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Sports Development and Coaching
BSc (Hons)

Abertay's Sports Development and Coaching degree produces graduates who truly understand the challenges and ever evolving nature of the field.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time) or 3 years (accelerated)

Degree Classification

BSc (Hons)

UCAS Code

C600
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Why study Abertay's BSc (Hons) in Sports Development and Coaching?

From grassroots initiatives developing the next generation of athletes to training elite sportspeople on the world stage – sports development and coaching requires well qualified graduates who truly understand the challenges and ever evolving nature of the field.

Please note: This is one of the specialist routes within the sports portfolio at Abertay. You’ll make your choice of specialist route at the end of stage two of the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise programme.

Study the sciences that underpin sport – physiology, psychology and biomechanics – and gain a comprehensive understanding of social policy and sport development as you progress through this endlessly fascinating and hands-on degree.

Sport is an expansive industry, which is why this programme has been designed to reflect this diverse and changing employment market to incorporate scientific support, coaching, service provision, duty of care, as well as personal and community development. 

Practical activities and work placements will enable you to contextualise theory to real life applications – including volunteering with the Active Schools programme – and work towards National Governing Body or industry qualifications. 

Your Journey Starts Here

In the first two years, you’ll follow a core curriculum that provides a basis for more specialised study in the final two years. At the end of the second year of study, you’ll choose a route leading to BSc (Hons) in one of the following specific named awards:

  • BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
  • BSc (Hons) Physical Activity and Health
  • BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise
  • BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching
  • BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning

You’ll also be given access to our Human Performance Laboratory, with running, rowing, fitness testing and weights machines. You’ll also have opportunities to meet the numerous professional sportsmen and sportswomen who draw on the expertise of our lecturing staff within this facility.

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Entry Requirements

Please note: All applicants must have a pass in maths in any of the following - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4

Please visit our Entry from College pages for suitable College courses. You should look for those courses suitable for entry onto our BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise.

 

 

Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Entry to year 1 or 2 of this programme is through the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise programme, which will allow you to progress to this programme at the end of Year 2. - -
Qualification Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Advanced entry is available to applicants with a suitable HND. Please refer to the articulation routes to BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise on our Entry from College pages. - -

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.

If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either ...

  • been in care
  • participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West, or Aspire North
  • no family background of going to university
  • attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Information for International Applicants

Please provide certified proof of your English language level. Our accredited International English Foundation Course can help. To further enhance your academic English, Intensive English for Academic Purposes can help you achieve your potential.

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English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

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Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.

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Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.

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About Your Modules

The module information shown here describes the modules our students are taking this year. The modules do change over time to keep our programmes up-to-date and relevant. This means the exact modules you take could be different. If you receive an offer to study with us, you will receive a Programme Information document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme.

Please note: As well as Key Modules outlined below, you may also be required to choose Elective Modules. 

Key Modules (2017/18)

Coaching and Learning 1 (SPS301)

Provides students with an understanding of the concepts of coaching and learning and how to apply these to physical activity. Considers the influence of social aspects of coaching such as leadership, relationships and social environments.

Public Health and Physical Activity (SPS302)

An examination of the health benefits of physical activity and its potential function in disease prevention and treatment and its role in promoting and maintaining public health.

Managing Sport Policy and Development (SPS307)

A critical overview of sports policy and development in the UK that provides students with the knowledge, expertise and a methodological framework for analysis and evaluation. Module content includes: introduction to managing sport development; sport, exercise and physical body culture; UK sport; sport and social policy issues; ideologies underpinning sport; structures and governance of sport; strategic management and organisational theory; marketing and managing sports development; monitoring and evaluation.

Research Methods (SPS312)

Develops students’ ideas about research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health, which will enable them to better understand and appreciate published research so that they can design their own research project.

Sport Research Project (SPS400)

Students undertake an independent research project in a subject area that reflects their award title. Module content includes: research project topics – students are allocated a supervisory tutor; supervisory sessions – students work with the guidance of their tutors to carry out their research project.

Social Issues in Sporting Contexts (SPS405)

An exploration of contemporary issues in sport and exercise contexts. Module content includes: social theory; sport and inequality; sport and politics; ethics and sport.

Coaching and Learning 2 (SPS406)

Builds on previously developed understanding of the concepts of coaching and learning. Explores coach development, education and the support the coaching process. Evaluates different approaches to the development of expertise in athletes and other learners.

Strategic Development in Sport (SPS407)

Provides students with a critical understanding of sports policy and the underlying rationales for community and sports development in the UK. This module also provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills in relation to the strategic management of sports development.

How the Course Works

 

Learning and Assessment 

You’ll learn through a blend of lectures, small group work, and practical activities. You also undertake work placements to reinforce the link between theory and practice.

You’ll be encouraged to evaluate information and challenge commonly held ideas about sport and exercise, as well as being invited to research your own areas of interest and expertise.

You’ll be assessed through a combination of examination and coursework to help you develop a variety of intellectual and practical skills, such as being able to put forward a position based on evidence, or being able to discuss and promote ideas within a group.

For more information on the course content, please download the Programme Information - BSc (Honours) Sports Development and Coaching

Accelerated Degree

If you’re keen to undertake the accelerated degree, you’ll complete the first two years of the degree programme alongside those students following the non-accelerated route.

Acceleration starts in May at the end of second year. The table below illustrates the difference between the two routes.

Academic Year Term Accelerated Route Non-Accelerated Route
Year 1 Term 1 (Sept-Dec) Term 1 Term 1
Year 1 Term 2 (Jan-May) Term 2 Term 2
Year 1 Term 3 (May-Aug) - -
Year 2 Term 1 (Sept-Dec) Term 3 Term 3
Year 2 Term 2 (Jan-May) Term 4 Term 4
Year 2 Term 3 (May-Aug) Term 5 -
Year 3 Term 1 (Sept-Dec) Term 6 Term 5
Year 3 Term 2 (Jan-May) Term 7 Term 6
Year 3 Term 3 (May-Aug) Term 8 (Honours degree completed) -
Year 4 Term 1 (Sept-Dec) - Term 7
Year 4 Term 2 (Jan-May) - Term 8 (Honours degree completed)
Year 4 Term 3 (May-Aug) - -

Programme Fees for 2019

Scottish & EU students

£1,820

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Additional Costs

Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.

English, Welsh & Northern Irish Students

£9,250

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Additional Costs

Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.

International Students

£14,000

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Additional Costs

Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.

Scholarships

Rest of UK Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

International Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from international countries (outside of the EU) to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

In addition, we offer a range of corporate/philanthropic scholarships shown below, which are available to all students to support your studies with us. 

 

The Lothian Family

A £5,000 award for undergraduate students with financial or social difficulties which may prevent them from studying at Abertay.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £500 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Careers

There are many career opportunities available for well qualified graduates from this route, including:

  • Sports development officers in local authorities or individual sports
  • Physical activity development officers/coordinators
  • Sports administrators
  • Community coach

You’ll also find job opportunities in complementary occupations where leadership, motivation and communication are valued – including police officers, firefighters, journalists, marketing executives, public relations officers, and youth workers.

If you’re interested in teaching as a career, this programme meets the requirements for entry onto PGCE courses. This degree will also provide appropriate underpinnings for further study at MSc or PhD level.

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Unistats

Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)).

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Programme Leader - Sports Development and Coaching

Dr Rhiannon Lord

Dr Rhiannon Lord

School of Social and Health Sciences | Lecturer

R.Lord@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8523

View profile

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