The BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching degree it designed for those who wish to progress from HND study in sport coaching or a related area. It provides a grounding in theoretical and practical areas of contemporary coaching using an applied approach to provide you with the skills to become an evidence-based practitioner.
The course is centred around the three key themes of Higher Performance Sport, Grassroots Coaching and Applied Coaching Pedagogy, allowing you to tailor each module to your desired career pathway. The course is delivered in an applied manner allowing hands on coaching opportunities throughout, and two work placements to apply your theory in work related practice. The course will prepare you for coaching accreditation in a range of sports and governing bodies.
2nd in Scotlandfor overall student satisfaction in Sport and Exercise Sciences
(NSS 2023)
Excludes colleges, small, specialist and private providers
2nd in Scotlandfor student satisfaction in Sports Science
(CUG 2025)
Year 3
You will study an array of contemporary coaching areas and their application to practice, from sport development to coaching psychology. Work placements and research are a key part of year 3.Year 4
You will bring your studies together, taking a more critical look at a variety of different coaching and pedagogical topics. In addition, you will focus on a preferred area in your research project which forms a large part of your final year.Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying at RGU:
Our sustainability commitment
Physical activity, sport, and development are fundamental to human sustainability. Underpinned by extensive scientific research, the BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching degree is designed to develop knowledge, skills and competency in sport, physical activity, and coaching for health and performance reflecting the changing environmental demands of the contemporary workplace, and positively impacting long-term engagement in activity through sustainable interventions.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 3, 4, 10 and 17. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
Modules are typically taught using a mixture of interactive lectures, online study packs, tutorials and practical classes. Class sizes are small with an estimated intake of 35 students.
The class is split into groups for practical sessions. This allows for the course to be truly applied as you get hands-on experience through practical classes and work placements. The small class sizes allow for classes to be interactive with the use of discussion and problem-based learning.
Activity Summary
Typical final year:
- Lectures - 20 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Tutorial - 20 students per group, 4 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 1:1 supervision, 1 hour per week
- Practical class or workshop - 20 students per group, 1.5 hours per week
How long is a BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching course?
A Sport Coaching degree can be successfully completed in 2 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.
Independent Study
Independent study is an integral part of studying for the degree with approximately 50% of your time being allocated to independent study in Year 3 increasing to around 80% in Year 4. This independent study is directed by the teaching staff who also help you develop your study skills.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The staff members teaching on the course have a range of different areas of subject specialism covering all the key elements of sport coaching and sport & exercise science. With many years of experience in both practice and research within the sport science, exercise and coaching domains they also teach on the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science course.
All academic staff possess a certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching and are encouraged to work towards a Higher Education Academy Fellowship.
Some teaching sessions may also be delivered by visiting lecturers or colleagues from practice.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed:
Year 3
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 1 portfolio
- 3 oral assessments
Year 4
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 1 oral assessment
- 2 debates
- 1 dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
There are two placements, one in Year 3 and one in Year 4, with both placements requiring the successful completion of 180 hours.
In Year 3 we arrange the placement for you, with this typically occurring through Sport Aberdeen and the Active Schools team as part of the Aberdeen Youth Games.
In Year 4, this is a self-selected year-long placement where you can decide your own work experience, and tailor this to your choice of future employment. Regular placement providers advertise placements to our students and you will be assisted in gaining placements by our Placement Coordinator.Job Prospects
Is Sports Coaching a good career choice?
BSc Sports Coaching graduates of Robert Gordon University can go on to pursue the following careers:
- Performance sport
- Sports Development
- Sport Administration
- Postgraduate study
- Personal training/coaching
- Community outreach
- Clinical exercise specialised area
In the future you could be coaching elite athletes, working in coach development with a national governing body or coaching young people in schools and community groups.
What is needed for a Sport Coaching course?
Applicants should possess a relevant HND with graded units, for example HND Fitness, Health & Exercise / HND Coaching and Developing Sport. We require a B in HNC Graded Unit (GU1) and an A in HND Graded Unit (GU2). Entry will be subject to an interview selection process. You will be expected to obtain a satisfactory PVG clearance prior to enrolment on placement-based modules. For further information contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk.
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3.
Advanced Entry
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £7220 |
| Year 2 | £7220 | |
| Year 3 | £7220 | |
| Year 4 | £7220 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16980 |
| Year 2 | £16980 | |
| Year 3 | £16980 | |
| Year 4 | £16980 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16490 |
| Year 2 | £16490 | |
| Year 3 | £16490 | |
| Year 4 | £16490 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.