Bachelor of Science - Sports Performance and Coaching (Including Placement Year) (C609)

Work with athletes. Refine their performance. Boost their training. In the University of Essex BSc Sports Performance and Coaching, students learn how science underpins performance sport, and how they can use that science to help to advance and improve it. Having a comprehensive knowledge of science is ideal for those who want to coach people of a variety of levels and ages. Essex's excellent links with national governing bodies, such as, Volleyball England, Basketball England, Rugby Football Union and Lawn Tennis Association, give students real practical experiences to enhance their learning. The links also open up opportunities to gain experience working as a sports coach, and coaching education courses and workshops. Students also have the option to work towards the National Governing Body of Sport coaching awards.

Students can spend their third year on a placement year with an external organization. This is usually focused around their course, and enables them to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply their academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.

As well as gaining practical experience, students expand their knowledge and skills through studying topics including: strength and conditioning, performance analysis, training and coaching techniques and methods, exercise programming, methods of assessing the fitness and training loads of sports teams and athletes.

Students can also work with our Human Performance Unit based on campus, supporting their sports scholarship students and national league teams. By the time students graduate, they’ll possess the knowledge and skills required to work in a wide variety of roles within performance sport.

For students that want to follow a career in coaching children, adolescents or adults across all levels of abilities, or if they are a mid-career professional looking for a change of focus, then this course is for them. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in a wide variety of roles within performance sport.

Essex's graduates now work in the fields of sports performance, sports management and sports development, health care, teaching, and the health and fitness industry. Many also undertake further postgraduate study.