Sports Coaching — BA (Hons) Top Up

The BA (Hons) Sports Coaching (Top-up) course is a one-year, full-time progression route from a relevant Level 5 qualification. The programme covers sports coaching and current issues in sport, as well as other key areas such as sociology of sport and sport psychology. It provides a broad study within both the development and performance domains of sport. Applying theory to practice is essential for all students within the course. Students complete a research project and work experience within their chosen area.

You will become critical thinkers within the world of sport, developing theoretical and practical knowledge to apply to sports coaching. You will also develop in key areas within the world of performance sport such as Performance Analysis, Sport Psychology and Sports Coaching. You will develop skills in both qualitative and quantitative analysis and be able to effectively carry out research projects at a high level.

The BA (Hons) Sports Coaching (Top-up) is validated by The Open University.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

BA (Hons) Sports Coaching (Top-up) Programme Handbook (2024-25)

This programme is validated by The Open University. To access the OU Regulations and OU Students' Guide, please follow the links below:

OU Regulations

OU Students’ Guide

Modules studied

• Contemporary Issues in Sports Coaching
• Physical Literacy
• High Performance Sporting Cultures
• Professional Practice in Sports Coaching
• Individual Research Project – Sports Coaching

How will I be taught?

Teaching and learning strategies within modules encourage and develop a range of learning styles. Students will have opportunities to actively assimilate, apply, question, debate and critically reflect upon the material presented within each module. Students will also experience a variety of assessment methods that measure achievement of learning outcomes and provide the best opportunities for students to show and demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities.

The knowledge and skills acquired on the programme link directly to the vocational context and will diversify into a range of skills. Teaching and learning methods include lectures and seminars which underpin the practical style sessions. Practical modules take place in the sports gym or outside with tutor support and guidance, and extra independent learning sessions will be timetabled to allow access to specialist equipment and resources.

How will I be assessed?

The programme is assessed through submission of a coaching portfolio and sessions, written essays, reports, a series of project-based practical assessments, a final project, and the submission of a dissertation.

Formative feedback will support student progression in both written work and practical work. Self and peer assessment in critique situations will be an essential element of all projects and the feedback from these will enhance student achievement and progression.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.

Qualifications

Within the scheme, there is opportunity for learners to attain a level of professional practice. There are strong links to the professional football industry and within England Volleyball. There is further opportunity for designing and carrying out studies for both performance and community sport. There is also a range of links with both primary and secondary schools for coaching opportunities.

The programme has had input from coaches, performance analysts and other support practitioners working in a professional capacity at elite-level sport. This includes guest talks and visits to elite sport clubs and talks from a range of practitioners, including coaches, performance analysts and sport psychologists.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.