Programme Overview

From the playground to the world stage, coaches make a difference. If you want to help people at all levels and ages achieve their potential, this course is for you.

A distinctive feature of the Sport Coaching programme is that it is designed specifically for future coaches and sports educators. This specialisation means that you will gain the skills, knowledge and understanding that may not be taught in a general sports degree.

98% of students said they were satisfied with the Sport Coaching BSc (Hons) course, with the specific following areas all receiving 96% agreement: High quality of application of theory to practice; Links to industry; Stimulating module content; Communication and Transparency; Variety of teaching and assessment. (NSS, 2020).

Programme Highlights

• Unique top-up degree programmes offered by one of the top universities in the UK for international undergraduate study in sport;

• Completed in 1.5 year of full-time study;
• Work placement opportunities in public and private sectors;
• Applicants considered from AD/HD holders in sport, exercise, coaching and related subjects; and
• Scholarships and bursaries available.

Programme Information & Sharing from Programme Leaders

Alumni Sharing

 

University of Northumbria at Newcastle

University of Northumbria at Newcastle (UNN) is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. It is based in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, which is regularly voted the best place in the UK for students to live and study. UNN was ranked in the Top 30 universities in the UK in the 2021 Guardian University league table and ranked 15th in the UK for 2022 on StudentCrowd, whose UK university league table is voted for by students who have actually studied, or are still studying, at each university (StudentCrowd UK University League Table and Rankings 2022). UNN has campuses based in Newcastle upon Tyne, London and Amsterdam, and works in partnership with other higher education institutions worldwide, attracting students from around 136 countries.

Additionally, Northumbria University is ranked as a top 100 Young University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021). At UNN, students enjoy an educational experience that will set them up for life, taught by experts in their field with great passion. UNN’s courses are at the forefront of current knowledge and practice and are shaped by world-leading and internationally excellent research. UNN is also ranked as a World Top 500 University in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. A strong national and international reputation for academic quality is prevalent.

Northumbria’s Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation is part of Health & Life Sciences along with Psychology, Health, Education, Community/Social Work and Applied Sciences. Having no fewer than 11,500 full and part-time students, they offer a comprehensive range of expertise across the sport, psychology, health, education and science professions; in The Complete University Guide 2022 University League Tables, UNN is ranked top 50 in the UK for Sports Science. The Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation is committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of work it undertakes. UNN’s Sports Programmes are ranked 25th in the UK for student satisfaction (The Complete University Guide 2022 University League Tables). UNN also cover sport & exercise science, strength & conditioning, exercise behaviour, physiology, and sport marketing, sport management & sport coaching. Staff are internationally renowned within their disciplines and their research is pioneering, helping to inform students, practitioners and Government policy - UNN was ranked Top 30 in the UK for Research Power (REF 2021). The department also provides bespoke help and advice with a range of industries and professional bodies.

Welcome Message

Prof Dianne Ford

Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor,
Faculty of Health & Life Science,
University of Northumbria at Newcastle

Northumbria is a truly international university. We have over 25 years’ experience of working with education partners outside of the UK and our student population is made up of more than 37,000 students from 137 countries across our campuses in Newcastle, London and Amsterdam. In addition, we foster strategic partnerships across the globe in territories such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, North America and Europe. We are one of the best UK young universities in world rankings, being placed fourth UK university in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022. We have a strong commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and were ranked 50th in the world for sustainability according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021.

Northumbria University’s reputation for sporting excellence spans international boundaries but it is also rooted in an enviable standing within the UK. As one of the original providers of sport degrees, we have been providing sport graduates into the workplace for nearly 40 years. Our graduates go onto work in many international sport organisations across the globe including: the International Olympic Committee, Adidas, Commonwealth Games, Barcelona Football Club, International Marketing Group and Nike.

All our Sport programmes are underpinned by an impressive record of high quality teaching and world-leading research, which means there is significant demand for our programmes internationally because they are known for producing graduates who are highly valued by international employers. Whether you study at BSc or MSc level, our Sport programmes have been intentionally designed with Continuing Professional Development at their core so that our graduates meet and exceed the increasing expectations of such a highly progressive industry. 

 

Professor Dianne Ford
Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences
University of Northumbria at Newcastle

+ more

 

 

Programme Structure

The entire Bachelor of Science (Honours) Sport Coaching programme comprises 360 credits in total. Students enrolled in the programme are required to take 120 credits worth of modules each year and normally complete the entire programme in three years of full-time study in the UK.

In Hong Kong, graduates of the Higher Diploma in Sport Coaching and Sport Performance awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE are exempted from 180 credits. Students with maximum credit exemption will be required to undertake seven modules and a dissertation over three semesters of study to gain a further 180 credits to be eligible for graduation in 1.5 year.

Year	Semester	Module Title
Year 2	Semester 1	Developing Athlete Potential  Sport Research in Practice Coaching Skills and Practice
Year 3	Semester 2	Coaching Concepts and Behaviour Talent ID and High Performance Coaching Applying Principles of Coaching Science
	Semester 3	Professional Development Through Sport Sport Development, Management and Coaching Dissertation

 This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.

 Some modules of this course have been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. According to the terms and conditions of the CEF, students seeking reimbursement of the fees under CEF must not have obtained any other publicly-funded financial assistance, such as FASP, for the same programme/ modules to avoid double benefits. 

The above programme structure is intended for use as a guide to prospective students. The University of Northumbria reserves the right to vary sequencing of modules within the structure. 

Duration of Study

With maximum exemptions granted, students can complete the enrolled programme in 1.5 year.

Teaching Mode

All modules will be taught through face-to-face classes conducted by HKU SPACE lecturers that may be supplemented by occasional seminars held by UNN staff. Each module comprises of both face-to-face teaching and independent learning arrangement. 

Assessment

The programme incorporates a wide variety of assessment methods enabling the ways in which student achievement is measured and evaluated to be appropriate to the learning outcomes of each module. Appropriate techniques are chosen to fit the subject and context for the students involved. The range of assessment methods includes: porfolios, essays and assignments, oral presentations, article reviews, coaching plans, poster presentation, project reports, literature reviews, viva interview, interview and self reflection, group assessments and dissertation. Student achievement is assessed through reference to a set of generic grade descriptors (provided to students via a student handbook) with specific marking criteria identified within each module outline.

Teaching Staff

In association with University of Northumbria at Newcastle

Award

Upon satisfactory completion of the programme, students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Sport Coaching by the University of Northumbria at Newcastle.

Work Placement

Work placement opportunities are available in the module of Professional Development Through Sport. Students have had volunteering opportunities with organisations such as the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, National Sports Associations, NGOs and private clubhouses.

Career Opportunities

The sports and recreation sector is one of the most dynamic industries globally and demand for jobs is high. Many of our students gain graduate based work very soon after graduation in our sport-related undergraduate programmes. Graduates work in a variety of jobs and for different organisations including commercial and public sector positions. Recent graduates have taken posts within a wide range of fields including: sport coaching, event management, sport development, sport marketing, sport media, manufacturing and retail, facility management and clubhouse management.

Further Studies

University of Northumbria qualifications are recognised internationally. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Sport Coaching programme, graduates in Hong Kong are eligible to apply for entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development, Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management offered by HKU SPACE.

Alternatively, graduates may apply for entry to the  MSc International Sport Management offered by UNN in the UK, and students may be recognised for fee discounts and scholarships.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for 2024/25 intake is HK$145,107 for the whole programme, payable in three instalments. The fee covers charges for all lectures, seminars, tutorials, marking of assignments and registration.

CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND 

Some modules of this course have been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. For details, please refer to Financial Assistance section.

According to the terms and conditions of the CEF, students seeking reimbursement of the fees under CEF must not have obtained any other publicly-funded financial assistance, such as FASP, for the same programme/ modules to avoid double benefits. For details, please refer to http://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef.

	Continuing Education Fund This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.
	Continuing Education Fund Reimbursable Course (selected modules only) Some modules of this course have been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES

The University of  Northumbria at Newcastle's Bachelor of Science (Honours) Sport Management programme delivered in Hong Kong is successfully accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). Full-time students are eligible to apply for Hong Kong government grants and low-interest loans, i.e. Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) and Non-means tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS). For details, please refer to www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo.

Scholarships and Bursaries

1) Paul Wong Scholarships/ Vincent Wong's Young Scholar Awards/ HKU SPACE IC Bursaries 

More details ​

2) Western Harbour Tunnel Elite Athlete Education Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded to current athletes who are not receiving financial support for educational development from other sports fund sources. The amount of the scholarship is in the region of HK$12,000 – HK$40,000. Please click HERE for details.

Application Deadline : 31 August 2024

If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact HKU SPACE Sport, Exercise and Recreation Management subject group at: 2587 3153 or email to jason.chan@hkuspace.hku.hk

3) IC Scholarship 

more Details ​

Entry Requirements

1. Applicants shall hold a Higher Diploma in Sport Coaching and Sport Performance awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution; Applicants with PE backgrounds and some sport science courses (provided they are actively coaching) will be considered.

2. Applicants, who are graduates of programmes taught in English, are normally regarded as demonstrating the required English Proficiency. In other cases, IELTS 6.0 is required. 

3. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or an English test.

Who should be interested in the programme?

The programme is designed for those who possess the Higher Diploma in Sport Coaching and Sport Performance awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE, or equivalent. However students demonstrating a background in sport on the basis of holding Associate Degrees and Higher Diplomas in related areas may be considered equivalent by UNN such as sport coaching, fitness, exercise, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and sports therapy, sport development and Physical Education.

Progression Path

Notes:

• University of Northumbria at Newcastle, UK (UNN) has recognized the Advanced Diploma in Recreation and Sports Management and Higher Diploma Sport and Recreation Management awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE for a credit transfer of 180 credits. Students will need to require a further 180 credits to complete the entire programme.
• This programme is also offered on a part-time basis for 3 years.