Sports Coaching and Physical Education - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry. Switch to 2026/27 Entry
The course content is designed to ensure graduates develop the pedagogical practice required to coach athletes across a range of ages and abilities, as well as the delivery of all areas of the Physical Education curriculum at both Primary and Secondary school level....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City South / Alexander Stadium
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
The course content is designed to ensure graduates develop the pedagogical practice required to coach athletes across a range of ages and abilities, as well as the delivery of all areas of the Physical Education curriculum at both Primary and Secondary school level. Following graduation, you will be in a position to gain employment within a sports coaching or school sport setting, or embark on postgraduate studies, such as a PGCE in Physical Education.
What's covered in this course?
We will help you develop a keen understanding of your own coaching and teaching philosophy, along with providing you with industry and cultural factors that influence the wider context of sport. You will gain practical application of the theoretical underpinnings of coaching and PE teaching and have access to hands-on experiences.
Physical education continues to be an important part of Government agendas, so with this in mind, you will also learn relevant and up-to-date information that is linked and mapped to the National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE). You will be taught the contemporary information that educators within this sector require. It won’t just be about sport either; you'll be looking at different aspects of health and people at opposite ends of the health spectrum. It's a chance for you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to negotiate different challenges in your future profession.
To help build these skills, you'll go on placements, working face-to-face and gaining first-hand experience in a coaching and/or school environment, something which will enhance your future employability.
Teaching for this course is split between our campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham which contains our state-of-the-art sport and exercise laboratories, sports therapy rooms and cutting-edge resources. The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University has invested an additional £5m in areas across both main stands for our practical sports teaching and learning activities.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- Placement experience - you'll gain vital, first-hand experience of coaching and physical education by undertaking placements where you can build your knowledge and enhance your abilities
- Job opportunities - benefit from our staff expertise and networks to help support you to find work experience and opportunities. We have students who have gained employment within organisations such as the Football Association and in schools since starting their course with us.
- Inspiring children - with you, we deliver a host of practical-based teamwork and activities, ensuring you learn by doing. We regularly hold sports festivals for students from all year groups to host with local school children, to provide you with hands-on experience right from the start of the course
- Professional endorsement – this course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, the professional body for Sports Coaching. On successful completion of the course, you will receive CIMSPA accreditation, meaning you are well set up to work in the coaching industry.
- Top 5 for Sports Science student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024).
- Partnerships - we have developed and are continuing to develop excellent partnerships with sports organisations such as Warwickshire County Cricket Club (the University sponsors the Birmingham Bears T20 team), Kidderminster Harriers FC, City of Birmingham Swimming Club and Birmingham City FC. Our aim is to offer unique opportunities and experiences that will be invaluable for you in building a CV and provide the foundations for a successful career.
Open Days
Join us for an Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open for this event yet, register your interest and we'll let you know when booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 4 October 2025
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
- Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced DBS check and registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority prior to enrolling on this course. If you have any queries please refer to DBS Frequently Asked Questions or contact admissions@bcu.ac.uk.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,535 in 2025/26 ✱ Important note for this price
- Apply via UCAS
(↩Back to price) * The Government is proposing to increase the cap on full-time regulated tuition fees to £9,535 for 2025/26 and the University is planning on increasing fees to that maximum level once legislation is enacted. Part-time fees are charged pro-rata, where applicable.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Our advice for applying to a health care course
Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The aim of this module is to introduce the theories and methods of coaching. This will include topics such as athlete development, coaching models, coach education, interpersonal relationships, and contextual influences on coaching. The module will focus on delivering a blend of lectures, seminars, and practicals. This will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts integrated within the coaching process to underpin the planning, delivery, and reflection of applied practice. Therefore, the key purpose of this module is to encourage you to reflect upon how they may apply the module content into real-life situations. As a developing coach and member of the sport community, this module will encourage you to reflect in their own life experiences which will be a valuable tool to facilitate knowledge translation.
This module aims to provide an insight into the strategies that can be used to analyse and quantify sports performance in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and match-play decisions. Objective analysis of performance is achieved through the collection of real-time data, which will be analysed and reported to coaches in a useable manner. The means by which performance analysis data can be used to enhance training interventions, augment learning and improve decision-making in competitive situations will be the focus of discussion in sessions.
This module will provide you with a core foundation of knowledge in Physical Education (PE) and School Sport. It is intended that you will be aware of how PE differs to School Sport, but also how they can be interlinked.
This module will provide an understanding of how children develop through a physical, emotional, health and well-being perspective. Students will learn about how skill and ability levels can differ between children, and factors which influence development of these. Further studies will focus on how children process information in order to make decisions, and this can be compared and contrasted as children grow through different maturational stages.
This module will introduce the academic skills required for studying Sport and Exercise in Higher Education, and to the resources needed to support academic and personal development. The skills and resources introduced in this module will be used throughout the course, and after successful completion of studies, to enable lifelong learning as a competent and autonomous practitioner. The module will introduce the research process and consider how knowledge is generated in an applied manner for Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Therapy, and Sports Coaching and Physical Education disciplines. Students will be provided with skills in relation to finding appropriate sources of information relating to their area of study and be able to read and understand these effectively. There will be a focus on the scientific method, academic writing skills, data collection and analysis skills.
This module aims to develop the student as a practitioner in Sport and Exercise Science. It will cover practical, interpersonal, and transferable skill development. The module will introduce the concept of interdisciplinary teams and students will be introduced to the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively within the disciplines of physiology, nutrition, psychology, and biomechanics, to solve a variety of problems related to sports performance, exercise, and health. The module has a focus on being able to write an effective CV in relation to working within the field of Sport and Exercise Science. The content will include employability skills such as development of an industry-specific CV, personal development planning, and goal setting. The module will also cover important laboratory and field-testing practical skills.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module aims to develop and utilise pedagogical skills in a real-world setting, whilst providing an opportunity to critically develop learning and experience, and work on a live piece of investigation with the placement provider. Application of subject knowledge and the National Curriculum for PE/ National Governing Body syllabus will be key to the successful completion of this work. This module will also provide an opportunity to develop essential employability attributes (e.g. interpersonal skills) which will also offer ideal preparation for the Level 6 Sports Coaching and PE work placement module.
Within this module you will learn about a range of issues surrounding PE and sports coaching. You will identify the key principles of what helps students engage in PE and sport, and what local, national and international initiatives are available to help promote a physical active and healthy lifestyle.
Within this module students will learn about the reasons for physical activity promotion and the barriers to physical activity participation. Students will identify the recommended daily guidelines for physical activity, whilst exploring health and social strategies to improve lifestyle through facilitating physical activity behaviours.
Within this module you will learn about a range of pedagogical practices which bring about high quality PE lessons where school children are physically active for sustainable periods of time. You will identify the key principles of high quality teaching practice and relate these to practical experiences of teaching PE and sport.
This module will prepare students for the Independent Research Project at level 6. The module will provide scenarios and conditions that will improve students’ ability to interpret and critique research, as well as make logical conclusions. Learning and teaching will be carried out on aspects such as how to answer research questions by analysing and presenting data, and a variety of ‘soft skills’, such as organisation and communication are developed.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This aims to be a problem-based module where you will develop, utilise, and further apply pedagogical skills in a real world setting. The module will provide an opportunity to critically develop learning and experience, and work on a live piece of investigation by agreement with the placement provider. Application of subject knowledge and the national curriculum for PE/ National Governing Body syllabus will be key to the successful completion of this work. This module will also provide an opportunity to develop essential employability attributes (e.g., interpersonal skills) which you will develop further from the Sports Coaching and Physical Education – Professional Practice 1.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the understanding and key concepts of working in a high performance sporting environment from a coaching perspective. The primary objectives are to ensure students recognise the holistic nature of high performance sport (i.e., how the coach connects with staff in other disciplines such as Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Performance Analysis, Psychology, and Nutrition), and are capable of delivering progressive coaching sessions in relation to a sport-specific performance plan. This is an advanced module into high performance sports coaching, which further develops knowledge and practical skills gained through The Coaching Process and Applied Pedagogy in Sports Coaching and Physical Education.
This module provides you with the opportunity to design and carry out a substantive piece of independent research which is focused on an area of interest related to your programme of study. This in-depth, self-managed study will encourage you to examine a critical issue from your sector or discipline.
This module aims to further develop your understanding of the psychological aspects of development and progress in sport. The module also explores the various ways this topic is researched. The underlying aim of the module is to contribute to your development as a more thoughtful and effective sport scientist. It will equip you with a range of strategies and tools for investigating the psychological aspects of athletic development.
Download course specification
Download nowThe Sports Coaching and Physical Education course will include a mix of practical, seminar and lecture sessions. It will also include work-based placements, enabling you to build your knowledge and gain first-hand experience, and assessments.
Overseas opportunities
There is the opportunity for trips to sporting locations across Europe, and you can also apply to take part in an international exchange programme, spending a period abroad at a partner university.
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector, committed to supporting, developing and enabling professionals and organisations to succeed and, as a result, inspire our nation to become more active.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Physical activity and health continue to be a global concern, so this course ensures you are given the relevant, up-to-date information you require to enter employment in related disciplines. Upon graduating, the ultimate goal is likely to be to either enter the PE and school sport environment or the Sports Coaching environment promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy active lifestyles. Our endorsement from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity means that on successful completion of the course, you will receive CIMSPA accreditation, meaning you are well set up to work in the coaching industry.
You can also progress on to a PGCE or a Master’s degree, furthering your skills.
Placements
Placements play a significant role in this course, as it is important you build up your experience and knowledge of working within the sector. You'll work in sports clubs and/or schools on placements, gaining first-hand exposure.
Facilities & Staff
Teaching for our Sports courses is split between our campus in Edgbaston and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr.
The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University has invested an additional £5m to develop space in the East and West Stands as a home for our students. We now have a range of bespoke learning spaces to offer you the very best experience on your course.
Our new home at Alexander Stadium
Biomechanics Lab
Our biomechanics laboratory features pressure plates in the floor and cameras mounted at the side. Sensors linked to a computer are used to record motion, evaluate people’s movements and analyse gait. Also in this space is an Isokinetic Dynamometer, which is used to assess limb strength.
Nutrition Kitchen
Our kitchen has several workstations to allow students to wash, prepare and cook food. This is where students analyse the effect of supplements or food groups on performance, and prepare recipes for athletes to support their training and fitness regime.
Performance Analysis Space
In our Performance Analysis Space, students are able to review data and video footage in order to develop strategy and provide advice to enhance athletes’ performance.
Physiology Lab
Our physiology lab contains an anti-gravity treadmill, environmental chamber and a range of equipment used for testing and analysis of athlete performance.
Sports Therapy Clinic
We have two Sports Therapy classrooms, as well as clinic spaces. The classrooms are set up with several therapy stations, each with a treatment couch. This is where we teach practical sessions, with students working together to build their skills. Our students also run a Sports Therapy Clinic for staff and students, where they are able to apply the skills they have learnt.
Strength & Conditioning Gym
This high-performance gym allows you to deliver hands on coaching and use state of the art equipment to measure performance and inform practice.
Our staff
Richard Handyside
Lecturer – BSc Sport and Exercise Science | Course Lead - BSc Sports Coaching and Physical Education
Richard has extensive applied experience in the field of Performance Analysis, having provided Performance Analysis support to elite coaches and athletes at the The English Institute of Sport, England Netball, Arsenal Football Club and Leeds United Football Club.
More about RichardDr Adam L. Kelly
Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise and Course Leader for Professional Doctorate in Sport (DSport)
Dr Adam L. Kelly is Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise and Course Leader for Professional Doctorate in Sport (DSport) at Birmingham City University. He also founded the newly established BCU Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab, where he currently leads key projects with the FIFA Talent Development Scheme and the...
More about Adam L.Rachel Black
Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching and Physical Education
Rachel gained qualified teacher status in Physical Education in 1999, and has a wealth of experience teaching, leading and advising in a range of both primary and secondary schools in Sussex and Shropshire. Rachel has gained considerable experience teaching in Higher Education, and prior to joining the team at Birmingham City University, taught on...
More about RachelCraig Newton
Lecturer in Sports Coaching and Physical Education
Craig Newton is a lecturer in Sports Coaching and Physical Education with over a decade of applied teaching experience in both primary and secondary school settings. His academic journey began with a Sports degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, followed by a PGCE in Secondary Physical Education at Newman University College. He later...
More about Craig