Use sport for social change with our Chelsea FC Foundation Coaching and Development degree with UEFA C Diploma
Develop an in-depth understanding of the football industry with our Chelsea Football Club (FC) Foundation Coaching and Development degree, now with UEFA C Diploma integration. 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).
UEFA C Diploma integration
The UEFA C Diploma is officially integrated into the second year of the degree*. This internationally recognised qualification gives you a head start in your professional coaching career.
- Boost employability with the current industry standard qualification for grassroots and youth coaching.
- Gain hands-on experience in player development, session planning, and reflective practice, all backed by the latest UEFA research.
- Complete a mandatory step towards the UEFA B Licence and beyond
*Students must have Introduction to Coaching Football (FA Level 1), Safeguarding Children in Football, and Introduction to First Aid in Football before the start of their second year
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.
Chat to us
Chat to us
Applying to university can be daunting, and you may have questions about applying, student life, or your course.
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 Tom Sims at tom.sims@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:
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.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,535
International
£17,455
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.
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.
- Contact time
- 20%
- Independent study
- 50%
- Guided learning
- 30%
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.
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