Bsc (hons) In Sports Coaching & Performance in Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland

Bsc (hons) In Sports Coaching & Performance in Waterford Institute of Technology

The BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Performance is a four year honours degree programme that provides aspiring coaches from a variety of sporting backgrounds with an advanced coach education.
The programme combines the diisciplines of coach education and development with sports science, applying theory to practice in different coaching enviroments. A unique feature of the degree

The course has four distinct elements:

1.  Coach Education
Modules in this group address the key characteristics of successful coaching and talent identification

2.  Sports Science
These modules provide students with the knowledge to understand the scientific basis of sports performance and the practical skills to undertake coaching-relevant assessments

3.  Strength and Conditioning
These modules enable students to plan and implement programmes for individuals and teams. Age-specific strength and conditioning is a key consideration.

4.  Sport in Society
These modules are intended to place sport and coaching within a wider societal context

Unique features

• The sports-specific education is delivered and academic credit is given to students for completion of National Governing Body awards and progress though the coach development pathway. Students must pay the costs associated with these NGB awards. 

• The programme is designed specifically to develop coaching skills, abilities and perspectives to enable the coach to pursue career pathways in coaching.

• Additional points can be awarded to individuals with outstanding sporting achievement. Typically 20 - 50 additional points may be added.  Bonus Points Scheme

• A year long coaching internship is undertaken in the third year of the programme. This distinctive feature offers students the opportunity to develop real world high level experience prior to graduating.

• Sports science foundation modules are a key component of years 1 and 2 while in year 4, students study the science of elite performance in specific sports, e.g. science of soccer.  Such a focus on the science of performance in individual sports is not the norm on other sports science programmes.

BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Performance career opportunities

Graduates from this course may find employment in fields such as:

• Coaching and Sports Development

• Strength and Conditioning

• Performance Analysis

• Applied Sport Scientist

To date, succesfull internships have included: Manchester City FC, London Irish RFC, World Cycling Centre (Switzerland), Hoops Life (Florida), Quatar Sports Academy, Triathlon Ireland, Senior County GAA Squads & National League Soccer Squads. During the internship, students will be mentored by experienced pracitioners in coaching, S&C, performance analysis, sport science support & adminstration.