Sport Science (Coaching) BSc (Hons)
Why choose this course?
On this practical course, you'll develop practical coaching skills as well as studying the science behind effective coaching, performance, leadership and sports analysis. You'll have access to sophisticated equipment to measure the physiological responses to exercise and analyse sports movements and skills.
Modules cover psychology, motivation, human physiology, anatomy, biomechanics and notational analysis. A project or dissertation on a selected topic will develop your independent learning skills.
You will gain the CIMSPA Coaching Assistant qualification after successfully completing your first year.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | CX6C | 2023 2024 |
| 4 years full time including sandwich year | CX61 | 2023 2024 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | CX6D | 2023 2024 |
| 6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2023 2024 |
Please note this course was previously called Sports Analysis and Coaching BSc (Hons).
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
- You will gain the CIMSPA Coaching Assistant qualification after successfully completing your first year.
- Module options from the second year allow students to tailor the areas of study to support their coaching philosophy.
What our students say
Sport Science students Louise and Tom talk about their experience studying at Kingston University.
What you will study
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 1 introduces the theory and practice of effective coaching and leadership. You will take part in a practical-based coaching module, exploring the theories that underpin coaching and leadership roles in sport and exercise. You will learn to understand sport as an academic subject. Other modules cover key concepts in sport and exercise psychology, such as motivation and personality. There are also modules regarding human physiology and an introduction to anatomy and biomechanics. In addition, you will be introduced to the essential principles of scientific investigation.
Core modules
Essentials for Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
30 credits
This module provides an essential introduction to the skills required for undergraduate study and scientific research. It enables you to understand the principles of qualitative and quantitative experimental research. It will introduce and employ statistical techniques for the analysis of sport science and nutrition data. The skills developed in this module will begin to formulate the foundation to later research methods modules and the final year project or dissertation module.
Sport and Exercise Psychology 1
30 credits
This module introduces the fundamental constructs of sport and exercise psychology and how they impact on our understanding of human behaviour and learning in sport and exercise environments. These constructs include personality, motivation, anxiety, stress as well as the learning and performance process. You will also learn about the theories of motor control and motor learning. These topics will be introduced within lectures, further examined within seminar, workshop and practical sessions, and supplemented with additional online material.
Topics include:
- The growth and development of sport and exercise psychology as a discipline
- Methods used to conduct sport and exercise psychology research
- The role of the self in sport and exercise, how this develops and impacts upon wellbeing and performance
- The differing theories of personality development and the role it plays in sport and exercise
- The different perspectives on the motivation in sport and exercise and the influences this has on individuals and groups
- Theories of arousal, stress and anxiety and how they might impact upon sport/exercise environments
- The role of psychology in the uptake and maintenance of physical activity
- The role of exercise in maintaining/improving psychological health
- Competing perspectives pertaining to motor control and skill acquisition
- The role of perception and attention in the ability to learn and perform motor skills
- Types and classifications of different types of motor skills
- The role and functionality of memory and its impact on acquiring and performing sport skills
- The role of neurological systems in the control of human movement
- Differing approaches to understanding learning in the sports environment.
Functional Anatomy and Exercise Physiology
30 credits
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of functional anatomy and physiology, particularly the skeletal, neural, muscular, metabolic, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The focus will be on the understanding of the biomechanics of movement and the physiological adjustments in response to the demands of sport and exercise.
The Science and Practice of Coaching
30 credits
This module introduces theories related to coaching and leadership roles in sport and exercise, and it aims to create environments where students can develop their own practical competencies in related coaching and leadership skills. It also aims to provide students with the experiential basis necessary for them to appreciate and understand sport as an academic subject.
Year 2 introduces areas such as notational analysis in sport. There are further practical modules in sport analysis, and you will study physiology and psychology in more detail. You will be introduced to contemporary issues in sport coaching and gain a deeper understanding of sport and exercise psychology. Finally, you will study research methods in physical activity, preparing you for the Year 3 research project.
Core modules
Research Methods in Exercise Science
30 credits
This module's focus is on the approaches to research design, data collection techniques and appropriate analyses to make accurate interpretations. It further investigates quantitative and qualitative research methods introduced at Level 4 and introduces students to more advanced techniques. The module provides an essential introduction to research ethics and the ethical approval procedures that are required when using human participants for research. Skills developed in this module will form the foundation of the final year project module. This module also provides an overview of how to recognise and develop key and transferable skills to enhance employability through relevant professional development and research experience.
Analysis in Sport and Exercise
30 credits
This module introduces students to the technical and tactical analysis of sport performance. For the tactical aspects, 'performance analysis' elements focus on the notational analysis techniques used to explore impactful metrics that aid in enhancing performance and informing the coaching cycle. For the technical aspects, ‘biomechanical analysis' elements explore the key mathematical and physical concepts underpinning the analysis of human movement in sport and exercise. Both of these aspects aim to provide students with an appreciation of how application of analytical data may be used to: a) explain and enhance sporting performance or b) reduce the risk of injury.
Sport Coaching Theory
30 credits
This module highlights the importance of examining sport and sport coaching from a sociological and cultural perspective. It introduces key concepts of sociological and cultural studies and their relationship to sport. The module also examines theories, methodologies and technologies associated with sport coaching and contemporary issues that are emerging within the sport and coaching environments.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Discuss how social and cultural factors may affect sporting participation and coaching.
- Describe how an appreciation of key sociological and cultural perspectives of sport can be applied to sports participation and coaching.
- Understand how social, cultural and political factors influence sports participation and coaching and the organisation of sport, globally and in the UK.
- Discuss the emergence and significance of conflicting developments by research and the sport industry.
- Identify and provide an overview of a contemporary issue in sport participation and coaching.
- Demonstrate the key skills of communication (group discussions, reading, selecting, extracting and collating information from appropriate sources, make a presentation, produce written materials), numeric skills (collect primary and secondary data, design a suitable recording format for data collection, evaluation of numerical data, perform basic calculations on amount and sizes, scales and proportions, using statistics where appropriate), ICT (search for, retrieve and store information using ICT resources and, develop independent learning skills).
Optional modules
Sport and Exercise Psychology 2
30 credits
The content of this module is divided into aspects that deal with social psychology in sport and exercise, the psychology (and development) of the individual in sport and exercise settings and exercise psychology.
Topics include:
- The role of motivation in sport and exercise settings and the developments of differing perspectives in this area.
- Leadership in sports and exercise contexts.
- The role played by group dynamics in sport and exercise settings and how this might influence group satisfaction and performance.
- The development of aggression in sport contexts, incorporating different theoretical perspectives.
- The mechanisms and experience of burnout in athletes, and the psychological components of this process.
- Career transitions for sport performers, and the role sport psychology may play in assisting such transitions.
- Moral development in young athletes, and the role of morality in competitive sports contexts.
- The role of emotions experienced on an inter and intra personal level in sport and exercise environments.
- The benefits of exercise in the maintenance of psychological health and wellbeing, and the mechanisms by which this occurs.
- Theories of exercise adoption and maintenance.
- Measurement and theoretical issues in sport and exercise psychology research.
Health and Exercise Physiology
30 credits
This module covers the acute and chronic physiological changes caused by exercise, giving you an understanding of cardio-respiratory health. You will learn to link exercise physiology to performance. You will understand the role of exercise and physical activity as a prescription therapy to clinical diseases. This module will further develop your understanding by equipping you with the scientific skills to monitor and assess health, fitness and performance.
Final year offers further experience through the Coaching Practice module. You will develop analytical skills by studying advanced notational analysis, and you will extend your knowledge of sport physiology or sport psychology and/or biomechanics (depending on your preference and focus for coaching). All final year students are required to develop their independent learning skills by carrying out a project/dissertation on a selected topic in coaching and sport analysis.
Core modules
Applied Notational Analysis
30 credits
This module develops skills gained at level five in LS5015 Analysis in Sport and Exercise and further enhances the role of notational analysis within sport. The module sees a much greater emphasis placed on the applied application on notational analysis and how this supports the coaching cycle within a variety of sports. Students are required to conduct computerised notational investigations to gain insight into performance.
Coaching Practice
30 credits
This module builds on the previous practical and theoretical understanding with the aim to develop coaching experience whilst being more attuned and critically aware of the theory of sport science and best practice in coaching. In addition, the module focuses on enhancing existing knowledge and ability to critically develop long and short-term coaching strategies to aid in holistic athletic development.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to provide safe and competent coaching.
- Coach specific aspects of a training programme or session by applying theoretical knowledge to practical delivery.
- Plan and prepare coaching sessions that enable the coach to identify talented athletes, improve technical skills and that improve the athlete's physical conditioning by the use of the principles of long-term athlete development and the periodisation of training.
- Identify and critically evaluate the structural components of a coaching programme in relation to sport science disciplines.
- Demonstrate the key skills of communication (group discussions, reading, selecting, extracting and collating information from appropriate sources, make a presentation, produce written materials), numeric skills (collect primary and secondary data, design a suitable recording format for data collection, evaluation numerical data, perform basic calculations on amount and sizes, scales and proportions, using statistics where appropriate, ICT (search for, retrieve and store information using ICT resources and, develop independent learning skills).
Sports and Exercise Science Project
credits
This module involves a significant piece of original and independent research carried out through the year. A requirement will be to utilise Sport Analysis and Coaching knowledge and identify a selected field of study, plan and undertake some form of data collection which will culminate in the writing of a scientific project and the delivery of an oral presentation. This module also provides opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate a critical understanding of the key transferable skills that have emerged from the final year of study to enhance employability/readiness for work through personal and professional development and research experience.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Devise and write a concise plan of a proposed research project, paying due consideration to health and safety regulations and ethics, if required.
- Undertake original research and compare the outcomes with the current understanding.
- Write a structured and lucid report of the work carried out that is appropriately analytical and critical.
- Evaluate and communicate complex information both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate key skills of creative thinking, problem solving, communication (produce written reports; oral presentation; incorporate tables, charts and diagrams in documents; collate information), numeracy (collect and analyse data), ICT (to obtain information; present written reports and oral presentation), and opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate a critical understanding of the key transferable skills that have emerged from the final year of study that will enhance their employability through personal and professional development and research experience.
Optional modules
Extreme Environments and Ergogenic Aids
30 credits
This module provides coverage of the environmental influences that impact on humans when exercising or competing in sport. The physiological reactions to discrete environmental stresses are described and methods of acclimatisation or coping are explained. This module also examines nutritional supplementation and prohibited methods to enhance physical performance, including a focus on current regulation and policies and the attitudes, values and behaviours that may precipitate doping and the consequences of doping in sport.
Applied Sport Psychology
30 credits
This module furthers the understanding of the application of psychology to sport, including the role of the sport psychologist, and the types of skills used by these professionals with individual athletes and teams. Building upon the existing knowledge of psychological theory previously gained and applying this knowledge to case studies and stories of professional athletes. The module aims to develop an understanding of the frameworks used by sport psychologists working in the field, as well as having the opportunity to apply these skills through role play. This module will develop critical understanding of sport psychology through the evaluation of interventions to promote athletic performance.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Effectively and critically apply psychological theory to the sport domain
- Demonstrate an understanding of the applied sport psychology process: from needs analysis to intervention and evaluation, with a high level of autonomy and in an evidence based fashion
- Demonstrate a developed critical understanding of the moral and ethical issues when working with performers in the area of sport psychology
- Demonstrate key skills of communication (group discussions; making a presentation; reading, selecting, extracting, and collating information from appropriate sources; produce written materials), numeracy (data collection; recording data, evaluating data performing calculations), ICT (produce a document that incorporates and combines different types of information; search for, retrieve, and store information using ICT resources), teamwork, and develop independent learning skills.
Biomechanics of Sport Performance and Injury
30 credits
This module provides a critical, theoretical and practical understanding of applied techniques used in the biomechanical analysis of human movement and sporting activity to identify how the application of biomechanics may be used to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury. The module also provides critical awareness of the mechanisms, prevention, assessment and treatment of injury associated with sport participation.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge and practical experience of the techniques used for recording and analysing sporting movements.
- Critically evaluate how applied biomechanics can improve sporting performance and reduce the risk of injury.
- Demonstrate a developed critical awareness of differing approaches to movement analysis.
- Demonstrate a developed critical awareness of differing approaches and methodologies related to injury assessment and rehabilitation.
- Demonstrate key skills of communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork and develop independent skills.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Foundation year
If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.
Future Skills
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is through lectures, supported by smaller group tutorials, seminars and practical laboratory sessions.
Assessment includes continuous assessment, such as essays, laboratory reports, presentations, thesis and exam.
Who teaches this course?
This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment.
Exercise physiology lab facilities
We have a number of ergometers, such as treadmill, cycle and rowing kayak, for analysing sports-specific performance. Sophisticated equipment allows us to measure the physiological responses to exercise, such as:
- oxygen consumption
- fat oxidation
- heart rate
- blood pressure
- haematological responses.
Practical work helps you develop your understanding of exercise physiology and your practical skills. The high specification equipment ensures a high quality of research and allows staff to provide support services to top-class athletes from a range of sports.
We have two specialist environmental chambers that can adjust heat/humidity levels and simulate altitude environments.
Biomechanics lab facilities
A large laboratory provides space for teaching, research and consultancy activities. We can sophisticatedly analyse sports movements and skills thanks to:
- force platforms fitted in the floor
- a six-camera motion analysis system
- an isokinetic dynamometer
- electromyography.
Two smaller labs provide space for specific activities, such as gait analysis, assessment of muscle function and data analysis. The Library offers:
- subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area
- online database subscriptions
- a growing selection of resource materials.
Endorsements
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and CIMSPA.
British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
CIMSPA
After you graduate
You'll be ready to develop a career in sport development and coaching-related roles in both public and private sectors. There are opportunities to work with athletes in national and international competitions, as well as in grassroots sport.
Work placement year
How you can work in industry during your course
Why take a placement?
Work placements:
- provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career;
- improve your chances of graduating with a higher grade degree;
- enhance your CV;
- lead to a graduate job;
- enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid); and
- help you to select your final-year project.
"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.
"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.
There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.
For further information please contact the placements team by telephone 020 8417 2969 or email secplace@kingston.ac.uk.
Examples of placements
Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies or small start ups, across a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:
| Construction-based placement employers | Construction-based placement roles |
|---|---|
| RG Group Multiplex Costain Willmott Dixon Fluor |
Assistant site manager Assistant trades package manager Assistant logistics manager Health and safety officer Construction engineer |
| Science-based placement employers | Science-based placement roles |
| Reckitt and Benckiser GSK Drug Control Centre Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd Various local and international hospitals |
Bioanalytical sciences Lab assistant Pharmacy assistant Sports coach |
| Engineering-based placement employers | Engineering-based placement roles |
| Airbus BAM Nuttall Nissan Bosch Wozair |
Analysis of aircraft structure Construction resources specialist Site engineer assistant |
| Computing and IS-based placement employers | Computing and IS-based placement roles |
| Disney Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe IBM McKinsey Intel |
Database coordinator Software developer Website developer App developer |
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
