The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern and vibrant institution located in Scotland. It was formed in 2007 through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, UWS has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world. Today, UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts, and is known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning.

The Sports Coaching and Development course was developed in consultation with national sport organisations, national governing bodies, national and local sport industry personnel and expert coaches. This consultation process has resulted in a course that gives students many employment opportunities upon graduation. In 3 and 4 students will have the opportunity to tailor their learning to their interests and career options, and complete a dissertation in their own area of interest.

Year 1
Topics are: sport coaching, sport development, academic skills, sports performance and volunteering in sport. This provides an overview and introduction to the disciplines within the sports coaching and development industry as well as the skills to investigate these topics in an academic manner.

LEARNING AND TEACHING:
Scheduled learning: 22%
Independent study: 78%

ASSESSMENT:
Practical: 22%
Coursework: 78%
Year 2
In Year 2 you will study the development of sports coaching, research methods, developing sport for targeted groups, managing sports events and the first worksite learning experience. You will attend industry-related placements and receive training from our industry partners before commencing placement.

LEARNING AND TEACHING:
Scheduled learning: 22%
Independent study: 74%
Placement: 4%

ASSESSMENT:
Written: 7%
Practical: 20%
Coursework: 73%
Year 3
In Year 3 you will begin to examine academic theory and practice in more depth in order to enhance your skills of evaluation. Subjects studied include sports coaching, sociology and sport development, sport psychology, sport physiology and work-based learning. There are electives available on physical activity and health or physical education in schools. You will contextualise these aspects on a second professional placement, again working with our partners in industry and will develop skills that will help you prepare for your Honours year.

LEARNING AND TEACHING:
Scheduled learning: 17%
Independent study: 78%
Placement: 5%
ASSESSMENT:
Written: 18%
Practical: 14%
Coursework: 68%
Year 4
In Year 4 you will consolidate the knowledge gained throughout the programme and continue with modules covering the multidisciplinary aspects of sports coaching and development (as covered in Year 3). Electives are available in sport psychology, sport physiology and leadership/entrepreneurial skills. The focus of Year 4 is on critically analysing academic theory in an applied context. You will also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

LEARNING AND TEACHING:
Scheduled learning: 18%
Independent study: 82%

ASSESSMENT:
Practical: 40%
Coursework: 60%
Teaching and Assessment
This degree will be taught through a combination of learning methods including tutor-led lectures, tutorials and seminars, practical workshops and exercises in a simulated work environment, small group teaching and group project work. Independent, online and peer-to-peer learning is an important element of this course. 

Our BA (Hons) Sports Coaching & Development degree uses a variety of assessment methods. The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect:

group and individual work
multiple-choice exams
class tests
presentations
reflective practice reports
essays
practical examination
research production
journal reviews
Learn a Language (optional)
This course also gives you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover multiple languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level. The cost of your language module is included in the tuition fees. Find out more

Course Structure
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.

BSc Sports Coaching & Development Course Structure

• The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Scotland. Founded in 2007, UWS was formed through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, the university has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world.
• UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts. UWS is also known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning, which includes a focus on practical, real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 150 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally. UWS was also crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2022 (The Herald Higher Education Awards).
• One of the standout features of UWS is its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market. The university offers a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, and its experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
• In addition to its strong academic programs, UWS also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and student services. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. There is also a well-established student support network that provides guidance and assistance to students on a wide range of topics, from academic support to personal and financial advice.
• Another key aspect of UWS is its strong commitment to research. The university has a growing reputation as a center of research excellence, and its faculty and students are working on a wide range of cutting-edge projects in areas such as engineering, health, education, and the arts. This research is not only helping to advance knowledge in these fields, but it is also helping to create new opportunities for students and improve the lives of people around the world.
• In conclusion, the University of the West of Scotland is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that is dedicated to providing its students with the education, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. With its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to research, UWS is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it