Sports Coaching

The full-time MSc in Sports Coaching course is a 12-month programme comprising of three parts. The first two parts are the taught element (running in semester 1: September to January and Semester 2: January to April) and the final part is the research element (Master Dissertation running May till August).  

The taught element focuses on key aspects of sports coaching, where you are required to complete a reflective profile of evidence regarding personal and professional development.  For full-time students, the taught element is normally completed over a 12-month period starting at the end of September. Part-time students will normally attend on a half a day per week basis and complete the taught element in two years. Students who complete the taught element of the programme, in part or in its entirety, may graduate with either a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Sports Coaching.

Students wishing to complete the MSc in Sports Coaching must complete the research element. The research element culminates with a dissertation. Full-time students will normally complete this in the four months (May-August) that follow the taught element, whilst part-time students will complete at the end of their second year (May-August) or during a third year of study (as required).

All face-to-face delivery will use several types of media to encourage learning. There will be seminars, debates, practical workshops and problem-based learning. This will be supported with some electronic learning activities and resources. Those who choose the blended mode of delivery will be taught through a combination of interactive electronic learning activities and face-to-face delivery on residential blocks, eg weekends.

The use of guest speakers on the course is designed to facilitate networking opportunities for you to meet with potential employers.

Every effort will be made to apply theory to practice, and in some cases, practice to theory. There will be a requirement for independent learning throughout the programme, culminating in a dissertation.

The School has strong links with a large number of sports organisations, including professional sports teams, public and private sector sports providers and grassroots sports clubs. We regularly invite guest speakers from industry to speak on this course.

This represents a valuable opportunity for you to meet potential employers and learn about life in the sports industry. Guest lectures have been delivered by representatives of Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club, Bolton Wanderers Football Club, Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Lancashire Football Association, The Rugby Football League and Preston City Council.

The MSc Sports Coaching course also benefits from a number of unique opportunities. Within the School there are strong links with the University’s Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP). The School is also responsible for the delivery of the  PGDip in Elite Coaching  (UKCC Level 4 Coach Education: Pentium Group). As both ICAP and PGDip are central to the School, there are a number of opportunities to share current research and practice from within the elite coaching environment.

A number of our graduates progress into roles in local county, city council sport development programmes or sports management positions.

A high proportion of students also progress onto teaching and support roles in secondary, FE and HE institutes. Some students progress into support roles at high performance sports clubs as coaching staff and performance analysts. A suitable progression would also be into a research role, such as PhDs and professional doctorates.