Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This programme blends applied sport science, coaching pedagogy and research methods so you can design, evaluate and deliver coaching interventions. Core themes typically include coaching theory and pedagogy, motor learning and skill acquisition, performance analysis, sport psychology for coaches, and physiological and biomechanical principles relevant to practice. You will study applied research methods and statistics, enabling you to run practitioner-led projects and evaluate coaching outcomes.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of seminars, practical workshops, lab sessions and supervised coaching practice. The course usually culminates in a substantial independent research project or applied consultancy that addresses a real coaching problem, supported by access to performance analysis and laboratory facilities. Assessment methods generally combine portfolios, practical coaching assessments, lab reports, presentations and a dissertation or applied project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or an international equivalent in a relevant subject such as sport science, sports coaching, kinesiology, psychology, physiotherapy or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower second-class degree (2:2) may be considered where they can demonstrate substantial and relevant coaching experience or professional development.

Work or coaching experience at club, regional or national level is highly regarded and many successful applicants combine academic qualifications with coaching awards or certifications. International applicants should meet the university’s English language requirements. Where relevant, applicants may be asked to provide evidence of practical coaching experience and a short personal statement outlining their coaching ambitions and research interests.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of practitioner and leadership roles across sport and physical activity. Typical career destinations include performance coach, talent development coach, head of coaching, performance analyst, applied sport scientist, strength and conditioning assistant, and coaching development officer in clubs, colleges or national bodies. The applied research skills also prepare graduates for roles in coaching education, policy, applied research units, or further academic study such as PhD programmes.

The programme’s emphasis on translating evidence into practice is particularly useful for coaches seeking advancement within high-performance pathways, community sport development, or applied roles with professional teams and governing bodies.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a strong applied focus, linking academic sport science with practical coaching environments. Students benefit from interdisciplinary teaching by staff active in coaching research and applied practice, and from partnerships with local clubs and national organisations that create opportunities for placements and project work.

The university provides dedicated sports facilities and performance laboratories where students can develop practical skills in performance analysis, physiological testing and biomechanics. The course also emphasises employability through industry-informed modules, practitioner guest lectures and support for building professional networks in the coaching sector.