Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching and Physical Education) BSc (Hons)

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

Why choose this course?

On this practical course, you'll develop practical coaching skills as well as studying the science behind effective coaching, performance, leadership and sports analysis.

You will also learn the principles of physical education from Kingston University's Department of Education, which also offers the PGCE Secondary Teaching in Physical Education as a progression route.

You'll have access to sophisticated equipment to measure the physiological responses to exercise and analyse sports movements and skills.

Modules cover psychology, motivation, human physiology, anatomy, biomechanics and notational analysis. A project on a selected topic will develop your independent learning skills.

You will gain the CIMSPA Coaching Assistant qualification after successfully completing your first year.

Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time CX6C 2025
4 years full time with professional placement CX61 2025
4 years full time including foundation year CX6D 2025

Please note, this course was previously called Sports Analysis and Coaching BSc (Hons).

Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.

Main Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
  • You will gain the CIMSPA Coaching Assistant qualification after successfully completing your first year.
  • Module options from the second year allow students to tailor the areas of study to support their coaching philosophy.
  • 97.2% of students thought staff make the subject engaging (NSS 2023).

What our students say

Sport Science students Louise and Tom talk about their experience studying at Kingston University.

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1 introduces the theory and practice of effective coaching and leadership. You will take part in a practical-based coaching module, exploring the theories that underpin coaching and leadership roles in sport and exercise. You will learn to understand sport as an academic subject. Other modules cover key concepts in sport and exercise psychology, such as motivation and personality. There are also modules regarding human physiology and an introduction to anatomy and biomechanics. In addition, you will be introduced to the essential principles of scientific investigation.

Core modules

Essentials for Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

30 credits

This module provides an essential introduction to the skills required for undergraduate study and scientific research. It enables you to understand the principles of qualitative and quantitative experimental research. It will introduce and employ statistical techniques for the analysis of sport science and nutrition data. The skills developed in this module will begin to formulate the foundation to later research methods modules and your final year project.

Sport and Exercise Psychology 1

30 credits

This module introduces the fundamental constructs of sport and exercise psychology and how they impact on our understanding of human behaviour and learning in sport and exercise environments. These constructs include personality, motivation, anxiety, stress as well as the learning and performance process. You will also learn about the theories of motor control and motor learning.

Topics include: 

  • The role of the self in sport and exercise, how this develops and impacts wellbeing and performance
  • Theories of personality development and the role it plays in sport and exercise
  • Different perspectives on motivation in sport and exercise
  • Theories of arousal, stress and anxiety and how they might impact sport/exercise environments
  • The role of psychology in the uptake and maintenance of physical activity
  • How exercise is linked to maintaining/improving psychological health
  • The role of perception and attention in the ability to learn and perform motor skills
  • Sport and exercise psychology research methods.
Functional Anatomy and Exercise Physiology

30 credits

Understanding the mechanics of the body is the building block of sport and exercise science.

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of functional anatomy and physiology, particularly the skeletal, neural, muscular, metabolic, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The focus will be on understanding the biomechanics of movement and physiological responses to the demands of physical activity.

The Science and Practice of Coaching

30 credits

This module introduces theories related to coaching, group management and leadership roles in sport and exercise, and how to apply them in practical settings.

You will also gain an understanding of structural, technical and tactical aspects of selected sports.

This module is very practical. You will develop practical coaching experience from assistant/observer to lead coach in a variety of sport and levels.

You will learn how to deliver warm-up/cool-down or technical, tactical skills related to a sport

Year 2 introduces areas such as notational analysis in sport. There are further practical modules in sport analysis, and you will study physiology and psychology in more detail. You will be introduced to contemporary issues in sport coaching and gain a deeper understanding of sport and exercise psychology. Finally, you will study research methods in physical activity, preparing you for the Year 3 research project.

Core modules

Analysis in Sport and Exercise

30 credits

This module introduces you to the technical and tactical analysis of sport performance, to develop an appreciation of how data may be used to explain and enhance sporting performance, and reduce the risk of injury.

Performance analysis focuses on analysis techniques used to explore impactful metrics to enhance performance and inform the coaching cycle.

You will also look at technical elements of sport performance such as biomechanical analysis to explore the key mathematical and physical concepts underpinning the analysis of human movement in sport and exercise.

Pedagogical Approaches to Leadership and Reflective Practice in Sport and Exercise Settings

30 credits

Develop your leadership and reflective practice in various sport and exercise settings through the examination of coaching and leadership methodologies and practices. You will use a range of technologies in a variety of practical contexts and sporting environments. Throughout the module, you will examine the various contemporary issues, sociological and cultural contexts that can influence leadership style and behaviours.

You will also explore the importance of leadership culture and values on sport and exercise practitioners. Through your reflective practice, you will develop an understanding of the self and client/athlete development needs, and the importance of practitioner wellbeing.

Research Methods in Sport, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences

30 credits

This module focusses on the approaches to research design, data collection techniques and appropriate analyses to make accurate interpretations. It further investigates quantitative and qualitative research methods introduced at Level 4 and introduces you to more advanced techniques. The module provides an essential introduction to research ethics and the ethical approval procedures that are required when using human participants for research.

Skills developed in this module will form the foundation of your final year project module. This module also provides you with an overview of how to recognise and develop key and transferable skills to enhance employability through relevant professional development and research experience. The Future Skills Explore Learning Outcomes are delivered in this module.

Sport and Exercise Psychology 2

30 credits

You will build on your sport and exercise psychology from your first year. You will explore social psychology in sport and exercise, including group dynamics. You will also explore the psychology and development of the individual in exercise settings and the benefits of exercise to maintain psychological health and wellbeing.

Topics include:

  • Motivation in sport and exercise settings and the developments of differing perspectives in this area
  • Group dynamics in sport and exercise settings and how this might influence group satisfaction and performance
  • Aggression in sport contexts
  • Burnout in athletes, including psychological components, mechanisms and experiences
  • Career transitions for sport performers, and the role sport psychology may play in assisting transitions
  • Moral development in young athletes, and the role of morality in competitive sports contexts
  • The role of emotions experienced on an inter and intra personal level in sport and exercise environments
  • Theories of exercise adoption and maintenance.

Final year offers further experience. You will develop analytical skills by studying advanced notational analysis, and you will extend your knowledge of sport physiology or sport psychology and/or biomechanics (depending on your preference and focus for coaching). All final year students are required to develop their independent learning skills by carrying out a project on a selected topic in coaching, physical education and sport analysis.

Core modules

Applied Sport Psychology

30 credits

This module will develop critical understanding of sport psychology through the evaluation of interventions to promote athletic performance. You will explore the role of the sport psychologist, and the types of skills used by these professionals with individual athletes and teams.

You will build on your existing knowledge of psychological theory, using case studies and stories of professional athletes to propose psychological interventions. You will develop an understanding of frameworks used by sport psychologists working in the field, from needs analysis to intervention and evaluation, and have the opportunity to apply these skills through role play.

Coaching and Physical Education

30 credits

This module builds on your previous practical and theoretical understanding of coaching and pedological theory. You will develop coaching and teaching experience whilst being more attuned and critically aware of the theory underpinning practice. You will enhance your knowledge and ability to develop long- and short-term coaching and teaching strategies to aid in supporting participant interaction and enhancing development of the individual and/or team.

Future Skills Apply

15 credits

This module provides you with a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile and determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. You will be supported in this process by a dedicated career coach, who will help you to explore a range of options including self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. You will also be given opportunities to engage with external mentors throughout the module to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will then undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities that you undertake outside the university through which you are developing your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.

Performance Analysis in Sport

30 credits

This module develops skills gained at Level 5 in LS5015 Analysis in Sport and Exercise and further enhances the role of performance analysis within sport. The module sees a much greater emphasis placed on the applied application, investigating sporting performance using industry-leading equipment and software, and how this insight supports the coaching cycle within a variety of sports.

Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Project

15 credits

You will undertake a significant piece of original, and independent, research across the final year of your studies. You will make use of your knowledge of sport, exercise and nutrition, identifying a selected topic area related your field of study. You will be tasked with planning and undertaking data collection which will culminate in the writing of a manuscript and the delivery of an oral presentation. This module also provides opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate a critical understanding of the future skills that you have been developed across the programme of study and how these can enhance your opportunity to gain graduate-level employment.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our Sport and Exercise Science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the Science Foundation Year: Sport and Exercise Science course page for details of modules.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

BSc (Hons)

  • UCAS tariff points: 112–128
  • A-levels: A grade profile of ABB–BBC from any A-level subjects.
  • Access to HE: 112–128 UCAS tariff points, in any subject.
  • BTEC: A grade profile of DDM–DMM or above in any subject.
  • CACHE: An extended diploma grade B or above in any subject.
  • T-level: A T-level grade profile of Merit in any subject.
  • Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry, with a minimum of 112–128 UCAS tariff points required. One of the qualifications must be in a related subject. Find out more about UCAS tariff points.

BSc (Hons) with Foundation Year

Typical offer 2024

International

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Teaching and assessment

Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.

It may also include placements, project work, practical sessions, workshops, conferences and field trips.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

Academic support

Dedicated personal tutor

Your workload

How you will be assessed

Feedback summary

Your timetable

Class sizes

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

Need to know more?

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Computer equipment

Photocopying and printing

Travel

Field trips

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment.

Exercise physiology lab facilities

We have a number of ergometers, such as treadmill, cycle and rowing kayak, for analysing sports-specific performance. Sophisticated equipment allows us to measure the physiological responses to exercise, such as:

  • oxygen consumption
  • fat oxidation
  • heart rate
  • blood pressure
  • haematological responses.

Practical work helps you develop your understanding of exercise physiology and your practical skills. The high specification equipment ensures a high quality of research and allows staff to provide support services to top-class athletes from a range of sports.

We have two specialist environmental chambers that can adjust heat/humidity levels and simulate altitude environments.

Biomechanics lab facilities

A large laboratory provides space for teaching, research and consultancy activities. We can sophisticatedly analyse sports movements and skills thanks to:

  • force platforms fitted in the floor
  • a six-camera motion analysis system
  • an isokinetic dynamometer
  • electromyography.

Two smaller labs provide space for specific activities, such as gait analysis, assessment of muscle function and data analysis. The Library offers:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area
  • online database subscriptions
  • a growing selection of resource materials.

Endorsements

This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and CIMSPA.

British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

CIMSPA

After you graduate

You'll be ready to develop a career in sport development and coaching-related roles in both public and private sectors. There are opportunities to work with athletes in national and international competitions, as well as in grassroots sport.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

Courses available after you graduate

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Why take a placement?

Work placements:

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
  • help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

For further information please contact the placements team by telephone 020 8417 2969 or email secplace@kingston.ac.uk.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies or small start ups, across a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based
placement employers
Construction-based
placement roles 
RG Group
Multiplex
Costain
Willmott Dixon
Fluor
Assistant site manager
Assistant trades package manager
Assistant logistics manager
Health and safety officer
Construction engineer
Science-based
placement employers
 Science-based
placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser
GSK
Drug Control Centre
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd
Various local and
international hospitals
Bioanalytical sciences
Lab assistant
Pharmacy assistant
Sports coach
Engineering-based
placement employers
 Engineering-based
placement roles
Airbus
BAM Nuttall
Nissan
Bosch
Wozair
Analysis of aircraft structure
Construction resources specialist
Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based
placement employers
Computing and IS-based 
placement roles
Disney
Sony Interactive
Entertainment Europe
IBM
McKinsey
Intel
Database coordinator
Software developer
Website developer
App developer

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.