Football Coaching, Performance and Development (with Scottish FA) BSc (Hons)



There’s more to coaching football than technical development as you'll discover on this programme in collaboration with
the Scottish FA.
Overview

This degree programme – the first of its kind in Scotland - has been designed in collaboration with the Scottish Football Association to provide an holistic view of coaching within a football setting, using evidence based knowledge and learning to support the UEFA awards embedded into each year of the degree. At all times considering reality-based learning. 

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be a degree qualified coach in the many different facets of football, whilst also graduating with the UEFA C, Scottish FA Children’s Licence, UEFA B and UEFA Youth B licence diplomas. In your 4th year of study, you will be able to specialise by carrying out a relevant piece of research and where appropriate, start working towards your UEFA A Licence, UEFA Elite Youth A Licence, UEFA Goalkeeping A, or Scottish FA Advanced Children’s Licence as an integral part of the Work-Based Learning module.

In addition, upon successful completion of the modules relating to Performance Analysis and appropriate experience within a performance analysis role, you will be eligible for accreditation to the International Society for Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) at levels 1 and 2 (membership fee payable to ISPAS by individuals).  

You will be supported to find suitable voluntary work place experiences throughout your degree aligned to your stage of development through our own contacts and those of the Scottish FA. These will enable you to further develop your skills on and off the pitch, gaining valuable insight into the working practices of clubs at different levels of football from grassroots to professional.


Three men standing talking during Football practice

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

C6R5

Course details

This degree will enable you to become an evidence-based practitioner and as such, is taught with a significant emphasis on developing applied skills, based on scientific evidence specifically aligned to reality-based learning and specific football workforce needs. You will become an independent, self-reflective practitioner capable of integrating into relevant employment upon graduation.


Additional costs

Fees agreed for the September 2022 cohort (fixed and subsidised by both Edinburgh Napier and Scottish FA) are detailed below.

CHILDREN'S LICENCE   £290
UEFA C LICENCE   £290
UEFA B LICENCE   £1470
UEFA B YOUTH LICENCE     £840

The typical fee for each coaching licence will be subsidised, but students should expect to cover the costs of these awards as above, either individually or via your club or organisation. In addition, upon successful completion of the modules relating to Performance Analysis and appropriate experience within a performance analysis role, you will be eligible for accreditation to the International Society for Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) at levels 1 and 2 (membership fee payable to ISPAS by individuals). 

  • briefcase Work placement While not a compulsory part of the programme, you will be supported and encouraged to undertake voluntary work experience in support of your development.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Fundamentals of Sport Science and Coaching
  • Introduction to Research Methods in Football
  • Coaching Children (Scottish FA Children’s Licence)
  • Coach Education 1 (UEFA C Licence)
  • Psychology in Football
  • Anatomy and Physiology for Football

Year 2

  • Coach Education 2 (40 credits) (UEFA B Licence)
  • Introduction to Performance Analysis
  • Applied Football Physiology
  • Player Welfare
  • Leadership and Management in Football

Year 3

  • Coach Education 3 (40 credits) (UEFA B Youth Licence)
  • Physiology for the Developing Athlete
  • Performance Psychology
  • Research Methods in Football Coaching
  • Performance Analysis in Football

Year 4

  • Sport Science in Football
  • Performance Development and Expertise
  • Advanced Performance Analysis
  • Work-based Learning in Football (60 credits)

ACCREDITED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

In addition to meeting the academic criteria, applicants will normally be expected to demonstrate in their personal statement that they have relevant coaching experience showing a commitment to a career in this industry. Where applicants do not meet the academic criteria, extensive coaching experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of formal qualifications.

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.


Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

BBBC including Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology at grade C. Please note SQA Higher PE at grade B will be accepted in lieu of a Science if studied alongside SQA Higher Maths (Minimum Grade C required) 

National 5 C in Maths (Applications of Maths and Lifeskills accepted), National 5 C in English & an additional science not studied at Higher including Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following three football specific awards prior to course commencement;
Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Youth/Adult Award (OR the Scottish FA Goalkeeping Award) AND the Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Children Award AND the Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing Coaching Award. Please note we can consider the FA level 1 as an acceptable equivalent to Scottish FA Level 1.3 Youth/Adult Award.

 

Minimum Offer Entry Requirements

BCCC including Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology at grade C. Please note SQA Higher PE at grade B will be accepted in lieu of a Science if studied alongside SQA Higher Maths (Minimum grade C required) 

National 5 C in Maths (Applications of Maths and Lifeskills accepted), National 5 C in English & an additional science not studied at Higher including Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following three football specific awards prior to course commencement;
Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Youth/Adult Award (OR the Scottish FA Goalkeeping Award) AND the Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Children Award AND the Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing Coaching Award. Please note we can consider the FA level 1 as an acceptable equivalent to Scottish FA Level 1.3 Youth/Adult Award.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies

A Level

BCC including Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or PE.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Single Award Science at Grade C or Double Award Science at Grades CC/4 also required.

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following three football specific awards prior to course commencement;
Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Youth/Adult Award (OR the Scottish FA Goalkeeping Award) AND the Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Children Award AND the Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing Coaching Award. Please note we can consider the FA level 1 as an acceptable equivalent to Scottish FA Level 1.3 Youth/Adult Award.


Irish Leaving Certificate

Grades H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level including Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Psychology.

Grade O4 at Ordinary Level in Maths, English and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following three football specific awards prior to course commencement;
Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Youth/Adult Award (OR the Scottish FA Goalkeeping Award) AND the Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Children Award AND the Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing Coaching Award. Please note we can consider the FA level 1 as an acceptable equivalent to Scottish FA Level 1.3 Youth/Adult Award.


BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Single Award Science at Grade C or Double Award Science at Grades CC/4 also required.

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following three football specific awards prior to course commencement;
Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Youth/Adult Award (OR the Scottish FA Goalkeeping Award) AND the Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Children Award AND the Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing Coaching Award. Please note we can consider the FA level 1 as an acceptable equivalent to Scottish FA Level 1.3 Youth/Adult Award.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level 

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.

A Level grade C

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Single Award Science at Grade C or Double Award Science at Grades CC/4 also required.

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following three football specific awards prior to course commencement;
Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Youth/Adult Award (OR the Scottish FA Goalkeeping Award) AND the Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Children Award AND the Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing Coaching Award. Please note we can consider the FA level 1 as an acceptable equivalent to Scottish FA Level 1.3 Youth/Adult Award.


International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science at minimum grade 5.

4 points in SL Maths (excluding Maths Studies), English & one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following three football specific awards prior to course commencement;
Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Youth/Adult Award (OR the Scottish FA Goalkeeping Award) AND the Scottish FA Level 1.3 Coaching Children Award AND the Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing Coaching Award. Please note we can consider the FA level 1 as an acceptable equivalent to Scottish FA Level 1.3 Youth/Adult Award.

 

T Level 

Grade M

T Level must be completed in a Science subject or A Level Science may be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & one Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Double Award Science at Grades CC also required.

 

Minimum Year 2

HNC

Pass in a related subject* with A in Graded Unit at Level 7

*Sports Coaching with Development of Sport, Sports Coaching and Development 

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following football specific awards prior to course commencement;

Scottish FA Children’s Licence

UEFA C Licence (or equivalent, such as the Scottish FA C Licence)

Minimum Year 3

HND

Pass in a related subject* with A in Graded Unit at Level 8

*Sports Coaching with Development of Sport, Sports Coaching and Development 

In addition to the above academic requirements you require the following football specific awards prior to course commencement;

Scottish FA Children’s Licence

UEFA B Licence 

English language requirements

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland £1,820 £tba
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £tba
Overseas and EU £17,580 tba
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.

Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.
For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees

Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers
Indoor football practice with players in bibs talking to woman holding an open book

Career opportunities include:

  • Head Coach 
  • Active Communities Officer 
  • Recruitment and Scouting Analyst 
  • Graduate Assistant Football Specialist 
  • Youth Development Sport Scientist 
  • Academy Coach 
  • Player and Coach Development Manager 
  • Football and Sports Development Coach 
  • Football Analyst

Two men talking at Football practice on a grass pitch