Football Coaching and Performance BSc
Learn from industry professionals and gain valuable experience with this innovative new programme which provides a multidisciplinary approach to advanced player performance
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Develop your understanding of biomechanical and physiological theories, as well as your psychological skills.
Why choose BSc Football Coaching and Performance?
This course is designed for driven individuals with a passion for football coaching who want to work in an elite environment. Player development and performance are at the core of the programme.
At Middlesex University, the Football Coaching and Performance BSc combines practical coaching, underpinning theory and work-based learning to support progression into advanced football coaching and performance roles.
- Elite coaching focus: Develop a well-rounded blend of knowledge and skills to complement your coaching practice and improve individual and team performance in elite football settings
- Industry-led learning: The course is led in partnership with a professional football club, offering placement opportunities that enhance learning and employability
- Professional qualifications included: Achieve FA Intro to Coaching Football, UEFA C licence and FA National Talent ID and Scouting in Football qualifications at no extra cost
- Guaranteed practical experience: Gain experience working in a range of elite environments through guaranteed practical work placements
- Industry facilities and networks: Access world-class academic facilities at Middlesex University and Watford FC Trust, receive free Watford FC kit and benefit from networking opportunities with industry professionals
- Scientific and professional skills: Graduate with scientific, technical and practical skills in football coaching and performance, including player identification and development, communication and interpersonal skills, and proficient IT capabilities.
Partnerships
Benefit from MDX’s partnership with Watford FC Trust through access to facilities, placement opportunities, guest speakers and networking with industry professionals.
This course provides the knowledge, experience, and industry exposure needed to work effectively in professional football environments.
You will study coaching theories from beginner to UEFA C level. You will explore performance analysis and sport science. You will understand player welfare and the coach’s role in supporting health and wellbeing, from grassroots to elite football.
3 great reasons to pick this course
Student stories and experiences
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About your course
In year 1, students will have the opportunity to take the FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification alongside their football coaching module (if they haven’t achieved this already). They will learn the fundamental concepts of coaching football while exploring principles of safeguarding and player welfare to ensure the wellbeing of players. Students will also explore key concepts in sport science and how this integrates with coaching football.
Compulsory modules
This module offers students a comprehensive understanding of the essential academic skills necessary for successfully completing their undergraduate degree.
You will gain insight into the core theoretical frameworks underpinning research methods and academic writing. You will demonstrate proficiency in data collection and analysis, literature review, sourcing academic resources and understanding the components of research, including strengths and weaknesses.
This module provides a broad understanding of learning theories and coaching styles in a variety of football-related environments. Students will learn the underlying theoretical concepts of how to plan, deliver, evaluate and modify football coaching sessions, while demonstrating the importance of safeguarding and risk assessments.
This module introduces key theoretical scientific concepts for sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology.
Students will use problem-solving skills to apply this knowledge to fundamental practical scenarios and develop practice-led learning and co-leadership while working with participants.
This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding, risk assessments, mental health and other critical aspects related to player wellbeing such as managing international player needs, life skills, educational needs and transitioning.
By exploring these topics alongside individual players' protected characteristics, students will learn how to create not only safe but inclusive coaching environments.
This module offers students a comprehensive understanding of the essential academic skills necessary for successfully completing their undergraduate degree.
You will gain insight into the core theoretical frameworks underpinning research methods and academic writing. You will demonstrate proficiency in data collection and analysis, literature review, sourcing academic resources and understanding the components of research, including strengths and weaknesses.
This module provides a broad understanding of learning theories and coaching styles in a variety of football-related environments. Students will learn the underlying theoretical concepts of how to plan, deliver, evaluate and modify football coaching sessions, while demonstrating the importance of safeguarding and risk assessments.
This module introduces key theoretical scientific concepts for sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology.
Students will use problem-solving skills to apply this knowledge to fundamental practical scenarios and develop practice-led learning and co-leadership while working with participants.
This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding, risk assessments, mental health and other critical aspects related to player wellbeing such as managing international player needs, life skills, educational needs and transitioning.
By exploring these topics alongside individual players' protected characteristics, students will learn how to create not only safe but inclusive coaching environments.
Compulsory modules
This module will provide students with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis, psychological concepts and practical skills to work as an applied practitioner.
You will learn to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis and psychological skills can be used in a range of sporting scenarios and audiences.
This module will provide students with the skills to analyse a range of academic information, comparing alternative methods and techniques. This will involve them collecting and synthesising this information to inform a subject-specific research question.
Students will have knowledge of well-established research methods and concepts evidenced by the awareness of inconsistencies, gaps and limitations in literature.
Students will examine the key principles of identifying talent including scouting, match reports, developing and maintaining relationships and analysing performance against potential.
Building on this, students will examine the player performance pathways at all phases and how the Premier League’s Elite Coaching Plan combined with Elite Player Performance Plans (EPPP) can support players to develop to their full potential.
Students will also gain knowledge and understanding of how to effectively create and manage a talent identification and development environment at a professional level.
This module aims to explore more specific and advanced elements of football coaching.
Through practical activities, students will analyse the performance of others and adapt their communication to different situations. You will create an extensive provision of football sessions and coaching materials that examines and encourages progression and development of teaching and coaching skills.
Students will also explore and analyse different formations and strategies in the 11 v 11 format.
This module will provide students with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis, psychological concepts and practical skills to work as an applied practitioner.
You will learn to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis and psychological skills can be used in a range of sporting scenarios and audiences.
This module will provide students with the skills to analyse a range of academic information, comparing alternative methods and techniques. This will involve them collecting and synthesising this information to inform a subject-specific research question.
Students will have knowledge of well-established research methods and concepts evidenced by the awareness of inconsistencies, gaps and limitations in literature.
Students will examine the key principles of identifying talent including scouting, match reports, developing and maintaining relationships and analysing performance against potential.
Building on this, students will examine the player performance pathways at all phases and how the Premier League’s Elite Coaching Plan combined with Elite Player Performance Plans (EPPP) can support players to develop to their full potential.
Students will also gain knowledge and understanding of how to effectively create and manage a talent identification and development environment at a professional level.
This module aims to explore more specific and advanced elements of football coaching.
Through practical activities, students will analyse the performance of others and adapt their communication to different situations. You will create an extensive provision of football sessions and coaching materials that examines and encourages progression and development of teaching and coaching skills.
Students will also explore and analyse different formations and strategies in the 11 v 11 format.
Students will gain an advanced understanding of football science theories and concepts, as well as their application in varying football coaching disciplines.
Students can apply and evaluate diagnostic skills in a range of situations relevant to football. They will be confident communicating these effectively to players at all ages including EPPP, youth football and open age, as well as the wider multidisciplinary team.
This module aims to develop understanding of monitoring athlete performance and physical and mental wellbeing. Students will learn how to use nutrition to optimise athlete performance and health.
Students will apply monitoring techniques and study the psychology of injury and burnout, as well as other mental health issues found in athletes.
This module aims to synthesise existing learning from the students' undergraduate programme, providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth.
It fosters academic curiosity; requiring students to use an inquiry-based approach, and develop research skills learned in Level 5 Research Methods.
Students will select a topic relevant to their degree in which they wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study.
Students will engage in reflective practices, evaluating their working methods and embracing a problem-solving approach to practice and workplace challenges.
A mandatory placement module will prompt students to take personal responsibility to pursue short-term (minimum 50 hours) work experiences in relevant Sport and Exercise Science and Sport Rehabilitation environments.
This is overseen by a suitably qualified practitioner, as determined by the module leader.
Optional
This module will develop students’ employability skills through undertaking a sport industry placement.
It will give an appreciation of the organisation, the reality of work and the development of the student's ability and personal growth in a chosen occupation. This will add weight to applications on graduation.
This module will develop students’ employability skills through undertaking a sport industry placement.
It will give an appreciation of the organisation, the reality of work and the development of the student's ability and personal growth in a chosen occupation. This will add weight to applications on graduation.
To find out more about this course, please download the Football Coaching and Performance BSc Specification (PDF).
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Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. You will learn by attending seminars and practical workshops. Seminars and workshops are a great opportunity to discuss what you have learnt in lectures and through independent study with your peers and tutors. Most seminar groups have approximately 20 to 30 students. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of 30 credits.
A typical weekly break down will see you in classes across two to three days for a total of approximately 12 hours. You will be expected to carry out a further 15 to 20 hours of independent study each week.
As this is a joint programme between Middlesex University and Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust, the teaching will be split between the two organisations.
You will study both at StoneX Stadium (Middlesex University) and Cedars Youth and Community Centre (Watford FC CSE Trust).
There is a free shuttle bus to take you from Middlesex University main campus down to StoneX Stadium.
Students will have access to a range of support. This includes the Learning Enhancement Team, Library team, your module tutors, programme leader and academic advisors who can all assist you with your studies in various ways.
Formative assessment will be employed to bridge academic gaps and enhance student achievement. This approach will involve students evaluating themselves, their peers and academics through writing, quizzes, practical exercises and oral discussion.
All formative assessment will be conducted during scheduled sessions and tailored according to the lesson's content learning objectives. It will be assessed by whatever is the most appropriate format based on student needs.
There are no exams on this programme. Summative assessments consist of a range of written coursework, practical assessments, presentations and oral vivas.
Feedback on assessments is usually provided through Turnitin via our online learning platform.
Facilities
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StoneX Stadium
The London Sport Institute has a new centre for high-tech training in the West Stand at StoneX Stadium in partnership with Saracens Rugby Club. London Sport Institute's facilities give you unique access to academy and elite players and coaches.
The space gives you access to advanced technologies to get ahead of the game with spaces including the following.
- Biomechanics room
- Strength and conditioning training space
- Physiology labs
- A specialist performance analysis room
- Rehabilitation treatment rooms
- New cognition labs and clinic.
Your learning experience with London Sport Institute will mirror real-life practice with tech for motion capture, force sensing plates in walls and floors, full body scanning, computer analysis and analysis of blood, urine and cortisol.
Cedars Youth and Community Centre
A £4.2 million purpose-built centre includes a large classroom (flexible space), sports hall, 4G astro-turf pitch, social space, community gym and kitchen facilities which students can use. The centre is also accessible for disabled people.
Students will have their practical Coaching and Talent ID modules delivered here as well as theory modules such as player welfare, safeguarding and EDI.
We also have access to Watford FC’s Vicarage Road stadium where students will do theory sessions in both the player’s lounge and media suite. Students will also have a field trip to Watford FC’s training ground.
Careers
How can the BSc Football Coaching and Performance support your career?
The range of careers open to Football Coaching and Performance graduates is vast. You could find yourself working in a range of exciting settings.
- Community and grassroots football
- Private football coaching
- Professional football clubs or academies
- Football development centres
- High performance sports
- Sport science
- Health and fitness industry
- Personal training and fitness consultancy
- Weight management and health promotion
- Personal fitness training
- Sports or physical activity development
- National governing bodies
- Teaching in schools or higher education institutions
- Careers in sport research.
Jobs – specific roles
- Performance analyst
- Player development coach
- Academy coach
- Grassroots or community coach
- Talent recruitment (ID and scouting)
- Technical coach
- Football club manager
- Sport scientist
- Safeguarding manager
- Player welfare officer
- PE Teacher, college lecturer or school games coach
- Community development officer
Careers – key companies
- Professional football club academies
- Community and non-league football clubs
- Club community organisations
- Other professional sports teams
- University sports departments
- Teaching personnel
- Further and higher education institutions
- National governing bodies
- Master's and PhD studies.
Graduate job roles
Previous graduates have found success as lifestyle coaches, sports managers, sports coaches, physical trainers, sports science technicians and sports development officers.
Further study
This degree is also the ideal basis for specialising at the postgraduate level.
Work placement
Placements and work experience will give you excellent opportunities to gain hands-on and real-life experience.
You'll complete a minimum of 50 hours of placement in the third year of your studies. But we always recommend you do more throughout your time with us and we will support you in doing so.
You'll receive help and support in identifying a suitable placement as well as with applications if required. Guaranteed placement opportunities exist at Watford FC CSE Trust including its player development centre, football education programmes community sessions and camps.
Other placement opportunities are available at local partner clubs and organisations as well as schools, colleges, university sports clubs, local sports development projects, charities and fitness centres.
Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects. Those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.
Entry requirements
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high and we’ll support you all the way.
Qualifications
- 96 UCAS points
- 96 UCAS points including GCSE: Grade 4/C in English and Mathematics
- A level
- CCC including a C or above in a Science subject or PE
- BTEC
- MMM at BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in related field DD at BTEC Level 3 Diploma in related subject
- Access requirements
- Overall pass in a related subject: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
- Combinations
- A combination of A level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 96 UCAS Tariff points including 32 points from a science or PE subject
We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning.
If you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. This includes work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
Our general entry requirements page outlines how we make offers where we have given a range (for example, BBB – BBC in A levels) and how we’ll make you an offer if you are studying a combination of qualifications (for example, BTEC and A level). In both cases, we will base this on information you’ve provided on your application.
DBS checks
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are required for student placements. These checks will be explained and conducted during the first term.
You will need a successful DNS check to participate in placements. Students undertaking placements with Watford FC CSE Trust will be subject to a DBS check.
Foundation year
If you don't meet the entry requirements, why not consider our Foundation Year in Sport course to help you prepare for the full degree? Also, students completing a Foundation Year in Sport and Exercise Science or related subject area will be guaranteed entry to the BSc Football Coaching and Performance.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Academic credit
If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND), or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer courses.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements. Find out more about prior learning accreditation.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview for this course.
Please apply via UCAS using the code C611.
Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.
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See all students you can chat toFees
The fees below are for the 2027/28 academic year.
UK students1
Full-time: £10,050*
Part-time: £83 per taught credit
Changes to tuition fees from the 2027-2028 academic year for UK undergraduate students
UK Government information on tuition fees for UK undergraduate students in the 2027/2028 academic year
If your course starts on or after 1 January 2027 and you're eligible, you may need to apply for funding through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). Applications open in September 2026. This funding will also be available for eligible modules.
The changes below will apply from 1 August 2027. The government intends to lay regulations implementing these changes in early 2026 and will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. Further information can be found at GOV.UK's tuition fee changes webpage.
For the 2027/28 academic year, it is anticipated that the maximum annual tuition fee applicable to UK undergraduate students for approved providers will increase to:
- £10,050 for standard full-time courses
- £12,060 for full-time accelerated courses
- £7,530 for part-time courses.
This means that if you start your studies in September 2026 on a standard full-time course, you will pay an annual tuition fee of £9,790 for your first year which will then rise to £10,050 for your second year of study starting in September 2027.
Subsequent tuition fee rises for UK undergraduate students
Depending on the duration of your study, your tuition fees for subsequent academic years beyond the 2027/28 academic year may therefore be subject to further inflationary increases by the UK government in due course. This means that the fee set out above is likely to be increased again for the 2028/29 academic year.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students directly in writing at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which the rise may apply.
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