Sports Coaching and Physical Education

at Riverside College

Award

FdSc

Study option

Location

Riverside College

Start dates available

September 2026

Apply now

The Foundation Degree in Sport Coaching and PE (FdSc) is a two-year full-time programme of study.

The Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education (FdSc) will provide in depth professional theory with the opportunity to progress to employment within the Sport, Leisure and Educational industry in a wide range of roles.

It aims to provide a stimulating learning environment where students will develop a sound understanding of professional, legal and ethical issues. Increasing self-awareness and personal development are also an integral part of the course.

When you enrol, you will receive the date of your first induction session where you will receive your timetable for the academic year.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: FdSc Sports Coaching and Physical Education

Course content

The Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education is distinctive in its focus upon the applied aspects of sports teaching and coaching with 50% of Level 4 being of an applied nature covering a wide range of sport and physical education activities in preparation for placement at Level 5.

The programme design has been informed by local and regional employers, support agencies and national governing bodies of Sport and aligned with QAA Higher Education benchmark statements for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism.

These organisations provided valuable curriculum and delivery consultation to ensure the award incorporates the knowledge, skills and learning opportunities essential for graduates who wish to become competent and confident professional sports teachers, lecturers and coaches.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Academic And Employability Skills In Sport And Exercise	40 credits
Coaching And Teaching In Sport	20 credits
Developing Research Skills In Sport And Exercise	20 credits
Fundamentals Of The Psychology In Sport And Exercise	20 credits
Teaching And Coaching Pe National Curriculum Activities	20 credits

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Sport And Exercise Psychology	20 credits
Coaching, Analysis And Skill Acquisition	40 credits
Physical Education, Theory, Practice And Placement	20 credits
Research And Graduate Employability	40 credits

Location

You will study at Riverside College but receive a qualification from University of Staffordshire.

Riverside College prides itself as a centre of vocational excellence. They have a simple ambition: We want you to reach your full potential during your valuable time with us.

Riverside College website

Entry requirements

64 UCAS points, made up of a combination of the following:

Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject e.g. BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport or health related studies.
A Levels in related subjects such as PE or Biology.
GCSE English and maths at a minimum of Grade C/ Grade 4 (or equivalent).

Applicants with industry/professional experience will also be considered on an individual basis. All applicants will be interviewed.

Successful applicants will need an enhanced satisfactory DBS check.

Careers

Students graduating from the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education may be eligible to progress onto a relevant top-up degree such as the Sport Coaching and Sport Development (Top-up) BA (Hons) programme .

On completion of the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, you will also have the opportunity to progress into a wide range of sport and non-sport related careers, most commonly teaching, coaching, fitness instruction and sport development.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Year 1: you’ll spend 22% of time in lectures, seminars or similar and 78% of time in independent study
Year 2: you’ll spend 22% of time in lectures, seminars or similar and 78% of time in independent study

Assessment

Year 1: your assessment will be 35% by exam and 62% by coursework
Year 2: your assessment will be 25% by exam and 75% by coursework

Fees

For the course starting on 7 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for FdSc-Full-time
Study option	UK / Channel Islands
Full-time	£6,950 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Apply now to Sports Coaching and Physical Education

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Riverside College	FdSc	Full-time	7 September 2026	Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.