Course description

Whether you’d like to coach elite/amateur athletes or promote the benefits of sport to the wider community, this course will put you ahead of the game.

• Develop the skills and knowledge for exciting careers which focus on both performance and participation in sport
• Learn how to use sport as a catalyst for change, working with individuals and groups of all levels and abilities to advance their development and engagement in sport
• Enhance your employability with exciting and relevant voluntary work placement opportunities across the sector
• Gain additional sport coaching awards to add substance to your CV
• Make the most of our exceptional sports facilities in our specialist sports centre
• Be inspired by our enthusiastic and expert staff who boast a wealth of professional experience in sport coaching and personal development across a range of sports and activities, as well as guest lectures from expert coaches in the area
• The content of this course, and its focus on increasing participation in sport, is aligned to the priorities of global initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, where 'Good Health and Well-being' is highlighted as a priority

With its emphasis on practical learning, this course will ensure you graduate as a work-ready, forward-thinking and confident professional.

Sport Coaching and Development at Derby

Whether you'd like to coach athletes or promote the benefits of sport and coaching to the wider community, this practical course will help you to develop an understanding of the technical, physical and psychological elements that affect participation and development in sport.

You'll gain in-depth knowledge of the profession, ranging from promoting entry-level sport to coaching elite performers. We cover the principles and practices for training, the relationship of coaching and performance analysis, how to use sport as a catalyst for change within communities, as well as gaining an understanding of working with key populations and environments.

The course includes practical experience in real-world settings, from group coaching to individual performance development, ensuring you graduate as a confident and independent professional.

Expert teaching

Our teaching team has a wealth of professional experience in sports coaching and development together with extensive contacts across the industry. Alongside teaching, our lecturers work as applied practitioners with a range of sports professionals and organisations, including coaching, coach developers and consultants.

They also have strong links with professional bodies at regional and national levels, such as key sports governing bodies such as the Football Association, the Lawn Tennis Association and British Cycling, as well as local professional, amateur and grassroots clubs across all sports in the county and region.

Such partnerships add an extra dimension to your studies, including inspirational guest lectures from professional coaches, elite athletes, sports development specialists and many more leaders in the field

How you will learn

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, interactive tutorials, seminars, and workshops. There will be a significant amount of practical teaching and learning experiences throughout the course, enabling students to develop their practical skills and application of theory to practice. Students will be encouraged to work individually and as part of a group to gain skills relevant to the world of coaching and sport development employment.

The teaching of our courses is informed by the STEPS system (Skilled, Technical, Expert, Professional, Standout) to ensure that our students graduate with a wide range of transferable skills such as:

• Academic writing
• Sourcing information
• Data handling
• Scientific analysis
• Laboratory and applied skills
• Independence
• Organisation
• Global citizenship
• Adaptability

Assessment

Assessments will include a combination of theoretical and practical assignments, such as individual written reports, individual and group presentations, and individual and group practical coaching assessments. This variety will enable learning and assess necessary skills required for future employment. Although there are some exams, a large proportion of the assessment includes of presentations and written assignment. This form of assessment will prepare you for the world of work, where you will be required to write reports and present your findings in both a coaching and sports development career.