Course modules
Year 1
Coaching Principles and Practice
This module provides students with the essential theories of the coaching process. It identifies the main philosophies, styles and practices of football coaching. This module promotes an understanding of session planning, delivery and evaluation. Content includes the acquisition of skills, delivery techniques, child protection, equity and coaching and the law.
Sports Performance (Double module)
This module introduces students to the evaluation and development of football performance. Through effective performance analysis, students will be able to provide a comprehensive player profile and evaluation facilitating player development. This player profile will include technical, tactical, physical and psychological elements. Reinforcing the main concepts established in Football Coaching Principles and Practice, students will learn how to focus coaching on the needs of the individual player, developing their technical and tactical skills. Further to the development of technical and tactical skills, this focus on individual development will help students to develop the physical capacities of players. Students will gain an understanding of scientific principles, concepts, and theories of conditioning, as well as their practical delivery. The module applies specific conditioning practices to the enhancement of performance, through a variety of practical experiences.
Introduction to Sport Science
This module focuses on the three main areas of sport science utilized in football coaching; physiology, psychology and biomechanics. Students must apply these concepts to football specific situations in order to demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the coaching process. An essential understanding of Sports Science will facilitate learning in other modules, providing a grounding understanding.
Coaching and Pedagogy
This module prepares students for future employment where an understanding of educational theories and concepts is essential. The coaching process requires a strong understanding of the learning process and pedagological tools to optimise learning. The module prepare students to improve leadership behaviours, developing graduate skills in teaching which can facilitate becoming a teacher and more effective coach in the future.
Academic and Vocational Skills
This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will be given an opportunity to work with Preston North End academy working with elite players and coaches in an outstanding, successful professional academy. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.
Year 2
Coaching for Sport Performance
Progressing knowledge gained in Coaching Principles and Practice during year 1. This module gives students the opportunity to develop coaching methods to develop the skills, techniques and strategies in football players. The module will challenge coaches to develop skills required in Level 3 NGB awards, reflecting on the coaching process, and educational theories develop din year 1. A development of your own style and philosophy will challenge learners to coach at a more advanced level, utilising a range of coaching skills to enhance player performance.
Research Development
The aim of this module is to develop the ability of students to undertake investigative research and underpin dissertation and double project work at Level 6. The module will focus upon information-related academic and market research skills, research methodology, data collection techniques, data analysis and writing skills.
Sports Performance Analysis
This module provides a framework in which football coaches can apply the coaching process and develop techniques to evaluate football performance. This will include a review of pertinent scientific elements of training/performance with students engaging in appropriate coaching practicals to elaborate upon the theoretical themes.
Talent Identification and Sport Development
The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of talent identification and performance pathways developed by organisations to cultivate players to their full potential. Graduates skills will be developed which are integral in football coaching and player identification/scouting.
Industry Project
This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Academic and Vocational Skills. It will utilise a structured work environment chosen by the student to identify a suitable project. Working with their supervisor, students will develop and manage the project, reporting on the outcomes of the project. Students will be encouraged to use the industry project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.
Lifestyle, Recovery and Rehabilitation
Progressing the underpinning knowledge developed in sports science during year 1, this module will apply these theories in the development of athlete’s lifestyle, and recovery from training, games and injury. The importance of keeping healthy and eating well is increasingly recognised in modern football, creating exciting career opportunities. Students will gain an understanding of exercise, nutrition, health, recovery strategies’, and sports injuries.
Entry requirements & additional information
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
• 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
• BTEC/C&G Level 3
• 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
• 3 Irish Highers at C or above
• International Baccalaureate at 24 points
• NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview
Learning and assessment
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.
Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Assessment:
Students will complete a variety of assessments including delivery of practical coaching sessions, performance planning and analysis, essays, multimedia presentations, reports, multiple choice tests, presentations, group work and mini projects.
What work experience can I get?
There is no formal work placement on this course. The Academic and Vocational Skills and Industry Project modules will utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area.
Professional accreditations
The College works closely with Preston North End and The Football Association
Special requirements
Students are expected to be prepared for practical sessions and are expected to maintain a presentable appearance when representing the college in the community.
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:
· Sports Kit £100
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
· BUCS membership £60