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SPORTS COACHING AND EDUCATION
BA (Hons) / FdA
Accredited by University College Birmingham
Choose Award
Duration
3 years FT
Placement
Multiple Placements Available
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Choose Award
Duration
2 years FT
Placement
Multiple Placements Available
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
There is a significant shortage of sports teachers across various regions in the UK. Studying sport teaching could offer you the opportunity to fill this gap
We have invested £44m in our flagship facilities, including our cutting-edge sports facilities, to support your future career opportunities
This dynamic and interdisciplinary course integrates the fields of sports coaching and education. This unique course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sport and education, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in both sectors.
The curriculum is carefully crafted to blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills to give you the most well-rounded educational experience.
This course offers a route for you to progress onto qualified teacher training. It also opens the doors to a wide range of other career opportunities, from working in a variety of different education settings, including sports development and community coaching, to becoming a learning mentor.
Why should I choose this course?
- NO EXAMS – If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many degrees in this field, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course and will be assessed through practical assessments and coursework only
- WORK EXPERIENCE – Students have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of different settings, including schools, colleges, local community groups and sports clubs
- SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – We work with you to provide experiences suited to your career goals, allowing you to explore roles within both sport and education sectors
- AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)
Our facilities
Students on our sports courses at University College Birmingham have access to a wide range of excellent facilities. Our campus features our dedicated Human Performance Laboratory, cutting-edge gym and sports injury and massage clinics, while you also have access to the state-of-the-art facilities at nearby Avery Fields, thanks to our partnership with local rugby club Bournville RFC.
Our Human Performance Centre includes a 35m sprint track (with force plate) and sled track, eight lifting platforms, 7m rig and large screens displaying live analysis data
Our purpose-built Human Performance Laboratory features the latest equipment including an anti-gravity treadmill, isokinetic dynamometer, Monark LC7 cycle ergometer and SECA body composition analyser
Our sports clinics on campus are open to the public and provide the ideal environment for our sports students to put training into practice treating and assessing patients
The impressive £3m Avery Fields complex – which we share with Bournville RFC – boasts an all-weather pitch, two grass pitches and a clubhouse with function room and modern changing facilities
Entry requirements
Sports Coaching and Education BA (Hons)
A-levels: Grade profile of CCC in any subject combination.
T-levels: T-level graded pass with a core component of grade C.
BTEC: Grade profile of MMM from any subject. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry to University College Birmingham. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Students on this course are subject to the Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise Policy, together with a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. University College Birmingham will coordinate and fund the completion of the DBS check.
Sports Coaching and Education FdA
A-levels: Grade profile of DD in any subject combination.
T-levels: T-level graded pass with a core component profile less than C.
BTEC: Grade profile of PPP from any subject. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry to University College Birmingham. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 48 UCAS Tariff points.
Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry. Please complete our enquiry form here to check your eligibility.
Students on this course are subject to the Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise Policy, together with a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. University College Birmingham will coordinate and fund the completion of the DBS check.
International students
For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Please note: As an International Student, when choosing optional placement, a visa extension may be required.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.
Teaching
Example of a typical teaching week (up to 15 contact hours):
- Large group teaching – 6 hours
- Smaller group teaching – 6 hours
- Tutorials – 2 hours
- Work experience
You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:
Coursework– 50%
Practical assessment– 50%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Additional qualifications and training
You will have opportunities to gain additional qualifications, including:
- Level 2 and Level 3 Gym Instructor and Personal Training qualifications
- 1st4Sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Multi-Skills Development in Sport
- First Aid Qualification/ Paediatric First Aid
- Makaton
Please note extra qualifications may incur an additional fee.
Timetable
We understand that you need to balance study with work, so wherever possible your lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week.
Tuition fees for home students
If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,250. For part-time study, the fee is £4,625.
In 2025/2026, the full-time fee will be £9,535 per year, while the part-time fee will be £4,767.50 per year.
Tuition fees for international students
If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
In 2025/26, the tuition fee for the [Band 1] course will be £16,000 per year.
Uniform kit and costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £100 depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
Scholarships and bursaries
Sporting Excellence Scholarship
Students on our sports courses at University College Birmingham may be eligible to receive one of our Sporting Excellence Scholarships. These are open to applicants from any country who are able to demonstrate ongoing excellence in sporting achievement.
Two levels of support package are available, with awards of up to £3,000 towards competitions, training costs and equipment over three years of study. The scholarship also includes:
- University-branded training kit
- Free gym membership
- Individually tailored programme - may include nutrition, sports psychology, strength and conditioning or lifestyle support
- Weekly sports therapy/massage
To find out more about the levels of support and eligibility criteria, visit our scholarships and waivers page.
Kick-Start Scheme
As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
Course breakdown
*Please note: This is a new course and the details of each module are currently being finalised.
Modules you will study in year 1
- Principles of Coaching
- Sport and Social Impact
- Childhood and Youth Development
- Innovative Pedagogy in Sport and Education: Strategies for Engagement and Success
- Safeguarding in Sport and Education
- Academic Skills
Modules you will study in year 2
- Teaching Practical Sports
- Sport Psychology and Team Dynamics
- Personal and Professional Development
- Health, Sport, and Inequalities
- Curriculum Design in Sport Education: Theory and Application
- Research for Sport and Education
Modules you will study in year 3
- Special Populations and Inclusive Coaching
- Work Based Learning for Sport and Education
- Current Trends in Sport Education and Professional Practice
- Equity and Advocacy: Working with Families, Youth, and Communities
- Sport Project
The modules listed above for this course are SUBJECT TO VALIDATION. They are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by the industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
70%
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Work placement opportunities and requirements are integrated into some of the modules that you will study on our BA Sport Coaching and Education course, allowing you to put theory into practice and enhance your future employability.
"This course will help students understand the integration between sports and education and open doors to a fulfilling and influential career. Begin the path to becoming a leader in this dynamic field."
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Primary school teacher
Average Salary: £29,364
Secondary school teacher (physical education)
Average Salary: £29,364
Further education teacher
Average Salary: £33,000
Community sports coach
Average Salary: £21,000
Sports development officer
Average Salary: £30,000
Learning mentor
Average Salary: £22,500
Laura’s Story
Laura's passion and expertise has been a driving force in her career in the field of sport and education.
Meet your lecturers
