4 years full-time with placement year or 3 years full-time

Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education BSc (Hons) degree

Typical offer
AABENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Fees for 2025-26 (per academic year)

UK: £9,535

International: £29,750

Fees for 2026-27 entry are to be confirmed.

FEES

UCAS codes

4 years full-time with placement year: C604

3 years full-time: C603

Start date
October 2026

Institute code
L79

Subject area
Sport Sciences

This course will allow you to develop a critical, theoretical and practical understanding of sport, coaching and physical education, as well as knowledge of physiology, physical activity and health, skill acquisition, psychology and sport sociology.

You will develop teaching, coaching, academic and scientific skills, and apply your knowledge and understanding to sport, education, health and other contexts in state-of-the-art facilities.

You will take a series of modules which have been specifically designed to develop your research, vocational and employability skills, placing you in the best possible position to secure appropriate employment upon graduation.

You can also add practical experience to your CV by undertaking a placement year, while our Coach and Volunteer Academy provides you with the opportunity to work alongside elite athletes in a range of job roles and sports on campus.

The degree is likely to be of particular interest to those wishing to pursue careers in the fields of coaching, education, sport policy, physical activity and health promotion and/or allied professions.

Why you should study this course

The extensive range of high quality teaching facilities and resources within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences makes it an excellent place to study. You will have access to the very best facilities; including specialist teaching and research facilities.

CV-enhancing opportunities are built into the teaching and coaching strands of the course. These will help to enhance students’ pedagogical knowledge, skills and practice, as well as strengthen their professional profile and employability prospects
Teaching is informed by world-leading research and delivered by staff who are leaders in their field, helping to ensure that the theoretical knowledge you are taught reflects the latest understanding within the sector
You will have access to elite coaches on campus, as well as coaching accreditation and certification opportunities within and beyond the curriculum, providing opportunities for professional development
Loughborough University continues to make a significant contribution to sport, exercise, coaching and physical education in the UK as a centre of excellence in research in the biological, psychological and social sciences; as well as innovation in physical activity, health and wellbeing, coaching and sports technology
You will benefit from the School’s influence and standing within the sport, coaching, physical education and health industry to provide opportunities for vocational experiences that will enhance your prospects for employability.
Gain practical experience through the Coach and Volunteer Academy and Loughborough Sport’s Practitioner Programme, designed to provide a strong understanding of the performance sport landscape for those who are pursuing a career as a practitioner.
You will be assigned a personal academic tutor who is on hand to answer any academic queries you have, as well as having access to a wellbeing advisor, peer mentor scheme and the Student Wellbeing And Inclusivity department.
Our strong industry links help our students to advance their skills and add to their CV through placements with organisations including: Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, English Institute of Sport, Leicester Tigers, Southampton Football Club, Adidas, Leicester Diabetes Research Centre, Sherborne School and Wyke Sixth Form College.

What you'll study

The principal aim of our Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education BSc (Hons) course is to provide a multi-disciplinary and practically-based approach to the contemporary study of sport, coaching and physical education, underpinned by both sport and exercise science, and critical social and health perspectives. Modules draw on the expertise of staff from a range of disciplines to ensure you develop a well-rounded knowledge of the subjects taught and the ability to apply your learning to real-world scenarios.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

Semester 1 & 2

Compulsory modules

Academic, Research and Vocational Skills

The aims of this module are to:

support students' transition into and progression through university education by developing the core academic and vocational knowledge and skills required for their programme and future careers;
introduce the use of basic research methods relevant to students' disciplines;
enable students to become aware of and develop their academic, professional, social and personal skills through the Loughborough University Personal Best development programme.

Sport and the Social Sciences

The aims of this module are for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying social science theories and topical debates that relate to sport, coaching and pedagogy and to acquire the necessary level of understanding to progress to more sociologically specific modules at Parts B and C.

Kinesiology, Growth and Development

The aim of this module is to examine the anatomical structures of the body and the ways that the muscular and skeletal systems interact during human movement, exercise and sport. In addition, the module will examine the physical changes that occur during the growth period in children. The implications of these changes on structure and function as they relate to sport, exercise and physical activity will also be discussed.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science

The aim of this module is for students to develop foundational knowledge and understanding of the core sport and exercise science disciplines of psychology, biomechanics and physiology.

Semester 1

Compulsory modules

Fundamentals of Sport Coaching

The aims of this module are for students to develop a holistic understanding of coaching and coaching practice, and to introduce students to evidence-based research and research-informed practice.

Semester 2

Compulsory modules

Fundamentals of Teaching Physical Education

The aim of this module is for students to develop fundamental teaching skills and the basic pedagogical knowledge needed to develop an understanding of the principles underpinning effective PE teaching in selected practical activities.

Year 2

Semester 1 & 2

Compulsory modules

Research Skills and Methodologies

The aim of this module is for students to develop an understanding of the philosophical and methodological underpinnings of the research process and to gain experience of formulating appropriate research questions, research designs, proposals and analytic techniques for conducting research in sport, coaching, physical education and management.

Coaching Process and Practice

The aims of this module are for students to examine coaching effectiveness and the complexity of the coaching process and to be able to apply and demonstrate this theoretical knowledge in practice in authentic coaching contexts.

The Reflective Practitioner in Physical Education

The aim of this module is for students to develop as reflective practitioners exploring more advanced teaching skills and identifying aspects of high quality PE, furthering their pedagogical knowledge and applying this to a range of practical activities.

Optional modules

Fitness Training and Analysis

The aim of this module is for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the science of physical fitness, training and performance analysis.

Semester 1

Optional modules

Sport, Diversity and Social Justice

The aim of this module is for students to develop a critical understanding of the relationships between sport, diversity and social justice as they relate to contexts within and around sport, coaching and pedagogy.

Acquiring Movement Skills

The aim of this module is to examine both theoretically and in practice, the key factors governing the acquisition and performance of human movement skills.

Semester 2

Optional modules

Conceptualising Sport

The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of more advanced social scientific concepts which combine to form the basis of social theories and perspectives used in the analysis of sport and physical cultures in modern societies across the world.

Physical Activity and Health

The aim of this module is for students to develop knowledge, critical understanding and skills relating to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health.

Final Year

Semester 1 & 2

Compulsory modules

Final Year Project

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and opportunity to select, organise and conduct an enquiry-based project in a topic relevant to their development and programme.

Optional modules

Advanced Sport Coaching

The aims of this module are for students to develop a critical understanding of coaches' development and life-long learning and to be able to specialise in specific coaching domains. The module aims to develop greater self-awareness and critical thinking skills.

Critical Pedagogies in Physical Education

The aims of this module are for students to critically reflect on contemporary policy, curriculum and pedagogical issues relevant to a school PE context and how these impact on teaching and learning, and to gain experience of the delivery and practice of PE and selected areas through work based learning.

Physical Activity and Health of Children

The aims of this module are to:

understand the implications that physical changes which occur during the growth period in children and adolescents have for their physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health.
understand the patterns and trends of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents, the factors that influence these patterns and trends, and their relationship with children and adolescents' health.

Contemporary Issues in Sporting Cultures

The aims of the module are for students to develop a critical understanding of the practice and policy of contemporary sport cultures. There is an explicit link with the multi-disciplinary approach to social sciences taken at part A and the more sociologically driven modules in part B.

Leadership and Managing Change

The aim of this module is for students to develop a critical understanding of different theoretical perspectives on leadership and how leadership styles shape organisational practice. Students will also develop and evaluate their own preferred leadership approach and skills.

Applied Sports Science: Analysis and Conditioning

The aim of this module is for students to advance their knowledge, understanding and application of the applied sports science disciplines of strength and conditioning and performance analysis.

Sport Policy and Governance

The aims of this module are for students to develop a critical understanding of the policy-making process, policy analysis and associated tools, concepts and models in sport; and to develop a critical understanding of of sports governance and governance principles, structures and standards in local and global sports organisations.

How you'll study

Lectures

Seminars

Tutorials

Independent study

Group work

Supervision

Laboratory work

Practical sessions

How you'll be assessed

Depending on the nature of the material, some modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination (for example 30% coursework and 70% examination), whilst other modules are assessed by 100% coursework.

Coursework may comprise a variety of tasks including individual essays, project reports, reflective portfolios, lab reports, video diaries, group work and presentations.

Placement year

Additional award

This course comes with the option to undertake a professional placement for a year, at the end of which you will gain a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS). This is an additional award to the final qualification you will receive once you have successfully completed this course.

On this course you'll have the option to undertake a placement as part of your degree, so that your time at Loughborough will consist of three years’ full-time academic study and one year of employment in industry.

The placement year occupies the whole of the third year and normally commences between July and September, lasting 45 weeks. Completing a placement is a great way to put your learning into context, improve your interpersonal skills, gain invaluable experience in the workplace, boost your employability and 'test-drive' a career to find out if a job is right for you.

All of our undergraduate courses in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University offer a year out in industry, a placement year.

Featured placement year companies

Loughborough’s unique connections to sport ensures that major recruiters are always keen to offer placement opportunities to Sport and Exercise Science students. Examples of recent placement destinations include:

Soccer Coach – UK International Soccer; Charity Mentor – City Year; Community Sport Development Assistant – Leicestershire and Rutland Sport; Lead Sports Intern – Millfield School; Physical Performance Intern – Leicester Tigers; Healthcare Intern - Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust; Performance Analysis – Loughborough Sport; Strength and Conditioning Coach – University of Bath; Match Analysis Role – Norwich City Football Club; Student Marketing Intern – Birmingham City Football Club; Health and Well-being Intern – Ministry of Defence.

Study abroad

If you are interested in travelling whilst you study, there are options to study overseas with our partner universities. By choosing this course you'll have the option to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, giving you the chance to not only experience new cultures and visit exciting destinations, but also to expand your learning experience. The length of a study abroad placement would be confirmed by your School or Department.

Additional award

This course comes with the option to study abroad for a year, at the end of which you will gain a Diploma in International Studies (DIntS). This is an additional award to the final qualification you will receive once you have successfully completed this course.

Where you'll study

As a student within the School, you will have access to the very best facilities including bespoke training and testing equipment, specialist laboratories, a range of elite sports facilities and flexible teaching and learning spaces.

In addition, you will benefit from all the facilities and support services that the University campus has to offer, including: round the clock access to computers, extensive and newly refurbished library facilities and the widest range of sports facilities for an extensive selection of sports.

Next

Research Lab

Sport Biomechanics Lab

Teaching Lab

Anatomy Lab

Exercise Physiology Lab

Research Lab

Sport Biomechanics Lab

Teaching Lab

Anatomy Lab

Exercise Physiology Lab

Research Lab

Sport Biomechanics Lab

Teaching Lab

Next

Go to slide 1
Go to slide 2

Entry requirements

To learn more about the qualifications we typically accept, please select your country from the drop-down menu below.

General entry requirements

The entry requirements for each course should be read alongside the University’s general entry requirements which give further details on acceptable subjects, alternative UK and international qualifications and minimum English language requirements.

Contextual admissions

The University’s admissions process uses contextual information to provide insights into the context in which your academic qualifications have been achieved. This may influence the typical offers listed below.