Sports Coaching

Sports coaching is the applied science and practice of developing athletes and sports participants to improve their performance, wellbeing, and enjoyment of their sport. It draws on exercise science, sports psychology, pedagogy, and leadership to develop coaches who can work effectively with individuals and groups across a range of sports and levels of participation. Good coaching is both a technical discipline and a deeply human one, requiring scientific knowledge, communication skill, and the ability to build trust and motivation.

At Hartpury University, this four-year, full-time BSc includes a foundation year, which provides a structured and supportive introduction to the subject for students who need to build their knowledge and skills before progressing to the main degree. The foundation year is designed for those who have the drive and potential to succeed in sports coaching but who benefit from an additional year of subject-specific preparation. Once in the main programme, you will develop a thorough grounding in coaching science, athlete development, performance analysis, sports psychology, and the practical skills of coaching in context.

Hartpury's strong connections to elite and community sport provide real opportunities for applied learning in professional environments.

Graduates of sports coaching programmes go on to careers as coaches at club, county, regional, and elite levels, working in a wide range of sports organisations, leisure providers, schools, and national governing bodies. Many build careers in performance analysis, talent development, coach education, or sports development. Others move into adjacent roles in personal training, physical education, sports management, or sports science support.

Postgraduate study in coaching, sports science, or sports psychology offers routes for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue research in the field.