Course summary

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? When you graduate from Buckinghamshire New University, you will have gained a qualification that demonstrates not just the skills you have learned but also how they could be applied in the workplace. With such a practical learning focus, what you learn in the classroom can be seen working for you in real time. Our course also allows you to really understand the theory behind the physiology, psychology and biomechanics of coaching from lecturers who have been involved in the world of coaching and elite sport. Our programme is more than just academic, you can get sports or work experience throughout the course either with your current role or through a performance pathway or organizations such as Sport for Kids. At BNU we also have great links with sports organizations – for example, we’re a Swim England National Performance Centre. This course also sets you up perfectly to go onto a top up degree and progress into a full undergraduate honour after an additional one year of study. The programme offers you an opportunity to combine academic study with workplace learning and gain experience in sports participation and competition. What facilities can I use? Whilst studying with us you can take advantage of our extensive sports facilities and activities. A wide range of sports and fitness classes take place in our large, versatile sports space on our High Wycombe Campus. Stretch and relax at Fitness Pilates, work your muscles with Reps and Sets, or squeeze in a quick H.I.I.T workout. The sports hall has a sprung floor that reduces the impact on ankle, knee and hip joints, and the space can be split so that several activities can take place at once. Specialist matting is available for activities such as judo and cheerleading. What will I study? This course will develop you as a sports coach, and as a coach your role extends beyond physical activity to the realm of emotional and psychological support, education and mentoring. We will develop your knowledge of the key aspects of sports coaching involving sports science, psychology, pedagogy and sociology. The course has a strong vocational focus, so you will be able relate the theory we teach in the classroom to the practice work you are undertaking both in work and sport competition. Our course focuses on the contextual and operational challenges facing the sport industry with an aim to develop you into a coach who engages with individuals, communities and organisations to promote participation opportunities, develop athletes, and contribute to the betterment of people’s lives through sport. It will help you to establish and maintain networks to organise and run sport events. You will learn how to create, implement and evaluate important sport policy related to health, wellbeing, and social inclusion. Coaching is an interesting and unique profession like no other and if you are interested in coaching or even just sports science in general, we encourage you to apply. Whether you simply want to learn more about the subject, are already working in sports or you have a specific plan you are working on, we can help you find the right mix of practical help and the correct theory to help you reach the next step of your journey with confidence. Career Prospects This course is ideal for those wishing to progress into a sport coaching or mentoring role. If you wanted to pursue a higher education qualification you will be well suited to pursue that through a top up degree programme. We will aid you in gaining coaching qualifications to help you become a sports coach. If you are currently a sport athlete and thinking about your future after sport, becoming a coach is a great way to future proof your career and continue in the sport that you love.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.