2023/24 entry
BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching
Why study Sport Coaching at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Cover the art (coaching methods, planning and delivering) and science (psychology and physiology) of sport coaching
- Provides multiple opportunities to gain coaching experience in the UK and potentially abroad
- You will apply the latest coaching research in practical sessions, assessments and placements
- Graduates have gone on to a wide range of exciting careers in community sport, private or overseas coaching, national governing bodies of sport and sport development
- Your studies will be supplemented by expert guest lectures and visitors from the field of coaching
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 9th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2022)
About your course
Our Sport Coaching degree provides a mix of academic and practical experiences to enhance your understanding of sport coaching through from elite to community provision.
If you are passionate about sport and want a chance to help others achieve their sporting ambitions, a degree in Sport Coaching could be the route for you. Current demand for appropriately qualified coaches is high across a variety of settings (coaching children; participants and athletes). To be a successful coach, however, you need to be self-confident, have strong interpersonal skills and a sense of responsibility, alongside an in-depth professional coaching knowledge. This course will provide you with opportunities to gather this knowledge in areas such as coaching methods, sport psychology, training programmes and planning and delivering sessions.
During your degree, you will have the opportunity to do applied coaching on work placements in a variety of settings e.g. schools, clubs etc. This will help you to develop professional skills relevant to the coaching field e.g. observation, listening and communication. It will also help you to develop a network of contacts and to further your coaching C.V. Our excellent student placement office can help you source placements and in the past students have completed work experiences in Liverpool, across the U.K. and even abroad. Within your modules, you will also deliver and experience a range of practical coaching styles and sessions. These will be both student led and staff led, and will include a range of sports so that students get to observe, learn, and deliver the best coaching practices.
The staff on this programme have vast industry experience, ensuring that your lectures will be informed by both the latest research and best practices from industry. In fact, as part of your research methods strand, you will get to work on exciting research projects, helping you to develop analytical, organisational and presentation skills. More information on the Sport Coaching Research Group is available here.
Finally, in addition to your course, LJMU provides a range of extracurricular activities. For example, the Sport Coaching Research Group hold a monthly seminar where BSc. students mix with our MSc. and PhD students to hear the latest research in sport. We also have a programme of guest lectures and visits that students can attend. For example, students have visited the England Rugby Union Under 20 Training Camp and the Football Association at St George's Park. Students have also had guest lectures on site from practitioners such as Charlotte Henshaw (Paralympic Medalist Rio 2016), Mike Phelan (ex-Manchester United Coach) and Kate Richardson-Walsh (Gold Medal Winner as Captain of GB Hockey Rio 2016) amongst others. Of course, there is also a range of practical extracurricular opportunities for students including: BUCS and recreational sport activities e.g. dance, netball, football, rugby, hockey, gymnastics etc.
"The Sport Coaching course has allowed me to develop my coaching skills with both children and adults and learn a variety of aspects of coaching, such as sport science. I have met some great people who I will be friends with for life."
Professional accreditation/links
UK Coaching has recognised this combination of in-depth knowledge and practical application on the course, and have accredited the degree for meeting their standards. Additionally, the International Council for Coaching Excellence have also recognised the excellent coaching work at Liverpool John Moores and in 2017 we hosted the Global Coach Conference with presentations from World Class Coaches such as England Rugby Union Coach Eddie Jones to 300 coaches from as far afield as New Zealand.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Additional course costs
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Employability
Once you graduate, you have a wide range of options open to you. Many of our graduates go on to work as sports coaches with private or overseas coaching service providers, national governing bodies of sport, or in sport development. Others choose to progress onto further study such as a PGDE, PGCE Initial Teacher Training programmes or other postgraduate studies.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
We are committed to ensuring all our students experience a transformation in their employability skills and mindset and their career trajectory. A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course.
Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose. It will enable you to become more proactive, adaptable and resilient in your awareness and approach to career possibilities.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU’s state-of-the-art suite of online tools, resources and jobs board. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU’s in-house recruitment service, ensuring students can build experience whilst they study.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones to accelerate your job search and applications, CV and interview technique. Themed careers and employability workshops, a programme of employer events and recruitment fairs run throughout the year and students have the opportunity to hear from a range of alumni who openly share their own onward experience.
Student Futures work with businesses to create opportunities for fully funded internships which help students increase their network within the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or option in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Professional Practice in Sport Coaching 1
20 credits
This module enables you to develop your professional practice through practical, seminar and workshop delivery encompassing role of the coach, coaching process models, practical coaching skill development, safeguarding in coaching understanding reflective practice and developing employability skills. You will also have the opportunity to complete a Level 2 Certificate in Coaching (Sport and Physical Activity).
Psychosocial Principles of Sport and Exercise
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial concepts that underpin the sport and exercise environment.
Exercise Physiology 1
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems and metabolic processes and discuss how these systems and processes respond to feeding and acute exercise.
Learning in PE and Sport Contexts 1
20 credits
This module will enable you to appreciate positive learning environments in sport, PE, and physical activity settings. You will consider theoretical conceptions of learning and consider how these theories can inform your pedagogical practices.
Human Movement
20 credits
This module introduces you to the basic principles of human anatomy, functional movement, biomechanics and motor skill acquisition, and illustrates applications of these principles in sport, exercise and health. The module also aims to introduce you to experimental methods in biomechanics and to develop your skills in data handling.
Research Methods 1
20 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts of research methods, along with covering the basic application and interpretation of various data analysis techniques.
Level 5
Core modules
Professional Practice in Sport Coaching 2
20 credits
This module encourages you to and create and develop your own coaching philosophies through your own peer coaching and also work based/related placement opportunities. The module also offers a range of UK Coaching CPD courses to develop your professional practice and your understanding of formal and informal coach education methods. In addition, topics such as understanding sport industry legislation, policy and sports governance are covered.
Learning in PE and Sport Contexts 2
20 credits
This module will provide you with a critical appreciation of pedological models (games-based approaches, Rosenshein’s principle, non-linear pedagogies) and theoretical perspectives on learning (critical, ecological and relational) their application to further develop your pedological practice.
Strength and Conditioning for Coaches
20 credits
You will learn how to implement strength and conditioning concepts and principles in the applied sporting environment. You will gain the opportunity to practice and explore the correct ways to administer safe and effective training-interventions and gain an awareness of how to ‘monitor and evaluate’ the needs of individual participants from a range of applied environments.
Research Methods 2
20 credits
This module enhances your understanding of the research process and related methodological approaches, whilst also developing your knowledge, skills and ability to complete investigations involving data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Effective Coaching in Paralympic and Disability Sport
20 credits
This module develops your knowledge and critical understanding about inclusive practice as it relates to participants with disability. Specifically you will learn about the diverse ways disability is socially constructed and barriers the disabled population face when accessing sport and physical activity. Through practical sessions, the module will develop your capability to create empowering and inclusive quality environments, which will enable you to deliver practices to meet the needs of participants with disability.
Optional modules
Sport, Physical Education and Society
20 credits
This module aims to enable you to develop your understanding of the relationship between Sport, PE and society – both theoretically and practically. Additionally, it aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to marginalised groups/inactive people in Sport and PE.
Exercise Physiology 2
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the cardiovascular and metabolic responses of acute and chronic exercise and discuss these in relation to human health and performance.
Sport and Performance Psychology
20 credits
The module aims to develop your abilities to evaluate psychological principles associated with sport and performance and motor control and learning, considering individual (e.g. personality) and environmental (e.g. culture) factors.
Level 6
Core modules
Major Project
40 credits
This module aims to critically extend your understanding and deployment of the research process through the production of a piece of independent research.
Placement/Projects in Sport for Professional Development
20 credits
This module focuses on your future employment preparation to allow you to grow your independence through further CPD courses, guest practitioners and coaches from the field and at least 20 hours of work-based/related placement.
Critical Challenges within Coaching
20 credits
This module will progress your conceptual understanding and applied knowledge of critical issues prevalent to sport coaching. You will develop your understanding and application of theoretical processes relevant to the development and support of participants and their coach development across various coaching contexts from grassroots to high performance. Areas such as talent identification, transitions in sport and female coaches are included.
Coach Expertise and Effectiveness
20 credits
In this module you will critically explore the social constructed nature of coaching expertise and effectiveness through critical understanding of the Provision and Social Justice Theory or marginalized groups, cognitive/social learning theories and how you can shape and expose power in your coaching practice.
Optional modules
Interdisciplinary Coaching Science
20 credits
Coaching is a complex profession due to its interdisciplinary nature and the ever-changing coaching environment. Therefore, to be successful, modern practitioner there is an expectation to have advanced knowledge in a range of underpinning disciples and athlete welfare. This module integrates a sport science and coaching interdisciplinary outlook to creating an evidence-based approach of an athletes annual training plan encompassing critical thinking around potential performance problems and solutions.
Performance Analysis in Sport
20 credits
This module will develop your theoretical knowledge, applied understanding and skills in performance analysis of sport.
Strength and Conditioning
20 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to learn and understand the principles and concepts needed to improve the physical performance of a participant or team and make recommendations for programme design. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to, design and perform a needs analysis of a sport and athlete, analyse testing data against theoretical and empirical norms and to recommend an appropriate training intervention.
PE Teacher Education
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the current practices of Physical Education and school sport within the 14-19 National Curriculum. The module will allow you to plan and deliver within a 14-19 years setting thereby providing a contextual opportunity to develop personal teaching, learning and assessment approaches in Physical Education.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, online activities, peer learning groups and informal tutorials where you can discuss issues and develop ideas raised in the lectures.
Work-related learning
The course incorporates work-related learning through ‘Employability and Professional Development’ modules that are built in at every level. You will have the chance to take up placements with outstanding organisations across the sport continuum, from the elite level such as Everton Academy, as well as a range of community based placements within a variety of sports. There will also be opportunities (both paid and voluntary) to work for our in-house Sport Start scheme.
We also have strong links with a number of national governing bodies of sport, work with school partners and private coaching organisations, as well as voluntary and charitable organisations linked to sport.
During your work experience you will build up a set of the key transferable skills that are valued by employers, whatever career path you choose, which will help you stand out from the crowd when you come to apply for your first graduate position.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
From the moment you join LJMU, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will be responsible for supporting your academic and personal progress throughout the course. This kind of one-to-one support is particularly useful for discussing course-related issues or concerns you may have during your studies. As part of your timetable you will have regular contact with your tutor in a Peer Learning Group.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Every student performs differently according to how they are being assessed, and so we use a range of assessment methods. These include written assignments, exams, practical work, individual and group presentations, portfolios, reflective logs and a dissertation. You will be given a full assessment schedule at the start of each academic year to help you plan your workload.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Nicola Robinson
Programme Leader
Dr Nicola Robinson
Programme Leader
Nicola completed a PhD in Exercise Physiology at LJMU while working with athletes and training at international level for her sport Modern Pentathlon. Nicola's first research papers centred around the ‘Athlete Artery’ concept and her more recent work involves multidisciplinary inputs, looking at youth athletes training loads, cycling pacing differences in novice and advanced, exploring the Paralympic reclassification system within athlete identity and gaze behaviour in laser run athletes. She has previously worked at the English Institute of Sport as Lead Physiologist for British Paralympic Swimming, which included the Paralympic Games, and has provided sport science support to Tournament Golfers.
I enjoy influencing and developing students’ knowledge of their outlook on the coaching landscape, making sure literature can be applied and utilised through hands on activities and workshops
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
You will study in Liverpool city centre at our City Campus. Our sport and exercise sciences facilities are world-leading and feature state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for our current and future sport scientists. The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 112
GCSE and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A Levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
- Subject specific requirements: It is expected that applicants have studied at least one relevant subject.
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: BBC
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
T Levels
- T Level requirements: 112 UCAS points in a related subject area. Contact Faculty Admissions for details.
BTEC qualifications
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D* from a relevant subject area is required if no other level 3 qualifications are taken
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM from a relevant subject area is required if no other level 3 qualifications are taken
Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: Access programme must have been taken be in a relevant subject area, minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 112 UCAS Tariff points
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR National acceptability
- National Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Alternative qualifications considered
Please contact the University if you have any questions regarding the relevance of your qualifications.
Reduced Offer Scheme
No interview required (UCAS application form only)
IELTS6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
International entry requirementsPlease Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Can this course be deferred?Yes
Is a DBS check required?No
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.