Sport Development with Coaching

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Think differently and learn to create solutions to sport-related challenges

• Work with world-class athletes, coaches and the latest research in the field

• Explore the interplay between the UK and global sport development

• Study complementary topics such as sociology, event management, strategy and policy development

• Apply your practical skills and knowledge to real-life situations with work placements

Prepare for a successful career in the industry by acquiring the skills and knowledge in the sporting areas you’re most interested in. By understanding the needs of others, you will be able to provide pathways for successful sporting experiences that support health, wellbeing, community and inclusion.

Sheffield is the perfect location to do this – a buzzing city with world-class facilities, from our University Sports Park to the English Institute for Sport and the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

We know that developing outstanding skills requires hands-on learning – at Hallam you get to learn through teaching, working and doing. You will have numerous opportunities to gain practical experience, working with sports clubs and organisations and honing your abilities at various levels.

You’re taught by experts who are active in research and consulting for elite athletes and organisations, from governing bodies to the Premier League. You will get to work with their expertise, connections, and unmatched networking opportunities with leading sports organisations, as well as engaging in research and consultancy projects.

You learn through:

• Lectures, seminars and workshop

• A virtual learning environment (VLE)

• Work-based learning

• Placements

• Field trips

• Practical activities in both simulated and in-situ environments

• Independent study

• Research opportunities

• Key themes

The course covers theoretical, philosophical and practical aspects of sport development and coaching – across sports, physical activity and the wider professional realm. Not only will you enhance your understanding of coaching and physical activity – you will also study topics like sociology, event management, strategy and policy development.

You will delve into the significance of coaching in sport at all levels – through both classroom learning and practical applied learning. While understanding what it takes to become an effective coach, you will also know where we stand on the global stage, looking at the fusion of UK coaching and international standards.

Course support

The course is designed to help you demonstrate your learning outcomes – with authentic assessment activities relating to real-world scenarios, your specific goals and your skills development. Throughout your studies, various individuals will support your learning and target setting – guiding you towards resources for academic, professional and personal development.

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements between your second and final years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

There’s also a mandatory short placement (minimum of 120 hours) at the end of your second year – further reinforcing the critical role of work-based learning.

Past students have taken the chance to visit Fiji, working alongside Fijian communities and Fijian youths as part of Think Pacific.

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

Important notice: The structure for this course is currently being reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment are all likely to change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Once the changes have been confirmed, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Contemporary Issues In Sport And Society
Foundations Of Coaching And Teaching
Introduction To Sport Development
Sport And Physical Activity Landscape

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Professional Practice In Sport Development
Project Management For Sport Development
Sport For Development

Elective modules

Alternative Physical Activities
Analysis Of Sport And Games
Exercise Prescription For The Prevention Of Disease
Sports Club Development
Sports Facility Management Simulation
Technology For Sport And Physical Activity
Testing And Analysis In Sport And Physical Activity

Year 3

Optional modules

Placement Year

Final year

Compulsory modules

Independent Project In Sport And Physical Activity
Sport Development Policy And Practice

Elective modules

Approaches To Talent Development
Coach Education And Development
Economics And Finance Of Sport
Entrepreneurship And Innovation For Sport And Physical Activity
Exercise Prescription For Long Term Conditions
Health Promotion
Innovative Practical Pedagogy
Major Sport Events
Nutrition For Sport And Physical Activity
Performance Analysis Of Sport
Programming And Prescription Of Training In Sport And Physical Activity
Psychology Of Sport And Exercise
Sport And The Media
Sport, Brands And Culture
Sport Data Analytics
Sport Injury
Sport Journalism
Teaching As A Profession

Coursework, Practical