Sports Coaching Science
BSc (Hons)

Coaching Process (Core)

This module provides a fundamental understanding of the key coaching theories and concepts and provides you with an initial understanding of the justification of coaching practices. You will have opportunities to put these aspects into practice.

Introduction to Research (Core)

This module will introduce you to fundamental issues in research methods and design. It will cover basic data handling and manipulation skills within quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Introduction to Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition (Core)

The module aims to introduce key theoretical and applied concepts in sport psychology and skill acquisition. In addition the module will provide a foundation in the language, methods, interventions and issues in sport psychology and skill acquisition. Through the presentation of theory and research the module aims to develop students’ understanding of this area of study.

• Credits: 20

Physiology of Exercise (Core)

This module introduces you to fundamental principles underlying exercise physiology, focusing on the structure and function of physiological systems. You should be able to identify key physiological responses to exercise within theoretical frameworks and concepts, and you should also be able to assess and record physiological responses to exercise using newly learnt laboratory techniques to further your understanding and present your findings within pre-defined criteria associated with the study of exercise physiology.

The Developing Athlete (Core)

The module aims to introduce the underpinning theories and concepts in relation to the developing athlete which are fundamental to coaching young athletes. The concepts will include core movement skills, coordination skills and mental and social development of young athletes.

Basic Biomechanics (Core)

The module will provide you with knowledge of basic biomechanical principles and experience of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. The module will involve a series of lectures to identify and explain the key principles of biomechanics, and associated smaller group laboratory or seminar classes to allow you to further explore and understand these topics. Laboratory classes will provide you with hands-on experience of biomechanical data collection, particularly collection and analysis of force data.

Skill Acquisition I (Core)

This module is designed to provide an understanding of how skills are acquired and what practitioners can do to expedite the learning process. Key evidence-based methods for enhancing skill acquisition will be covered alongside theoretical explanations of key research findings. You will have opportunities to put these methods into practice.

Research Methods (Core)

This module is designed to introduce you to fundamental issues in research methods and design. The module will allow you to engage in the interpretation and critical evaluation of existing research in sport science. It also aims to increase your understanding of the purpose and production of a scientific review of literature.

Social Psychology of Sport (Core)

This module aims to critically examine the impact of interpersonal and intra and inter group contexts on the experience of sport and sports performance. The module more specifically, aims to explore the impacts of others (e.g. opponents, crowd) on the psychology of sports performance and the understanding of a range of factors influencing the effective functioning of sport groups.

Coaching Process II (Core)

This module provides an understanding of the influencing factors within coaching environments and their impacts on athletes, coaches and parents. Also, you will be provided an opportunity to develop your practical coaching skills through the implementation of key skill acquisition principles.

Notational Analysis (Optional)

The module aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of objective analysis of sports and coaching performance. The module will provide a foundation and awareness of the variety of uses and types of notational analyses. In addition, you will develop an understanding of sport-specific coaching preparation processes based on the analysis of a variety of sports.

Physiology of Training (Optional)

This module will enable you to develop an integrated approach in the physiological aspects of training. This includes developing sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand the physiological responses to training and how these can be manipulated to maximise performance. You will also begin to develop the ability to assess determinants and limitations of performance from an integrated and mechanistic viewpoint.

Sports Biomechanics (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Science in Practice (Optional)

This module will enable you to understand the mechanics and physiology of training in the context of specific types of sport.

Through a series of lectures, seminar discussions and practical sessions, you will address the specific needs of sports performers and subsequently analyse the science and evidence which underpin different approaches to training. 

You will also gain an awareness of a number of ergogenic aids and how they may potentially improve the performance of different types of athlete.

Experience and Employment in Education (Optional)

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to experience the workplace and to develop skills and knowledge in a relevant discipline. The module will help prepare you for the workplace by raising awareness of workplace issues within the education sector, encouraging you to reflect on the development of your professional practice.

It will also help you to define and then develop the specific work-related skills that you need in order to become more employable. You will be encouraged to share experience in order to encourage learning and to help you articulate your strengths.

Experience and Employment in Business (Optional)

This module will give you the opportunity to analyse and reflect on your own core competencies, personal qualities and areas for development using in-depth psychometric testing. Having undertaken these tests, you will identify and explore key areas for development within the context of your future career aspirations.

The module incorporates a period of work experience which will enable you to focus on both the practical application and development of your key skills, whilst simultaneously exploring and defining the corporate culture of your workplace to enable you to define your own cultural fit. The combination of psychometric testing, reflection and analysis of the workplace will culminate in the production of a focussed career action plan.

Experience and Employment in Sport (Optional)

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to experience the workplace and to develop skills and knowledge in relation to working within the sport sector.

The module will help prepare you for the workplace by raising awareness of workplace issues, and encouraging you to reflect on your own personal and professional development. It will also help you to define and then develop the specific work-related skills that you need in order to become more employable in a sporting field. You will be encouraged to share experience in order to encourage learning and to help you articulate your strengths.

Research Project (Core)

This module aims to give you the opportunity to utilise and further develop skills you have gained at Levels 4 and 5 (years one and two) by carrying out an independent piece of research within your chosen area of interest. 

Applied Coaching Science I (Core)

Module description coming soon.

Applied Coaching Science II (Core)

Module description coming soon.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology (Optional)

The aim of this module is to give you applied competence and knowledge in a range of physiological testing procedures.

Applied Sport Psychology (Optional)

The module aims to assess your ability to understand, critique, and apply various assessment methods unique to the domain of applied sport psychology. You will demonstrate a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks and models which underpin the psychological techniques implemented by an applied practitioner.

Experimental Biomechanics (Optional)

The module aims to develop knowledge, understanding and experience of kinetic and kinematic measurement techniques involved in biomechanical analysis of sport performance. 

Coach Education (Optional)

This module aims to develop your critical understanding of the importance of, and procedures for, the development of coaches and coaching structures.

Performance Analysis (Optional)

The module aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of objective analysis of sports performance. The module will provide a foundation and awareness of the variety of uses and types of notational analyses. In addition, you will develop an understanding of sport-specific coaching preparation processes based on the analysis of a variety of sports.

Skill Acquisition II (Optional)

This module provides you with an in-depth and critical understanding of contemporary theory, research, and practice in the field of skill acquisition and motor behaviour. This module also aims to enhance applied practice by allowing students to plan, develop, and implement sessions that are evidence-based and grounded in theory.