If you are excited to study PE and sports coaching and you want to understand the process involved behind the practice, then our PE and Sports Coaching degree offers you the ideal mix of theory and practice behind teaching and coaching. Not only will you secure in depth knowledge, you will also develop fundamental skills in designing and leading practical sessions, though direct experience of the coaching process and teaching styles involved. If you want to work with children, young people, or adults, in teaching and sports coaching, then this course is designed to suit your needs.

At the University of Chester, the PE and Sports Coaching degree will provide you with a dynamic mix of theory and practical sessions, enabling you to refine and develop your skills, knowledge and coaching behaviours in this sector. We are proud of our dedicated staff who are experts in their field and through small class sizes will provide you with individualised, contemporary learning experiences to suit your desired outcome, whether coaching in sports or teaching in schools.

The PE and Sports Coaching degree has a strong practical emphasis, where you will have multiple opportunities to develop and refine your coaching and teaching skills through engaging directly with children and young people. Through this course, you will develop your knowledge and application of contemporary issues, such as sports pedagogy, policy, and the application of sports science. You will build your knowledge in concepts such as:

fundamental movement skills
principles and practice in sports coaching and teaching
issues in physical education
physical activity.

Students must undertake a DBS check arranged by the University on enrolment to the course.

Course Leaders

Paul Humphries

Suzy Twist

Why You'll Love It

Learning Environment

Excellent subject knowledge through practical experience

A female coaching primary school children in PE class.

Vocational Placement Experience

Studying Sport at the University of Chester

Sport and Exercise Science at Chester

What You'll Study

The Physical and Natural Sciences Foundation Year route is an ideal place to begin your journey in academic sciences.

The Foundation Year is designed to give you a strong knowledge and skills base aligned with your chosen four-year degree. Following a solid grounding in scientific principles or behavioural sciences in your first block of teaching, you will study bespoke modules aligned with your discipline. This could involve studying the human body in health and disease and how to encourage healthy and sustainable behaviours, or the biology of terrestrial and marine animals and the impacts of their interactions with humans, or you might focus on the physical sciences and how they can help change the world for the better. Whatever you aspire to, we can offer you a supportive and incremental introduction to your science degree.

This module introduces students to psychology and behavioural science, examining how these disciplines help increase understanding of human thought, emotion, and behaviour in diverse contexts. It will explore both foundational psychological theories and applied behavioural science approaches relevant to areas such as health, sport, criminology, and social behaviour. This module is designed to consolidate and broaden prior learning while providing practical insights for real-world application

The module content will cover the following areas:

The evolution of psychology and behavioural science – from philosophy to empirical research.
Core Perspectives in Psychology: Biological, Developmental, Cognitive, Social, and Individual Differences, along with historical perspectives such as Humanism, Behaviourism, and Psychodynamic approaches.
Behavioural Science in Action: How behavioural science informs decision-making, behaviour change, and societal outcomes (e.g., policy, health, sports performance, forensic psychology).
Interdisciplinary Connections: How psychological and behavioural science concepts apply across disciplines (e.g., sports performance, criminology, forensic biology, and social behaviour).
Ethical considerations and professional guidelines in psychology and behavioural science (e.g., British Psychological Society, Behavioural Science in Policy and Practice).
The role of data and experimental methods in psychological and behavioural science research.

The module will also introduce some of the core academic skills required for academic study. Including:

Learning to use and navigate a range of digital spaces specific to your subject
Understanding academic conduct and conventions for communicating information ·
Finding and using a range of academic sources relating to your subject

The module will explore how perceptions, personal circumstances and technology can shape our health. You will investigate areas such as technology, health promotion and inequality and how these can impact individual health experiences and outcomes, as well as considering models of health that inform belief systems.

You will also examine the role of biological concepts in the way our bodies’ function. The relationship between diseases and physiological processes within the context of organ systems will be examined.

Indicative content:

Defining health in relation to the individual, society and social change
The importance of the biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
Investigate factors that influence health outcomes
The role and importance of health promotion in society
Individual health behaviour theories and applications
The future of health and healthcare
The structure of a generalised human cell and organelles
Cellular transport processes including diffusion and osmosis
Specialised cells and tissues in the human body
The role of hormones and enzymes
Human body systems
Homeostasis
The role of genetics in human health and disease
Micro-organisms as a cause of infectious disease
The biological basis of routine investigations
Advancing digital and academic skills introduced during Term 1
Developing research and information literacy in relation to your subject
Creating an academic poster on a chosen research paper

This module explores the principles and practices of leadership, coaching, and change management within diverse professional contexts, including education, social work, sports management, policing, and business. Students will build self-awareness, develop coaching and leadership skills, and learn how to manage individual, team, and organizational change effectively. By combining theory with practical application, the module prepares students to navigate real-world challenges in their chosen fields.

Module Content:

Self-Awareness and Leadership Development:
- Identifying personal leadership styles and growth areas.
- Reflecting on the role of self-awareness in influencing others.
Building Professional Relationships:
- Techniques for effective communication and boundary setting.
- Coaching and mentoring for individual development.
Understanding Group Dynamics:
- Strategies for managing team change and fostering collaboration.
- Addressing conflict and building resilience in groups.
Leading Organizational Change:
- Influencing culture and driving sustained change.
- Ethical considerations and professional boundaries in leadership.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

The BSc PE and Sports Coaching course contains core modules at each level of study. The course has a practical nature, where you are given many opportunities to refine, develop, and evaluate your teaching and coaching skills.

At Level 4, you are introduced to the fundamental principles that underpin effective PE teaching and sports coaching. While developing your understanding of the teaching and coaching process, you’ll experience how teachers and coaches integrate and apply sports science in the content and delivery of sessions.

Core Modules

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the theory underpinning effective practice within teaching and sports coaching and develop your skills in the planning, delivery and evaluation of lessons/sessions. You will have the opportunity to apply theoretical content, such as teaching/coaching styles, phases of learning and learning styles, and methods and types of practice, in practical sessions through the teaching/coaching of peers. This will then enable you to reflect upon your own practice relative to the knowledge and skills required to be an effective teacher/coach.

The aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of introductory content from relevant sports science sub-disciplines. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical understanding and application of aspects of physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, sport psychology and sociology relevant to PE and sports coaching.

Optional Modules

This module focusses on the fundamental principles and issues surrounding the teaching of PE in an educational context. It aims to give you the opportunity to explore, understand and apply the knowledge, skills and concepts underpinning a successful career in this sector. Learning will take place through a series of theory and practical sessions culminating in practical teaching experience at the end of the module.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the principles that underpin sports coaching including models and frameworks developed for understanding coaching as a process. You will examine coaching philosophy and the role of the coach, as well as differentiate between participation and performance coaching. You will also undertake a self-evaluation of coaching qualities and complete a UKCC level 1 Coaching Award, and apply the knowledge and skills gained to the planning and delivery of sport-specific coaching sessions in a practical setting to primary school children.

Optional Language Modules

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations.You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills.

Level 5 builds upon this foundation with more detailed learning that encourages you to develop your skills in a practical setting, catering to different populations. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of the application of knowledge in a research context.

Core Modules

This module aims to develop your fundamental knowledge of the components of teaching and coaching, applying this to different populations e.g. more able, elite, novice performers, people with disabilities. You will demonstrate practical application of teaching and coaching strategies to enable you to engage in critical reflection of your own and others' practice. You will use performance analysis tools to assess your own behaviours and individual/team performances.

The aim of the module is to develop an awareness of research methods with the areas of PE and sports coaching. You will develop knowledge and practical understanding of research methods which will help you to interpret and critique research findings. You will also gain experience collecting, managing and analysing qualitative and quantitative data.

Optional Modules

This module will provide students with an opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning relative to their selected area of career interest. Focussing upon the needs of their respective career industry, students will develop their understanding of the workplace and the skills required to function effectively within it. The module will require students to engage in structured self-reflection, analysing their experience relative to knowledge, understanding and skills acquired through their broader programme of study and which are pertinent to work in their chosen field. As such the overarching purpose of this module will be to enhance students’ readiness for graduate level work in the Sports Coaching / Physical Education, or Sport and Exercise Science industries.

This module will develop your understanding of the applied practitioner in sport and exercise settings. After developing core competencies, you will undertake a placement where you conduct an applied project in one or more disciplines (physiology, nutrition, performance analysis, biomechanics, psychology, sociology, coaching or physical education).

Optional Language Modules

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language.

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language.

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language.

The multiple facets of global citizenship
Ethical engagement and practice
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
Intercultural communication
Culture shock
Cultural adjustment
Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Part A:

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:

The multiple facets of Global citizenship
Ethical engagement and practice
Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence
Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection

Experiential learning models
Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

Enhanced independence
Improved command of multicultural behaviour
Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
Effective time management and organisational skills
Project management – working away from University and independent study
Self-management and personal development
Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours

At Level 6, you will refine and extend your skills, integrating knowledge and experience acquired throughout your studies with a focus on employability characteristics and fulfilling the requirements for your chosen careers.

The course contains opportunities at both Level 5 and Level 6 for you to work in your chosen teaching or coaching career. You will also have the option to organise your own work placements in a suitable teaching or coaching environment.

Core Modules

The aim of this module is to allow you to critically evaluate pedagogical theory and apply it to a practical teaching and coaching environment, more specifically in the planning, delivery and evaluation of a programme delivered to primary school children. You will analyse current issues as they are applied to the teaching/coaching process, so you are prepared for a career in either sector. This will include analysis of inclusion and differentiation, creative teaching/coaching and cross-curricular activity, assessment and analysis of performance, and strategies for positive behaviour management.

The module aims to enable you to develop the ability to undertake a research project in the area of PE or sports coaching. You will apply your knowledge of PE and sports coaching in a research capacity and develop scientific, analytical and communicative skills. The module will provide you with the research and communication skills necessary to plan, develop and complete a research project.

This module will be a development of the Level 5 work placement module where you will be expected to develop your knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses relative to your chosen career in PE teaching or sports coaching using the relative industry standards eg QTS or CIMSPA. You will undertake a placement in your chosen sector, completing an audit of current skills and subsequently analysing your strengths, areas for development and career readiness.

How You'll Learn

How we teach at the University of Chester

The course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately 10 and 15 hours per week depending upon the level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered in person, where you can expect to take part in practical sessions, seminars, lectures, workshops, and peer-led seminars.

You should expect to spend an average of 25-30 hours per week on independent study, which might include:

independent research
tutorial time with staff
using the University’s library
working with peers
preparing work for assessment.

If studied, the Foundation Year, as with the following years of study, will be taught in three 10-week blocks across an academic year. Each block will comprise of a large 40-credit subject-specific module that includes a breadth of topics and subject skills. You will have on average 12-14 hours of contact time per week during the Foundation Year. There may be variations to this where subject practical or specialist space teaching is included.

Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in this subject who have all spent time in the careers that you are working towards. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers, speakers, and practical NGB (National Governing Body) course staff.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that you are exposed to the different types of tasks you might encounter in the PE teaching and sports coaching workplace. These will include:

coursework in the form of practical teaching
planning documents
written work (both long and short form e.g. reports, reflections)
portfolios
presentations.

We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare you for graduate-level employment.

Please note that you will incur travel costs to and from work placements at Levels 5 and 6. Work placement modules are mandatory and you are required to participate in order to successfully complete the course.

The University’s terms and regulations are updated regularly. Any changes to these are notified to you annually upon enrolment. Additionally, at enrolment, you will be directed to the latest version of the Course Specification which details any improvements or changes that have been made to the delivery of the course.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Students have the option of going into:

Teaching
Coaching
Elite sports performance
Community-based sports support
NGB career
Armed services

The BSc PE and Sports Coaching degree will provide you with appropriate academic, technical and professional knowledge, in order for you to enter careers in:

PE teaching
Sports coaching and instruction
Teaching and lecturing
Sports development

Recent graduate destinations from our Division include:

Secondary and Primary PE teachers
Assistant Academy Manager at Manchester City FC
Club Development Officer at Hockey Wales
Post-16 Tutor and Football Coach at Everton Football College
Head of Performance Analysis at Wigan Warriors RLFC

Students have also gone on to gain further qualifications either in teaching or Master's-level study.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extracurricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

112 UCAS points

UCAS Points	112 points
GCE A Level	BCC-BBC
BTEC	DMM
International Baccalaureate	28 Points
Irish/Scottish Highers	H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers - BBBB
Access requirements	45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
T Level	Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals	DMM
Extra Requirements	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.
DBS Check	A DBS Check is required

Students from outside the UK are expected to hold qualifications broadly equivalent to UK standards - typically A Level for undergraduate study and a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study.

To help you interpret these equivalents, please select your country/region of residence. This will provide details on equivalent entry requirements, as well as information about local representatives, events, and key contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and assess all applications on an individual basis. Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration where appropriate.

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

English Language Requirements

IELTS	Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
DBS Check	A DBS Check is required

72 UCAS points

UCAS Points	72 Points
GCE A Level	72 points overall, including grade D in A level
BTEC	BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP
International Baccalaureate	24 Points
Irish/Scottish Highers	H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 Scottish Highers - CCDD
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall
T Level	T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: MMP
Extra Requirements	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Fees and Funding

£9,790 per year for a full-time course (2026/27)

The full-time tuition fees for Home students entering in 2026/27 are £9,790 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,950 per year for a full-time course* (2026/27)

The tuition fees for international students studying courses in 2026/27 are £14,950 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £11,250 and £14,950 for Years 2-4 in 2026/27.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

PE and Sports Coaching BSc (Hons)

About the Full-Time study option

UCAS Code

UCAS Points

Start Date(s)

Duration

Location

Home Fees

International Fees

About the Full-Time with Foundation Year study option

UCAS Code

UCAS Points

Start Date(s)

Duration

Location

Home Fees

International Fees

Why You'll Love It

Learning Environment

Excellent subject knowledge through practical experience

Vocational Placement Experience

Sport and Exercise Science at Chester

What You'll Study

Psychology and Behavioural Science (40 Credits) FP3015

The Human Body, Health and Disease (40 Credits) FP3032

Leadership, Coaching and Change Management (40 Credits) FP3030

Core Modules

Introduction to PE and Sports Coaching (40 Credits) SS4601

Sports Science for Teachers and Coaches (40 Credits) SS4602

Optional Modules

Principles of PE (20 Credits) SS4603

Principles of Sports Coaching (20 Credits) SS4604

Optional Language Modules

German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) UO4101

French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) UO4102

Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) UO4103

Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) UO4104

French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) UO4105

Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) UO4106

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits) UO4107

Core Modules

Practical PE and Sports Coaching (40 Credits) SS5601

Researching PE and Sports Coaching (40 Credits) SS5602

Optional Modules

Work Placement (40 Credits) SS5991

Experiential Learning - The Applied Sport Practitioner (40 Credits) SS5992

Optional Language Modules

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) UO5101

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) UO5102

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) UO5103

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) UO5202

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) UO5201

Core Modules

Applied PE and Sports Coaching (40 Credits) SS6601

Major Project in PE and Sports Coaching (40 Credits) SS6602

Professional Practice in PE and Sports Coaching (40 Credits) SS6603

How You'll Learn

How we teach at the University of Chester

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Careers Service

Entry Requirements

Fees and Funding

Who You'll Learn From

Suzy Twist

Paul Humphries

Dr Nicola Mcwhannell

Jason Clare

Dr Nollaig Mcevilly

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