Sport Coaching and Physical Education
CX61The process of coaching and teaching sport is highly complex. Sport coaches and physical education teachers require a deep understanding of numerous topics, which include skill acquisition, communication, leadership, teamwork, and technology. The sport industry is ever evolving, and our Sport Coaching and Physical Education course supports students to become expert practitioners who explore the science and art of coaching and teaching.
Course overview
From the minute you start your degree journey with us you won’t be short of inspiration. Our lecturers are highly experienced practitioners and the facilities available to you are industry-standard, which include our own stadium complete with an eight-lane athletics track, an on-campus sports hall and laboratories kitted out with the latest analysis equipment. You also benefit from the professional input of a range of interesting motivational speakers. In the past, these have included coaches from the Welsh national football team and Premier League clubs, international rugby union players, and expert teachers from state and private specialist schools.
Central to the Sport Coaching and Physical Education course at Winchester is the belief that theory and knowledge are best learned through practice. When you study the underpinning theories of Sport Coaching Practice, you will do so within a practical framework contextualised within sport coaching physical education. Students will have many opportunities to explore coaching and teaching practices in the industry and local community through placements, which are great for networking and enhancing employment prospects.
Students will be introduced to both scientific and sociological coaching principles. Aspects of applied sport science that are critical to coaching and teaching are studied, such as biomechanics, physiology and psychology. You also focus on how inequality affects coaching, sports participation, and physical activity in local communities. You take a deeper look at training methodology and use the latest technology in sport, such as using industry standard performance analysis software. You also focus on educational theory and how it can help structure learning. Students will learn how to apply the scientific method through qualitative and quantitative approaches to the exploration and creation of knowledge to create practitioners who will continually seek to improve and develop themselves.
Our degree equips you with the coaching and teaching expertise to join a growing industry where standards have risen dramatically in recent years. Our graduates usually enter careers in professional sport coaching, PE teaching, sports development, performance management, and community development leadership. You will graduate with a wide range of transferable communication, analysis and research skills that are valued in a variety of careers.
University of Winchester Pathways to Sport Programme - Open for applicants from September 2024
Unlock Your Future in Sport – Reduced UCAS Entry!
The Pathways to Sport programme is a one-day immersive experience designed to give you a hands-on introduction to university life and sport-related degrees at the University of Winchester. Complete the programme and gain exclusive access to reduced entry requirements—96 UCAS points*.
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Physical Education
- BSc (Hons) Sports Management
Join us on December 7th for a day packed with hands-on learning, expert guidance, and insight into your future career—while experiencing life at Winchester.
Why Attend?
- Reduced Entry Requirements: Fast-track your path to university with lower UCAS points.
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in interactive workshops and practical lab sessions using industry-standard equipment.
- Career Insights: Receive personalised advice from academics and current students, exploring where your degree could take you.
- Explore Your Campus: Tour our state-of-the-art facilities and get to know the vibrant student community.
How It Works:
- If you're focused on a specific degree, select it as your first choice for a full day of tailored workshops.
- Not sure yet? Choose a second programme to explore in the afternoon, and we’ll split your day between both.
Spaces are limited to 25 students—secure your spot today!
For more information and to apply
*Offer based on firm acceptance.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Apply
CX61
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,535 pa
Course features
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Make the most of excellent sports facilities, including a sport and exercise laboratories and industry-standard sport performance analysis technologies
- Enrich your university experience with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, from traditional Sport Coach UK workshops to cutting-edge performance and professional courses
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Receive first aid and safeguarding training as part of the course
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Experience our discovery and ecological learning approach that places you at the heart of the learning process where we guide you to explore within sporting environments
- Undertake two placements within the sport coaching industry or in schools during years 2 and 3
Course details
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
Independent learning: 888 hours
Placement: 36 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours
Placement: 36 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
50% coursework
50% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
35% coursework
65% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
57% coursework
43% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module introduces academic, employability, and research skills that underpin studying at university and pursuing various graduate careers in sport and education.
This module introduces the fundamental principles of coaching, focusing on learning, teaching, leadership, and developing a coaching philosophy. Students will reflect on coaching practices and analyse case studies to understand and apply these principles. In addition, the module explores the diverse influences on coaching practice, emphasising the integration of various disciplines and learning sources. Students will examine the coaching process as a central concept, using it to evaluate and apply knowledge from multiple information sources. The learning approach will be centred on the context of sport and physical education settings from a general and specific view.
This module introduces students to understand coaching through recognition of key aspects of the coaching process as applied to a variety of sport and physical education contexts. The aim of the module is to ensure that students are aware of the fundamental principles of providing an effective learning environment to underpin their coaching. The principles of Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) will allow students to focus on developing tactical awareness, decision-making, and game-related skills through modified games. Instead of teaching isolated technical skills first, students will engage in methods that teach participants through invasion games and individual sports using small-sided or adapted games to introduce players to the tactics and strategies of a sport, helping them learn in context.
This module will examine the theories and models for how sporting skills are acquired, developed and practiced. Features of learning environments that impact on the skill acquisition process will be explored. A particular feature of the module will be the consistent application of theory to practice that enables a ‘hands on’ understanding to be developed. Students will be introduced to the major scientific principles that underpin coaching practice and the importance of applying sport and exercise physiology in the coaching domain. Key scientific aspects of human and performance physiology to be explored will include the biochemistry of exercise and physiological responses and adaptations to sport-specific training. Physiology knowledge for coaching and teaching sport will be underpinned by the competitive demands of sport.
Modules
This module provides students with qualitative and quantitative research skills in preparation for dissertation and further research activity.
This module enables students to engage with and reflect on coaching and teaching practice, particularly in supporting individuals—such as young children—in developing fundamental movement skills. Students will explore athlete development models to understand how coaching and teaching approaches should be adapted for different learning stages. Emphasis will be placed on the role of fun, game-based activities in creating effective learning environments for skill development. As part of the module, students will apply their learning in a sport coaching or PE teaching placement and critically reflect on their experiences to enhance their coaching and teaching practice.
This module teaches students how to assess the performance of individual athletes and the dynamics of teams within the sport coaching context. This module quantifies the biomechanical aspects of individual athletic performance and aids students to develop the ability to undertake biomechanical measurements and present these in a way coaches and athletes can use effectively. This module will also teach students how to use industry standard software to undertake performance analysis in sport. Students will apply taught skills to develop, measure and disseminate key performance indicators to enhance team/individual sport performance. Findings from performance analysis will be evaluated against contemporary research and commercial data to provide coaches and players with key tactical and technical suggestions for enhancing future performance. This module will also highlight the necessary technical (e.g. tagging, data analysis, presentation, data sharing, etc.) and critical thinking skills to undertake a performance analyst role within the sport industry.
Sport Pedagogy is the joining of education and sport. Students will explore a range of pedagogic practices in relation to teaching and coaching contexts, which include differences in the teaching/coaching setting, participant group demographic, skill and experience. Students will be introduced to the importance of creating learning outcomes linked to assessment strategies, based on the learning context and the learners themselves. Differences in individual learners will be examined, especially focusing on individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities, which will support coaches and teachers to be fully inclusive in their practice.
Modules
This module provides students with the experiences of planning and executing an in-depth and independent research project that investigates a specific area within sport and education.
This module provides students with an understanding of the real-world testing and training approaches professional teams undertake with performance athletes. The module is divided into 2 parts: athlete performance assessment (semester 1) and athletic training (semester 2). Students will explore different forms of performance testing within the laboratory and field settings, as used by sport physiologists. Students will learn sound methods of data collection and analysis to enable the interpretation and critiquing of results. Following the gathering and analysis of results from testing, students will learn how to apply physical training techniques, as used by strength and conditioning coaches. Students will learn how to periodise athletic training and apply appropriate training methods to enhance performance based on the specific movement actions of the sport.
This module will allow students to identify and respond to critical and contemporary issues in sport coaching or physical education teaching. Students will be encouraged to focus on issues that are currently prominent in sport and physical education, such as female coaching, disability sport, talent identification and the on-going importance of continued professional development. The module will also focus on the development of teaching and coaching skills through a work-based placement opportunity. The placement will support students in developing critical skills further. A strong emphasis on employability enhancement will guide this module.
Students choose either option A or option B for Semester 1.
Option A: Advanced Technologies and Innovation in Sport
This module aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of the latest technologies used in the analysis of sport performance. Students will investigate the practical skills required to utilise specialist software, hardware, and tools for in-depth motion tracking and performance analytics. Analytics will include an array of performance indicators, such as physiological and psychological. Students will foster a critical understanding of how technology integrates into sport coaching, athlete development, and team performance, as well as how to handle large amount of data. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the acceptance of new technologies by athletes, coaches and sport science support staff and how they might go about developing their own concepts and ideas. This module will prepare students for professional roles in sporting environments by simulating real-world industry scenarios.
Option B: Sport Psychology for Coaches
This module will take an evidence-based approach to the use of psychology by sports coaches to enhance athlete performance and wellbeing. Focus will be given toward helping coaches understand theories of motivation (e.g., Self-Determination Theory) and how they might help their athletes to learn mental skills (e.g., relaxation) and life skills (e.g., assertiveness). Team dynamics will also be explored, which will include the psychological and motivational climates created by teams, and how coaches can develop effective relationships with athletes.
Students choose either option C or option D for Semester 2.
Option C: Psychology of Injury
This module critically examines the challenges associated with short-term and career-ending injury in sport from a psychological, cultural, and social perspective.
Option D: Outdoor Education
In this module, students will take part in outdoor challenges, with a particular focus on group journeying situations. During the journey planning stages, students will be encouraged to make choices about the nature of the learning experience and the level of challenge involved, fostering a cooperative approach. Students will begin to develop an awareness and understanding of the principles underpinning experiential education and outdoor learning. Engagement with research literature will explore the instrumental use of outdoor education to achieve desirable outcomes, such as improving student attainment, enhancing young people’s self-esteem, or reducing anti-social behaviour. Additionally, students will examine research on the relationship between mental health and engagement with nature, as well as the role of outdoor education in supporting young people’s recovery from traumatic life events, such as parental bereavement.
Optional
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025/6 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1* | £9,535 | £16,700 |
Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £79.45 and a 15 credit module is £1,191. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £7,145
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Disclosure and Barring Service
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.
Optional
Kit
Students are expected to wear appropriate attire for practical sessions. Students can buy branded kit from us or wear their own. Students can buy as little or as much they like. Indicative cost is £15-£50 per item.
Core Texts
These are available from the University Library; however, some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some Core Texts can be bought second hand, or as an eBook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £50-£200 per academic year.
Professional Courses
We deliver several professional courses (e.g., coaching courses, Combined Level 3 Gym Instructor and Personal Training, etc.) either as part of or alongside the taught curriculum. However, any course that is mandatory is delivered free of charge, with optional courses often heavily subsidised. Indicative cost is £10-£600 per course.
Volunteering or Placement
Students may incur travel costs on volunteering and/or placement modules. However, we will consider each individual students’ circumstances when undertaking these experiences and seek to minimise any such costs as appropriate. Indicative cost is £10-£30 per day for travel.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates enter sports related professions such as sports development officer, performance manager and community development leader, within private health clubs, coaching organisations and community coaching schemes.
Students develop a wide range of transferable employability skills including the ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and collaboratively. These skills are valued in a range of graduate careers, which is why we focus on providing a range of external courses and exciting placements including those not directly related to sport and fitness. Our degree provides students with excellent future employment opportunities, Many students also continue on to study for postgraduate qualifications to further enhance their employability. New innovative master's level programmes are constantly reviewed to ensure that they are at the forefront of contemporary study.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Read how Richard Cheetham MBE, Senior Fellow in Sports Coaching at Winchester, has been recruited by British Fencing's High Performance programme to sharpen up their skills through the use of a new video analysis tool.
