Coaching is a form of teaching, usually found within the sporting industry. Coaches not only learn how to teach their students, but also learn about the many different factors that can make a good sports player great such as psychology, the study of human physiology as well as basic first aid skills and nutritional knowledge.
The majority of coaching courses take place at post-graduate level and students are expected to have shown a previous aptitude for sport as well as having a strong degree qualification. Ideally this should be a 2:1 qualification.
Coaching has only been seen as a subject in its own right in recent years and as such tends to be offered at the newer universities. If you are studying on this particular course there will be both part-time and full-time study options.
If you are a non-native speaker of English then you may have to sit an IELTS test scoring a minimum of 6.0-6.5.
One of the most important things to remember when applying to a University is that wherever you end up, you need to be happy with your choice; after all you will be spending the next year living there – although often you will end up staying longer. In this sense it is vital that you look at the location of your university and whether you can see yourself being happy located in the local area. Similarly, the student social experience will be different depending upon where you study and both big and small establishments have their own merits – but where will you feel more comfortable?
It is also crucial to consider the module options available to study and the links your university of choice has within the world of work; particularly within your specialist field of interest. It is never too early to think about your life after graduation and more often than not you will be expected to complete a placement as part of your course. The connections forged by your university with external companies will not only help you find appropriate work placements, but will also be of benefit to your long-term career.
Fees will also have a huge impact upon where you end up studying. More prestigious Universities will generally charge higher fees – but can you afford it? It is best to investigate methods of funding in advance and make a budget for your time at University. If you are struggling financially then it may be worth applying for a scholarship or bursary.