FdSc Sport, Coaching and School Sport
Inspire and motivate young people and communities to achieve through sport. Lots of work based learning, allowing you to put all your newly acquired knowledge into practice in real-world situations.
Entry requirements
Three A-levels at grades DDE-DDD or above
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma MPP - MMP or a combination of BTEC Level 3 grades
Or Access 9-15 D/M with min 3D
Or T level P (D or E)
And GCSE English Language at grade C or above
Applicants with other qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis. A DBS check and ISA registration are also required.
We will accept 2 AS levels in lieu of one A level but must be accompanied by 2 A Levels or BTECs (General Studies is excluded).
UCAS points 64-72
UCAS code CP20
UCAS institution code P63
Duration Two years full-time or four year part-time
Any questions?
Contact Tara Godber, our Applicant Support Coordinator, if you have any questions. Email applicantsupport@marjon.ac.uk and Tara will get back to you.
Course Summary
Shape your future in sport with the FdSc Sport, Coaching and School Sport, a practical, applied foundation degree designed to prepare you for exciting careers in coaching, physical education, and sport development. Delivered in partnership with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust and endorsed by CIMSPA, this course is the perfect choice if you’re looking to make a real difference through sport.
Across this two-year programme, you'll develop a strong understanding of how to engage and inspire others through sport and physical activity. You’ll explore the key theories that underpin coaching and teaching, while applying your knowledge in real-world settings, including schools, clubs, and community organisations. With flexible entry and exit points, including direct entry from apprenticeships and a Certificate of Higher Education, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning journey around your background and future goals.
In Year One, you’ll build a solid foundation in coaching and school sport through modules such as Introduction to Sport, Coaching and School Sport, Sport for Development, and Fundamental Movement Skills. You’ll also gain early experience with performance analysis and inclusive teaching practices, ensuring you’re ready to support diverse groups in a variety of environments.
Why this course at Marjon?
Delivered in partnership with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust: Learn from and work alongside one of the South West’s leading sport and education providers, gaining valuable experience in schools, community settings, and development programmes.
CIMSPA-endorsed with no extra cost: Graduate with industry-recognised endorsement as a qualified coach, boosting your employability and professional credibility straight out of university.
Real-world placement built into your degree: Apply your learning in practical environments through a compulsory work-based placement, building the confidence and experience employers are looking for.
Progression routes into top-up degrees and careers: Whether you’re starting fresh or coming from an apprenticeship or CertHE, this course is a stepping stone to Level 6 study in coaching, PE, or sport development, and beyond.
Learn in expert facilities with hands-on technology: Gain access to cutting-edge performance analysis suites, sport science labs, and a campus built around applied learning in sport, health, and wellbeing.
Join a supportive community with personalised teaching: You’ll benefit from small class sizes, approachable lecturers who know your name, and an environment that nurtures your personal and professional growth.
Modules for this course
Course Snapshot
“ "This course gives you the confidence and experience to thrive in coaching, school sport and community development. You’ll learn in real-world environments, supported by expert staff and industry partners. It’s about getting stuck in, making a difference, and building a future through sport." ”
Please note: optional modules are marked with an *
1st Year
Becoming a Sports Coach or Physical Education Teacher
Building Skilful Movers
Beyond the Game: Analysis in Sport & PE
Coaching and Teaching: Process & Practice
Sport, Society and Social Change
Inside the Sport Industry: Systems, Power and Policy
2nd Year
Sport Event Design and Delivery
Sport and Education
Sport Coaching Theory & Practice
Professional Practice and Industry Experience
Building Your Professional Brand
Women in Sport: Coaching for Performance and Progression
Current students say...
Masai Zebe-Chaka
"As a mature student with a lot of life and sports experience, the course compliments this by developing my academic and critical thinking. On a personal level, as an athlete, it has helped me see competing in a different light. It helped with regards to my choices of events to participate in, focusing on credibility, perceived value and also potential media attention generated. This helps towards potential sponsorship through the heightened recognition prospects."
Ryan Price
"What I most enjoy about my course is the people who are involved in it, not just the people who are on your course but also the lecturers and the others you meet when doing coaching and placements in the local schools and surrounding areas. The people you meet on your course go on to be some of the best friends you make, making the whole experience more enjoyable. The academic relationship between you and the lecturers make the experience all the better."
This course is perfect if you’re curious about
How to coach and teach sport in schools and community settings
What it takes to plan and deliver inclusive, engaging PE lessons
The role of sport in supporting wellbeing and social development
How to analyse performance to improve coaching and learning
The different careers in sport development, coaching, and education
Leading events, managing teams, and supporting volunteers in sport
“ This is a mature, confident and high quality programme with some innovative modules…and clear content and structure that goes beyond the expectations of the industry and academia... Learning outcomes are clearly met, teaching and assessment is of high quality and I am confident that standards are thorough and rigorous. Of 11 programmes I have examined… this is one of the very best. It is a credit to the teaching team and students that co-produce work as peers.”
See where our graduates are now
Kieran Carthew
"My foundation degree had a plethora of modules which gave insight in what it takes to have an impact of people’s lives and ensuring inclusivity which transfers into my current role as a teacher. The best thing about my job is how rewarding it is, seeing children progress and mature through your teaching and guidance at such a critical point in their life makes all the hours and effort you put in worth it."
Kieran is a primary school teacher
Scott Kendall
“While the job is not always straight forward, there is huge satisfaction in activating those who are considered harder to reach. I have witnessed so many life changing stories through this job which is truly inspirational. I was constantly supported by the University lecturers who took an interest in my personal and professional development. My course equipped me with theoretical and practical knowledge and applied modules gave me real life experience which is invaluable.”
Scott is a Sport Development Manager with Active Devon.
Dwain Morgan
"Sport Development, as opposed to the other sport-related subjects, appeared to me as the most transferable and covered a broader range of topics. For me personally, Sport Development taught me many skills that could be applied across most business sectors. It taught skills such as monitoring and evaluation, bid writing and management of projects, in which I felt, led to further employment opportunities than the others".
Dwain is Assistant Community Manager (Inclusion) at Plymouth Argyle Community Trust.
What might you become?
Graduates from this course go on to make a difference in schools, clubs, and communities through sport. You might work as a:
- Primary or secondary school sport coach
- Community sport officer
- Physical activity coordinator
- Sport development officer
- PE teaching assistant or higher-level teaching assistant
- Health and wellbeing coach
- Performance analyst (entry-level roles)
Many students also choose to top-up to a full honours degree, opening pathways into teaching (via PGCE or School Direct), sports coaching leadership roles, or further study in areas like sport psychology, performance analysis, or sport and exercise science. This course prepares you for a wide range of careers where you’ll inspire, support and lead others through the power of sport.
Endorsed by:
Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
CIMSPA certify that this course meets the professional standards set by employers in the physical activity and fitness sector.
How you’ll be taught and assessed?
How will you be taught?
You’ll learn through a mix of practical sessions, interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops, always with a strong focus on applied, hands-on learning. You’ll work on real-world projects, engage in placements, and learn from experienced lecturers and industry professionals. Small class sizes mean personalised support, frequent feedback, and a strong sense of community throughout your studies.
How will you be assessed?
You’ll be assessed through a variety of coursework-based tasks designed to reflect real industry practice. These include coaching sessions, placement portfolios, presentations, reports, reflective essays, and analysis projects. There are no traditional exams, just meaningful, applied assessments that develop your confidence, creativity, and communication skills.
Lee is as a Senior Lecturer and experienced Coach Developer. He has a wealth of experience in coach education, delivering on the FA Introduction to Coaching Football, UEFA C, UEFA B and National GK Coaching Courses, and supporting high-performance coaches with UK Coaching. Lee has coached in a variety of grassroots and performance settings, including at Bristol City FC Academy, with the FA Women's Talent Programme, and in Disability Talent Hubs. Lee has also been a Non-Executive Director in Regional Governing Bodies and therefore has an excellent understanding of the UK sport sector.
Fees and funding
Fees UK students: £9,535 per annum
Fees for International students: £14,600 per annum
This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.
Additional costs:
- A DBS check
- Marjon sports kit
- Students may choose to complete additional coaching qualifications
Funding available for this course
Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.
Learn moreLecturers
Lee is an experienced Sports Coaching lecturer who has worked in Higher and Further Education. Lee also works for the FA as a coach developer across their coach education programmes and a coach at the Women's High Performance Centre. Lee is a Director at the Somerset FA and the Chairperson of their Inclusion Advisory Group. Lee is a Talent Reporter for the FA's England Girls programme and an Associate Coach Developer for UK Coaching. Lee is also undertaking a Doctorate programme through Loughborough University aiming to reposition the role of Coach Developer towards Learning Designer. Lee is also a Co-Convenor of our CAPE Research and Knowledge Exchange Group.
Aaron is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching & Physical Education and is also the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Sport Coaching. He teaches predominately across the Sport Coaching & Physical Education degree programmes focusing specifically on practice design, skill acquisition, performance analysis, participation coaching and performance coaching.
Kelvin Kirk is a qualified PE teacher who now teaches sports coaching at Marjon. He has risen through the coaching ranks of volleyball to enable him to award coaching qualifications; he has also more recently coached junior football for several years. His research interests are in primary PE and the increasing use of modern technology in enhancing PE.
Ian is a Lecturer in Sport Coaching and PE, teaching across a range of topics including coach behaviour, coaching philosophy and the coaching process. With experience as an Academy football coach, he holds the UEFA 'B' Licence and FA Youth Award qualifications. Ian's research interests relate to coach learning and coaching behaviours. He completed his PhD, 'Who is a coach? Understanding coach subjectivities in professional youth football', under the supervision of Professor Christopher Cushion at Loughborough University. Ian previously enjoyed a successful career as a professional footballer, making over 250 first team appearances and representing England at Under 18 level.
Find out more about studying FdA Sport Development and Coaching at Marjon
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