- Study Mode: Sandwich
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Four Years
- Start Date: September 2021
You can also study this course:
The BSc (Hons) Football Development and Performance programme is ideal for those with a keen interest in community development through football, from grass-roots to performance. You’ll also benefit from placement opportunities, guest speakers and networking chances.
If you aspire to become a qualified football coach, the programme will give you the opportunity to gain recognised coaching awards, such as the FA Level 1 and 2.
Open Days
We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.
Application Guide
For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.
Students' Union
At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why our Students’ Union has been ranked in the top three in the UK in the National Student Survey (NSS 2020). We’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities – all to enrich your university experience. It’s a big deal!
Why study this subject?
Over 11 million people play football in the UK (The FA 2015) and it remains the highest participation team sport in the country. Whilst you could probably name a few of the top Premiership clubs, did you know that there are around 40,000 clubs in total at national, country and local level?
So opportunities abound at football clubs, local authorities, National Governing Bodies, including the FA and county FAs, County Sport Partnerships and education. From football coaching roles, community coaching positions and performance analysts, to football development officers and managers.
You could turn your passion for football into a rewarding and successful career with the right teaching and hands on learning experience.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
We have a strong reputation for delivering vocational sports courses and consider ourselves pioneers in football-related studies. We work closely with our football partners including Wycombe Wanderers Football Club, Wycombe Wanderers Sports and Education Trust and Watford Football Club, so you'll learn both within the University and ‘in the field’.
The course includes a compulsory placement at Level 5, and you'll also have the opportunity for a placement year coaching abroad through our football partnerships which include some US-based soccer schools.
What facilities can I use?
On this course you'll benefit from having access to the University’s modern, well-equipped human performance laboratory.
Whilst studying with us you'll also use our BucksAnywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. BucksAnywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.
What will I study?
The BSc (Hons) Football Development and Performance focuses on the contextual and operational challenges facing the football industry and will help guide you through the process of how to engage with communities in order to contribute to the improvement of people’s lives through football.
You'll be given the opportunity to gain recognised coaching awards, such as the FA Level 1 and FA Level 2, building on your coaching repertoire beyond football. You'll learn how to establish and maintain networks, organise and run sports events and initiatives, and create, implement and evaluate important sporting policy about things like health, social inclusion and crime and anti-social behaviours.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Across the programme you'll benefit from regular contact through lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical sessions. You'll be assessed through a combination of coursework with essays, reports and a portfolio, as well as practical assessments that include individual and group presentations.
Placements Plus
BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.
We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.
Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.
What are the course entry requirements?
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the 3-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a Level 4 course, will be considered for the 4-year programme including a Foundation Year. If you wish to enquire further, please send your query along with any academic evidence or references to admissions@bucks.ac.uk
Find out more about our General Entry Requirements.
This module map provides a list of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
Year 1 Modules
Introduction to Coaching Theory and Practice
Applied Sport Field Study
Understanding Sport Development
Human Anatomy
Human Sciences for Physical Education
Games in Sport and Education
The Global Football Industry
Football and Society
Year 2 Modules
Coaching and Athlete Development
Research in Sport and Exercise
Sport Operations Management
Performance Analysis
Applied Strength and Conditioning
Sports Nutrition
Football in the Community
Working in Community Football Schemes
Year 3 Modules
Club Business: Football
Research Dissertation
Professional Development and Employability
Applied Performance Analysis
Psychology of Football
Contemporary Issues in Football
Performance Testing in Football
Year 4 Modules
Club Business: Football
Research Dissertation
Professional Development and Employability
Applied Performance Analysis
Psychology of Football
Contemporary Issues in Football
Performance Testing in Football
How much does it cost
Home and EU
Home and EU, Academic Year 2021-2022
£9,250 per year
International
International, Academic Year 2021-2022
£13,750 per year
What are my career prospects?
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.
Our BSc (Hons) Football and Development course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:
- Football coaching roles
- Community coaching positions
- Performance analysts
- Football development officers and managers
- Development roles in sports other than football.
Successful graduates could expect to work within football clubs, local authorities (county and district councils). National Governing Bodies (including the FA and county FAs), and County Sport Partnerships. You may also find yourself working within education, in schools, colleges and universities.
Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course.
