Sport Coaching and Physical Education

• Study on a leading Sports Science course – ranked second in the UK and 17th in the World (Shanghai Rankings 2023).
• Learn from supportive staff who are applied teaching and coaching practitioners, informed by evidence-based theory.
• Develop critical, theoretical and practical skills in our specialist labs.
• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
• Learn with experts - 100% of our Sport Science research is recognised as internationally significant (REF 2021).
• Study on an industry-approved course – endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity and members of the International Council for Coaching Excellence.
• We’re delighted to be Cambridge United Football Club’s Official Education Partner which supports opportunities such as work experience at the club or volunteering with the Cambridge United Foundation.

Do you dream of being the great coach behind a great athlete? Or to inspire children through engagement with sport and physical activity? Or maybe you would like to have your say in the policing of sport and in the development of athletes? Work towards all these and even more careers at our Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences.

As a Sport Coaching and Physical Education student at ARU, you'll have access to amazing opportunities: you can use specialist labs accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), gain safeguarding and coaching qualifications, and get first-hand experience working with schools and sports clubs.

We know that you want to learn from professionals, so our staff members include elite athletes and coaches who will be teaching you not just based on their academic knowledge, but also from their hands-on experience. As a graduate of our industry-endorsed degree, you'll be ready to work in the UK’s rapidly growing sport and fitness industry or to continue your learning journey to postgraduate study. Find out more about our approved and accredited courses.

Sport coaches and physical education professionals work in a wide range of careers.

As a graduate, you can consider teaching roles in schools and colleges, coaching at community or performance level, and performance (notation) analysis for sport teams or athletes. There is the opportunity to move towards the area of sport development where there are a broad range of themes to focus on (e.g. mental health, physical activity, and minority groups). Through studying with us you can also shape your learning experiences by taking opportunities in the wider health, fitness and leisure industry. Some of our graduates have gone on to work as:

• Physical Education Teacher (Primary/Secondary)
• Youth/Adult Sports Coach
• Community Sports Coach
• Sports Development Officer
• Strength and Conditioning Coach/Personal Trainer
• Coaching Business Owner
• College/University Lecturer
• Performance Analyst

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study a postgraduate degree such as MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology or MPhil, PhD Sport and Exercise Sciences. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Our Sport Coaching and Physical Education course indicates that 100% of graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024) and ARU is ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study. Plus 5th in the country for graduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We are also in the top 10% in the country for graduates who agree they are using what they learnt during their studies.

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships in local schools and sports clubs or volunteering. It’s a great chance to make professional connections. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.