Applied Sports Studies in Football

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

  1. Understanding football-specific sports science principles.
  2. Expertise in coaching methodologies and performance analysis techniques.
  3. Knowledge of sports management and development.
  4. Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  5. Preparing for various career opportunities in the football industry.

Prerequisites

  1. A-levels or equivalent qualifications
  2. A passion for sports, especially Football.
  3. Significant football experience (Beneficial).
  4. Meeting the specific entry requirements of the chosen university.
  5. Potential standardized test scores for international students.
  6. Good communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
  7. An open mind to different cultures and perspectives.

Curriculum Outline

  1. Sport Science and Performance
  2. Sport Business and Management
  3. Sport Coaching
  4. Sport in the Community
  5. Research Methods
  6. Employability
  7. Extreme Environments Performance
  8. Obesity Management
  9. Special Education (Disability)

Teaching Method

  1. Lectures
  2. Tutorials
  3. Seminars
  4. Workshops
  5. Independent study
  6. Academic advisor
  7. Small groups teaching

Modules

  1. Sports Performance 1
  2. Sport & Physical Activity in the Community 1
  3. Sport Management 1
  4. Sports Coaching & Pedagogy 1
  5. Personal, Professional & Academic Development
  6. Employability 1
  7. Sports Performance 2
  8. Sport & Physical Activity in the Community 2
  9. Sport Management 2
  10. Sports Coaching & Pedagogy 2
  11. Research Methods
  12. Employability 2
  13. Sports Performance 3
  14. Sport & Physical Activity in the Community 3
  15. Sport Management 3
  16. Sports Coaching & Pedagogy 3
  17. Choose one from the following options:
  18. Special Educational Needs & Disability
  19. Performance in Extreme Environments
  20. Obesity Management
  21. Sport Events Management

Assessment Methods

  1. Small groups assessments
  2. Individually assessments
  3. Written assessments
  4. Practical portfolios
  5. Presentations

Course Duration

This programme may vary depending on the institutions and countries, but the general standard options in the UK are:

  1. 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:

  1. Sports Science Laboratory
  2. Physiology Lab
  3. Biomechanics Lab
  4. Psychology Lab
  5. Nutrition Lab
  6. Gymnasium
  7. Fitness Center
  8. Strength and Conditioning Area
  9. Sports Hall
  10. Indoor Football Pitch
  11. Outdoor Football Pitch
  12. Artificial Turf Pitch
  13. Grass Pitch
  14. Performance Analysis Suite
  15. Video Analysis Room
  16. Data Analytics Lab
  17. Sports Therapy Clinic
  18. Rehabilitation Center
  19. Swimming Pool
  20. Hydrotherapy Pool
  21. Sports Library
  22. Learning Resource Center
  23. Computing Lab
  24. Coaching Room
  25. 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:

  1. Football Coach
  2. High-Performance Football Coach
  3. Youth Football Coach
  4. Goalkeeping Coach
  5. Attacking Coach
  6. Defensive Coach
  7. Performance Analyst (Football)
  8. Talent Scout (Football)
  9. Football Development Officer
  10. Sports Administrator (Football)
  11. Football Club Manager
  12. Football Operations Manager
  13. Match Day Manager
  14. Event Manager (Football)
  15. Sports Scientist (Football)
  16. Strength and Conditioning Coach (Football)
  17. Sports Nutritionist (Football)
  18. Sports Psychologist (Football)
  19. Sports Physiotherapist (Football)
  20. Sports Biomechanist (Football)
  21. Sports Marketing Manager (Football)
  22. Sports Sponsorship Manager (Football)
  23. Sports Journalist (Football)
  24. Football Commentator
  25. Sports Equipment Designer (Football)
  26. Football Agent
  27. Referee
  28. Assistant Referee
  29. Football Academy Director
  30. Head of Football Operations
  31. Director of Football

Fees and Fundings

  1. Tuition fees range in between £17,000 per year and may vary depending on the institution.
  2. Scholarships, grants, and financial opportunities are available.
  3. Government loan aid is available.

Entry Requirements

  1. A-level standard offer: BBC.
  2. 5 GCSEs Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade 4/C
  3. Higher Secondary qualification.
  4. Minimum GPA 4.0 out of 5.0.
  5. Or, International Foundation Year qualification.
  6. IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5.
  7. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  8. A strong academic record.

Field Work and Internships

  1. Coaching Placements: Working with football clubs at various levels (youth, amateur, semi-professional, even professional academies).
  2. Performance Analysis Internships: Working with football teams or academies to analyze player and team performance to assist in talent identification and scouting.
  3. Football Associations and Governing Bodies: Internships with organizations like the Football Association (FA) or regional football associations.
  4. Partnerships with Organisations: Universities actively seek and maintain relationships with football clubs, leagues, and governing bodies to create internship opportunities.

Certifications

  1. FA Level 1 Coaching Certificate (England)
  2. FA Level 2 Coaching Certificate (England)
  3. UEFA C Licence
  4. UEFA B Licence
  5. UEFA A Licence
  6. UEFA Pro Licence
  7. Scottish FA Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
  8. Irish FA Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
  9. Welsh FA Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
  10. US Soccer Coaching Licenses (Various Levels)
  11. Canadian Soccer Association Coaching Badges (Various Levels)
  12. AFC Coaching Badges (Asian Football Confederation - Various Levels)
  13. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  14. National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
  15. American College of Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT)
  16. Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) - Various Levels
  17. BASES Accreditation (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences)
  18. Performance Analyst Certification (Various awarding bodies)
  19. First Aid and CPR Certification
  20. Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport Certification
  21. Sports Massage Therapy Certification
  22. Sports Nutrition Certification
  23. Sports Psychology Certification (Often requires postgraduate study)
  24. Sports Officiating/Refereeing Certification (Football-specific)
  25. Club Management Certification (Sports-specific)

Intakes

Typically, it takes twice a year (fall and spring), but may vary like:

  1. Fall (September/October)
  2. Spring (January/February)
  3. 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.

Additional courses of interest