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BSc(Hons)FootballCoaching&Performance

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This course is designed for driven individuals with a passion for football coaching who want to work in an elite environment, with player development and performance at the core of the programme. At Middlesex University, the Football Coaching and Performance BSc combines practical coaching, underpinning theory, and work-based learning to support progression into advanced football coaching and performance roles.

  • Elite coaching focus: Develop a well-rounded blend of knowledge and skills to complement your coaching practice and improve individual and team performance in elite football settings.
  • Industry-led learning: The course is led in partnership with a professional football club, offering placement opportunities that enhance learning and employability
  • Professional qualifications included: Achieve FA Intro to Coaching Football, UEFA C licence, and FA National Talent ID and Scouting in Football qualifications at no extra cost
  • Guaranteed practical experience: Gain experience working in a range of elite environments through guaranteed practical work placements
  • Industry facilities and networks: Access world-class academic facilities at Middlesex University and Watford FC Trust, receive free Watford FC kit, and benefit from networking opportunities with industry professionals
  • Scientific and professional skills: Graduate with scientific, technical, and practical skills in football coaching and performance, including player identification and development, communication and interpersonal skills, and proficient IT capabilities.

 

This course provides the knowledge, experience, and industry exposure needed to work effectively within professional football environments. You will study coaching theories from beginner to UEFA C level, explore performance analysis and sport science, and understand player welfare and the coach’s role in supporting health and wellbeing from grassroots to elite football.

 

YEAR ONE

SES1521 Academic Skills
This module offers students a comprehensive understanding of the essential academic skills necessary for successfully completing their undergraduate degree. They will gain insight into the core theoretical frameworks underpinning research methods and academic writing, demonstrating proficiency in data collection and analysis, literature review, sourcing academic resources, and understanding the components of research, including strengths and weaknesses.

SES1943 Fundamentals of Football Coaching
This module provides a broad understanding of learning theories and coaching styles in a variety of football related environments. Students will learn the underlying theoretical concepts of how to plan, deliver, evaluate and modify football coaching sessions, whilst demonstrating the importance of safeguarding and risk assessments.

SES1523 Sport Science Fundamentals
To introduce key theoretical scientific concepts for sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology. Students will use problem-solving skills to apply this knowledge to fundamental practical scenarios and develop practice-led learning and co-leadership while working with participants.

SES1945 Player Welfare
This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding, risk assessments, mental health, and other critical aspects related to player well-being such as managing international player needs, life skills, educational needs and transitioning. By exploring these topics alongside individual player’s protected characteristics, students will learn how to create not only safe but inclusive coaching environments.

YEAR TWO

SES2512 Sport Analytics & Psychology
This module will provide students with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis, psychological concepts and practical skills to work as an applied practitioner. Learning to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis and psychological skills can be utilised in a range of sporting scenarios and audiences.

SES2514 Research Methods
This module will provide students with the skills to analyse a range of academic information, comparing alternative methods and techniques. This will involve collecting and synthesising information to inform a subject specific research question. The student will have knowledge of well-established research methods and concepts evidenced by the awareness of inconsistencies, gaps, and limitations within literature.

SES2956 Talent ID & Development
Students will examine the key principles of identifying talent including scouting, match reports, developing and maintaining relationships, and analysing performance against potential. Building on this, students will examine the player performance pathways at all phases and how the Premier League’s Elite Coaching Plan combined with Elite Player Performance Plans (EPPP) can support players to develop to their full potential.  Students will also gain knowledge and understanding of how to effectively create and manage a talent identification and development environment at a professional level.

SES2957 Applied Football Coaching & Performance
This module aims to explore more specific and advanced elements of football coaching. Through practical activities students will analyse the performance of others and adapt their communication to different situations. To create an extensive provision of football sessions and coaching materials that examines and encourages progression and development of teaching and coaching skills. Students will also explore and analyse different formations and strategies within the 11v11 format

 

YEAR THREE

SES3560 Football Coaching Science
Students will gain an advanced understanding of football science theories and concepts and their application within varying football coaching disciplines. Students will be able to apply and evaluate diagnostic skills in a range of situations relevant to football and be confident in communicating these effectively to players at all ages including EPPP, youth football and open age as well as the wider multi-disciplinary team.

SES3509 Human Performance
This module aims to develop understanding of monitoring athlete performance and physical and mental wellbeing. Students will learn how to use nutrition to optimise athlete performance and health. Students will apply monitoring techniques and study the psychology of injury and burnout, as well as other mental health issues found in athletes.

SES3510 Dissertation
This module aims to synthesise existing learning from the students’ undergraduate programme, providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity; requiring students to use an inquiry-based approach and develop research skills learned in Level 5 Research Methods. Students will select a topic relevant to their degree on which they wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study.

SES3512 Work Based Practice & Employability
Students will engage in reflective practices, evaluating their working methods and embracing a problem-solving approach to practice and workplace challenges. A mandatory placement module will prompt students to take personal responsibility to pursue short-term (minimum 50 hours) work experiences in relevant Sport and Exercise Science and Sport Rehabilitation environments, overseen by a suitably qualified practitioner, as determined by the module leader.

OPTIONAL:
SES3400 Supervised Sport Industry Placement
This module will develop the students’ employability skills through undertaking a sport industry placement. It will give an appreciation of the organisation and reality of work and the development of the student’s ability and personal growth in a chosen occupation, to add weight to applications upon graduation.

Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admissions requirements of Middlesex University and Watford FC CSE Trust in one or more of the following ways with the normal minimum age of 18 years old.

Tariff Points:

96 Tariff points (to include GCSEs grade 4 (or C if before 2017) in Mathematics, English or BTEC National Diploma or VCE’s or International Baccalaureate or Access course (equivalent tariff to above).

In addition, for EU students: a qualification demonstrating competence in English is required. This can include IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL Internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Mature students without traditional requirements may also be accepted following accreditation of prior experiential learning providing they can show appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience; they would need to make a claim for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Prior Learning will be recognised in line with Middlesex University admission regulations which can be found on the main website. More info on RPL can be found on the “Study With Us” page of the MDX website.  This page shows how much credit can be awarded towards a degree programme and how to make a claim for RPL.

Applicants may be subject to an interview. Once applicants complete a successful interview and confirm their place onto the programme, they will be invited to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Where could this degree take you?

A degree in Football Coaching & Performance opens the door to a wide range of careers across the football industry and beyond. Whether your ambition is to work in the professional game, coach the next generation of players or support athlete performance, you’ll graduate with the knowledge, practical experience and industry connections to help you succeed.

Career opportunities include:

  • Academy or Community Coach
  • Performance Analyst
  • Talent Identification / Scout
  • Player Development Coach
  • Sport Scientist
  • Player Welfare Officer
  • Safeguarding Officer

 

This is by no means an exhaustive list and many students chose to become a PE Teacher, Lecturer or Football Development Officer. Some also choose to continue their studies with a Master of Science in Performance Analysis, Nutrition, Sport Science or Psychology. The post-graduate opportunities from this degree are vast.

The University’s dedicated Employability Team will support you throughout your studies with CV writing, interview preparation, placements, internships, networking opportunities and career advice helping you take your next step with confidence.

The range of careers open to Football Coaching & Performance graduates is vast. You could find yourself working in a range of exciting settings including:

  • Community and grassroots Football
  • Private football coaching
  • Professional Football Clubs or Academies
  • Football Development Centre
  • High Performance Sports
  • Sport Science
  • Health and fitness industry
  • Personal training and fitness consultancy
  • Weight management & Health promotion
  • Personal fitness training
  • Sports or physical activity development
  • National Governing Bodies
  • Teaching in schools or higher education institutions
  • Career in sport research

 

Jobs – specific roles

  • Performance Analyst
  • Player development coach
  • Academy Coach
  • Grassroots or community coach
  • Talent recruitment (ID and Scouting)
  • Technical coach
  • Football club manager
  • Sport Scientist
  • Safeguarding Manager
  • Player Welfare officer
  • PE Teacher, college lecturer or school games coach
  • Community development officer

 

Careers – key companies

  • Professional football club academies
  • Community and non-league football clubs
  • Club community organisations
  • Other Professional sports teams
  • University Sports Departments
  • Teaching personnel
  • Further and Higher Education institutions
  • National governing bodies
  • Masters and PhD studies.

 

The University’s Employability Service can help you to develop your employability skills and get some valuable work experience. We provide workshops, events and one to one support with job hunting, CVs, covering letters, interviews, networking and so on. We also support you in securing part-time work, placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business.

Placements and work experience will give you excellent opportunities to gain hands-on and real-life experience. You’ll complete a minimum of 50 hours of placement within Year 3 of your studies, but we always recommend you do more throughout your time with us and we will support you in doing so.

You’ll receive help and support in identifying a suitable placement as well as with applications if required. Guaranteed placement opportunities exist within Watford FC CSE Trust including our player development centre, football education programmes community sessions and camps. Other placement opportunities are available at our local partner clubs and organisations as well as schools, colleges, university sports clubs, local sports development projects, charities and fitness centres.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Stone X Stadium:

The London Sport Institute has a new centre for high tech training at the West Stand, Stone X Stadium in partnership with Saracens Rugby Club. London Sport Institute’s facilities in West Stand at Stone X Stadium give you unique access to academy and elite players and coaches.

The space gives you access to advanced technologies to get ahead of the game with spaces including:

  • Biomechanics room
  • Strength and conditioning training space
  • Physiology labs
  • Performance analysis specialist room
  • Rehabilitation treatment rooms
  • New cognition labs and clinic

Your learning experience with London Sport Institute will mirror real life practice with tech for motion capture, force sensing plates in walls and floors, full body scanning, computer analysis and analysis of blood, urine and cortisol.

Cedars Youth & Community Centre:

a £4.2 million purpose-built centre including a large classroom (flexible space), Sports Hall, 4G astro-turf pitch, social space, community gym and kitchen facilities which students can use. The centre is also accessible for disabled people. Students will have their practical Coaching and Talent ID modules delivered here as well as theory modules such as player welfare, safeguarding and EDI.

We also have access to Watford FC’s Vicarage Rd stadium where students will be doing some theory sessions in both the player’s lounge and media suite. Students will also have a field trip to Watford FC’s Training Ground.

UniHelp is the University’s central service through which you can access a range of support for the kinds of concerns that might arise throughout your study here, and details of all support available to you can be found here. Some of the services include:
Counselling and Mental Health Team – providing mental wellbeing support and a confidential individual counselling service to help you manage any challenges affecting you emotionally or psychologically that you might face while you study with us. This service also provides a Monday to Friday drop-in session for which no appointment is needed;
Disability and Dyslexia Service – supporting an inclusive teaching and learning environment which caters for all students. North London Regional Access Centre – offering needs assessments, assistive technology training, advice and support for disabled students;
Student Welfare Advice Team – providing information and advice on money and funding matters, and housing;
International Student Advice Team – providing information and advice on visa and immigration concerns, for both international applicants and current international students;
Chinese Student Liaison Officer – providing assistance to Chinese-speaking students of our community;
Student Wellbeing Coordinator – providing information about and support with health matters.
Personal Development Planning (PDP)

Full details on how we quality assure our programmes can be found here.
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is an independent agency appointed by the UK Government to be responsible for upholding the academic quality and standards of all universities and colleges in the UK.  The QAA produce the UK Quality Code which outlines the key expectations placed on all UK Higher Education providers.  In particular, there is specific guidance on how institutions should manage partnership arrangements, such as the programme you are now enrolled on.
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) UK Quality Code, Advice and Guidance: Partnerships.
The QAA also review higher education providers to ensure that they are operating in line with the Quality Code and providing the best academic experience for its students. You can also learn more about Quality Assurance at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code.
The Student Protection Plan
One of the Middlesex University core values is ‘We put students first’.  We have a regulatory framework to support student continuation of study. The Student Protection Plan covers an assessment of the range of risks to the continuation of study for our students, and the measures put in place to mitigate those risks, arrangements for refund and compensation. Full details of the Student Protection Plan are available here.

Yes. As you will be registered as a Middlesex University Student, you will be eligible to join a range of sports teams and societies within the University. There is a membership fee required to participate in sports teams but this does not fully cover the cost of competitions, travel, equipment, coaching and playing facilities. Sports teams usually compete on a Wednesday. You will not be timetabled to have any lessons on Wednesdays to allow for this. For further information on Sports teams at Middlesex University, please click here.

Yes. If you’re moving away from home for university, then Middlesex University can help you find accommodation. The University can also help you to find you a private rented place in London. For more information on student accommodation please visit the University Accommodation webpage.

You can study BSc (Hons) Football Coaching & Performance either part-time or full-time. You can make an application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). If it is a late application (after July for a September start, you can call the University Admisisons Clearing hotline on 020 8411 6565).

What you need to know

Middlesex University institution code is M80

Course Code: C611

Apply Now

Students can start applying from 1 September so make your application as soon as you’ve found the right course and university. If you can, make sure that your application reaches UCAS by 15 January.

UCAS sends the University all applications it receives after this date so you can still apply after January where places are still available. We can’t guarantee however that we’ll be able to give late applications the same consideration as earlier applications.

Your application will be considered by both Middlesex University and Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. An interview may be required before an offer will be made and all offers are subject to a DBS check.

Although you will be a student of Middlesex University, you’re studying is split equally between the Stone X Stadium campus in Hendon and Cedars Youth & Community Centre in Harrow. You will of course have full access to the University’s main campus in Hendon and addresses to these sites can be found below:

Stone X Stadium
Greenlands Ln, London, NW4 1RL.
Free onsite parking is available for students except on matchdays.
For further information on directions and travel click here

Middlesex University Main Campus
Greyhound Hill, Hendon, NW4 4BT
No parking available.
Campus is located 10 minutes from the Northern line and Thameslink rail line, both of which take you to central London in under 30 minutes.

Cedars Youth & Community Centre
Chicheley Road, Harrow Weald HA3 6QH
Free parking available onsite and on local side roads.
For further information on getting to Cedars, please click here

All students enrolled with Middlesex University will be eligible to apply for student discount and rewards schemes. The old “NUS Extra” card has now been replaced by TOTUM. TOTUM memberships are available to students aged 16 or over, studying full or part-time in the UK. To apply for your TOTUM card and for more information on student discounts please visit: https://www.totum.com/

You are eligible for a student rail card if you are aged 16-25 or are a mature student in full time education. To apply for a discount rail card, please visit: https://www.railcard.co.uk/

Fees and Funding

The fees below refer to the current academic year unless otherwise stated.

Additional Costs:

The following programme-related costs are included in the fees:

  • Full Watford FC kit to wear on placement.
  • A free electronic core textbook for every module
  • All printing and copying required for your study,
  • Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours
  • Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders.
  • FA Introduction to Coaching Football, UEFA C licence and Introduction to Identifying Talent courses*
  • Cost of an enhanced DBS check

The following programme-related costs are not included in the fees, and you may be required to purchase these to complete the programme. The costs are approximate and may change due to changes in pricing at the retailer;

  • Travel for compulsory and optional visits to Watford FC CSE Trust Football Projects.
  • Travel for placements
  • Additional books that you may wish to purchase

 

*Should you not complete any of the FA qualifications, fail the course or withdraw from the programme before completing, you will be eligible to reimburse the full cost of these coaching courses. This is subject to programme leader’s discretion.

 

Policies and Regulations

 For an extensive list of Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust Policies and Procedures, please visit https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/policies

For an extensive list of all Middlesex University Policies and Procedures, please visit: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies

Quality Assurance
Full details on how we quality assure our programmes can be found here.

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is an independent agency appointed by the UK Government to be responsible for upholding the academic quality and standards of all universities and colleges in the UK.  The QAA produce the UK Quality Code which outlines the key expectations placed on all UK Higher Education providers.  In particular, there is specific guidance on how institutions should manage partnership arrangements, such as the programme you are now enrolled on.

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) UK Quality Code, Advice and Guidance: Partnerships.
The QAA also review higher education providers to ensure that they are operating in line with the Quality Code and providing the best academic experience for its students. You can also learn more about Quality Assurance at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code.

The Student Protection Plan
One of the Middlesex University core values is ‘We put students first’.  We have a regulatory framework to support student continuation of study. The Student Protection Plan covers an assessment of the range of risks to the continuation of study for our students, and the measures put in place to mitigate those risks, arrangements for refund and compensation. Full details of the Student Protection Plan are available here

Other Projects

Empower

Extra-Time

Falls Prevention: Strength & Balance Programme

Feel Good Fitness

Football Camps

Golden Memories

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