University of Sunderland

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education via Study Centres

University of SunderlandPartner centre, United Kingdom

Course overview

The BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education course is designed for aspiring coaches who want to teach sport in primary, secondary, or tertiary education. You'll focus on fitness, training, and performance – whether you're developing athletes or delivering PE in line with the national curriculum. The degree follows industry standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), ensuring you're career-ready from day one.

As part of the course, you’ll complete at least 150 hours of work placements, gaining hands-on experience with schools, sports clubs, gyms, and after-school or holiday programmes. Our strong regional links and close partnerships mean the experience you gain is real, relevant, and valued by employers. You’ll also be encouraged to earn National Governing Body Coaching Awards, helping you build the skills to become a confident and effective coach or PE teacher across a range of activities.

Key highlights

  • Follows industry standards set by CIMSPA
  • At least 150 hours of work placements
  • Placements in schools, sports clubs, gyms and holiday programmes
  • Focus on fitness, training and performance
  • Covers PE delivery in line with the national curriculum
  • Encouraged to earn National Governing Body Coaching Awards

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 96-112 — Our typical offer is 96-112 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Dip…
  • GCSE: C or above — You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above.
  • Additional condition: dbs_check — Prior to admission, a Disclosure and Barring service (DBS) check is required for UK students, whereas for international students, a Certificate of Good Conduct from the domicile police force is requir…

Scholarships

  • Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship

    The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.

  • East Durham College Partnership Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500

  • First Choice Travel Award

    This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £500

  • Global Leaders Scholarship

    £6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).

  • Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.

    Up to £1,200

  • Interview Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Open Day Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sunderland College Award

    Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.

  • Tees Valley Travel Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500

  • The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships

    Up to £750.

Careers this course leads to

  • Sports coach
  • PE teacher
  • Community sports coach
  • School sports coach
  • Fitness instructor
  • Sports development officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide