Course Overview

Our Sports Coaching course will help you become a modern professional coach with an understanding of how sports science principles apply to athletic performance and helps athletes reach their potential and goals.

There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of theoretical knowledge. You'll gain independent study habits and academic and employability skills and deliver volunteer coaching opportunities that will develop your knowledge and skills and apply them to applied, real-life coaching situations. There is the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of this course.

General Eligibility

Our entry requirements indicate standard and Minimum qualifications with which we usually accept students. However, competition for places varies yearly, and you aren't guaranteed a business if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

BBBC, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, or Psychology at Grade C. Please note SQA Higher PE at Grade B will be accepted instead of Science if studied alongside SQA Higher Maths (Minimum Grade C required).

National 5 C in Maths (excluding Applications of Maths and Functional Skills Maths) (can accept Lifeskills), English & an additional science including one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BCCC, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology at Grade C. Please note SQA Higher PE at Grade B will be accepted instead of Science if studied alongside SQA Higher Maths (Minimum Grade C required).

National 5 C in Maths (excluding Applications of Maths and Functional Skills Maths) (can accept Lifeskills), English & one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

A Level

BCC, including Biology or Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, or PE.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Double Award Science at Grades CC/4 also required.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Grades H2, H3, H3, and H3 at Higher Levels, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.

Grade O4 at Ordinary Level in Maths, English, and & Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C in Maths, English, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Double Award Science at Grades CC/4 also required.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.

A Level grade C

GCSE Grade C in Maths, English, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Double Award Science at Grades CC/4 also required.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, and 4, including a Science^ at minimum grade 5.

Four points in SL Maths (excluding Maths Studies), English & one in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

T Level 

Grade M

T Level must be completed in a Science subject, or Level Science may be required.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & one Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Double Award Science at Grades CC also required.

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC to include Biology

A Level

BBB to include Biology

HNC

Pass HNC in Sports Coaching with Sports Development with A in the graded unit.

Minimum Year 3

HND

Pass in HND Sports Coaching with Sports Development with Grades AA at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units, which must include passes in the following departments: Psychology of Sports Coaching OR Psychology of Sports Performance OR Psychology of Sport and Exercise OR Psychology of Exercise AND Sports Mechanics OR Mechanics for the Health and Fitness Professional OR Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics in Sport (to include completion of UKCC Level 1 Cert).

Part Time Work Details

20 hours per week

Language Requirement

• IELTS (Academic)

  6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

  TOEFL Internet-Based Test

  80 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing

  Pearson’s Test of Academic English

  56 overall, with a minimum of 51 in each component

  Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)

  ISE III, ISE III, & ISE IV with a pass in each component

  LanguageCert English language qualification

  B2 Communicator Test with an overall 39 or above and 25 or above in all skills