Sports Coaching BSc (Hons)



This course equips coaches with the latest technology and advances in understanding in sports coaching

Overview

Our Sports Coaching course will help you to become a modern professional coach with an understanding of how sports science principles apply to athletic performance and helps athletes reach their potential and indeed their goals.

There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of theoretical knowledge. You'll gain the independent study habits, academic and employability skills and deliver volunteer coaching opportunities that will develop your knowledge and skills as and apply them into applied, real life, coaching situations. There is the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of this course.

Students from the new Business and Enterprise in Sport BA course in a rugby and curling event all stand and smile for the camera

Mode of Study:

Part-time (available as full-time)

Duration:

6 years

Start date:

Sep

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

Throughout this course, you will be taught how to measure and assess athletic performance and ability.

The second and third year sees you building on an introduction to the principles of coaching and how to apply these principles in practice.

Your fourth year will see you gaining advanced skills to enhance coaching opportunities.

  • briefcase

    Work placement

    There is an opportunity to do work placements on this course. 

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.
  • study abroad

    Study abroad

    Opportunities to study abroad are possible. Example institutions include:

    • German Sport University Cologne
    • Deakin University, Australia
    • San Diego State University
    • San Jose State University
    • Victoria University, Australia

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Anatomy & Physiology in Sport & Exercise Science
  • Application of Science to Sport and Exercise
  • Foundations of Sport and Exercise Science
  • Sport, Exercise and Wellbeing

Year 2

  • Exercise Training
  • Sport & Health Nutrition
  • Skill Acquisition
  • Principles of Coaching

Year 3

  • The Research Process in Sport & Exercise Science
  • Introduction to Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Year 4

  • Assessment and Conditioning
  • Practical Coaching & Development
  • Scientific Review and Statistics

Year 5

  • Performance Development and Expertise
  • Intermediate Sport Psychology
  • Scientific Research Project – Proposal Stage
  • Intermediate Biomechanics

Year 6

  • Scientific Analysis of Human Movement
  • Analysis of Sports Performance
  • Scientific Research Project

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Sports Coaching?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications. 

Depending on the nature of your placement, a satisfactory Disclosure Check may be required.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

 

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC including Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or PE at Grade C.  National 5 C in Maths (excluding Applications of Maths). Higher Applications of Maths can be accepted in lieu of National 5 Maths.
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCCC including Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology at Grade C.  National 5 C in Maths (excluding Applications of Maths). Higher Applications of Maths can be accepted in lieu of National 5 Maths.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies

A Level

  • CCC including  Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or PE.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths.

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • Grades H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level including Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or PE.
  • Grade O4 at Ordinary Level in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

  • Minimum grades MM (Merit, Merit) in a related subject.
  • A Level grade C

GCSE Grade C in Maths also required.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or PE) at minimum grade 5.
  • 4 points in SL Maths (excluding Maths Studies.

T Level 

  • Grade M
  • T Level must be completed in a Science subject or A Level Science may be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths also required.

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC to include Biology

A Level

  • BBB to include Biology

HNC

  • Pass HNC in a relevant subject* with grade A in the graded unit.

    *Fitness, Health and Exercise, Sport & Exercise Science, Applied Sports Science, Applied Biological Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Coaching with Development of Sport.



Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass in a related subject* with grade A in all SCQF level 8 Graded Units.

*Sports Coaching with Development of Sport, Coaching and Developing Sport, Sports Coaching and Development,  Sports & Exercise Science, Applied Sports Science, Applied Biological Sciences.

 

In addition, you must pass one of the below units from each section:

One of the following: 
Mechanics for Health and Fitness Professional (DW64 35)
Sports Mechanics (FX9L 35) (DD2T 35)
Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics in Sport (J2AP 34)

AND (one of the following):
Psychology of Sports Performance (FX9V 35) 
Psychology of Sports Coaching (FW61 34) 
Psychology of Sport and Exercise (J422 34)
Applied Psychology in Sport and Exercise Performance (J429 35)

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland *£305 *£305
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland *£1,157 *£1,157
Overseas and EU *£2,785 *£2,892
Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Measuring stretch and speed of movement using computer technology in the Sport Injuries Rehabilitation lab.

What can you do with a degree in Sports Coaching?

A BSc in Sports Coaching at Edinburgh Napier University opens various career opportunities in the sports industry, education, health and fitness sectors, research, and more.

This multidisciplinary and professional degree not only sets you up for a successful career in industry, but you’ll also be well-placed for postgraduate study in a variety of disciplines which could include applied sport science, clinical exercise science/physiology, physiotherapy, health and social care, or research. You could also pursue further specialisations in areas like sports psychology or strength and conditioning.

Graduates will also gain many highly desirable transferable (meta) skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, program implementation, and data analysis, which are valued by employers within any sector.

What does a Sports Coach do?

A sports coach plays a critical role in the development and performance of athletes and teams. Their responsibilities can be extensive and vary depending on the level of competition and the specific sport. This multifaceted role combines teaching, mentoring, strategy, and management to help athletes and teams achieve their full potential.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Scouting and recruiting
  • Mentorship
  • Motivation and team building
  • Safety and risk management
  • Scheduling, compliance, and budgeting

What does a Sports Performance Analyst do?

A Sports Performance Analyst optimises the performance of athletes and teams by using data and technology to provide insights and recommendations. They combine their expertise in sports science, data analysis, and technology to provide valuable insights that help athletes and teams maximize their performance.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Data collection and analysis
  • Performance improvement recommendations
  • Data-driven decisions and reporting
  • Monitoring and evaluation

Staff and an athlete working with exercise bike in sports science lab