BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching course preparation
To help you feel prepared for your university studies, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Open the links below to find out more:
Your pre-entry workbook
An important part of preparing to study on the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching programme is the completion of a pre-entry workbook before Induction Week. As part of the workbook you will understand the importance of CIMSPA as the Professional Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) for your degree programme, and learn how this will inform your studies during your first year. You will also find tasks to complete which relate to each module you will study during your first year and have an opportunity to write down any questions you have. These will then be addressed during your Induction Week.
You’ll receive more information about your Induction Week later this summer.
Suggested reading
Detailed reading lists are provided in each module handbook, which you’ll be able to access once on your course. The following core references will enable you to become familiar with the key principles of coaching and sport development work in community and performance contexts:
- CALLARY, B. & GEARITY, B. 2020. Coach Education and Development in Sport: Instructional Strategies (1st ed). Oxon: Routledge.
- CASSIDY, T., JONES, R., & POTRAC, P. 2015. Understanding Sports Coaching: The Pedagogical, Social and Cultural Foundations of Coaching Practice (3rd ed). London: Routledge.
- McARDLE, W.D., KATCH, F.I. and KATCH. V.L., 2014. Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance (8th ed). London: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
- O’DONOGHUE, P. 2015. An Introduction to Performance Analysis in Sport. London: Routledge. POTRAC, P., GILBERT, W. & DENISON, J. 2013. The Routledge Handbook of Sports Coaching. London: Routledge
Suggested materials
Although you’re welcome to bring your own personal playing equipment (e.g., hockey stick, tennis racquet etc.), all standard teaching and sports materials will be provided.
There are, however, items that will prove useful on the course and so you are recommended to:
- Buy some multipurpose trainers (‘fashionable’ footwear may not be suitable for practical sessions)
- Keep coaching templates for session plans from any NGB qualifications that you have undertaken
You’ll have an opportunity to purchase programme specific clothing on your arrival at university. Details will be provided during Induction Week. In the meantime, you’ll need to bring a plain white t-shirt/polo shirt and black shorts, leggings or tracksuit.
Useful websites
For sports coaching related jobs:
- Careers in Sport website
- Visit the Prospects Career website
- Get into Teaching
- Jobs in Sport | UK Sport
- Jobs – Retrain to Retain (cimspa.co.uk)
For ideas on what else you can do whilst at university:
- If you want to join a sports team at University, visit the website
- Find out more about completing a sandwich year
Catch up on the latest sports news
It is important to keep up to date with what is going on in the sports industry, think more broadly than simply sports results – how about checking out announcements from the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport, or look into sports funding and developments in the sports industry on a global scale.
Things to do over summer
Over the summer, you can also do several different things to prepare for beginning your studies this September:
Additional ways to prepare
Preparing to start
This session examines how to make a successful transition to university. From planning your results day, accommodation and commuting tips, extra support available to you and general advice on uni life.
Watch the session
Find out more about who you are
The following information provides an insight into what to expect when coming to university along with some good advice on how to navigate some of the potential challenges you may face.
Start preparing yourself