Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching & Physical Education
Course Code: FFZSPS31
Course Level: Level 5
Study Mode: Full-Time
Course Type: Higher Education
Awarded by
Course overview
The Foundation Degree has been informed by local and regional employers, support agencies and national governing bodies of sport and is ideal for those learners who wish to pursue a career as professional sports teachers, lecturers and coaches.
This course offers in-depth theory with the opportunity to progress to employment within this professional industry in a wide range of roles. It aims to provide a stimulating learning environment where students will develop a sound understanding of professional, legal and ethical issues. Increasing self-awareness and personal development are also an integral part of the course.
Awarded by Staffordshire University, the Foundation Degree Sports Coaching & PE is taught by experienced industry professionals and blends the academic and practical aspects of Sport Coaching and Physical Education.
The Foundation Degree could enable work-based learning within school, club and community-based sports provision, and considers the key qualities, skills and standards required for employment in PE and wider sports industries. What’s more, the degree contains modules specific for prospective PE teachers and could focus your learning on that potential route.
Across both years of the Foundation Degree, modules focus on a breadth of information from understanding psychology in sport, skill acquisition and analysis, coaching and key study skills. Throughout the award you will be exposed to a wide variety of teaching methods and environments, ranging from work projects supported by industry professionals and formal lecture sessions to informal group work and peer presentations.
A significant feature of the second year is the completion of a work-based placement where you will be using your knowledge and skills to explore and develop activities on behalf of an employer.
Many students use this experience to support their job application on graduating.
Level 4 modules include:
- Academic and Employability Skills (40 credits)
- Developing Research Skills for Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of Psychology in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
- Coaching and Teaching in Sport (20 credits)
- Teaching and Coaching PE and National Curriculum Activities (20 credits)
Level 5 Modules include:
- Advanced Sport Psychology (20 credits)
- Coaching Analysis and Skill Acquisition (40 credits)
- Physical Education, Theory, Practice and Placement (20 credits)
- Research and Graduate Employability (40 credits)
You will also receive advice and guidance on applying to study at University. Direct entry is typically onto the final year of the BSc Physical Education and Sport Coaching Degree at Staffordshire University.
The course curriculum is designed to assess you using varied strategies, which may be practical projects, written reports, case studies, presentations and practical coaching and PE teaching sessions. The assessment will be continuous over the course and aims to develop your learning skills, practical abilities, personal qualities and subject knowledge. Assessments may be carried out individually or as part of a group; they will be presented either written or orally and may relate to hypothetical work situations.
Study time breakdown:
Year 1
- 78% of time in independent study
- 22% of time in lectures, classroom or similar
- 0% of time in placement
Year 2
- 86% of time in independent study
- 14% of time in lectures, classroom or similar
- 0% of time in placement
Assessment breakdown:
Year 1
- 63% coursework
- 5% practical exams
- 33% written exams
Year 2
- 65% coursework
- 10% practical exams
- 25% written exams
Please contact David Benson by emailing david.benson@nscg.ac.uk
You may be eligible for a Higher Education Tuition Fee loan. You pay this loan back when you finish the course and earn over £25,000. If you earn less than that, you won't have to repay anything. If you're earning more than that, Student Finance England will work out your repayments at 9% of your income over that amount. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance
Course options
September 2025
Course Duration
30 weeks
Course Days
Mixed
End date
-
Class Times
Variable
Course Fee
£6,200 per year
Additional Fees
-
What else do I need to know?
This course is studied on a full-time basis over 2 years and runs from September to May in line with typical academic holiday patterns. There is an additional cost of £80 to cover the cost of a training kit for practical sessions.
You will also receive advice and guidance on applying to study at university. Direct entry is typically onto the final year of the BSc Physical Education and Sport Coaching Degree at Staffordshire University.