Use sport to create social change with our Chelsea Football Club Foundation Coaching and Development degree
Develop an in-depth understanding of the Football Industry with our Chelsea Football Club (FC) Foundation Coaching and Development degree. You will study a range of topics and build critical skills.
Our coaching and development course is in collaboration with the Chelsea Football Club Foundation – a world-renowned charity that uses football to improve young people’s lives.
You will learn at multiple locations, including:
- St Mary’s University
- Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea FC Training Ground in Cobham
Once you achieve your FdSc, you can progress onto our one-year top-up degree, Chelsea FC Foundation Coaching and Development BSc (Hons).
Expert teaching and support
You will learn from leading industry professionals, including those working within academy football and grassroots games. Therefore, you will:
- apply your learning to practical contexts
- access vital knowledge of the football industry.
World-class facilities and the latest technology
On our Chelsea FC Foundation Coaching and Development degree, you will use the latest technology to analyse performance and coaching.
You will also access our world-class sporting facilities, including the:
- Fitness and Conditioning Suite
- Sir Mo Farah Athletics Track
- Performance Hall
- Biomechanics Laboratory.
Professional placement experience with the Chelsea FC Foundation
Due to our unique collaboration with the Chelsea FC Foundation, you will experience a variety of work placements. You’ll:
- build professional contacts
- gain practical experience
- increase employment opportunities.
You could complete placements within:
- coaching
- performance analysis
- schools and mentoring
- social inclusion
- health, disability, and wellbeing
- talent identification and scouting.
Find out more
You can find out more via our Twitter and the Chelsea FC website.
Alex Cattini
Course Lead - Chelsea Football Club Foundation Coaching and Development FdSc and BSc
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Course content
Modules
These are updated modules 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
48 - 72
UCAS points
Minimum 48 UCAS points to include a six-unit, Level Three qualification (A level/BTEC National or equivalent).
All applications are subject to an interview prior to formal offer. Applicants with non-traditional entry requirements will be interviewed to ascertain suitability for the course. Mature applicants are strongly encouraged to apply and are welcomed on our course.
Vocational experience within related areas is an essential part of the course and applicants must be currently working, or gaining experience, within Sports Coaching.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
GCSE
GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English Language and Maths are required.
We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.
DBS check
All applicants are subject to a DBS check which will be undertaken by Chelsea FC Foundation as a requirement to take part in the placement programme. This is an essential process in maintaining the safety across the partnership and with the players that will be worked with.
International student visa conditions
To comply with UKVI requirements, international students with Student Visas must follow UKVI attendance monitoring attendance requirements.
Attendance thresholds
A minimum of 15 hours of daytime (8am-6pm, Monday to Friday) classroom-based study per week.
85% attendance of classroom-based study in any given month.
Below 70% attendance for three consecutive months, visa sponsorship must be withdrawn due to lack of academic engagement unless there are exceptional and evidenced reasons for the non-attendance (e.g. illness).
Working during studies
UKVI working allowance permitted is 10 hours (max) per week during term-time.
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,535
International
£17,100
Funding Information
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
You will also need to pay for your National Governing Body awards, though these will be subsidised heavily.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Teaching methods include:
- practicals
- seminars
- lectures
- workshops
- observations
- in-situ practical’s (at various Chelsea FC Foundation contexts)
- problem-based sessions
- technology-based sessions
- and peer teaching.
We believe a variety of teaching methods and learning experiences best prepare our students for the realities of working within football and we look to develop skill sets that can be used post-graduation.
Class sizes are around 40 students which offers learners a personable and tailored approach to learning.
Assessment methods
This degree involves a range of assessment methods and strategies including:
- presentations
- group work
- workshops
- practical sessions.
We will use these methods to create a positive and enabling learning environment.
The assessments of the modules will be aligned to modes of teaching and learning. Specifically, the assessments will help develop skills and competencies that are required in the workplace. Lecturers will provide students with academic content needed, as well as tutorial support as students approach assessment deadlines. Learners will then receive feedback that includes positives on the work submitted and opportunities to develop moving forward.
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
On our Chelsea FC Foundation Coaching and Development FdSc, you will develop key transferrable skills like teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
You can work within:
- academy football
- football club foundations
- schools and PE teaching
- colleges
- national governing bodies
- county football associations
- women's high performance centres.
Contact Chelsea FC Foundation Project Officer Conal Murnin at conal.murnin@chelseafc.com for more information.
You can also contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on work and postgraduate opportunities.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Chelsea Football Club Foundation Coaching and Development FdSc include:
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