Sport, Coaching and Physical Education

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: C606

Start dates: September 2025 / September 2026

Full time: 3 years

Part time: up to 6 years

Location: Headington

School(s): School of Sport, Nutrition and Allied Health Professions

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Overview

To some people, sport and physical education are the same. To others they both serve important purposes in our society. Here at Oxford Brookes, you can learn to improve performance and inspire participation in all areas, from schools and community sport clubs to elite sport organisations.

Sport, Coaching and Physical Education at Oxford Brookes is a community. A community where your lecturers care just as much about coaching and teaching as you do. Where you’ll fit in regardless of what sport you’re into or what you want to do when you graduate. Where you’ll feel free to discuss and challenge your experiences of your practice to learn what works and why.

We believe that you’ll learn best through experiences, so you’ll solve real coaching and teaching challenges, create and analyse your own data as budding practitioners, and even work in clubs and schools to put your ideas to the test. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop job prospects throughout all 3 years and the mix of practical and theoretical study will help make you a valuable addition to any organisation.

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Why Oxford Brookes University?

Real world insights

Our lecturers work in sport and education as PE teachers, coaches, coach developers, sports psychologists and other sport and education roles.
A strong career focus throughout

You’ll go on placement, hear from visiting expert practitioners and work on real-life projects.
Flexible assessments

We’ve designed our course to let you choose what to focus on based on your strengths or interests.
A strong community

You’ll belong to a community of practitioners who really care about sport, teaching and physical activity.

Understand your practice through theory

We encourage you to learn by putting your knowledge to the test in real life, then using your discoveries in your work.
Learn a language

Our university-wide language programme is available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Study abroad

You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
Accreditation(s)
Accredited by The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

Course details

During the course you’ll develop your coaching skills, expand your knowledge of fitness and human movement and we’ll introduce you to the psychology and sociology of sport too.

In year 1, you’ll learn all the basic skills you need to succeed in your degree and later in your career. By year 2 you’ll understand more about the principles of the subject so you will start to specialise by choosing optional modules. You’ll have the ideal opportunity to try your skills in a practical setting during the work experience module which runs across the whole year.

Year 3 is your time to advance your skills and start working towards a potential career path. You can develop your coaching practice even further and conduct your own research or independent project working with a supervisor. Optional modules in subjects like strength and conditioning or sport and exercise psychology will help you become a well-rounded and knowledgeable graduate, whatever you choose to do next.

Student typing coursework

This is a practical course underpinned by theory. You’ll learn the principles of coaching and related subjects like sociology and psychology during lectures and seminars. Then you’ll apply your new knowledge during projects, work experience and other practical sessions.

We’ll show you how to use our modern equipment safely and how to run your own projects and investigations. We help you think critically and conduct research so you can feel confident you have the skills to succeed in your career.

In your first year you will be assessed through the coursework that you produce.

In your second and third years your assessment will be made through the coursework you produce. Your coursework may involve:

building a portfolio
giving a presentation
demonstrating your coaching skills
multiple choice examinations
written essays and reports.

Some of your modules provide some flexibility in the broader context that the written work can be grounded within. But not formal flexibility in the type of assessment necessarily, and can be adapted to suit the way you work, so you can focus on the specific elements that interest you.

Study modules

Teaching for this course takes place Face to Face and you can expect around 10 hours of contact time per week. In addition to this, you should also anticipate a workload of 1,200 hours per year. Teaching usually takes place Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 6.00pm.

Contact hours involve activities such as lectures, seminars, practicals, assessments, and academic advising sessions. These hours differ by year of study and typically increase significantly during placements or other types of work-based learning.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Sport Pedagogy

This module provides the theoretical and philosophical foundations to debate and conceptualise ‘sport pedagogy’. It examines key assumptions of learning, whilst offering a forum to critique and adopt appropriate non-linear principles and practices which advocate learner-centred approaches in teaching and coaching.
Fitness and Assessment

You’ll develop your basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of physical fitness and health. You’ll also learn to accurately assess certain fitness parameters in both sporting and health settings.

Then using your knowledge and understanding you'll identify the main fitness parameters required to optimally perform in certain sports. You’ll also be able to compile an appropriate battery of fitness tests to assess the chosen fitness parameters. By the end of the module you’ll be equipped with the skills to plan and design exercise sessions based on the client's fitness goals.
Coaching: Practice to Theory 1
This is your introduction to issues that underpin the delivery of a practical coaching or teaching session. You'll examine the practical session as a pedagogical activity and focus on the four interrelated components;
- athlete (learner)
- coach (teacher)
- environment (learning outcomes)
- session aims (learning outcomes).
You will develop core components of the coaching process, and be able to apply key skills in the mechanics of coaching.
Human Movement and Skill in Sport

You will be involved in theoretical and practical sessions where you’ll examine and understand human movement through motor control and skill acquisition. You’ll explore the applied principles of human movement in a practical context. While you’ll consider the impact of motor control theories in either a coaching or a clinical setting.

You will explore three approaches to motor control and skill acquisition, and you’ll develop the ability to critically contrast these theories. At the end of the module with your knowledge of theorectical comparisons, you’ll consider the applied implications.
Professional Skills in Sport and Coaching Sciences

Learn about the social competencies required for a professional role in sport and coaching sciences. You’ll also find out about your range of career opportunities that will be open to you.

You will reflect on your current skills and knowledge, and you’ll also have opportunities to develop the competencies needed to become a successful sport professional. You’ll be able to identify future professional development opportunities while developing an evidence based approach to enhancing your employability.
Introduction to the Sociology of Sport

Examine Sport and Physical Activity in a political, social and educational context. You’ll explore patterns of sociological concepts in relation to sport, physical activity and health. Also you will investigate the consequences for structures, behaviours and the progression of normative values.

Then focus on the consequence of the social relationships and experiences that go to make up human social living. Building your knowledge of sport in society and the impact it can have on society.
Introduction to the Psychology of Sport and Exercise
Study people and their behaviours in sport and exercise contexts and the practical application of your gained knowledge. You’ll examine core topics within sport and exercise psychology. You’ll cover a spectrum of both well-established (e.g., personality, motivation, confidence, anxiety, and concentration) and more contemporary topics (e.g., addictive and unhealthy behaviour, exercise and wellbeing).

You’ll build a knowledge base of theory, application, and learning. Engaging with topics in:
- lectures
- practical sessions
- weekly reading
- podcasts
- online quizzes.
Effective Coaching Practice
You will look at the key elements of the coaching process
- the learner
- the coach
- the environment
- and intentions.
To build a solid understanding of what effective coaching is and what it looks like in practice.

Through lectures, practicals and seminars - you’ll develop the skills to analyse and evaluate the coaching process with the support of current sport coaching and pedagogy literature.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Coaching: Practice to Theory 2

In this module, you’ll build upon Year 1 modules by developing both your theoretical knowledge and applied practical skills in sports coaching. Throughout the module, you’ll participate in a variety of practical scenarios, in order to develop your critical and evaluative skills as a coach.

You’ll put your planning, delivering and evaluating skills into practice as you train to become a reflective practitioner. You’ll consider the importance of your coaching style and approach toward athletes, alongside implementing reflective practice and honing your understanding of different sporting environments. Other areas you’ll be covering will include developing your understanding of the physiological, technical, psychological and social factors that affect athlete development.

Your study will comprise of 24 weekly sessions (3 hours), combining theoretical and practical work. Group discussions, group presentations, individual presentations and observation skills will be on the agenda too.
Work Experience

In this module, you’ll be amidst the action and working with expert staff and patrons already assigned to the field of Sport and Exercise, under a supervised work-based learning experience, designed to complement your professional and technical skills. You’ll build on your professional knowledge, practical leadership skills and vocational competencies, embarking on a journey of self-discovery in terms of applying your theory to Sport and Exercise concepts. Participating in this placement will enhance your employability and will also open up avenues to investigate and identify your future career direction options and professional development opportunities.
Research Methods for Sport and Exercise

In this module you’ll further develop your knowledge of research methods and concepts. You’ll explore aspects of design, data gathering, analysis, interpretation of research, and reporting as well as ethical considerations fundamental to the research process. You’ll gain the opportunity to develop your own research proposal, conducting research from the real world of sports and physical activity. Alongside this, you’ll work on developing the ability to engage with literature in a critical and analytical manner.

By the end of this module you’ll be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of research questions, design and conduct. You’ll also be adept at critically evaluating research methodologies in your field of study and will be capable of designing your own methodologies to answer key practical and theoretical questions.

Optional modules

Performance Analysis

Make informed decisions in the sports world with this analytical sports module. You’ll learn techniques and strategies to hone your understanding on the improvement and analysis of sport performance. With the guidance of expert sports tutors, you’ll progressively train in identifying key analytical trends, and build knowledge of tactical analysis, effective management, utilisation and presentation of data, with the aim to enhance sports performance.

In addition, you’ll be introduced to the behavioural analysis concepts behind training and coaching athletes of tomorrow.

If you’ve ever considered a career within talent development or performance coaching environments, this module will have you well prepared. You’ll gain a wide range of highly sought-after skills that are relevant and essential in the sporting world today.

Global and Cultural Studies in Sport

In this module, you'll explore Global and Cultural Studies in modern sport, from past to present-day.

You’ll examine how sport has been impacted by the globalisation process, how different sociological traditions interpret this concept and how this applies to the study of sport. There will be a special focus on the development of modern sport, the main global energies that characterise its structure, and the costs and benefits associated with these processes.

You’ll consider important issues within sports globalisation such as economics, media, commodification, celebrity, identity, migration, politics, and culture. You’ll complete interesting projects relating to globalisation and sport. You can expect to deliver presentations, participate in assignment workshops, receive individual tutorials, and independent study tasks in order to encourage deep learning and a real understanding of the theory behind the global and cultural sports context.

Principles of Training for Sport and Exercise

In this module, you’ll increase your employability by learning how to understand, write and deliver individualised group training programmes. You’ll study the theory and get hands-on with practical work, looking at physical conditioning for all levels of performers.

You’ll gain knowledge of generic training principles which will support your development into real-world sport and training initiatives, and you’ll get the opportunity to apply your new skills to your specific sport/and or specific target group.

Pedagogic Practice in Teaching and Coaching

This module will allow you to contextualise contemporary literature and industry regulations to inform the application of high quality PE/School Sport planning, teaching/coaching and learning, in practice. The module will aim to develop your ability to critically analyse and evaluate a wide range of pedagogic theories, frameworks, models and methods. Upon completion of the module, you should be able to draw on a wide range of appropriate resources to highlight the implications for planning and evaluating practical teaching and coaching sessions. This module aims to be a crucial component in preparing you to layer theoretically bound practice into curriculum and extra-curricular design, if you wish to pursue careers in teaching and coaching.

Sports Development

Do you have a passion for team and individual sports? In this Level 5, single weighted, Stage II module, you’ll take a look at how sports organisations can devise better and more effective ways of promoting interest, participation and performance in sport.

You’ll have the opportunity to put your leadership skills to the test and develop a sports development plan for a chosen organisation, based on the principles you will learn throughout your examination of the theoretical aspects of the sports development process. You can expect to undertake individual independent study and will receive twelve weekly lectures (2 hour) supported by individual and/or group tutorials.

At the end of this module you’ll have considered a diverse range of sports-development approaches that contribute to this multi-faceted discipline of significant importance in the Sports Development world.

Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

In this module, you’ll develop your understanding of exercise physiology by applying various principles and knowledge of exercise physiology to field and laboratory settings. You’ll gain experience in conducting accurate assessments of physical fitness and physiological response, both as a subject and as a practitioner, utilising equipment and skills implemented in a range of contemporary occupational settings.

You’ll complete twenty-two hours of lectures and eighteen hours of practicals (laboratory and field based). Alongside this, you’ll be encouraged to engage with broad aspects of data collection and interpretation to support your coursework assessment, while developing relevant practical skills in the field. You’ll be introduced to modern technological advances and will learn standard assessment techniques in exercise and sport physiology.

Talent Identification and Development

Do you have what it takes to spot the next talented athletes? That’s exactly what this module is all about. In this module, you’ll gain an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the attributes and abilities behind what makes a talented athlete.

You’ll learn all about the key factors that contribute to identifying and developing talented athletes across a range of sports. You’ll examine the extent to which performance abilities in sport are predictable indicators of future talent, and whether young performers with certain attributes and performance profiles are most likely to succeed in realising that potential as sports performers of the future.

In addition, you’ll also look at current and former development systems in sport, both in this country and abroad. Alongside this, you’ll carry out analysis of key philosophies and approaches towards the development of talent, which will inform your future best practice.

Independent Study 1

In this module, you’ll study how the psychology behind sports concepts can enhance sports performance. You’ll delve into how to present evidence-based interventions and apply this knowledge in real-world settings. Strategic-thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, data management, and confidence in communicating your ideas will all be developed under the guidance of your tutor on this module. You’ll be offered this module as part of your programme of study under exceptional circumstances, and at the discretion of your module tutor.

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

The project/dissertation module is intended to allow you to pursue a sustained critical inquiry of your choosing in order that you might better understand a specific area of knowledge within the fields of sport and exercise science, sport, coaching and physical education and physical activity and health promotion. The module allows you to work one-to-one with a supervisor, developing and enhancing a research relationship whilst critically engaging with pertinent academic literature in a reflective, analytical and critically self-aware fashion, which may involve collection of data (project) or desk-based study (dissertation). Topics are chosen by you in conjunction and agreement with your supervisor and the module leader and may take a number of formats. This allows you to explore a range of issues and also to develop the graduate attributes that are pertinent to your own development and future career.
Advanced Coaching Practice

This module will build upon Levels 4 and 5 modules by developing both theoretical knowledge of and applied practical skills in sports coaching. Throughout the module, you will be involved in theoretical and practical sessions to improve your knowledge (s) and experience across a variety of practical scenarios, in order to develop the critical and evaluative skills of the coach. Delivery will be in the form of 24 weekly sessions (2/3 hours), combining theoretical and practical work. We'll combine group discussions, individual presentations, both practical and theoretical sessions, and observation skills. You will also be expected to undertake individual and group practice, study and observation of experienced coaches in action as well as engaging with innovative coaching methods. A crucial component of the module if the opportunity for you to experience coach education through the lived experience of applied sports coaching.

Optional modules

Advanced Practice in Sport and Exercise Psychology

This module aims to consider advanced topics, and professionalised concepts, for applied practitioners in sport and exercise psychology. Through independent fieldwork and critique of recent applied research, the module seeks to examine issues relating to athlete (and coach) sports performance, enhancing the quality of competitive sports experience and optimising the advanced sport-learning environment through intervention. You will be encouraged to apply key theoretical concepts to appropriate practical situations through wide reading, data collection and well-reasoned analysis whilst working closely with student-selected sports participants and / or practitioners. At the completion of this module you'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of cognitive interventions in improving sports performance; apply appropriate intervention to improve sports performance; recognise the value and limitations of applying appropriate psychological strategies to the coaching role.

Advanced Social Theory in Sport, Coaching and PE Coaching

Advanced Social Theory in Sport, Coaching and PE is a Level 6 module (double weighting) in the Sport, Coaching and Physical Education degree, constituting the Honours module of the sociological strand of the degree. The sociological strand attends to the socio-cultural aspects of sport such as race, gender, disability, class and religion and this module attempts to be critical of the way in which various actors and organisations within the domain of sport, coaching and physical education address such issues. Using key theories relating to power (Foucault), exploitation (Marx), class (Bourdieu), hegemony (Gramsci), stigma (Goffman) and social figurations (Elias), this module uncovers socially constructed notions in sport, coaching and physical education and deconstructs them in order that you can understand how such notions manifest themselves in these fields. The module requires you to complete two individual oral presentations and an essay.

Strength and Conditioning for Sport and Health

The aim of this module is to develop both practical and theoretical knowledge in the area of strength and conditioning, including evidence-based practice, rehabilitation and working with special populations. It aims to broadly align to recognised awarding bodies in strength and conditioning to allow you to be well prepared to achieve accreditation after finishing the module.

Professional Practice in Sport Coaching and PE

This module will provide you with the opportunity to critically examine the legal, ethical, political and professional issues faced by practitioners in the field of sport, coaching and physical education. In doing so, the module will enable you to assess the role of the coach and teacher in the provision of positive and safe sports experiences. At the completion of this module, you should be able to develop an understanding of the emerging issues and pressures experienced by professional practitioners within these fields and be familiar with the professional development demands placed upon them. You will also be able to critically explore the professional requirements and regulations relating to these fields of employment, in turn preparing you to navigate potential challenges you might face within employment.

Inclusive Pedagogies

Equal opportunities in education and sport are deemed to be a fundamental human right, yet traditionally informed attitudes continue to apprise exclusionary pedagogic practices in sport and Physical Education (PE). This module aims to encourage a critical awareness, understanding and application of working inclusively in sport coaching and PE teaching; in association with industry requirements. To achieve this, the module supports you to advocate contemporary conceptualisations of inclusion, policy development and practice. As such, you are encouraged to adopt and reflect on critical pedagogic practices (using a range of strategies, methods and tools) to co-construct supportive mechanisms which accommodate for individual learning needs.

Independent Study 2

This module involves individual or group work on an appropriate topic constructed under the supervision of the module leader, with prior approval of the field committee. This study may be work based, enabling you to gain recognition and academic credit for learning gained through your professional practice or employment or from an in-depth study of your own high level sporting performance. A learning contract is agreed between you and a supervising member of staff in the semester prior to the one in which the study is to be undertaken, and this must be approved by the Subject Examination Committee. Only once the learning contract has been formally approved will the module be registered on your programme of study.

Work placements

Optional modules

Work placements

Our degree has a compulsory, work experience oriented, teaching and learning strand across all three years. This combines lectures and workshops where students look at the range of careers within the sports sector, practise applying for jobs and shadow locally identified professionals. They will be immersed in work-based observation, placement opportunities and analysis as part of this process. Recent placements have included working alongside the coaching team at Oxford United FC, supporting athletes funded by TASS (the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme), and placements in local school PE departments.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Careers

Many students go on to become coaches and teachers, but there are lots of related jobs in sports too. You might look for opportunities in:

national governing bodies
sports development
talent ID and development
elite sports – playing or getting involved in other ways
postgraduate research or further study.

However, your options aren’t limited to sport and education. We focus on developing high performing graduates ready for any challenge. So your communication skills, critical thinking, and work ethic will be useful in a huge range of roles.

Some students stay with us for postgraduate degrees, like our MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition. You might also choose to use your degree as a stepping-stone to postgraduate research study in an area like sport, physical education, physical activity, health or physiotherapy.

Student profiles

Nicole Clewer

"One of my placements led me onto my current role in sports development!"

Imogen Mackie

"The atmosphere around Oxford is lovely, there is a real student ‘feel’"

Lauren Mangan

"I was able to see elite coaching in action and had the chance to carry out my own research."

Nicole Clewer

"One of my placements led me onto my current role in sports development!"

Imogen Mackie

"The atmosphere around Oxford is lovely, there is a real student ‘feel’"

Our Staff

Lauren Mangan

I was able to see elite coaching in action and had the chance to carry out my own research.

Nicole Clewer

One of my placements led me onto my current role in sports development!

Dr Stuart Whigham

Bonita Corrie-Lunn

Dr Stuart Whigham

Joint honours options

Life Sciences Foundation Year

Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 104

A Level: BCC

IB Points: 29

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

Specific entry requirements

Ability to demonstrate an interest and commitment to sport.

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

English language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

Pathways courses for international and EU students

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.

If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.

English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Credit transfer

Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.

Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process

Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCAS

Part time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the University

International applicants
Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note

Home (UK) full time

£9,250

Home (UK) part time

£1,155 per single module

International full time

£15,950

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2024 / 25

Home (UK) full time

£9,250

Home (UK) part time

£1,155 per single module

International full time

£15,950

2025 / 26

Home (UK) full time

£9,535

Home (UK) part time

£1,190 per single module

International full time

£17,750

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

For further information please see our 2025-26 tuition fees FAQs.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Financial support and scholarships

For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.

Sport, Coaching and Physical Education

Find a course

Overview

Why Oxford Brookes University?

Course details

Course structure

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Careers

Student profiles

Our Staff

Bonita Corrie-Lunn

Dr Stuart Whigham

Joint honours options

Entry requirements

Standard offer

Contextual offer

Specific entry requirements

English language requirements

Pathways courses for international and EU students

English requirements for visas

Credit transfer

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process

Tuition fees

Questions about fees?

Tuition fees

Questions about fees?

How and when to pay

Financial support and scholarships

Additional costs

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study