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St Mary's University

Professional Development: Sports Coaching MSc

Previous degree

2:2

Distance learning available

Yes

Student visa accepted?

No

Duration

1 year (full-time), 2/3 years (part-time)

sport-coaching-course
The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 - Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 - Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Shape athletic potential with our specialist Sports Coaching master’s.

Lead athletes to success with our You will cover topics like:

  • contemporary approaches to player development
  • strategic leadership
  • sport psychology
  • cultural challenges
  • long-term athletic development.

You can also study a professional development master’s specialising in:

International reputation

We are an internationally celebrated sports institution, leading students to success in elite sports.

Collaborations with industry partners

We collaborate with partners, such as the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), clubs, and national governing bodies, to create this course. These relationships allow you to build networks and expert knowledge.

State-of-the-art facilities

During your postgraduate Sports Coaching degree, you will access our:

Expert teaching and support

Our academics are highly regarded coaches whose research informs your modules. Your lecturers are committed to your well-being – our student, Aikaterini, tells us they were “always encouraged and fully supported”.

Study around your commitments

We take a blended-learning approach to our Professional Development in Sports Coaching MSc. This unique flexibility allows you to study around your commitments, simultaneously advancing your knowledge and professional experience.

Work placements: build professional experience

You can complete a work placement to enhance your skills and employability within elite sports.

Mike Gilham

Subject Lead - Football and Performance Analysis

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Course content

Modules

The modules listed below are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25. 

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2.2 degree or international equivalent, preferably in a sports-related subject.

2:2

Previous degree

Additional requirement information

Applicants are encouraged to hold or have the intention to work towards, an NGB L3 coaching award or international equivalent qualification and demonstrate continued commitment to coaching or professional practice.

Applicants must satisfy the general admissions requirements of St Mary's University outlined in the Admissions Policy.

Non-degree entrance

Applicants without formal degree level qualification but with significant relevant work or playing experience are encouraged to apply. We will assess your suitability and any support you may need for the non-degree entrance through a two-step process. For more information please check our entrance task details.

Non-degree entrants will have to take an additional module (Academic Introduction to Professional Development) in the summer before the degree begins.

Please note: the deadline for non-degree entrance will not be able to apply after the summer module begins.

International Requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Fees & funding

September 2024

Home

£11,340

International

N/A

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage

Alumni discount

A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.

Funding

Government-funded loans of over £11,000 are available to many home postgraduate students. Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding.  International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.

How the degree is taught

Assessment methods

Assessment methods on the course deviate from traditional ideas, the main aim for assessments is to capture learning within the realms of your professional contexts.

Some of the assessment methods utilised on the programme are as follows:

  • Season long plan
  • Coaching practice sessions
  • Critical evaluation
  • Presentations
  • Position statement
  • Critical reflection

Modes of study

You can choose to study this degree as either full distance learning or blended learning (one visit per month to campus).

Studying this degree full-time will take 12 months. The duration of part-time study is either 24 or 36 months.

Career opportunities

With our specialist Sports Coaching master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking.

Contact our Career Services at careersnetwork@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Professional Development: Sports Coaching MSc include:

academy coachfirst-team coachlead phase managerhead of sportdisciplinary lead

Apply now

This course is currently closed for applications, please check back shortly, or register your interest.

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation, Student Wellbeing and Study Abroad.

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