Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Want to coach the next generation of footballers?
Built around the Football Association’s 4 Corner Model, this
course aims to equip you with the competencies required to coach players at all
stages of development, considering the technical, physical, psychological, and
social aspects of performance.
You’ll be challenged to design effective football coaching programmes, evaluate player performance, and build critical thinking skills. Through links with Northumbria Sport and industry partners, you’ll apply theory to hands-on coaching experiences, working with players across different age groups and abilities.
Our research-active staff draw on connections with professional football clubs, including Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, bringing industry insights into your learning. You'll gain valuable transferable skills while understanding how elite environments develop talent and optimise football performance.
Endorsement: This course is endorsed by England Football Learning (FA Learning).
96 to 112 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 96 to 112 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details: www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
*Depending on your level of experience you may be required to have a discussion with a member of academic staff to provide more information. Applicants currently undertaking the introduction to football coaching course are eligible to apply but must hold the qualification at the point of commencing the programme.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting: www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,790
The UK tuition fee for 26/27 is £9,790 and is set in line with the UG Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase this fee in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. The remaining fees relate to the International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements. Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap. *if your course is longer than one year
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
International Fee in Year 1:
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
This is the programme fee for your first year of study. The programme fee includes the international tuition fee, International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There is a second-year core professional development and practice module that may incur additional costs. If students choose to travel further than Newcastle for placement/volunteering/continual professional development, then they will bear these travel costs: however, all activities can be completed locally. Costs can vary between approximately £25-£800 for travel, parking etc. In addition, students may choose to undertake additional qualifications, which can vary between approximately £200 and £700.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
HW5000 -
Skills for Academic Success in a UK University (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
More informationSP4000 -
Academic and Professional Skills (Core,20 Credits)
The aim of the Academic and Professional Skills module is to develop your knowledge, understanding and application of academic, personal and professional skills relevant to university graduates which will help you to successfully complete your degree programme. Both formal and informal techniques will be used to assess your development in key areas such as written communication, critical analysis and self-reflection. You will develop a range of general transferable skills useful for other modules throughout your programme, including knowing how to find appropriate literature to support your ideas and how to develop balanced arguments. The information you will learn will be linked to topics of interest to those working in the areas of sport, exercise and rehabilitation, giving you insight into these fields as potential career paths in addition to more general employability skills such as communication, digital fluency and time management.
More informationSP4003 -
Introduction to Research (Core,20 Credits)
This module will introduce you to research in relation to sport, exercise and rehabilitation. The module will guide you through the research process involved in generating new information via scientific methods. The module will provide both a theoretical and practical introduction to basic experimental approaches, data analysis techniques and report writing, and demonstrate the usefulness and limitations of research-generated information. You will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of conducting research and interpreting the findings.
You will learn about the research process (e.g., developing a research question and ethical considerations) and be introduced to the scientific method such as the basic concepts of planning, collecting, organising, and analysing data and report-writing in sport, exercise and rehabilitation. Learning materials will be delivered via interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, directed tasks and independent study. You will learn the basics about managing, analysing and interpreting data in practical-computer-lab workshops comprising the quantitative method of enquiry. You will also be introduced to basic methods of working with data from interviews and focus groups comprising the qualitative method of enquiry. For each of the methods, you will learn to identify when it is suitable to use; how to run the analysis; how to report its findings to experts and lay people; and how to use these findings to inform your critical judgement about your own research and that of others.
SP4006 -
Introduction to Sports Coaching (Core,20 Credits)
This module aims to help students develop an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills of effective coaching. The module will examine coaching practice in relation to current theories and models associated with effective coaching. You will be given an opportunity to gain practical coaching experience and observe coaches in action within this module.
More informationSP4009 -
Social Issues and Sport Consumers (Core,20 Credits)
This module is centred on two important and interrelated areas. First, we examine the modern make-up of sport across all levels and track key changes in sport organisations occurring due to changes in the way that we live and work in modern society. For example, we will investigate issues including (but not limited to) commercialisation and globalisation, modern consumption practices, celebrity and stardom, neoliberalism and corruption. Second, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks, winners and losers, accepters and resisters to these social movements manifest in sport. To do this, we look at myriad definitions of the sport consumer and sport stakeholders. We will examine who benefits from sport’s current organisation and what are some of the costs (e.g. social, human, economic) of such practices.
More informationSP4013 -
Football Accreditation: UEFA C (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will consider key industry knowledge and practices aligned with community and professional football coaching. You will be widely introduced to The FA’s 4 corner module (i.e., Technical/Tactical, Physical, Sociological, Psychological) and encouraged to explore how this model supports player development, coach delivery and coach development. Crucially, this module will also seek to develop your ‘on the pitch’ coaching practice. Notionally, and broadly, you will consider:
• Understanding players and their game
• Helping players learn football through practice
• Helping players learn football through matchday
Within this module you will have the opportunity to complete the UEFA C coaching qualification. This industry recognised qualification will enhance your future football coaching opportunities and support your continued engagement with CPD/work-based modules and experiential learning opportunities throughout your programme of study.
SP4014 -
Introduction to Football Science (Core,20 Credits)
The nature of football coaching is changing, and current coaches are required to possess a holistic understanding of all elements which impact performance. You will study key sport science principles in order to appreciate the role that science has in current practices in football. It is imperative that you are developing evidence-based practices, and this module provides you with the knowledge to create a rationale for your football coaching methods by understanding how the body responds to, and fuels exercise, as well as its limitations. You will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of sport science, which are directly relevant to football. Furthermore, the application of these concepts will be outlined to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the football coaching process.
More informationHW5000 -
Skills for Academic Success in a UK University (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
More informationSP5026 -
Research Design and Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will learn how to apply the systematic-scientific method to address problems of relevance to your discipline. The module will guide you through designing, conducting, analysing and presenting your own research findings and prepare you for carrying out an independent research project. The module will provide both a theoretical and practical perspective on the research process, with a focus towards understanding the usefulness and limitations of research-generated information.
More informationSP5039 -
Coaching Skills and Practice (Core,20 Credits)
This practically oriented module will focus upon the application of research informed approaches to coaching that promote conditions for optimal learning and motivation across different sport coaching contexts. Coaching Skills and Practice builds upon the knowledge, skills and applied experiences gained at Level 4 to develop a research rich understanding of key pedagogical principles (e.g., coaching behaviours, practice design) that can be applied to create progressive, engaging and transferable outcomes in different sport coaching contexts. This module aims to introduce the concepts of how to create motivational climates (e.g., self-determination theory) that meet group/individual needs to positively influence engagement, motivation and well-being in sport. In addition, this module will develop an understanding of applied skill acquisition research that can be used to create conditions for optimal learning, and transfer of skill to different applied sport coaching contexts (e.g., high performance, participation, special populations).
More informationSP5044 -
Sport Coaching Pedagogy (Core,20 Credits)
This practically oriented module will focus upon the application of pedagogical research to sport coaching that promote the co-construction of knowledge, effective relationships and ethical practice across a variety of sport coaching contexts. The module therefore complements the largely cognitive based approaches to sport coaching practice included in SP5039: Coaching Skills and Practice and builds upon pre-existing knowledge from SP4008: Introduction to Coaching to equip students with an adaptive tool-kit of coaching behaviours. Due the experiential learning emphasis of this module, students will also be able to expand upon the real-world experience derived from their placement module (SP5029: SER Professional Development and Practice). A central aspect of Sport Coaching Pedagogy is to develop a deep and nuanced understanding key pedagogical research (e.g., constructivist, socio-constructivist) and their application to real world sport coaching contexts. By the end of this module, students will be able to demonstrate and explain how specific pedagogical approaches apply across different sport coaching contexts.
More informationSP5045 -
Football Organisational Leadership (Core,20 Credits)
This module will enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of football organisational leadership and stakeholder management. The module will broadly consider leadership, organisational behaviour, stakeholder management and internal decision making within football and with some reference across multiple sports settings. These will be explored through varying socio-cultural and/or socio/political lenses amongst others. Some typical sample case studies include The FA, working within elite football clubs (e.g., premier league), managing external relationships across the football landscape (e.g., managing EPPP systems).
Beyond this, we will examine how leaders build organisational culture and integrity, and how leaders nurture their wider multidisciplinary teams. We will underpin discussions with recognition of the contextual challenges (both within football, elite sport generally and wider sporting discourses) and opportunities that football leaders are tasked with navigating.
SP5046 -
Football Science Assessment and Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
This module is designed to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to work as an evidence-based practitioner in football, to develop the skills to assess footballers beyond the traditional technical and tactical components. Optimal football performance requires coaches to possess a holistic understanding of all elements, which impacts player development. You should be aware of the underpinning science as well as assessment and analysis methods, utilising a multidisciplinary approach to assess player performance to inform practice. The module covers the main principles that underlie many of the current practices of measurement and assessment within sport science, with the underlying principles associated with various testing procedures will be analysed and discussed. You will be provided with an opportunity to develop knowledge of how these principles can be applied within football coaching planning and preparation.
More informationSP5048 -
Football Professional Development and Practice (Core,20 Credits)
This module focuses on football-specific Continuing Professional Development (CPD) designed to prepare you for a career within coaching and performance pathways in the football industry. You will explore how to take ownership of your development as a football coach, learning how to analyse your coaching practice, set industry-aligned goals, and engage in football-focused skill-enhancement opportunities.
Topics include:
• Self-reflection and SMART analysis tailored to football coaching behaviours.
• Creating a CPD contract and portfolio aligned to your coaching journey.
• Identifying appropriate football-relevant CPD opportunities (e.g., FA coaching workshops, scouting workshops, match analysis courses).
After completing your SMART/Key Skills analysis, you will identify football-specific CPD activities such as:
• Coaching or volunteering within academies or community clubs.
• Shadowing qualified coaches in foundation, youth development, or senior phases.
• Developing skills in session planning, talent identification, performance analysis.
Regular contact with your CPD supervisor will support your development throughout the module.
SP5024 -
Sport Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)
The Study Abroad Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a study abroad year which is taken as an additional year of study at level 5 and before level 6. You will undertake a year abroad at a partner university equivalent to 120 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”.
Note: This is a competitive process and a place on the module cannot be guaranteed.
SP5043 -
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
The Work Placement Year module is a full year 120 credit module available on degree courses which include a work placement year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6 (the length of the placement will be determined by your programme but it can be no less than 30 weeks and no more than 52 weeks). You will undertake a guided work placement at a host organisation. This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Work Placement Year)”. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by the placement provider, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).
More informationHW6000 -
Skills for Academic Success in a UK University (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
More informationSP6035 -
SER UG Project (Core,40 Credits)
The module aims to develop your skills of independent working by engaging with a topic of your own choosing. You will develop a critical and in-depth knowledge of a specific area (within the remit of your degree programme) in relation to a research or clinical problem of contemporary relevance to the industry/profession. You will learn aspects of research such as literature searching, filtering and quality assessment, project design considerations, ethical implications and data analysis methods. You will develop skills such as time management, contingency planning and critical thinking to produce a well-planned, coherent and ethical project.
More informationSP6043 -
Talent Identification and High-Performance Sport (Core,20 Credits)
This module is designed for students to critically analyse the skills required to coach and nurture athletic talent at a high-performance level. The module will critique contemporary long term athlete development models, pathways and their impact on performance, long term participation and well-being. Students will also critically examine what is meant by the term talent, identify the skills and competencies needed to coach and develop in a high-performance setting, investigate the difficulties a high-performance coach may encounter and provide potential solutions to maximise effective coaching practice.
More informationSP6049 -
Advanced Coaching Practice (Core,20 Credits)
This module will explore the pedagogical principles and practices underpinning sports coaching. Specifically, the module will focus upon the application of theoretical and evidence-based approaches to develop coaching practice. The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to build upon and apply the knowledge, skills and experiences gained at Level 4 and Level 5 to develop a critical, nuanced and theoretically informed understanding of key pedagogical principles applicable across a variety of sport coaching contexts. Weekly content will be concentrated on the interactive effects of specific coach behaviours, practice design and coach-player interactions to create coaching environments that are conducive to optimal learning, engagement and performance across different sport coaching contexts (e.g., high performance, recreation, development, special populations). The module will place particular emphasis on developing students practical coaching skills that are informed by current research.
More informationSP6054 -
Football Accreditation: UEFA B (Optional,20 Credits)
In this module you will consider key industry knowledge and practices aligned with community and professional football coaching. Football is perceived to be a dynamic game that requires players to be adaptable and strong decision makers, subsequently this module will unpack these ideas from the perspective of the coach. Extending you knowledge of the FA’s four corner model (i.e., Technical/Tactical, Physical, Sociological, Psychological) you will consider player development, medium term programme planning and ‘on the pitch’ coaching practice. Broadly, from a coaching perspective, you will continue to consider the individual player and how they operate and align with the expectation of the unit (i.e., defensive, midfield unit) and wider team (i.e., their roles and responsibilities). Significantly, this module will encourage you to further consider coaching practice, behaviour and approaches throughout bigger formats of the game (e.g.., 9v9 and 11v11).
This industry recognised qualification (UEFA B) will enhance your future football coaching opportunities and support your continued engagement with CPD/work-based modules and experiential learning opportunities throughout your programme of study.
SP6055 -
Application of Football Science (Core,20 Credits)
The Application of Football Science module is designed to allow you to critically apply the principles of training interventions and/or constraints to aid in optimising football performance. You will have the opportunity to develop analytical, enquiry and reflective practice skills through an interdisciplinary approach. You will study the adaptations and limitations to performance, using football-relevant scientific principles. On completion of a successful module, you will be capable of critically analysing current training techniques/methods and be able to plan an evidenced-based, interdisciplinary, periodised training programme, accounting for all facets of football performance. Using state-of-the-art facilities, you will develop applied intervention skills with a range of interdisciplinary techniques, to further develop your knowledge and understanding of a holistic approach to optimising football performance.
More informationSP6056 -
Enhancing Coaching Craft (Optional,20 Credits)
This module aims to enhance your coaching craft through a thorough critical and reflective analysis of evidence-informed coaching strategies and actions designed to enhance coach and athlete performance in areas such as wellbeing, engagement and thriving. The module builds on the foundational psycho-social theories of coaching outlined in SP5039: Coaching Skills and Practice to build a deeper and richer contextual appreciation of the specific coaching strategies and actions that influence performance in athletes and coaches alike. You will have the opportunity to reflect upon current and past practice and critically evaluate coaching research to develop an adaptive toolkit of coaching strategies and actions aimed at enhancing athlete and coach experiences of sport. By the end of this module, you will be able to critically evaluate, discuss and apply evidence based coaching behaviours aimed at improving athlete and coach performance in sport.
More informationTo start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Features and Benefits:
Throughout the course, you'll have opportunities to engage with industry professionals, alumni and employers to gain a deeper understanding of football coaching and performance.
You'll build practical coaching expertise alongside transferable skills in communication, leadership, problem-solving, and performance evaluation. These are competencies employers seek across the sector and wider sports industry.
Professional development modules help you reflect on your coaching practice and plan your career path. You'll learn to work in multi-disciplinary teams, analyse performance data, and adapt your approach to different players and contexts.
Our members of staff have significant experience in football coaching at both a regional and national level. They combine practical insights gained from their experiences in professional environments, with current research in coaching and performance, giving you a combination of theory and real-world learning. Through sharing their knowledge and expertise, our academics are there to support you academically throughout your course, but also in preparing you for future employability.
Based at City Campus, you’ll have access to our purpose-built Sport Central and the Coach Lane Sports Ground, featuring a full-size rubber crumb pitch, expansive grass training pitches and a match pitch with enclosed stands and floodlights for an authentic stadium experience.
Technology Enhanced Learning is embedded throughout the course, with digital tools including Claude for Education and Blackboard eLearning Portal to support you in your studies.
Beyond the classroom, quiet study areas and collaborative working spaces are available at City Campus Library and University Library Digital Commons, open 24/7 during term-time.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
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northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
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northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
