Sports Development and Coaching

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

Award Title

BSc (Hons)

UCAS Code

C600

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.

Open Days 2019

A day full of talks and tours, questions and answers, courses and accommodation.

Open Days are busy, fun and full-on. You’ll definitely want to go to a course talk, tour the facilities for the subject(s) you’re keen on, speak to tutors and students, and check out the accommodation.

We'd love to tell you all about Abertay, and show you why we're the right university for you.

Book your place here

Entry Requirements

Please note: All applicants must have a pass Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4. National 5 Lifeskill Maths not accepted in lieu of Maths.

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.

Years 1 or 2 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.

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.

Female wearing karate uniform - standing on blue matts

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.

group of students sitting in lecture hall

Entry Requirements by Country

Discover whether you're eligible for entry and learn more about the country-specific qualifications you need to study at Abertay.

Find out more

Two females and one male sitting together, smiling and chatting

English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

Find out more

English Language Courses

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

Find out more

Office environment - two males smiling and chatting

Visa Information

Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.

Find out more

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.

Coaching and Learning (SPS301)

The concepts of coaching and learning and their application to physical activity environments. Move beyond a reductionist view of coaching simply as a systematic procedure and consider the influence of the social aspects of coaching such as leadership, relationships, and social environments. Module Content: Coaching and learning; The role of the coach; The coaching process; Skill development; Participant Groups.

Social Issues in Sport and Exercise (SPS313)

Contemporary issues in sport and exercise, particularly those you are likely to encounter and have to navigate in future employment. Module Content:Social theory - Students will learn key aspects of social theory that can be/ have been used to explain phenomena in sport and exercise; Inequality and discrimination - Students will explore the main sources of inequality and discrimination in sport and exercise (e.g., gender, social class, ethnicity, LGBTI); Sport and politics - Students will explore how various political systems/ ideologies and governing bodies use sport/athletes as a vehicle for social control; Ethics and sport - Students will learn about moral and ethical issues in sport and exercise (e.g., child protection). Sport and exercise cultures provide a unique environment for moral and ethical issues.

Research Methods (SPS312)

Develop your ideas about research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health, to better understand and appreciate published research and carry out your own research project in your final year of study. Module Content: The research process; Formulating and refining research questions; Research methodologies; Ethical issues; Practical skill development.

Managing Sport Policy and Development (SPS307)

An overview of sports policy and development in the UK that enable you to evaluate sports development planning and development. Module Content: 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.

Sport Research Project (SPS400)

Undertake an independent research project in a subject area that reflects your award title. Module Content: Research project topics - Students select their research project topics with staff. Each student is allocated a supervisory tutor within the Division; Supervisory sessions - Supervisory sessions will cover the identification of a research question; necessary elements of research design; the approach needed to prepare for and complete the research project; a range of appropriate research methods; appropriate statistical analyses; the structure of the research report; the interpretation of the research results; possible or probable conclusions; and the writing of the report.

Duty of Care in Sport (SPS413)

One of the most important aspects of sport is the people involved, whether they are taking part, coaching, administering, volunteering or involved in some other capacity. However, as highlighted in the recent Sport Duty of Care Review, questions have been raised about whether the wellbeing and welfare of people are being put at the centre of what sport does and delivers. This module provides opportunities to examine relevant and contemporary topics related to duty of care in sport. Module Content: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Injuries; Career transitions; Mental health; Education; Representation of the participant’s voice.

Coach Education and Support (SPS406)

Build upon previously developed understanding of the concepts of coaching and learning by explicitly exploring coach development, education and the support of the coaching process. The issues of professionalism in education and pedagogy. Different approaches to the development of those responsible for expertise in athletes and other learners. Module content: The coach as a professional; Coach education; National Governing Bodies; Volunteer culture.

Sport for Development (1) (SPS407)

The way sport can be used to address social issues, some of the problems with this approach, and how these issues can be overcome. Module content: Community development; Ideologies of sport for development; Community Practice; Sport and urban regeneration; Sport for development and peace; Sport, globalisation and development; Sport, capitalism and inequality; Liberating education and critical consciousness; The politics of 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

Programme Fees for 2019

Scottish & EU students

£1,820

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year. Fees are normally funded through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for eligible students.

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

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

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 Robert Reid Bursary

Two £1,000 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.

Gym environment - female doing squats while three males spectate

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)).

Sports Development and Coaching (Full time)

Get inspired

Meet some of our Sports Development and Coaching graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.

A picture of Debbi McCullock in her Spartans coaching outfit.

Debbi McCulloch

Debbi rose up from groundsman to Business and Operations Manager at Spartans Academy.

Find out more

Paul Brand

Paul landed his dream job as Head of First Team Analysis at Manchester United.

Find out more

Mark Williams

Mark is Chief Operations Officer at the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which puts on a range of different programmes, ranging from activities in primary scho

Find out more

Programme Leader - Sports Development and Coaching

Related Courses

Check out the related courses below - there's a degree for everyone at Abertay.

Sport and Exercise

Dive in to a rich pool of diverse sport and exercise topics – from sport psychology and coaching to service provision and consumerism.

Find out more

Sport and Exercise Science

The demand for highly qualified sport and exercise scientists is high. This degree offers you the opportunity to achieve the relevant expertise.

Find out more

Gym environment - male in a squatting position holding very large weights above his shoulders

Strength and Conditioning

Abertay's Strength and Conditioning degree will help you develop your knowledge of physical performance and stand out in a growing industry.

Find out more

Explore our Dundee Campus

Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.

Our Campus

Male standing in front of Abertay University

Why Abertay?

We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.

Why Abertay

Female standing outside the Bernard King Library

Come to an Open Day

An Open Day is your chance to get an up close experience of the University and the city. You’ll come away with all the information you need about us and the courses you’re interested in.

Open Day

Female hanging upside down on hand railing

Living in Dundee

Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.

Living in Dundee & Scotland