Sports coaching courses

With the sports industry booming, now is the perfect time to turn your passion for sports into a rewarding career. Discover qualifications from NVQs to Masters degrees that will help you stand out

What sports coaching courses are available?

Further education coaching qualifications

For those aiming for direct entry into the sports industry, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are excellent options. Both equip you with the skills and knowledge sought by employers.

These qualifications cover a range of sport-related specialisations, including sports coaching, sports development, and fitness instruction. NVQs are competency-based qualifications that emphasise the development of practical skills. Examples include:

• Level 2 NVQ in Sports Activity Leadership Course - Berkshire College of Agriculture
• Level 2 Activity Leadership NVQ - The Manchester College
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Sports Development - 1st4Sport.

HNDs are Level 5 qualifications, typically completed in two years, offering a more academic approach to sports. Courses include:

• Sports Coaching and Development - New College Lanarkshire
• Sports Coaching and Leadership Management - Heart of Worcestershire College
• Sport & Exercise Science (Coaching Science) - Loughborough College.

To learn more, explore further education opportunities.

Sports coaching degrees

While a degree isn't strictly required to become a sports coach, it offers a significant advantage in the job market.

An undergraduate sports coaching degree delves into the core principles of coaching. You'll explore subjects like:

• anatomy
• movement analysis
• physiology
• policy
• sociology
• sports management
• sport psychology.

The curriculum typically blends theory with practical sessions, providing opportunities to refine your skills through peer coaching.

Northumbria University's three-year, full-time BSc Sports Coaching programme offers a solid foundation. Core modules include:

• extreme physiology
• global sport business and management
• talent identification and high-performance sport.

You can further personalise your learning with a placement year or a year abroad. The final year culminates in a research project where you'll apply your knowledge in a real clinical scenario. For entry onto the course, you'll need BBC at A-level. Fees are £9,535 for UK students in the 2025/26 academic year.

Cardiff Metropolitan University's BSc Sports Coaching programme offers modules in:

• applied sports pedagogy
• physical education
• sports science fundamentals
• sports ethics
• performance analysis
• the sociology of sport and health.

This programme can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a foundation degrees. For entry, you'll need three A-levels, with two at B grade or higher.

Find out what you can do with a sports coaching degree.

Postgraduate sports coaching courses

These programmes provide advanced knowledge, valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, and open doors to career advancement.

Staffordshire University offers a flexible, part-time (two-year) MSc in Sports Coaching, delivered remotely via distance learning. The programme culminates in a research project, allowing you to delve into a specific coaching topic. Entry requires a Bachelors degree in a sports-related field and evidence of coaching progress. Tuition for UK students is £9,135 for the 2025/26 academic year.

On the full-time MSc Sports Coaching and Performance at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), you'll gain practical experience through the institution's connections with Wigan Warriors, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers. You'll study modules on:

• coach learning and development
• performance enhancement
• professional identity
• professional leadership.

You'll need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject for entry, and fees for UK students are £9,450 in 2025/26.

Search for postgraduate courses in sports coaching or explore funding postgraduate study.

Professional coaching qualifications

You can gain professional coaching qualifications from the National Governing Body (NGB) associated with your chosen sport. These qualifications follow a tiered structure, typically offering four levels:  

• Activator/Foundation - This introductory level provides the basic coaching principles to get you started working with young players, often around age seven and upwards.
• Assistant Coach (Level 1) - This level delves deeper into coaching fundamentals and often introduces the specific coaching philosophy of your chosen sport's governing body.  
• Lead Coach (Level 2) - You'll gain the skills and knowledge to independently plan and lead coaching sessions. This level also explores advanced coaching principles specific to your sport.  
• Level 3 (and Higher) - These advanced qualifications are for experienced coaches, focusing on areas like team management, advanced player development, and competition strategies.

Some sports may offer Level 4 and 5 qualifications for elite-level coaches - for example:

Football (English Football Association)

• Level 1 - Introduces coaching fundamentals for players aged seven and above.
• Level 2 - Provides a deeper understanding of coaching and the FA's coaching philosophy.
• Level 3 (UEFA B) - Focuses on team coaching principles like attacking and defending strategies.
• Levels 4 (UEFA A) and 5 (UEFA Pro) - Designed for elite-level coaches.

Swimming (Swim England)

• Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) - Provides foundational knowledge to assist swimming instructors.
• Level 2 Teaching Swimming - Enables you to independently plan and lead swimming lessons.
• Level 3 Swim Coordinator - Equips you with the skills to manage a swim programme, ensuring safety and adherence to teaching guidelines.  

Learn more about professional qualifications.

Apprenticeships in sports coaching are available from Level 2 to Level 4 and offer a clear path for career development. For more details, see sports apprenticeships.

What sports coaching jobs can I do?

Roles are available in various settings, including:

• charities and non-profits focused on promoting physical activity
• private organisations and clubs.
• the public sector (councils and schools).

To begin your sports coaching career, consider exploring these potential roles:

• assistant coach
• physical education (PE) teacher
• personal trainer
• scout
• sports coach.

What skills do I need to become a coach?

A sports coaching course not only enhances your coaching abilities but also equips you with valuable transferable skills, applicable to fields like teaching and management.

You'll acquire essential skills such as:

• a solid understanding of sports science principles
• effective organisational and planning abilities
• knowledge of safety, first aid, and safeguarding practices
• leadership and motivational qualities
• strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Organisations like UK Coaching provide a wide range of courses and resources that cover fundamental coaching principles and best practices, ultimately improving your overall coaching proficiency.

Can I do a sports coaching course online?

Online sports training provides a convenient way to expand your coaching knowledge. You can delve into sports science, psychology, and fundamental coaching principles from the comfort of your own home, and at your own speed. This is particularly beneficial for professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest techniques, or those exploring specialised areas like nutrition or injury prevention.

However, it's important to remember that online courses cannot fully replicate the value of practical, hands-on experience. Developing essential coaching skills, especially for sport-specific techniques, typically requires in-person training. You should consider online learning as a supplement to real-world coaching, rather than a complete replacement.

Always verify a course's accreditation, particularly with your sport's governing body.

How do I apply for jobs as a sports coach?

Gaining work experience is crucial for becoming a successful sports coach. Start by volunteering or assisting experienced coaches to learn hands-on. Work shadowing seasoned professionals can also build your confidence and skills.

If you plan to work with children or vulnerable adults, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is mandatory. Furthermore, continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to stay updated with the latest coaching techniques, sports science advancements, and best practices in your sport.

How much do sports coaches get paid in the UK?

In 2024, £34.8billion in wages were paid in sport-related occupations in the UK. However, it's important to note that earnings vary greatly depending on the specific career path chosen after completing a coaching course.

Factors influencing salary include:

• specific job role (e.g., sports coach, sports scientist, fitness instructor)
• level of experience and qualifications
• location
• industry sector.

As a rough guide, newly qualified sports coaches working for local authorities can earn between £18,000 and £28,000, while coaches working with amateur teams or individuals can earn around £10 to £12 per hour.

Alternatively, senior coaches employed by National Governing Bodies (NGBs) or professional sports clubs can earn over £30,000, while experienced coaches working at the highest national level can earn over £100,000.

Find out more

• Discover what the sport sector has to offer.
• Learn how to become a sport psychologist.