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 £9,250 pa
Course features
-
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 that include the Certificate in Coaching Multi-Skills Development in Sport qualification
-
Receive first aid and safeguarding training as part of the course
-
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 provides underpinning practical coaching and teaching knowledge and skills.
This module provides an exploration of the different types of sport and highlights the key differences when coaching and teaching.
This module provides an overview of skill acquisition models and how the body adapts to enhance sporting performance.
Modules
This module provides students with qualitative and quantitative research skills in preparation for dissertation and further research activity.
This module provides students with an understanding of how to develop movement skills in novice and young participants, with the opportunity to apply learning in a real-world placement experience.
This module allows students to analyse both the individual mechanics of athletes as well as the dynamic movements of teams using industry-standard software.
This module provides students with the ability to reflect upon how different people learn sporting skills within the teaching environment.
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 teaches students how to professionally test athletes within the laboratory and the field, and devise training programmes to enhance athletic ability.
This module identifies a raft of critical issues within sport and education and provides students with a placement opportunity to implement and evaluate change.
Students choose either option A or option B for Semester 1.
Option A: Study Abroad
This module offers students the chance to experience higher education and sport in a foreign country.
Option B: Sport Psychology for Coaches
This module identifies mental skills training and the relationship a coach will have with sport psychologists.
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
This module provides students with practical knowledge of the positive action of outdoor education on wellbeing and social interactions.
Optional
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 teaches students how to professionally test athletes within the laboratory and the field, and devise training programmes to enhance athletic ability.
This module identifies a raft of critical issues within sport and education and provides students with a placement opportunity to implement and evaluate change.
Students choose either option A or option B for Semester 1.
Option A: Study Abroad
This module offers students the chance to experience higher education and sport in a foreign country.
Option B: Sport Psychology for Coaches
This module identifies mental skills training and the relationship a coach will have with sport psychologists.
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
This module provides students with practical knowledge of the positive action of outdoor education on wellbeing and social interactions.
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 5.5 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 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
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 £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. 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 £6,935.
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.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
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, including those not directly related to sport and fitness. Our degree provides students with excellent future employment opportunities, which is why we offer all students the chance to gain the Certificate in Coaching Multi-Skills Development in Sport qualification completely free. This is a key industry qualification and provides our students with a fantastic employment boost. 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.
