Sports Coach Programme180 Credits

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by pupils in national study programmes in the upper-secondary schools or its equivalent.

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:
• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.
In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:
• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level,
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Bachelor, the student shall
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, knowledge of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues.
Competence and skills
For a Degree of Bachelor, the student shall
• demonstrate the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret the relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically,
• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames,
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Bachelor, the student shall
• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues,
• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

 

The Sports Coach Programme comprises studies in the field of Sport and Health Science with specialisation in areas of knowledge that are relevant to the role of coach. Programme content concentrates on what the role of coach involves at both the individual level and the group level. Content has been designed so that it applies to future coaches who want to work with children, adolescents and adults at both a recreational level and an elite level. Inclusion is studied from several different perspectives regarding aspects related to fair and safe participation in sports. The relationship with and role of sport in society are important elements in the programme, the aim being to educate coaches with a focus on sustainability. An essential step in preparing students for their future profession is to provide them with opportunities to enhance their coaching skills, which they do through fieldwork. Students are given the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of coaching of children, adolescents and adults across the spectrum of sport from the recreational level to the elite level. Sustainable sports leadership is introduced early in the programme, with key competencies for sustainable development progressively integrated into all courses throughout each year. Academic writing and a scholarly approach to the subject are continuously emphasised, with an increased focus during the semester when they write their thesis. 

In the first year of the programme, students are introduced to subjects that highlight the multidisciplinary nature of Sport and Health Science. They begin exploring the academic perspective of what it means to be a coach, the principles of sustainable sports leadership and the organisation of sport in relation to society. These topics are studied, discussed and problematised. Students also gain knowledge of various aspects of pedagogy and sport psychology, with focus on the coach’s role and the way these aspects influence individuals and groups in sport. Alongside this, the programme includes studies of the human body in movement and exercise. Special emphasis is placed on the study of how physical activity impacts human anatomy and physiology, and how coaches can apply this knowledge in practice. In addition, sports medicine is studied with a focus on the management of sports injuries and prevention strategies to reduce the risk of injury. The entire first year is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills they need so that they can work as coaches for a variety of different groups involved in sport.

In the second year, courses focus on the processes of motor learning and training of various physical qualities for different target groups, combining both theory and practice. Special emphasis is placed on didactic aspects relating to the coach’s role. Students study and practise using testing and analytical methods that develop and optimise athletic performance. They also study and discuss media and communication in sport, with a focus on internal and external communication, including traditional and new forms of media. Foundational knowledge, methods and approaches that students have previously encountered in their studies are integrated and applied in greater depth through a degree project (a thesis), which enables them to gain a higher education qualification in a defined field of Sport and Health Science. 

In the third year, students further deepen and apply their knowledge through field studies that involve the planning, implementation and evaluation of coaching in a chosen context. These field studies, combined with earlier course work in the programme, provide students with opportunities to develop specialised competencies and skills that prepare them to work independently in the field. Students also study the principles of adequate nutritional intake and sustainable diets in relation to sport, and they also explore sport entrepreneurship to foster their innovative thinking. A course in sports science methodology followed by a specialisation course further deepens students’ knowledge, methods and approaches in the field, which prepares them for their subsequent independent work. The degree project (thesis), which focusses on a defined area of Sport and Health Science, concludes the Sports Coach Programme and leads to the award of a Degree of Bachelor.

*Included in the main field of study Sport and Health Science

Year 1
Sustainable Sports Coaching* 7.5 credits
Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport 7.5 credits
Organisation of Sport in Society 7.5 credits
Sports Medicine 7.5 credits
Sport Pedagogy* 7.5 credits
Applied Sports Psychology 7.5 credits
Applied Exercise Physiology* 7.5 credits
Training Principles and Practice* 7.5 credits

Year 2
Coaching and Sport Didactics* 7.5 credits
Higher Education Diploma in Sport and Health Science* 7.5 credits
Introduction to Scientific Writing and Research Methods 7.5 credits
Media and Communication in Sports 7.5 credits
Performance Analysis and Training Periodisation* 15 credits
Motor Skills in Practice 7.5 credits
Age-Adapted Training 7.5 credits

Year 3
Coaching and Training Processes in Practice* 15 credits
Entrepreneurship in Sport and Health 7.5 credits
Bachelor Thesis in Sport and Health Science* 15 credits
Sports Nutrition 7.5 credits
Sports Science Specialisation* 7.5 credits
Sports Science Methodology* 7.5 credits

Degree of Bachelor of Science, Main Field of Study: Sport and Health Science

For the programme name to be stated in their degree certificate, students must receive at least a grade of Pass on all courses listed in the programme syllabus.
The language of instruction is Swedish; however, some programme courses or course components may be taught in English.