Football Coaching and Development

Only accepting Year 2 and 3 applications

Turn your passion for football into a varied and exciting career. You'll learn about the football industry, including coaching, player development, talent identification, inclusion, leadership and management, performance analysis, practical football development, and how football can be used as a force for positive social change. This course is packed with real-life, hands-on experience, so you get ample opportunity to put theory into practice. We work closely with our partners, Plymouth Argyle’s Community Trust and Devon FA, to ensure that you have the very best learning experience, and you'll be taught by both university lecturers and industry professionals.

You’ll consider the role of football within the wider sports industry, applying your learning to real-life situations through football development projects, coaching, and performance analysis. You'll run football development programmes, organise events, and develop a critical understanding of how the football industry works. And through these experiences you'll improve your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

One of the highlights of BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Development is the 100+ hours of work placement in year two alongside a Practical Football Development module in which you'll deliver ‘live projects’ in collaboration with football organisations.

You will have the chance to gain an array of industry-recognised football coaching qualifications. Marjon funds coach education awards from FA Level, 1 Level 2, and UEFA B. Awards will be matched to your level of experience and expertise. The UEFA B licence is for experienced coaches and subject to a successful application with Devon FA (and is the minimum qualification needed to coach at a professional football club academy). These coaching awards will boost your employability and give you a richer variety of experiences.

You will consider and debate many football-related topics including issues affecting coaches, administration, development and governance of football as a whole. You will also be introduced to the application of sport science principles, performance analysis, and football event management and their role in the development of football initiatives.

You'll gain professional endorsement of the Professional Occupational Standards for ‘Assistant Coach’, and 'Coach' from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) the industry body. This endorsement is built into the qualification so there is no additional assessment or cost. It demonstrates to employers that you have achieved the professional standards required in the sport and physical activity sector.

What might I become?
Career opportunities are worldwide, and include working as a coach, development officer, project manager or analyst; working in the commercial, charitable or public sectors as well as with the FA and professional clubs.

Why study at Marjon?

• Small, person-focused university
• No.2 university in England for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024)
• No.4 university in the UK for Career Prospects (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023)
• No.4 uni in England for Education (Student Experience) (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)

There’s still time to join a university where you’ll be supported to thrive. Ranked No. 3 in England for Student Satisfaction (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025), Plymouth Marjon University offers a friendly, close-knit community where you'll receive personalised support from expert lecturers and dedicated Personal Development Tutors.

Every course includes practical experience through placements, helping you build the skills and confidence employers are looking for before you graduate. With a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023) and strong links to industry, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes next. Set on a green campus just minutes from Plymouth, the coast and Dartmoor, Marjon gives you the best of city, countryside and seaside living in one place.