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BSc (Hons)
Sport Development and Coaching

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

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Duration

3 Years

UCAS Code

C602

Academic Year

Course Overview

Sports coaches inspire teams and individuals to achieve their goals, working across a variety of sports and a range of levels, from elite athletes to local clubs.

Lincoln's BSc (Hons) Sport Development and Coaching degree has been developed to produce independent and informed practitioners through engagement with a range of practical, laboratory, and field-based experiences, alongside more traditionally-focused lectures and seminars.

You'll have access to specialist sport physiology, biomechanics, and psychology laboratories in the University's Human Performance Centre, as well as a range of sports facilities and fitness equipment in our Sports Centre.

Why Choose Lincoln

Diverse range of optional modules to help you shape your degree

Dedicated sports performance laboratories and practical spaces

Partnered with Lincoln City FC and a range of external partners

Learn from our expert academic team members

Subject area ranked in the top 10 for teaching in the UK*

Hear from expert guest speakers

*National Student Survey 2024 (out of 83 ranking institutions)

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

Drawing on contemporary research, the degree aims to help you develop your expertise and knowledge in a range of academic and vocational activities. These can include coaching on school and community-based projects, exercise prescription and fitness testing, and managing and evaluating sport development schemes.

The first year introduces you to areas of study such as the sport development environment, physical literacy, sociological issues, and the foundations of sport and exercise science. It includes core modules such as the Fundamentals of Teaching and Coaching, and Research Skills, both of which are developed further in the second and third years. You can also tailor your learning to suit your individual interests and career aspirations by choosing from a range of optional modules.

In your final year, you'll be expected to complete a dissertation which enables you to undertake independent study on a topic of your choice and work to develop key skills, such as critical analysis and evaluation.

You will have the opportunity to attend a variety of guest lectures throughout the course. Previous guest lectures have been given by:

• Basketball England
• Premier Education
• Lincoln City Football
• Grimsby Town Football Club
• Lincolnshire Cricket
• The Football Association
• Leyton Orient Football Club
• Bassline Tennis (local coaching organisation)

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Developing Physical Literacy 2025-26SES1026MLevel 42025-26A high-quality physical education or coaching programme can develop a range of physical and cognitive skills within a child that can subsequently encourage positive life experiences. These experiences can include confidence development, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, alongside experiencing achievement whilst fulfilling potential. Through theoretical and practical experiences, including a school placement, this module aims to develop the knowledge and applied understanding of concepts and practices that can support child development.CoreFoundations in Sport and Exercise Science 2025-26SES1051MLevel 42025-26This module aims to examine the structure and function of the human body during sport and exercise. It will seek to address the physiological, biomechanical and psychological determinants of performance, with the aim of enabling students to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles involved and introducing students to a range of practical skills for measuring performance in the laboratory and/or field.CoreFundamentals of Teaching and Coaching 2025-26SES1055MLevel 42025-26This module is designed to provide students with a range of practical experiences in a variety of sports, and serves as an introduction to fundamental coaching methods, as applied to a range of scenarios and environments. It aims to increase students’ awareness of learning and pedagogy, coaching philosophy and session structure. It aims to introduce the ‘four pillars’ of coaching: organisation, management, communication and differentiation.CoreResearch Skills 2025-26SES1023MLevel 42025-26On this module, students have the opportunity to develop useful study skills for the sport and exercise scientist and benefit from an introduction to the underpinning concepts of scientific study and research methods. This module aims to enable students to benefit fully from the higher education learning environment and develop their reflective practice, alongside an understanding of the philosophy of science as related to scientific study in sport and exercise.CoreSociological Issues in PE and Sport 2025-26SES1028MLevel 42025-26This module aims to introduce students to the field of sociology as applied to the study of sport and physical education. Students will be encouraged to think critically about sport and its place in society and in education. In particular, subjects such as the stratification of society (i.e. by ‘race’, sex, religion, class, age, ability etc.) and the sporting experiences of different social groups in the community and in schools, can be investigated. This module encourages students to think critically about sport, PE and their (reciprocal) relationships with politics, the media and broader social processes such as sportisation and commercialisation.CoreSport Development Environment 2025-26SES1052MLevel 42025-26This module aims to introduce students to the structure of, and central issues in, the present sport development environment. It aims to provide an overview of the structure and purpose of sports organisations and describes the hierarchical relationship between the major agencies responsible for delivering sport. Students are encouraged to begin developing a critical understanding of government aims and objectives and how they impact on those working at the delivery level (e.g. coaches, teachers, Sports Development Officers).CoreAdvanced Research Skills 2026-27SES2069MLevel 52026-27This module aims to build directly on the key concepts delivered at level 4 through the Research Methods 1st year module. Advancing an understanding of research enquiry and the application of ethical research practice, the module aims to introduce a wide range of methodologies applicable to exercise, physical activity, health and sport performance research. Enabling independent research activities, the development of analytical skills should be evolved through applied evidence-based practice.CoreApplied Principles of Teaching and Coaching 2026-27SES2056MLevel 52026-27This module aims to develop the student’s knowledge of pedagogical concepts, which were first experienced at level one in Fundamentals of Teaching and Coaching, and to continue to develop the key pillars of coaching through the application of the spiral curriculum. Within this module students are expected to consider the wider context in which teaching and coaching takes place.CoreCoSS Study Abroad Module Sport and Exercise Science 2026-27SES2249MLevel 52026-27OptionalFitness Testing & Training 2026-27SES2027MLevel 52026-27This module aims to address why an understanding of core fitness components is essential for the coach in practice, investigates key training principles and how these can be integrated into coaching session plans, and seeks to explore applied testing and training approaches to evaluate individual and group performance ability. Each of these aspects can be considered in the context of coaching experience, practice and application.OptionalPerformance Analysis 2026-27SES2028MLevel 52026-27This optional module provides an opportunity for students to build on knowledge gained at level one within the Foundations in Sport and Exercise Science module. Students can develop their understanding of the theory underpinning the subject, as well as field-based performance analysis strategies and their application to assessment of practical sport.OptionalPhysical Activity and Health 2026-27SES2029MLevel 52026-27This introductory health module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge of the positive role of ‘physical activity’ in society. A major emphasis will be placed on identifying the key factors involved in determining health status; addressing the link between sedentary behaviour and health.OptionalPolicy in Sport Development & Physical Education 2026-27SES2031MLevel 52026-27This module aims to build on the knowledge and concepts developed within the level one module Sport Development Environment and enable students to advance their understanding of the central strategies and policies in sport development, physical education and school sport. The central aim of this module is to allow students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of major sport policies and strategies and to explore sport provision at a local level, in order to think analytically about the policy process and the complexities associated with policy implementation.OptionalProject Management for Sport 2026-27SES2032MLevel 52026-27The module is designed to encourage students to learn about the concept of project management and to understand how it relates to sport. The Lincolnshire Event Safety Partnership guidance will be used within this module to provide students with an opportunity to develop realistic and local knowledge about project management within a contemporary setting.OptionalPsychology of Performance and Participation 2026-27SES2033MLevel 52026-27This module aims to introduce and develop knowledge of key concepts and theories that describe and explain the importance of psychology in sport, exercise and physical education settings.OptionalSport, Physical Education and Social Theory 2026-27SES2034MLevel 52026-27This module aims to provide students with a formal introduction to social theory and its application to the study of sociological problems in sport and PE. It is intended to build on the level one module, Sociological Issues in Sport and PE, by providing the opportunity to examine a variety of topics in sport from different theoretical perspectives. Students are encouraged to understand that all sociological observations are guided by theory, while also comparing and critiquing the range of approaches to sport introduced in the module. A selection of sociological sporting phenomena will be used to illustrate the importance of theory in guiding any sociological study.OptionalWork Placement Year 2026-27SES2256MLevel 52026-27This optional placement year will provide students with the opportunity to practice full-time in a professional sport setting*, with the aim of enhancing the student's practical skills and level of employability. The placement will also provide the student with the opportunity to practically apply the skills and knowledge developed on their prior modules within a 'real-life' sport and exercise science and/or strength and conditioning context. Due to the nature of placement it will be of particular relevance to those students targeting a career in the applied support of professional athletes. *Only a limited number of placements are availableOptionalCritical Issues in Coaching 2027-28SES3020MLevel 62027-28The module aims to provide students with the support and opportunity to apply the coaching knowledge gained at levels one and two in a vocational situation and challenges them to discuss contemporary issues in the coaching and sports pedagogy literature.CoreDissertation 2027-28SES3024MLevel 62027-28The Dissertation module provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic and to demonstrate original and critical thought.CoreHealth Promotion and Development 2027-28SES3021MLevel 62027-28The module gives students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the relationship between physical activity/inactivity and population health. This module will seek to develop knowledge on the role of ‘preventive healthcare’ (rather than treatment) and includes a central focus which explores current UK government-supported policy in this area.OptionalInclusive Sport and Physical Activity 2027-28SES3022MLevel 62027-28This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore notions of disability within the context of sport and physical activity. The programme aims to place competing models of disability, theories of disability and disabling barriers at the centre of a reflective investigation of sport and activity provision for people with disabilities. The module aims to focus upon private, public and voluntary sectors with a particular emphasis on National Governing Bodies, school and community sport providers. Coaching or teaching people with disabilities will be explored using the medium of inclusive games and activities which focus on pedagogy; health; safety; and organizational considerations, in addition to a placement opportunity. The aim being to create an Inclusive coaching or teaching climate which is affirming, open for all and conducive to learning.OptionalNew Directions in Physical Education 2027-28SES3018MLevel 62027-28This module aims to mobilise the knowledge and skills gained in years one and two by engaging students in the critical analysis of contemporary issues in Physical Education. The central aims of the module are to build on students’ existing understanding of the philosophical, political and sociological components of physical education by critically engaging with research and reflecting on their practical experiences within other modules.OptionalScientific Support in Practice 2027-28SES3023MLevel 62027-28This module aims to give students the opportunity to apply sport and exercise science concepts to coaching practice in order to enhance performance and enjoyment in participants. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to develop an effective working alliance with clients, with ethics and competency central to the learning experience and models of applied practice.OptionalSocial Justice Issues in Sport and Physical Activity 2027-28SES3256MLevel 62027-28This final year module will continue to build on learning from Sociological Issues in Physical Education and Sport and Sport, Physical Education, & Social Theory to provide students with opportunities to apply their developing sociological toolbox to range of social justice issues that span sport, PA and PE. The module will take an intersectional approach and consider subjugated histories, feminist theories, decolonisation, and social justice frameworks to engage and equip students to challenge embedded assumptions and disrupt practice to re-imagine sport, physical education, and physical activity to be more equitable for all people.OptionalStrategic Management in Sport 2027-28SES3059MLevel 62027-28The specific objectives of the module are to encourage critical examination of the nature of strategic management within sport, critique its role in contemporary sport and the practical difficulties in formulating and implementing strategy, and consider appropriate developments in improving the performance of sport related operations and activities.Optional

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              Placements

              There may also be opportunities on the course to undertake a work placement year. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.

              The course has strong links with a number of external partners, including British Orienteering, British Canoeing, Active Lincolnshire, Lincoln City Football Club, and Lincolnshire Cricket. Local partnerships with schools, community groups, and sports clubs provide additional opportunities for you to engage in relevant work experience. While on a placement, students will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

              Partnered with Lincoln City Football Club

              Our ongoing partnership with Lincoln City FC offers you opportunities to undertake work placement or internship opportunities, as well as providing a potential pathway for full-time employment after you graduate. Many Lincoln graduates are employed within the organisation in roles spanning coaching, physiotherapy, sports science, and performance analysis.

              Lincoln City Football Club logo

              This course has given me an excellent foundation in sport development and I have been able to use this knowledge in my current role in the sports industry.

              Konrad Bem

              Sport Development and Coaching graduate

              How you are assessed

              Essays, reports, posters, oral presentations and portfolios will be used to assess knowledge, understanding and communication skills. Teaching and coaching practicum is also assessed practically throughout the programme.

              Entry Requirements 2025-26

              United Kingdom

              104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

              BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.

              T Level: Merit

              Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

              International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.

              GCSE's: Minimum of five at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and a Science or sport related subject. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.


              The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

              We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

              International

              Non UK Qualifications:

              If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

              EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

              If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

              If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

              Contextual Offers

              At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

              Fees and Scholarships

              Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

              Course Fees

              For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Find out More by Visiting Us

              The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

              Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine

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              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.