Sport Coaching and Development with Foundation Year, BSc

Welcome Week is a really important part of starting university, and we encourage everyone to take part. Running from 14–18 September, it’s designed to help you settle in, feel at home, and start your studies with confidence.

​ Across the week, you’ll get to know your course, meet your classmates, and be introduced to the teaching staff who’ll be supporting you throughout your degree. There will be a mix of practical sessions and relaxed, fun ice‑breaker activities to help you make connections, explore the University, and understand how everything works — all before teaching officially begins.

​ You’ll also meet your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) during Welcome Week. Your PAT is there to support you academically and personally, so this is a great chance to put a face to a name and know who to contact if you ever need advice or support. Alongside this, you’ll be introduced to the wider support available to you, so you’ll know exactly where to turn if you have questions or concerns at any point during your studies.

Your Course

​​Your foundation year is designed to help you settle into university with confidence while building the academic and practical foundations you’ll need to succeed as a future sports professional and coach.

​In Semester 1, you’ll start with The Big Picture module. This helps you understand what university study is really about by exploring big questions and global challenges and how these relate to the world of sport and physical activity. Through lectures and small-group discussions, you’ll develop critical thinking skills and begin to see yourself as a university student from day one.

​Alongside this, you’ll study Behaviour, Body and Biology, an exciting, hands-on module that explores the connection between psychology, sport, and the life sciences. Through practical activities, workshops, and seminars, you’ll start engaging with real research while developing key academic skills such as analysis, reflection, and scientific thinking—essential skills for anyone aiming to work in coaching or sport-related careers.

​From your very first weeks, you won’t be left to figure things out on your own. We’ll guide you clearly through what each module involves, what assessments look like, and where to find support whenever you need it. 

​In Semester 2, your learning becomes even more focused on your future. You’ll study CCCU Student Success modules, short and flexible online units designed to help you build strong study skills, find your way around university and the local area, and start thinking confidently about your future career and professional identity.

​You’ll also take Practical Studies in Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise, where you’ll develop essential coaching knowledge through learning about fundamental movement skills and key fitness components. These are the building blocks that help participants enjoy sport, improve performance, and stay active—core foundations of being a great sports coach.

​Alongside this, the Interdisciplinary Communication Skills module will help you develop the writing, digital, and presentation skills you’ll use throughout your degree and beyond. You’ll learn how to share ideas, data, and evidence clearly and professionally—skills that are vital in coaching, sport science, and the wider sport industry.

Blackboard

Our teaching uses a blended approach, which means you’ll also have access to Blackboard, our digital learning platform. Here you’ll find everything in one place—session slides, videos, podcasts, and extra resources—so you can learn in a way that works best for you.

​By the end of your foundation year, you won’t just be ready for your degree—you’ll feel confident, capable, and clear about your future in coaching and sport.​

Nash, C. (ed.) (2022) Practical sports coaching. 2nd edn. London: Routledge.

​ Gill, A.J.G. (ed.) (2021) Foundations of sports coaching: applying theory to practice. 3rd edn. London: Routledge.

​ Purdy, L. (2017) Sports coaching: the basics. London: Routledge.