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Applied Sports Studies in Football
Overview
The degree programme Applied Sports Studies in Football BSc (Hons) incorporates principles of sports science into the domain of football through the teaching of knowledge and skills unique to football coaching and management.
It typically focuses on core modules in sports science, sports coaching, sports management, and sports psychology. An extensive and varied football career would await graduates, from coaching and performance analysis to development and administration.
Additionally, students gain much practical experience via internships, work placements, or practical sessions with football clubs, schools, or sports organisations.
This ensures that a student has the necessary experience that makes theoretical knowledge achievement effective in real environments. An all-around education and an array of practical examples prepare the graduate for success in the adaptive world of football.
Objectives
- Understanding football-specific sports science principles.
- Expertise in coaching methodologies and performance analysis techniques.
- Knowledge of sports management and development.
- Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Preparing for various career opportunities in the football industry.
Prerequisites
- A-levels or equivalent qualifications
- A passion for sports, especially Football.
- Significant football experience (Beneficial).
- Meeting the specific entry requirements of the chosen university.
- Potential standardized test scores for international students.
- Good communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
- An open mind to different cultures and perspectives.
Curriculum Outline
- Sport Science and Performance
- Sport Business and Management
- Sport Coaching
- Sport in the Community
- Research Methods
- Employability
- Extreme Environments Performance
- Obesity Management
- Special Education (Disability)
Teaching Method
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Independent study
- Academic advisor
- Small groups teaching
Modules
- Sports Performance 1
- Sport & Physical Activity in the Community 1
- Sport Management 1
- Sports Coaching & Pedagogy 1
- Personal, Professional & Academic Development
- Employability 1
- Sports Performance 2
- Sport & Physical Activity in the Community 2
- Sport Management 2
- Sports Coaching & Pedagogy 2
- Research Methods
- Employability 2
- Sports Performance 3
- Sport & Physical Activity in the Community 3
- Sport Management 3
- Sports Coaching & Pedagogy 3
- Choose one from the following options:
- Special Educational Needs & Disability
- Performance in Extreme Environments
- Obesity Management
- Sport Events Management
Assessment Methods
- Small groups assessments
- Individually assessments
- Written assessments
- Practical portfolios
- Presentations
Course Duration
This programme may vary depending on the institutions and countries, but the general standard options in the UK are:
- 03 years (Full-time).
Facilities
Facilities are a big deal when choosing a sports-related degree. Here's a breakdown of what you might find in a UK University for "Applied Sports Studies in Football" BSc (Hons) programme:
- Sports Science Laboratory
- Physiology Lab
- Biomechanics Lab
- Psychology Lab
- Nutrition Lab
- Gymnasium
- Fitness Center
- Strength and Conditioning Area
- Sports Hall
- Indoor Football Pitch
- Outdoor Football Pitch
- Artificial Turf Pitch
- Grass Pitch
- Performance Analysis Suite
- Video Analysis Room
- Data Analytics Lab
- Sports Therapy Clinic
- Rehabilitation Center
- Swimming Pool
- Hydrotherapy Pool
- Sports Library
- Learning Resource Center
- Computing Lab
- Coaching Room
- Meeting Room
Career Pathways
A BSc (Hons) in Applied Sports Studies in Football opens up a range of exciting career paths within the dynamic world of football. Here are some of the most common options:
- Football Coach
- High-Performance Football Coach
- Youth Football Coach
- Goalkeeping Coach
- Attacking Coach
- Defensive Coach
- Performance Analyst (Football)
- Talent Scout (Football)
- Football Development Officer
- Sports Administrator (Football)
- Football Club Manager
- Football Operations Manager
- Match Day Manager
- Event Manager (Football)
- Sports Scientist (Football)
- Strength and Conditioning Coach (Football)
- Sports Nutritionist (Football)
- Sports Psychologist (Football)
- Sports Physiotherapist (Football)
- Sports Biomechanist (Football)
- Sports Marketing Manager (Football)
- Sports Sponsorship Manager (Football)
- Sports Journalist (Football)
- Football Commentator
- Sports Equipment Designer (Football)
- Football Agent
- Referee
- Assistant Referee
- Football Academy Director
- Head of Football Operations
- Director of Football
Fees and Fundings
- Tuition fees range in between £17,000 per year and may vary depending on the institution.
- Scholarships, grants, and financial opportunities are available.
- Government loan aid is available.
Entry Requirements
- A-level standard offer: BBC.
- 5 GCSEs Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade 4/C
- Higher Secondary qualification.
- Minimum GPA 4.0 out of 5.0.
- Or, International Foundation Year qualification.
- IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- A strong academic record.
Field Work and Internships
- Coaching Placements: Working with football clubs at various levels (youth, amateur, semi-professional, even professional academies).
- Performance Analysis Internships: Working with football teams or academies to analyze player and team performance to assist in talent identification and scouting.
- Football Associations and Governing Bodies: Internships with organizations like the Football Association (FA) or regional football associations.
- Partnerships with Organisations: Universities actively seek and maintain relationships with football clubs, leagues, and governing bodies to create internship opportunities.
Certifications
- FA Level 1 Coaching Certificate (England)
- FA Level 2 Coaching Certificate (England)
- UEFA C Licence
- UEFA B Licence
- UEFA A Licence
- UEFA Pro Licence
- Scottish FA Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
- Irish FA Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
- Welsh FA Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
- US Soccer Coaching Licenses (Various Levels)
- Canadian Soccer Association Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
- AFC Coaching Badges (Asian Football Confederation - Various Levels)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
- American College of Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT)
- Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) - Various Levels
- BASES Accreditation (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences)
- Performance Analyst Certification (Various awarding bodies)
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport Certification
- Sports Massage Therapy Certification
- Sports Nutrition Certification
- Sports Psychology Certification (Often requires postgraduate study)
- Sports Officiating/Refereeing Certification (Football-specific)
- Club Management Certification (Sports-specific)
Intakes
Typically, it takes twice a year (fall and spring), but may vary like:
- Fall (September/October)
- Spring (January/February)
- Summer (May/June)
Frequently asked questions
The programme covers a range of topics including sports science, coaching techniques, sports management, sports psychology, football tactics, player development, and match analysis. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through internships and work placements.