Program Overview

---

BA (Hons) Sport, Coaching and Physical Education (Top-up)

Course Overview

You’ll examine the theory of physical education, sport and coaching science across education, leisure and community sectors. A learn-and-do ethos will see classes complemented by practical sessions, while experience in schools and community groups will provide real-world application.

You’ll benefit from the support and first-hand knowledge of professionals. Alongside this, you'll have access to numerous facilities, including our sports hall, functional fitness training room, human performance laboratories and specialist IT rooms.

Fast track your job hunt with our industry links. You’ll have numerous career options upon graduation including sport coaching, teaching, sport development, elite performance analysis and personal training.

On this course you will...

• Gain academic and vocational key skills through both classroom and community engagement projects linked to specific modules.
• Be taught in small class sizes which means you get to know your class and tutors well, allowing you to feel supported during your studies.
• Have access to an extensive range of partner organisations in sport including Active Cumbria, Active Lancashire and Golf England facilitating learning opportunities, guest speakers and placements.
• Follow the successes of our graduates who have pursued careers in PE teaching, sport development, event management, high-performance coaching and community coaching roles.
• Benefit from our partnership with local leisure centre, Salt Ayre, giving you access to even more high-quality sports facilities.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Lancaster
• Institute: Institute of Health
• UCAS Code: C603
• Delivery Style: In-Person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 1 Year
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BA (Hons)

Course Structure

What you will learn

You will examine the theory of physical education, sport and coaching science across education, leisure and community sectors, hands-on experience plays a big part in this course.

Academic learning will be intertwined with practical sessions in our purpose-built sports facilities. This programme focuses on physical education, sport coaching and sport development, blending academic rigour and vocational skills.

It links up-to-date multidisciplinary theory with practical skills. It is designed to appeal primarily to those seeking careers in sport coaching, physical education/sport teaching in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors (further post-graduate study would be required) and sport development officers within national governing bodies and local authorities.

Year one

• Independent Investigative Project
  • Conduct an original research investigation of your own choice, supported by a dissertation supervisor, and communicate your findings.
• Current Issues in Sport Development and Physical Education
  • Explore a variety of contemporary issues in sport development and PE and examine these issues in light of claims made for tailored cross-cutting interventions with specific population groups. Consider the challenges faced in promoting positive lifestyle behaviours to different groups in society.
• Club and Coach Development
  • Develop a critical insight into issues facing community sports clubs and their contributions to local communities. Explore and critically evaluate key coach education concepts including experiential learning, communities of practice and mentoring.
• Performance Analysis in Sport
  • Develop an understanding of assessing technical, tactical, and strategic performances through theory and a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods. This will enable in-depth analysis of performance and appropriate conclusions to be drawn to improve the athletes' performance.
• Managing Community Events
  • Working in a small team, and with the guidance of an industry mentor, you have responsibility for planning, marketing, financing, delivery, and evaluation of a local community event, with specific key performance indicators to achieve.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Learning and teaching methods are designed to:

• Be student-centred, flexible and modern whilst being challenging and stimulating.
• Support your needs at different stages of development.
• Be fully supported by, and integrated with, technological approaches such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE).
• Ensure the link between theory with practice.
• Develop you as an independent and self-directed learner, communicating the ethos of reflective learning.
• Develop the ability to learn effectively to performing academically, including an in-depth, evidence-based research dissertation.

Modules are delivered with a mixture of formal contact time, directed and blended learning and independent learning. The proportion of the methods used varies with the focus of each module. You will develop your academic skills and become progressively more independent in your learning.

Key knowledge and understanding is acquired through a wide range of teaching methods including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Problem-solving tasks
• Laboratory-based practical work
• Practical teaching/coaching sessions
• Group work
• Observational learning
• Research projects
• Vocational placement
• Private and directed study.

All staff engaged in the development and delivery of this programme are active in continuing professional development. All staff hold, or are active in, subject-specific qualifications and conduct research pertinent to professional practice. Resources and equipment have been replaced and updated to facilitate teaching, learning and assessment activities on relevant practical modules.

How you will be assessed

Modules use formative and summative assessment so that you progress and build knowledge coherently and logically.

Formative assessments are designed so that feedback on individual performance is provided before the submission of the final, summative assessment and will occur regularly to inform your progress and performance. Formative work does not contribute to the final module mark or the credit awarded. Formative tasks and assessments will feature in all modules and provide you with further learning opportunities, alongside skill development, for example, non-graded presentation skills, delivery and reflection.

A variety of assessment methods will be utilised, reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of this programme and the increasing demand for employment-ready graduates. Assessment methods are specified in each module guide and will include:

• Practical presentations
• Research reports/written assessments.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Class presentations (individual and group).
• Poster presentations and conferences.
• Reflective learning *portfolios (placement module).

*Portfolios may be comprised of several pieces of work that together provide evidence of learning and demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes in a variety of modes. For example, written pieces, as well as video recordings of practical activities or presentations, PowerPoint slides, a series of reflections or online discussions, are just some of the ways you may evidence your learning.

Entry Requirements

Overview

Successful completion of a related foundation degree or HND.

Selection criteria

• BTEC Higher National Diploma in Sport Coaching or Sport, to Level 5 or equivalent.
• Diploma in Higher Education in Sport Coaching, Physical Education, Sport Studies or similar.
• GCSE English grade 4 (C) or equivalent.
• Applicants from courses based at institutions other than the University of Cumbria will be assessed on their suitability depending upon the modules they have studied.

Language requirements

• GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.

We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. The University of Cumbria will make offers to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 – you can check your postcode here) and care leavers, offers will be made at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. (T&Cs apply)

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

• £9,535 - UK
• £14,900 - International

2024 - 2025

• £9,250 - UK
• £13,575 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.