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Sport Science and Coaching BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): CX61 (full-time); 350N (sandwich)
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
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 sports organisations, you’ll get to experience coaching at every level.
You’ll be exploring why coaching is as important for professional sports as it is at the grassroots level, and you will develop an understanding of what makes an effective coach. This will all be backed up by developing your core knowledge of sports 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 sports and leisure organisations. These include Nottingham Rugby Club, England Hockey and Nottingham Forest Football Club.
This degree combines the 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.
Why choose this course?
You will have access to outstanding facilities, including:
- a British Olympic Association (BOA) approved Environmental Chamber
- a Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Suite.
You will have the unique opportunity to leave the University with numerous coaching qualifications and awards. This is because our Sport and Lifestyle Department offers sports coaching opportunities.
- We also have British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) accredited physiologists and sports psychologists in our Sports Science Academic Team.
- NTU has been designated as a National Performance Centre by England Hockey. This is thanks to our superb sporting facilities, coaching staff and services.
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Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality in Sport Science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023) -
Top 10 University for Sport in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Championship 2021 - 2022.
What you’ll study
You will develop knowledge and skills in 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.
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.
Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology
Foundations in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Introduction to Human Movement Science
Sport, Culture and Society: a Critical Introduction
Explore the importance of the social sciences in the understanding of sports and in the education of every sports professional.
Exploring Coaching Practice
Developing Academic and Research Skills
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.
Integrated Applied and Professional Skills
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.
Choose three optional modules:
Choose one or two from:
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.
Choose one or two from:
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
Sport Project and Dissertation
Optional modules:
Choose one from:
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
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 sports, focusing on the psychosocial, environmental, and personal factors that can influence the talent development process.
Choose one from:
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 sports 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 looking 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.
Choose one from:
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 sports and inequality and develop potential solutions using positive social changes.
Environmental Sports Physiology
Illness and Injury in Sport and Exercise
Investigate injury management and illnesses that occur in sports 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
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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 a 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
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 Sports 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 sports 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 the 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 Lee Westwood Centre 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 Lee Westwood Centre Nutrition Suite.
IT, Sport Psychology and Management Suites
The School also features IT, Sport Psychology and Management Suites. These are used for analysing the following:
- matches
- statistics
- nutrition
- coaching
You will also have a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.
Entry requirements
- 112 - 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent PE or Science subject*
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C/4.
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
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent PE or Science subject*
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C/4.
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
Important information
This course involves working with children / vulnerable groups, therefore applicants may be requested to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau, or CRB disclosure). Applicants' suitability for the course will be considered according to the results of the DBS check on a case-by-case basis.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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.
There will be a £30 exam fee for students taking REPS qualifications.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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.
There will be a £30 exam fee for students taking REPS qualifications.
How to apply
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.