The Bachelor of Sport Coaching (BSpC) is the only specialist sport coaching degree in Aotearoa. With options for flexible learning and internships, this qualification can cater for a wide variety of students.
UC students gain key skills employers are looking for, not just in sport and related fields, but in everything from communications to corporate management. BSpC students learn skills such as leadership, accountability, communication, teamwork, motivation, and psychology.
This degree also provides a recognised pathway for entry to teaching qualifications, in particular physical education and health teaching at secondary level. There is the ability to include additional teaching subjects (eg, maths or science) through the optional course spaces in the degree.
How do I plan my degree?
Typical degree structure for Bachelor of Sport Coaching
(1) You must ensure that you complete the required courses for one major.
(2) At least 90 points must be at 300-level.
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points (or more).
For full course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Sport Coaching.
The BSpC requires courses to a total of 360 points, with 135 points of compulsory courses (including a final year internship course). A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years.
For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora Student Advisor (advancing students).
Majors and minors
Students have the option of completing either:
- a major
- a major and a minor
- two majors (a double major)
Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum 120 points, with at least 45 points at 200-level and at least 60 points at 300-level.
Sport Coaching students may also choose to complete a minor subject in their degree. A minor consists of a minimum of 75 points, including at least 45 points above 100-level, in a single subject chosen from the Bachelor of Sport Coaching, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, or in Youth and Community Leadership.
Distance study option
Most BSpC courses are available to study on campus or as a distance online learning option.
Distance study supports STAR students, students from other UC degree programmes, as well as people who are employed or lead busy lives.
If you are enrolled in an online distance course you will be supported through online resources, discussion forums, recorded lectures, powerpoints, video tutorials, and other electronic media.
Students can also study part-time for up to 6 years.
Certificate Option
For those who wish to gain an entry-level qualification in Sport Coaching, there is a certificate option. The Certificate in Sport Coaching is available part-time or over one semester. It can lead onto the full bachelor’s degree.
Those already with an undergraduate degree or relevant post-secondary school study and work experience may consider the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching; an online, flexible learning qualification that enables students to develop their professional coaching skills.
Double degrees
It is possible to combine a Bachelor of Sport Coaching degree with other degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.