Use sport for social change on our Chelsea FC Foundation football coaching degree, with UEFA C Diploma
Develop an in-depth understanding of football coaching, player development, and the power of sport for social change with the Chelsea FC Foundation Coaching and Development degree from St Mary's University, London.
This two-year football coaching degree is delivered in partnership with The Chelsea FC Foundation, one of the world's leading football charities. The course explores how football can be used to support communities, promote inclusion, and create opportunities for young people, alongside developing practical coaching skills for a successful career in the game.
You'll gain hands-on experience through professional placements, graduate with both a university degree and the UEFA C Diploma, and learn at multiple London locations, including:
- our world-class sporting facilities at St Mary's
- Stamford Bridge
- Kingsmeadow
- 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).
Gain a degree and the UEFA C Diploma
On this two-year football coaching course, you’ll graduate with a university degree, as well as the UEFA C Diploma, which 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.
- Take the 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
Explore football for change with Chelsea FC Foundation
Chelsea FC Foundation uses football to develop players, support communities and create opportunities for young people. Through practical placements and real-world experiences, you'll explore coaching across community and education programmes, soccer schools, player development pathways and academy environments, while learning how football can make a positive impact, both on and off the pitch.
Through our unique partnership with Chelsea FC and Chelsea FC Foundation, you'll access Stamford Bridge, Kingsmeadow and Cobham Training Ground, alongside guest speakers, industry networking opportunities and event delivery experience. You'll graduate with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to succeed in the modern football industry.
Enjoy expert teaching and personalised support
You’ll learn from leading industry professionals, including those working within academy football and grassroots games, applying your learning to practical contexts and accessing vital knowledge of the professional football industry.
When you study a football coaching degree at St Mary's, you're part of a small, close-knit community, with a personalised experience, one-to-one support, guidance, and development opportunities throughout your journey.
Access world-class facilities and the latest technology
On our Chelsea FC Foundation Coaching and Development degree, you’ll use the latest technology in performance analysis and coaching practice.
You’ll also access our world-class sporting facilities, including the:
- Fitness and Conditioning Suite
- Sir Mo Farah Athletics Track
- Performance Hall
- Biomechanics Laboratory.
Find out more
You can find out more on the programme's X page and the Chelsea FC website.
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Career opportunities
On our Chelsea FC Foundation Football Coaching degree, you'll develop key transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
Graduates leave with the knowledge and practical experience to work across both performance and community settings. Whether supporting player development, delivering educational programmes, or leading community engagement initiatives, you'll understand how football can be used to create meaningful social impact while building a rewarding career in the sport industry.
You can work within a variety of football environments, such as:
- 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.
FAQs
Alongside your degree, you will have the opportunity to achieve the UEFA C Diploma, giving you an internationally recognised football coaching qualification.
The UEFA C Diploma runs alongside your studies in semester 1 of second year.
Students gain valuable industry experience through placements, event delivery, coaching opportunities, and work-based learning in a range of football and community sport settings within Chelsea FC and Chelsea FC Foundation.
Yes. Students have opportunities to support Chelsea FC Foundation programmes, events, and initiatives throughout their time on the course.
Graduates progress into a variety of roles within football, sport, education, coaching, community development, and wider sports organisations.
No. Previous coaching experience is not required. The course is designed to support students at different stages of their coaching journey.
The combination of a university degree, the UEFA C Diploma, access to Chelsea FC Foundation environments, and personalised support provides a unique learning experience and strong industry connections.
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.
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information. You will also need to apply directly if you want to study any course part-time.
If you're an international student and you would like to apply for Foundation and Placement Year courses, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
September
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions. Please note: we do not currently accept transfers into our LLB courses.
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