There is an increasing emphasis on physical education and youth sport coaching to meet a range of agendas, including developing a sporting nation by increasing participation, performance, and an active lifestyle. This degree will help you to develop a critical and practical understanding of sport coaching, physical education, sport management and development, sport analysis, and sport science. The course adopts an innovative and flexible approach to the curriculum design, emphasising the need to meet the changing demands of Physical Education and Sport Coaching professions. Innovative and unique approaches to teaching and coaching will be applied, including the importance of inclusive practice, teaching and coaching styles, and the need for individualisation. You’ll also be taught the skills required to critically reflect on your own delivery.

You’ll explore pedagogical and coaching practice in practical lectures using the sports hall facilities and specialist equipment in our dance studios, fitness suites, and sport science labs. This will support your learning to coach and teach children and young people effectively. You’ll work on a range of projects which can be transferred into employment, and visiting expert practitioners from a range of national, regional, and local teaching and coaching organisations will also share their knowledge and experience with you. The course is delivered by a team of highly experienced and enthusiastic Physical Education and Coaching practitioners, committed to ensuring a quality experience that will provide you with the tools to become an effective and employable graduate. You’ll take part in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and work placements, gaining valuable experience in primary and secondary schools and other sport or physical activity settings. In addition, you’ll gain real-world experience through a work placement in your second year.Progressing from this course, you may wish to apply for a Qualified Teacher Status course to work as a primary or secondary teacher or pursue further study in other areas, including sports performance, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, sports coaching, or sports development. Alternatively, you could work as a sports coach at recreational and elite level, in sports marketing and hospitality, as a sports performance analyst, or working for organisations including the Youth Sport Trust and Yorkshire Sport Foundation, as well as private sport providers. 

Reflecting our commitment to equipping you with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively transition into roles in the sector, this course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). You can also apply for student membership of CIMSPA. The cost of student membership is just £5 per student (83% saving), which will enable you to access e-learning, guest lectures, digital newsletters and magazines, and work placement, volunteering and job opportunities.

Huddersfield’s vibrant and friendly campus is a great place from which to study, while the town itself offers lots to see and do, with good transport links in and around the area.