BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching course preparation
To help you feel prepared for your BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching 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
You’ll be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.
In the meantime, here are some suggested books you may like to read before starting your degree. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive. But, if you can pick some up second hand, borrow from a library, or access online, we suggest the following core references. These texts 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
Materials, kit and clothing requirements for your course
You may 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 t-shirt/polo shirt
- plain shorts or tracksuit bottoms
- a good pair of training/running shoes suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Fashionable footwear is not suitable for practical sessions.
Please also keep / bring coaching templates for session plans from any NGB qualifications that you have undertaken.
You’re also welcome to bring your own personal playing equipment but all standard teaching and sports materials will be provided.
Useful websites
For sports coaching related jobs:
- Careers in Sport website
- 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’s important to keep up to date with what is going on in the sports industry. Think more broadly than simply sports results. Look at 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: