BSc (Hons) Football Coaching and Performance
97% of our BSc (Hons) Football Coaching and Performance students were satisfied with their course National Student Survey 2023
Football is a fast-growing industry that needs specialist professionals. This football coaching degree will give you the skills, experience and contacts to help gain employment in the football industry, whether as a coach, performance analyst, or as a member of sport science support staff.
We have designed our football coaching courses with professional clubs including Swansea City AFC, Cardiff City FC, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Trust, to identify the skills and qualities needed to work in the professional football industry. This input means you’ll get the opportunity to learn on a daily basis from well-qualified football coaches and UEFA coach educators, some of whom work at an international level.
One of a number of FAW courses we offer, this football coaching course combines a football-specific qualification with the opportunity to apply your knowledge in industry through our excellent placement opportunities, also available in the USA. You can develop a coaching profile and work towards your FAW C Certificate and FAW/UEFA B licence.
You’ll study in world-class facilities and conduct most of your work at USW Sport Park, which is designed to support a high-performance coaching environment.
Top in Wales for student satisfaction in Sports Science (Complete University Guide 2023)
Top in Wales for assessment in Sport Science (Guardian University Guide 2024)
Sport Science is rated top in Wales for Teaching Quality and Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2024)
Get a glimpse of what it's like to study at USW before you apply
'Introduction into Football Coaching' - Free Online Taster Course
We have designed our football coaching course with a number of professional clubs, including Swansea City AFC, Cardiff City FC, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Trust, to identify the skills and qualities needed to work in the professional football industry.
On this course you can study all disciplines of coaching, with distinct pathways allowing focus on football- specific modules. These include performance analysis, psychology, physiology, and strength and conditioning, in addition to performance coaching, and community football management.
You’ll also have the opportunity to develop a coaching profile and work towards your Football Association of Wales (FAW) Level 2 (UEFA C) and Level 3 (UEFA B) coaching licenses.
Year One: Football Coaching course
Football coaching: young performers in practice - 20 credits - Jonathan Jones
This module will encourage participation and understanding of the ‘how to coach’ skills related to association football at foundation phase level (5-12years). The module will also integrate the FAW C Certificate course to develop students ‘how to coach’ skills as well as improve their ‘what to coach’ technical skills.
Coaching process: theory to practice - 20 credits - Jonathan Jones
This module will allow introduce students to the academic theory underpinning the coaching process and it will demonstrate how the academic coaching theory can be utilised to develop coaching philosophies that shape practical delivery.
Academic research and professional skills* - 20 credits - Ioan-Alexandru Paval
Introduction to football performance analysis - 20 credits - Benjamin Stanway
This module will introduce the students to performance analysis, as a tool to deliver feedback and develop an understanding of subjective and objective data gathering techniques to enable students to design, test and utilise a performance analysis system.
Introduction to Sport Science for football - 20 credits - Morgan Williams and Lee Baldock
The module will develop students knowledge and understanding of sports science in relation to football and to identify how its application may aid the coach in developing athletes to achieve improved sporting performance.
Managing and developing Football in the Community - 20 credits - Lyndsey Jehu
The focus of this module is to provide students with the knowledge to be able to establish or support community football initiatives. The module will also involve students learning the key skills required to effectively manage dedicated football facilities and deliver successful community focused events.
*This module is available to study fully in Welsh
Year Two: Football Coaching course
Football coaching: adolescent performers in practice - 20 credits - Jonathan Jones
The module will encourage students to understand and apply the practical ‘What to coach’ skills related to association football across the youth development phase (12-16years).It will provide students with a more in depth knowledge of the game of football and the principles associated with the development of adolescent performers across the four corner model.
Football coaching pedagogy - 20 credits - Lee Baldock and Gavin Chesterfield
This module will develop a sound understanding of the pedagogical theory underpinning coaching. It will allow students to embrace the academic coaching theory using it to inform the development of their coaching philosophy.
Research methods - 20 credits - Benjamin Stanway
This will build on the student’s understanding of research methods and broaden and deepen your appreciation of the range of approaches to research using research for both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Football performance analysis - 20 credits - Benjamin Stanway
This module will allow students to develop the students' knowledge of performance analysis as a tool within the coaching process and develop an understanding of measurement issues and information processing aspects of performance analysis.
Sport science for football - 20 credits - Lee Baldock
This module will develop students understanding of how football psychology can be used to inform coaching practice. It will introduce contemporary issues and protocols used for player monitoring and testing in an applied football environment.
Sport Placement
Students will be provided with the opportunity to conduct their work-related experience within a number of key vocational areas related to the sports industry. These will include school sport, competition/event organisation, community club coaching and other community sport delivery.
Year Three: Football Coaching course
Performance football coaching - 40 credits - Jonathan Jones
The module aims to introduce students to the role of performance-related football coaching and the demands placed upon the modern-day football coach and will include this through the FAW/UEFA B licence.
Applied professional project / Dissertation - 40 credits
This will enable the student to design and conduct an independent study and to be able to critically evaluate scientific data and literature.
Analysis in football coaching and performance - 20 credits - Benjamin Stanway
This module will further develop the student's knowledge and understanding of the issues related to football analysis, the requirements of coaches, players, and other related professionals within the game of football at academy and senior level.
Football psychology - 20 credits (optional) - Lee Baldock
To develop learners’ knowledge of performance psychology theory and its application in different contexts (including sport and exercise). To develop a critical understanding of how performance psychology can be used to inform the practice of those working in different contexts. To explore the critical use of psychological principles to enhance athlete, coach and practitioner performance.
Work-based learning* - 20 credits (optional)
The module is designed to provide a platform upon which the learner can enhance the effectiveness of the workplace experience and reflect on these experiences. For their chosen professional activity the student will be expected to develop independent learning based on experience in the workplace.
Strength and conditioning - 20 credits (optional) - Morgan Williams
The module will provide students with the underpinning scientific knowledge required to deliver effective strength and conditioning programs.
If you have any questions about the modules above, please contact Dr Ceri Bowley.
*This module is available to study fully in Welsh
Teaching
In years two and three you will complete a comprehensive work based learning programme that is managed through weekly tutorials and a comprehensive mentoring programme.
Your studies will be underpinned by the latest research undertaken by the University’s Sport, Health and Exercise Science Research Group which collaborates locally, nationally and internationally with partners from industry and academia to provide world-leading knowledge and impact. For you, this means you will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of their specialist field.
Assessment
You will be assessed via a range of methods including: coursework, reports, examinations, practical sports delivery sessions and presentations.
Placements
Students can undertake placements within professional clubs or community football settings. This may involve hands on coaching, community development work or indeed supporting clubs with funding applications or designing marketing plans. Excellent summer placements are also available in the USA with a range of providers.
Students on our football coaching course complete a minimum of 140 hours across the academic year and students have been working with Swansea City Academy, Cardiff City Foundation as well as at the Welsh Football Trust.
As part of their football coaching course, students complete their FAW Level 2 Coaching Certificate and have an opportunity to gain their UEFA B licence.
Facilities
USW Sport Park is a specially designed sporting performance facility that focuses on rugby and football coaching. It includes a specialist centre for strength and conditioning; a full-size indoor 3G pitch, built to the Fifa Pro standard. We are the only university in England and Wales to offer this facility.
You'll also find a notational analysis suite and over 30 acres of playing fields, including five floodlit pitches. We have a sand-dressed 'astroturf' pitch, as well as a full-size FIFA approved 3G pitch. In addition to these all-weather pitches, there are six grass football pitches and a large changing pavilion.
Our facilities are regularly used by international professional teams, such as the Wales national football team and Cardiff City Football Club. This confirms the high quality of our pitches and the versatility of our equipment.
Featured Lecturer:
Professor Brendan Cropley
Professor Brendan Cropley is the Head of the Centre for Football Research in Wales. In collaboration with the Football Association of Wales, the Centre aims to promote, facilitate and conduct multidisciplinary research into football in order to support best practice in performance, player development and welfare, coach education, participation, and health. His research also focuses more widely on the development of professional practice in different disciplines, specifically sport coaching and sport psychology. These interests include examining the value of, and improving, education and development pathways.
Professor Cropley is widely regarded as a research expert in the field of reflective practice and the potential it has for developing effective practice and facilitating human flourishing. More recently, he has developed successful programmes of research in the areas of life skills development through sport and the psychology of performance in coaches and athletes alike focusing on mental health and well-being. Professor Cropley has published over 60 manuscripts and book chapters, contributing to world leading publications in the areas of sport coaching and sport psychology.
Lecturers
- Ben Stanway, course leader
- Gavin Chesterfield
- Craig Gill - Level 6 Year Tutor
- Lyn Jehu - Level 4 Year Tutor (BSc)
- Jonathan Jones - Level 4 Year Tutor (Cert HE)
- Dr Morgan Williams
- Grant Kalahar
- Professor Brendan Cropley
- Dr David Adams
Find out more about our staff and partners on our football pages.
Find out about the great research happening in sport, health and exercise science.
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
Contextual offers
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions. USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Here is a link to our Contextual Admissions Policy.
Other qualifications and experience
We can also consider combinations of qualifications and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable. We can sometimes consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or advanced entry to year two or three of a course where this is possible.
To find out which qualifications have tariff points, please refer to the UCAS tariff calculator.
If you need more help or information or would like to speak to our friendly admissions team, please contact us here
Additional Requirements:
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child Workforce and Child Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service. (Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants)
Typical A-Level Offer
BBC to include a Science subject or PE and to exclude General Studies. Level 1 in football coaching or equivalent foundation level football coaching qualification from a football (NGB) (this is equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Welsh BACC Offer
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BB at A Level to include one Science (which may be Mathematics, Physical Education or Psychology) but to exclude General Studies. Level 1 in football coaching or equivalent foundation level football coaching qualification from a football (NGB) (this is equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points).
Typical BTEC Offer
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit in a relevant subject. Level 1 in football coaching or equivalent foundation level football coaching qualification from a football (NGB) (this is equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Access to HE Offer
Passing an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (mathematics, science or psychology) and obtain a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.
Additional Requirements
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
International Entry Requirements
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.
English Requirements
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: £9000
Full-time International: £15260
Part-time UK: £740 per 20 credits
August 2025 - July 2026 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| DBS * | £55.42 | The cost includes the DBS check, Post Office verification service and online administrative fee. Admission requirement. |
| DBS Updating Service * | £13 | Subscription required for each year of the course for a yearly fee of £13. Please note the service has to be joined within 30 days of receipt of your enhanced DBS certificate. |
| Other: Placement * | Students have to pay travel and subsistence costs for their placement. Costs vary, depending on location. |
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
UK students
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK residing applicant, applying for year one of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.
International and EU students
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK.
You can enter a range of careers when you graduate, such as an football academy coach or skills coach at a professional club, football development officer, community coach, sports development officer, strength and conditioning coach or performance analyst. Some graduates find employment in the armed forces, emergency services or continue to study to become a teacher.
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
Graduate Stories
Student Stories
Highlight Stories
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites; Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.