Football Coaching

University of Bedfordshire

Qualification

Degree

Length

UK fees / yr

£9,535

Study

part-time

Robin · your guide

Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.

About this course

Football coaching is the applied science and practice of developing players and teams, drawing on knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, tactical analysis and pedagogy to design and deliver coaching that improves performance. The role of the football coach has become increasingly professionalised over recent decades, with clubs and national associations investing heavily in evidence-based coaching development, and there is now a well-established body of research and practice underpinning the discipline. A degree in football coaching develops both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to work effectively at every level of the game.

At the University of Bedfordshire, this part-time programme develops your understanding of the science and practice of football coaching within an academic environment that takes sports science seriously. You will engage with exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology and tactical and technical coaching methods, applying these to the specific context of football coaching across different age groups and performance levels. Bedfordshire's sports science provision is recognised for the quality of its teaching, and the programme is designed to develop coaching professionals who are grounded in current evidence and best practice.

Graduates in football coaching work as coaches at grassroots, youth development, semi-professional and elite levels, as well as in sports development roles, physical education, community football organisations and national governing body programmes. Many combine coaching with other sports science or education roles, building portfolio careers that span multiple contexts. Professional coaching qualifications from the Football Association sit alongside the degree and are often pursued concurrently.

Postgraduate study in sports coaching, sports science or physical education is a natural route for those who want to develop research expertise or move into higher levels of coaching education.

Pay & prospects

90%

In work or further study after

What graduates earn over time

£20,000

3 years on

£27,000

5 years on

What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers

Administrative occupations15%

Sports and fitness occupationsHighly skilled15%

Caring personal services15%

Therapy professionalsHighly skilled10%

Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled10%

Process, plant and machine operatives15%

Skilled trades occupations10%

Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled5%

In students' own words

★★★★★

Exceeded expectations

I was sceptical before starting — now I'd recommend it to anyone. The best part: the teaching staff are genuinely world-class and accessible. If I'm honest, first-year classes can be quite large. On the city — the city is a brilliant studen…

Class of 2024 · Part-time

★★★★★

Highly recommend

I was sceptical before starting — now I'd recommend it to anyone. The best part: the opportunity to do independent research in the final year is a highlight. If I'm honest, admin can be slow to respond, especially at start of term. On the c…

Class of 2023 · Full-time

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