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This Sports Development and Coaching degree produces graduates who truly understand the challenges and fast moving nature of the field. Abertay is Scotland's TOP University for overall student satisfaction in Sport and Exercise (NSS 2023).
Why study Sports Development and Coaching at Abertay?
Sports development and coaching needs more well-qualified graduates who truly understand the challenges and fast-moving nature of the field. This Sports Development and Coaching degree covers everything from grassroots initiatives to training elite sportspeople on the world stage.
You'll learn about physiology, sociology, psychology and biomechanics. At the same time, your studies give you an in-depth understanding of sport coaching, social policy, sport development and the social issues in sport and exercise. Learning sport coaching and sport development together is very helpful, as the two often overlap in the workplace.
A very practical degree
You'll get lots of practical experience such as work placements and internships (paid where possible). This helps you to put theory into practice, and prepare for national governing body or industry qualifications.
All of which looks good on your CV when it comes to employment after graduation.
A licensed partner of UK Coaching
We are a licensed partner of UK Coaching,a recognised stamp of quality coaching across all sports around the UK. This means you can get an additional certification alongside your degree, and gain CIMPSA CPD points while you study.
If you're interested in teaching, this degree meets the requirements for entry onto PGDE or PGCE courses.
Two-year foundation in Sport and Exercise
This course is flexible, and part of a portfolio of five courses covering different specialisms in sport.
For the first two years, everyone takes Sport and Exercise as a foundation. Then you specialise in years three and four. See more in the How the course works section.
Abertay is Scotland's TOP University for overall student satisfaction in Sport and Exercise (NSS 2023).
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If you’re interested in teaching, this degree meets the requirements for entry onto PGDE or PGCE courses. Or you might decide to carry on with your studies and go onto do a Masters or a PhD.
For the first two years, everyone takes the same foundation in Sport and Exercise regardless of their final specialisation.
At the end of your second year of study, you can either choose to remain on BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching or switch to one of the other specialist degrees. See more in the How the course works section.
Practical activities and work placements enable you to apply theory to real life scenarios. This includes volunteering - such as with the Active Schools programme - as well as working towards National Governing Body, or industry qualifications.
The Elite Athlete Development Programme
There are some international-class athletes here at Abertay involved in a range of sports competing at senior and age grade national levels. We support these athletes in their quest for international success through the Elite Athletes Development Programme (EADP).
We are immensely proud to have helped some students reach their sporting goals and represent their country. Find out how to apply.
About your modules
All modules shown are indicative and reflect course content for the current academic year. Modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change. If you receive an offer to study with us we will send you a Programme document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme. Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.
This degree is part of a larger portfolio of five courses covering different specialisms in sport. The initial two-year foundation curriculum is about gaining a foundation in the core areas of Sport and Exercise Sciences and so all five of these courses cover the same curriculum. In those first two years we’ll give you an introduction to core aspects of each course so you can decide where you want to specialise. This means you’ll learn what you want to focus on, and your degree will suit your own interests and career aspirations. And, of course, we’ll advise you every step of the way.
If you want to work in this industry or continue your studies but haven’t worked out exactly what you want to do, this is a great way to start. Our two-year foundation approach means you can keep your options open until you’ve learnt more about what really interests you.
In those first two years we’ll give you an introduction to core aspects of each course so you can decide where you want to specialise. This means you’ll learn what you want to focus on, and your degree will suit your own interests and career aspirations. And, of course, we’ll advise you every step of the way.
Having gained two years of knowledge and discovered your own specialist area, in year three you choose from one of these pathways:
Your chosen course will be reflected in your degree title e.g. BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching
Remember, you only need to apply for ONE course, as the first two years are the same for everyone.
Shape your own learning journey
It’s all about flexibility. The first two-year common curriculum means you can keep your options open until you know which area you want to focus on. Don’t worry, our academic team will give you advice and full support when it comes to choosing what to specialise in.
Whichever specialist path you decide on, by the time you graduate you will:
Understand how to analyse the core issues behind your chosen subject.
Have developed analytical and problem-solving skills, useful in any work environment.
Have learned to work both independently and as part of a team.
Be able to critically evaluate evidence, arguments, and assumptions and reach sound judgements.
Have learned applied professional standards, ethics and responsibilities, including good decision-making.
Have developed excellent communication and digital skills so you can share your knowledge effectively across a wide range of audiences.
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.
Please note: All new entrants are required to undertake a criminal records check (PVG) at the point of entry to the programme.
All applicants must have a pass in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4. National 5 Lifeskills Maths/Application of Maths at C accepted in lieu of Maths. Higher Application of Maths at grade C accepted.
To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE or Maths at B
Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry (see below).
BBC
To include Biology or Chemistry or Physics or PE or Maths at B
A-Level
CCC
To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE or Maths, Sport Science and Active Leisure Industry
T Level
C or higher
in Core Component in one of the following:- Health, Healthcare Science or Science
Irish Highers
H3H3H3H3
To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE or Maths
International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP)
27 Points
To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE and Maths or Analysis & Approaches at S5 or H4
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)
We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.
BTEC Extended Diploma
MMM
Sport/Sport and Exercise Sciences
AHEAD
Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme
SWAP Access
ABB
Access to: Life Sciences, Health & Life Sciences, Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University Study (to include all 4 Human Biology units)
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)
See next column
If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)
See next column
If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
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...
been in care, or are a young carer yourself
attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university
are eligible for free school meals
are a young person estranged from your family
are a government-recognised refugee or have asylum seeker status
are a registered pupil with sustained engagement in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North
... we encourage you to submit an application.
Support for Ukrainian students
We're keen to offer help to Ukrainian students who may wish to transfer from their existing institution in Ukraine or to register with us as new students for intake in September. There will be no tuition fees charged for the duration of the degree programme, as those with refugee status are treated as ‘Home/Scottish’ students and will also have access to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland bursary and student loans. Our Recruitment Team can help guide applicants.
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.
We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.
As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats) is an official source of information about higher education. It collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study.