BSc in Sports Coaching & Performance
CAO Code: WD 186
The BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Performance is a four year honours degree programme that provides aspiring coaches from a variety of sporting backgrounds with an advanced coach education.The programme combines the disciplines of coach education and sports science, applying theory to practice in different coaching environments.
A key feature of the programme is the integration of National Governing Body of Sport coaching awards with students progressing through the coach development pathway.
A key feature of the programme is the integration of National Governing Body of Sport coaching awards with students progressing through the coach development pathway.
Distinct Elements
1. Coach Education
Modules in this group address the key characteristics of successful coaching and talent identification
2. Sports Science
These modules provide students with the knowledge to understand the scientific basis of sports performance and the practical skills to undertake coaching-relevant assessments
3. Strength and Conditioning
These modules enable students to plan and implement strength and conditioning programmes for individuals and teams including advanced sports performers. Age-specific strength and conditioning is a key consideration in these modules.
4. Sport in Society
These modules are intended to place sport and coaching within a wider societal context
Modules in this group address the key characteristics of successful coaching and talent identification
2. Sports Science
These modules provide students with the knowledge to understand the scientific basis of sports performance and the practical skills to undertake coaching-relevant assessments
3. Strength and Conditioning
These modules enable students to plan and implement strength and conditioning programmes for individuals and teams including advanced sports performers. Age-specific strength and conditioning is a key consideration in these modules.
4. Sport in Society
These modules are intended to place sport and coaching within a wider societal context
Unique Features
The sports-specific education is delivered and academic credit is given to students for completion of National Governing Body awards and progress though the coach development pathway. Consequently, the programme can provide this advanced coach education to students from a wide variety of sporting backgrounds.
The programme is designed specifically to develop coaching skills, abilities and perspectives to enable the coach to pursue career pathways in coaching and related specialisms.
Additional points, to be added to the applicants CAO points score, can be awarded to individuals with outstanding sporting achievement. Typically 20 – 50 additional points will be added depending on the level of achievement.
During the third year of the programme students will undertake a year-long coaching internship. They will be placed in medium to high performance coaching environments and will be mentored by experienced coaches. Mentoring will be the key during the internship year.
Sports science foundation modules are a key component of years 1 and 2 while in year 4, students study the science of elite performance in specific sports, e.g. science of soccer. Such a focus on the science of performance in individual sports is not the norm on other sports science programmes.
The programme is designed specifically to develop coaching skills, abilities and perspectives to enable the coach to pursue career pathways in coaching and related specialisms.
Additional points, to be added to the applicants CAO points score, can be awarded to individuals with outstanding sporting achievement. Typically 20 – 50 additional points will be added depending on the level of achievement.
During the third year of the programme students will undertake a year-long coaching internship. They will be placed in medium to high performance coaching environments and will be mentored by experienced coaches. Mentoring will be the key during the internship year.
Sports science foundation modules are a key component of years 1 and 2 while in year 4, students study the science of elite performance in specific sports, e.g. science of soccer. Such a focus on the science of performance in individual sports is not the norm on other sports science programmes.
Scholarships
Sports scholarships are also made available to selected suitable candidates. The WIT Sports Scholarship scheme offers a range of support services to successful students including financial, academic and sports science support.
Job Opportunities
Graduates from this course may find employment in fields such as:
- Coaching and Sports Development
- Strength and Conditioning
- Performance Analysis
Follow on Study
It is envisaged that students will progress to further study in Sports Coaching, Sports Psychology, Sports Science, Sports Performance and Strength and Conditioning.
Students will also have the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake advanced coaching awards to international standards in their specialist sports in the years following graduation.
Students will also have the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake advanced coaching awards to international standards in their specialist sports in the years following graduation.