed teaching

Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. It also informs the subjects you’ll be studying with us so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Staff Profiles

Prof Simon Cooper - Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Simon Cooper, Professor of Physical Activity and Health, in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Michael Johnson - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Michael Johnson, Principal Lecturer, in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Stuart Jolly - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Dr Stuart Jolly, Principal Lecturer in the Dept of Sport Science at NTU. Extensive experience of course development, quality assurance and course leadership.

Graham Sharpe - Deputy Head of Department

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Graham Sharpe, Deputy Head of the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Noel Kinrade - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Dr Noel Kinrade - Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology in the Sports Department at Nottingham Trent University.

Neil Williams - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Neil Williams, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Craig Strong MPhil./MSc./SFHEA - Senior Lecturer

Sport Science Department

Find out more about Craig Strong, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

How you’re assessed

Year 1 coursework (58%), written (25%) and practical (17%)

Year 2 coursework (73%), written (17%) and practical (10%)

Year 3 coursework (83%), written (4%) and practical (13%)

A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study

Careers and employability

Your career development

You will develop and apply a range of essential, transferable management skills that are greatly respected by employers.

Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:

  • Fitness First
  • Excel Sport Coaching
  • The University Of Leicester
  • Fit4Schools
  • Saracens Rugby Club
  • GB Canoeing
  • Coventry City Football Club
  • Nottinghamshire Swimming Association
  • Score Football Coaching

They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:

  • Assistant Head Coach
  • Personal Trainer
  • Manager / Coach
  • Rugby Development Officer
  • Fitness Adviser
  • Community Sport Coordinator
  • Academy Analyst

On successful completion of the course, many graduates choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.

Placements

Top 10 for the number of sport science students on year-long placements (HESA 2021/22)

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.

Our recent Engineering students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Nottingham Forest Academy and Arsenal Football Club. They secured varied roles such as Performance Analyst, Trainee Sport Scientist and Assistant Football Coach.

You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Find out more about work placements.

Throughout your time with us you will have many opportunities through the placement and consultancy projects to put theory into practice and gain valuable experience and develop the skills that will prepare you for the career of your choice.

In addition, you will undertake research and consultancy projects with a host of leading sport and leisure organisations, providing you with invaluable industry experience. These include:

  • British Olympic Association
  • Nottingham Rugby Club
  • England Hockey
  • Nottingham Forest Football Club
  • Derby Rugby Club
  • British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

Where will I study?

Teaching events are held across Clifton Campus, and include interactive workshops in spaces specifically designed for collaborative, hands-on learning.

We have the stimulating and creative environment needed to equip students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd. We provide first-class facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research, these include:

The University has a wide range of sporting and health-related facilities across three of our campuses. You will have access to:

  • sport coaching
  • sports injury clinics
  • fitness suites
  • specialist facilities
  • more than 40 sports clubs.

Sport, Exercise and Health Physiology Laboratories

Our laboratories are fully equipped with specialist facilities. You will find high-quality, dynamic learning environment to cater for different types of exercise testing and physical activity.

British Olympic Association (BOA) Approved Environmental Chamber

This chamber enables us to simulate climates anywhere in the world, from Everest to Egypt. Olympic athletes have used the chamber to acclimatise to extreme competition environments.

Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Suite

Our Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Suite includes isokinetic and isometric dynamometers for assessment of force produced by muscle groups of the body. You will also find a 3D camera motion analysis system.

Culinary Skills Teaching Kitchen and the Clifton Sports Hub Nutrition Suite

You will have the opportunity to develop your cooking skills and deliver cook and eat sessions in our Culinary Skills Teaching Kitchen and the Clifton Sports Hub Nutrition Suite.

IT, Sport Psychology and Management Suites

The School also features IT, Sport Psychology and Management Suites. These are used for analysing following:

  • matches
  • statistics
  • nutrition
  • coaching

You will also have a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.

Entry requirements

  • Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent PE or Science subject*
  • Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent PE or Science subject*

*If you are applying with a BTEC Extended Certificate (previously BTEC Subsidiary Diploma) you will also need an A-level in a science subject or equivalent. We will accept Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Sport Studies or Psychology

Contextual offers

A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

  • 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent PE or Science subject*

*If you are applying with a BTEC Extended Certificate (previously BTEC Subsidiary Diploma) you will also need an A-level in a science subject or equivalent. We will accept Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Sport Studies or Psychology

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before.  This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

What do the course fees cover?

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.

CIMSPA Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer qualification - if you choose to take this qualification alongside your degree there will be a small fee to register with CIMSPA.  For guidance in 2023 the fee was £75.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Tuition fees 

Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

What do the course fees cover?

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

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