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Sports Coaching and Physical Education - BSc (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 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

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.

This course is open to International students.

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.

By studying this course, you’ll split your time between our £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham which contain our state-of-the-art sport and exercise laboratory, sports therapy rooms, cutting-edge resources and a designated sports area. The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University is investing an additional £5m in areas across both main stands which will be home to our students.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

  • CIMSPA logo

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 on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

    Next Open Day: 24 November 2024

    Book your place

    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

    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

    Please select your student status to view fees and apply
    • UK Student
    • International Student

    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

    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

    Access to computer equipment 

    You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms. 

    Printing 

    You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment. 

    Field trips 

    All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees. 

    Access to Microsoft Office 365 

    Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation. 

    Key software 

    You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research. 

    Key subscriptions 

    Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library. 

    Specialist software 

    You will be able to access free licences for specialist software such as In-Play Analysis (Notational Analysis Coding software) and Catapult Sport (GPS software). 

    DBS check 

    If you are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this course, the cost for your first DBS check is included in your fees. 

    Uniform 

    You will be provided with a BCU Sport t-shirt, polo, half-zip jumper and shorts.  

    Excess printing (optional) 

    Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet. 

    Personal stationery and study materials (optional) 

    Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. 

    Placement expenses (optional) 

    If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home. 

    Field trips (optional) 

    This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost. 

    Memberships (optional) 

    You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course, such as CIMSPA at a cost of £36 per year.  

    Accommodation and living costs (optional)

    The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

    Guidance for UK students

    UCAS

    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.

    More guidance

    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):

    Year Two

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

    Year Three

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

    Download course specification

    Download now

    The 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.

    CIMSPA logo
    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.

     View video transcription

    More about our placement opportunities

    International

    Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

    The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

    Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

    Facilities & Staff

    Teaching for our Sports courses is split between our £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. Our cutting-edge facilities for sports students include a state-of-the-art sport and exercise lab, sports therapy suite, biomechanics lab and physiology labs.

    The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University is investing an additional £5m to develop space in the East and West stands as a home for our students.

    Our new home at Alexander Stadium

    Our staff

    Dr 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

    Course Leader BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

    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 Rachel

    Craig Newton

    Lecturer

    Craig has 10 years teaching physical education at both primary and secondary level. Craig has experience as a head of department, educational visit coordinator and led a whole school initiative of mentoring SEN pupils from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Whilst teaching he studied part time to gain a Masters in Teaching and Learning and has since...

    More about Craig

    Richard Handyside

    Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science

    Richard has provided Performance Analysis support to The English Institute of Sport, England Netball, Arsenal Football Club and Leeds United Football Club. Richard won a Gold Medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia, and subsequent BBC SPOTY Team of the Year and Moment of the Year award with England Netball.

    More about Richard