BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Jayne Ludlow, Jay Probert |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | Blackburn College |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 4 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
To engage students in honours level analysis, synthesis, critical thinking and evaluation of key theories and practices within sports coaching.
To develop a range of skills that will encourage a critical, systematic approach to the identification, analysis and solution of problems appertaining to sports coaching.
To develop students’ ability to apply theory into practice through facilitating appropriate sports coaching opportunities
To prepare sports coaching students for graduate employment through the development of skills and attributes, including leadership, communication, reflective practice and problem solving.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the concepts, principles, theories and techniques relevant to sports coaching and their application within practical contexts. |
| A2 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the disciplines that underpin human structure and function and how this is applied to sports coaching. |
| A3 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the organisations and structures responsible for sport, and the political ramifications arising from these. |
| A4 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding enabling students to contribute to economic, social and cultural development at various levels of societal activity (local, England, UK, global). |
| B1 | Ability to research and critically assess paradigms, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and apply such skills in explaining and solving problems. |
| B2 | Ability to demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of essential facts, concepts principles and theories relating to sports coaching. |
| B3 | The ability to create, critically evaluate and assess a range of options for solving problems, together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations. |
| B4 | Able to describe, synthesise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information and data relevant to a sports coaching context. |
| C1 | Engagement in a culture of continual professional development and lifelong learning. |
| C2 | The utilisation of employability skills to develop a range of work-based competences |
| C3 | The ability to demonstrate a critical appreciation of sports coaching and facilitation principles in at least one vocational context. |
| C4 | The ability to plan, design, execute and to critically reflect on practical activities using appropriate techniques and procedures. |
Course Structure
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR3D004 | MOD006518 | Applied Professional Project | Running | 40 | core |
| SR3S36 | MOD004974 | Elite Sports Performance | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR3S44 | MOD006523 | Applied Sports Coaching | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR3S60 | MOD008573 | Contemporary Issues in Sports Development | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR3S65 | MOD009544 | Critical Issues in Sports Coaching and Leadership | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR3S66 | MOD009545 | Leadership in Sport | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR3S70 | MOD010434 | Creatively Teaching Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing | Running | 20 | optional |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Employer Engagement will be achieved by:
Visiting Speakers
A range of industry professionals will be recruited to deliver inputs on campus. Other hourly paid lecturers and will also support delivery.
Volunteering
Placements at levels 6 will typically be complemented with additional external and internal voluntary opportunities. In-house and external volunteer events will be actively promoted to students.
Fieldwork
Extra-curricular coaching opportunities within the UK and abroad will be promoted to students to enhance their experiences and build their networks.
Fieldtrips
Opportunities to network and interact with industry professionals at a variety of elite and grassroots sporting venues within the UK
Work-based Learning
Sport placements are required at level 6, in line with the vocational course subject area. On location, students will be issued with a professional mentor to guide their learning experience.
Employer Forums
This will be driven through the work of the Work-based Learning Module Leader, supported by the Programme Team, in order to offer added value interaction opportunities with key industry partners.
Vocational Qualifications
In recognition of the importance of vocational skills and qualifications for employability within sports coaching, students will be supported to acquire a range of NGB and related qualifications. Students will be given the opportunity to access courses both on and off-campus.
Means of Assessment
Written Assignments (Research Proposal, Report, Essay, Self Reflective Assessments)
Presentations
Written Exam
Work-Based Learning
Practical Coursework
Dissertation
Learning Support
The learning support available through the course
Induction
Induction will take place in accordance with Blackburn College and University of South Wales expectations. The induction period is designed to include a variety of team-building activities as well as providing information on a range of course, Blackburn College and USW issues including disability support, finance, academic support, library services, academic regulations and enrichment activities.
Personal tutor
Students will be allocated a personal tutor who will be part of the core teaching staff for their year group.
Tutorials
Individual and group tutorials are built into the timetable on a weekly basis throughout the academic year. Students are allocated personalised one to one tutorials which will be delivered on a rota basis, usually at three to four weekly intervals, depending on group size. These sessions will be used to discuss the student’s progress, consider their wellbeing, provide guidance and set targets for development and improvement. Any personal or academic concerns that students may have can then be appropriately signposted to other support services if required, either internally or externally.
Seminars
Smaller groups of seminar group size are used for project discussion and personal development work.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is built into each module and will be used to support the development of student skills and knowledge.
Progress meetings
Progress meetings will be incorporated into tutorials.
Research Supervision
Individual supervisors will be allocated to provide each student with support for the dissertation module.
Online Resources
Learning materials will be available via Moodle (VLE). Information and announcements will also be made via Moodle (VLE).
Advice Centres
The Hub is available within the Beacon Centre on-campus.
DDS Service
This is available at the University Centre Blackburn College, students are sign-posted to relevant services during Induction and throughout the academic year.
IT/Library
IT support and library facilities are available at the University Centre Blackburn College and students receive an Induction into the Library. Additional support services are offered throughout the academic year. Students also have access to online library resources at USW.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (with Honours) | Completion of 120 credits at Level 6 | Final |
Progression Route
The following progression routes are available:MA Leadership in SportMSc Sports Coaching and Performance
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
The top-up honours programme in Sports Coaching has been designed specifically as a progression route for those students who have successfully completed an FdSc in Sports Coaching (for September 2020, for those who have completed the current FdSc Sports Coaching & Performance). These students will progress onto the honours year if they meet the following criteria:
Achieve a pass grade of 40% or above in the FdSc Sports Coaching.
Non direct applicants, i.e. a student who has a similar Foundation Degree in sport or a HND qualification in sport and who has achieved 240 credits, will be considered on an individual basis by the Programme Team.
You may be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the start of the course in order to undertake the placement required for the Work-Based Learning module. The College offers a DBS service and students will be advised on the system prior to the commencement of the course.
Will students be required to undergo a DBS check? See above
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
Course Management
\\rThe Programme Leader works with the course team to develop a course to its full potential so that it provides a professional, employment-focused learning experience for students. The Programme Leader oversees academic standards, quality assurance and enhancement.
\\rArrangements for Feedback to Students
\\rThe arrangements for providing feedback to students on their assessed work within 20 working days are:
\\rFeedback on all summative coursework will be released on the 20th working day in a format consistent with the module leaders stipulated guidelines.
\\r- all assignment feedback is provided in writing via Moodle through a combination of on script comments, alongside individual grading matrix, which mirror each individual module criteria
\\r- feedback sheets are provided for all assessments with comments on work done well, areas for development and any other relevant observations made by markers
\\r- annotated original assignment documents are returned with comments and corrections as part of assessed work feedback
\\r- placement performance is fed back on by placement supervisors and students also undertake self-assessment
\\r- students can seek further feedback via personal tutorials
\\r- further generic feedback is available in seminars/lectures and in class preparation for future assignments.
\\rStudent Representation
\\rStudents on this course will be represented at meetings with teaching staff and other members of the College by Course Representative.
\\rThe role of the Course Representatives is to elicit the views and issues of the students they represent, and reflect these views/issues at Student/Staff Course Liaison Groups (SSCLGs) and feedback to the students the outcomes/actions from the SSCLGs.
\\rCourse Representatives are responsible for representing their group at continuous monitoring events. Student representation is in-line with USW. An example of student representation working in practice is in relation to SR3S33, Contemporary Issues in Sport and SR3S34, PE & School Sport. These modules were semesterised as a result of a SSCLG at which students requested early feedback on assessments in Semester 1. SR3S33 is now delivered in Semester 1 and feedback on the first assessment is provided before submission of a second assignment. Also, at the July 2018 Continuous Monitoring Event, students discussed how SR3S36 Elite Sport Performance and SR3S35 Principles of Coaching III should be delivered by the same tutor in order to avoid cross-over of delivery for 2018/19 this has been facilitated and feedback at the 2018-19 SSCLG has been positive in relation to this.
Quality Of Standards Indicators
Course Monitoring
\\rThe University is responsible for both the standards of its awards and for the quality of its students’ learning experience. In order to ensure that standards are maintained and there is continuous enhancement a process of regular review takes place. This process is known as Continuous Monitoring. The University requires Module Leaders, Course Leaders and Deans/the Principal RWCMD (and their counterparts in collaborative partner organisations) to undertake reviews throughout the academic year and to report the outcomes of these reviews, using a standard format. The continuous monitoring reports, compiled over a six-year period, form the basis of the Course Review & Revalidation process.
\\rAligned to the Academic Standards and Quality Service mission outlined by the University of South Wales, the course integrates the concepts of quality assurance and enhancement in all areas. The partnership is also committed to continuous quality improvement through reviewing and improving services and work processes. The University Link Officer and Partner (Blackburn College) Link Officer monitor processes throughout the academic year such as continuous course monitoring, enrolment, student feedback, Registered Teacher Status (RTS) and External Examiner engagement.
\\rExternal Examiner
\\rExternal examining provides one of the principal means for maintaining UK academic standards within autonomous higher education providers. The majority are drawn from other higher education institutions in the UK. In some cases there will be external examiners drawn from industry or practice.
\\rThey provide carefully considered advice on the academic standards of the courses and/or modules to which they have been assigned, and can offer advice on good practice and opportunities to enhance the quality of those courses/modules. They are also able to offer an informed view of how standards compare with the same or similar awards at other higher education providers (primarily in the UK, and sometimes overseas as well) of which they have experience.
\\rExternal examiners provide of annual written reports to the University based on what he/she has observed of the University’s assessment processes and student assessed work.
\\rEngagement with Subject Benchmark Statements, QAA Quality Code, CQFW and FHEQ
\\rThe following subject benchmarks have been consulted:
\\rQAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (FHEQ, 2014);
\\rQAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (2016): Specifically, sections 3.18 – 3.21.
\\rThe Credits and Qualification Framework for England (2015).
\\rQAA The Revised UK Quality Code for Higher Education (2018).