Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Performance

You will need 48 UCAS tariff points. Applicants who do not meet the standard UCAS tariff requirement will still be considered on an individual basis, taking into account relevant experience and qualifications. As part of the course involves working with members of the community, all students must be eligible to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Here’s how to apply depending on your plans:

• If you’re applying to multiple Higher Education providers, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline for the relevant recruitment cycle. This ensures your application reaches all your chosen institutions efficiently.
• If this College is your only choice, you can begin the process by selecting the “Apply” button at the top of this course page, which will take you to the online application form for a simple and direct experience.
• For detailed information on UCAS applications and deadlines, https://www.ucas.com/applying .

Year 1 (Level 4) introduces the scientific and academic foundations of sport, helping you build the skills needed to succeed in higher education and professional coaching. You’ll begin with Preparation for Learning in Sport, Health and Exercise, a module designed to develop your academic skills, including researching and using academic sources. As part of this module, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain a first aid qualification an essential asset for any coach.
Scientific understanding is developed through Fundamentals of Anatomy and Biomechanics, where you explore human structure and movement in our sports lab through lectures and seminars. Alongside this, Introduction to Coaching Pedagogy develops your knowledge of leadership, learning theory, and skill acquisition. Practical sessions in our indoor and outdoor facilities allow you to apply coaching theory and build core professional competencies.
In the second semester, you expand your scientific knowledge through:
• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Introduction to Human Physiology and Performance
• Nutrition for Sport, Health and Exercise
Together, these modules build a strong scientific foundation to support your progression throughout the programme.

Year 2 (Level 5) focuses on applying knowledge in practical and professional contexts through lectures, seminars, and hands-on sessions You’ll study Introduction to Strength and Conditioning, learning how training principles enhance performance across different sports. A social psychology module explores participation in exercise, mental health, behaviour change, and ethical practice.
Building on Year 1 coaching study, The Reflective Sports Coach develops your ability to evaluate and improve your own practice using recognised reflective models. Sports Development examines the UK sport system, including National Governing Bodies and Long-Term Athlete Development, supported by guest speakers from industry partners.
You’ll also develop digital and analytical skills in Introduction to Performance Analysis, using modern technologies to assess sporting performance. In semester 2, a Research Methods module supports you in designing your own research project on a contemporary coaching issue, developing both qualitative and quantitative analysis skills.
All modules are inclusive in design and actively promote diversity, ensuring a supportive learning environment for every student. It is expected that students will largely attend sessions that are face-to-face in nature, although some sessions may be blended or remote if appropriate. Assessment will be undertaken through the use of a range of academic and practical tasks aligned to each of the modules.

It is expected that prospective students will have obtained GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above (or be working towards this).

In Year 2, you’ll complete placement experiences in both sports coaching and performance analysis. These placements give you valuable hands-on experience, helping you apply your learning in real environments and build practical skills for your future career.

We work in partnership with a diverse range of organisations, including RISE, UK Coaching, Morpeth Town A.F.C., and Newcastle United Foundation. These industry links provide valuable insight into the professional sport sector, along with networking opportunities that support your development and future career.
Throughout the course, you’ll take part in expert guest talks, seminars, industry trips, and practical learning designed to prepare you for the professional sport environment. The qualification potentially includes opportunities to gain additional industry-recognised credentials that enhance your employability. These added experiences ensure you graduate with practical skills, recognised qualifications, and the confidence to succeed in the sports industry.

You’ll attend 12 hours of taught sessions each week across two days/evenings during term time, alongside independent study to prepare assignments and assessments. Teaching is primarily face-to-face, with some blended and online learning to provide flexibility and support your studies. The programme runs over two years

The Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Performance develops the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours needed for a successful career in sport. You’ll explore key areas such as managing scientific information, effective communication, collaboration, reflective practice, innovation, and independent working.
On completion of Levels 4 and 5, you’ll may choose to progress onto a one year BSc (Honours) Sports Coaching and Performance top-up degree. The programme also ensures you graduate as a qualified sports coach, ready for employment in the sector. An optional international trip offers the chance to experience sporting culture in another country and broaden your professional perspective.

You will study on the following modules:
Level 4
- Fundamentals of Anatomy and Biomechanics
- Preparation for Learning in Sport, Health and Exercise
- Introduction to Coaching Pedagogy
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Introduction to Human Physiology and Performance
- Nutrition for Sport, Health and Exercise
Level 5
- Introduction to Strength and Conditioning
- Social Psychology of Sport, Health and Exercise
- The Reflective Sports Coach
- Sports Development and Performance Pathways
- Introduction to Performance Analysis
- Research Methods