Bachelor of Sport Coaching
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Overview
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Introduction
The Bachelor of Sport Coaching is the only specialist sport coaching degree in Aotearoa. With flexible learning and internships, this qualification caters for a wide variety of students.
Gain key skills employers are looking for, not just in sport and related fields, but in everything from communications to corporate management. You will learn skills such as leadership, accountability, communication, teamwork, motivation, and psychology.
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
How do I plan my degree?
The BSpC is made up of a total of 360 points:
- 135 points of compulsory courses
- at least 120 points towards a major
- the remaining points can be from Sport Coaching courses or other degrees.
A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years.
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Sport Coaching.
Majors and minors
BSpC students have the option of completing either:
- a major
- a major and a minor
- two majors (a double major).
Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum 120 points, with at least 45 points at 200-level and at least 60 points at 300-level.
A minor consists of a minimum of 75 points, including at least 45 points above 100-level, in a single subject chosen from Sport Coaching, Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health Sciences, Science, or Youth and Community Leadership degrees.
Distance study option
Most BSpC courses are available to study on campus or as a distance online learning option.
Distance study supports students from other UC degree programmes, as well as people who are employed or lead busy lives.
If you are enrolled in an online distance course you will be supported through online resources, such as discussion forums, recorded lectures, and video tutorials.
You can also study part-time for up to 6 years.
Certificate Option
For those who wish to gain an entry-level qualification in Sport Coaching, there is a certificate option. The Certificate in Sport Coaching is available part-time or over one semester. It can lead onto the full bachelor's degree.
Those already with an undergraduate degree or relevant post-secondary school study and work experience may consider the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching; an online, flexible learning qualification that enables you to develop your professional coaching skills.
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Subjects and courses
Sport Coaching courses are grouped into three main strands: pedagogy (the theory and application of coaching and learning), sport and exercise sciences, and sociology of sport. As well as core Sport Coaching courses throughout the three years of the degree, you will also study towards a major, a major and minor, or a double major.
Compulsory courses
Year 1
- SPCO101 Introduction to Sport Coaching
- SPCO102 Theoretical Foundations of Coaching and Teaching
- SPCO104 Anatomy and Physiology
- SPCO105 Sport, History and Society
- SPCO110 Practicum 1
Year 2
- SPCO208 Sport and Culture in Aotearoa/New Zealand
- SPCO209 Exercise Physiology
- SPCO201 Learner-Centred Teaching and Coaching OR (300 level) SPCO302 Skill Acquisition in Sport
Year 3
Major subjects
Minor subjects
Domestic
2024 tuition fee estimate: $7,043 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,466 per 120 points
International
2024 tuition fee estimate: $33,675 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $34,990 per 120 points
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Further study
Postgraduate qualifications
Careers in teaching and management – options
Graduates can complete a qualification in one year to become a teacher or manager:
- Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary Education or Secondary Education)
- Master of Sport Science
- Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary Education or Secondary Education)
- Master of Business
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sport Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary Education or Secondary Education)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Science
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Career ready
- Put your skills into practice with a 120-hour internship in your final year.
- Gain skills in communication, management, leadership, teamwork, motivation, and psychology.
- Graduates are working as strength and conditioning coaches, community sports coordinators, performance analysts, sports scientists, managers, and more.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Example degree structure diagram
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Sport Coaching.
