Sports Development and Coaching Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Sports development and coaching is an industry in need of well-qualified graduates who truly understand the fast-moving nature of the field. You'll cover everything from grassroots initiatives to training elite sportspeople. Scotland’s TOP University for student satisfaction in Sport Science (Complete University Guide 2027)

Studying sport coaching and sport development together is very helpful, as the two often overlap in the workplace. 

You'll learn about physiology, sociology, psychology and biomechanics. At the same time, your studies will give you an in-depth understanding of sport coaching, social policy, sport development and the social issues involved in sport and exercise. 

Abertay is a licensed partner of UK Coaching, a recognised stamp of quality coaching across all sports around the UK.

A very practical degree

You'll get lots of practical experience such as work placements and internships (paid where possible). This helps you to apply theory into real-world situations. You can also prepare for national governing body or industry qualifications. Plus, if you're interested in teaching, this degree meets the requirements for entry onto PGDE/PGCE courses.

All of which looks good on your CV when it comes to employment after graduation. 

Work placements

Practical activities and work placements help you to apply theory to real life scenarios. This includes volunteering - such as with the Active Schools programme - as well as working towards National Governing Body, or industry qualifications.

How the course works

This degree is part of a larger portfolio of five courses covering different specialisms in sport. Our two-year foundation approach means you can keep your options open until you’ve learnt more about what really interests you. 

In those first two years we’ll give you an introduction to core aspects of each course, so you can decide where you want to specialise. And, of course, we’ll advise you every step of the way.

This means as you study you’ll learn what you want to focus on, and your degree will suit your own interests and career aspirations. If you want to work in this industry or continue your studies but haven’t worked out exactly what you want to do, this is a great way to start.

Having gained two years of knowledge and discovered your own specialist area, in year three you choose from one of five pathways.