Higher National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science (Coaching Science) 2026 www.ucseducation.org
Flexibility, Immersion, Success: Your Higher Education Path to Sports Coaching Excellence
WELCOME
ucseducation.org
Are the habits you have today in line with the dreams you have for tomorrow?
Selecting the next path in a learning journey can be confusing for any student. Our dedicated professional team will help you to make an informed decision that best supports your career aspirations. On behalf of Universal Centre of Sport, I encourage students to find out more about how we can support your career aspirations and look forward to welcoming those who are serious about their future. UCS is an inclusive centre guided by the traditions of industry professionals, that places key emphasis on areas around intellectual curiosity, provision to others and a comprehensive perspective on education. A UCS education grounded in sporting excellence, promotes career preparation and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth in sport and it's associated areas. We are a student-focused learning community that values equality and diversity as well as focusing on the education of the whole person. Here at UCS, we guide the intellectual, ethical and physical development of each of our students. Established in 2014 to serve the growing needs of the sports industry, UCS has become one of the UK's leading providers in Sports Education at Degree and HTQ/HND Level. In 2026/7, we have campuses across the country as far afield as Manchester and Surrey. UCS has an outstanding track-record of developing excellent graduates, delivering the next generation of the workforce to different sectors of the sports industry. OUR GOALS: At UCS, we are all about getting you to the next level. We strive to better our students through educational experiences both in and out of the classroom. UCS aims to create a haven where students feel safe to tackle challenges and accomplish all goals, whether they are personal or professional. We want to help you to become the best versions of yourself, whilst having fun along the way. OUR DELIVERY PARTNER This programme is awarded by Pearson and delivered in partnership with Activate Learning, who are an Approved Higher Education provider regulated by the Office for Students. For further details on Activate Learning visit their website - www.activatelearning.ac.uk. Dominic Anderson Director of Performance, Standards & Curriculum
WHY CHOOSE UCS?
Nothing says more about an organisation than it's values. They are key to everything we want all of our students and staff to be. They are the cornerstone of our success and our continued development. All staff and students are encouraged to display these behaviours and set agreed targets to challenge themselves to be the best they can be.
UCS specialises in Undergraduate degree level programmes in the sports industry. Our industry based stepping-stone provides opportunities to develop coaching, employability and management skills necessary to be successful in your chosen career. UCS have been delivering Higher Education Programmes since 2014 and are proud of our students outstanding successes.
OUR VALUES
COLLABORATION EXCELLENCE WELL-BEING INCLUSIVITY INTEGRITY
THE TUTOR TEAM The tutoring team are made up of highly skilled and qualified lecturers and experts in their field that maintain their connections with industry, including coaching and management of high performance sports teams and professional sports clubs. The lectures are complemented by a range of industry-expert guest speakers, emphasising the vocational relevance of this degree programme. ASSESSMENT All UCS courses provide opportunities to test a student's understanding of the subject informally, before the completion of the formal assessments that count towards the final grade. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or 'formative' assessment, for which students receive feedback from their lecturer. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades received do not count towards the final module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations, essays, reports, portfolios, performances, presentations and a dissertation. Students receive feedback on all formative and summative assessments undertaken through coursework and are encouraged to discuss them with their tutors in order to develop further. TEACHING METHODS UCS offers a flexible blended learning model, combining both in-person and virtual learning. This consists of 80% live, tutor led, online delivery and 20% face to face learning. Each academic year includes in-person teaching weeks, where students engage directly with academic lecturers. Throughout the rest of the year, students participate in live, virtual sessions remotely. Attendance at these sessions is compulsory, UCS will arrange your travel and accommodation, as required. Options available are discussed during the interview process and during induction week. This flexibility enables students to pursue relevant industry opportunities, while continuing their studies. By integrating academic learning with practical experience, UCS provides a balanced approach to education and career development. REGULATION The Higher National Diploma is awarded by Pearson and delivered in partnership wtih Activate Learning, who are an Approved Higher Education provider regulated by the Office for Students.
THE 3 PATHWAYS Students can identify 1 of 3 'pathways' when joining UCS so that their future career is enhanced by gaining specific opportunities and qualifications that are aligned with their chosen career. Education & Training "Embark on a rewarding journey for aspiring educators! This pathway is tailored for students passionate about shaping young minds. Gain invaluable experience within school and college settings while pursuing Level 3 and Level 4 teaching qualifications. Discover the joy of teaching and mentoring while honing your skills in a supportive environment." Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning Pathway "Fuel your passion for physical development and performance with our immersive pathway. Designed for students eager to excel in the fitness industry, this programme offers hands-on experience. Acquire Level 2 Physical Instructor and Level 3 Personal Training certifications while immersing yourself in practical work experience. Shape bodies and lives while you grow your career." Pro Player Development Pathway "Unleash your football talent while pursuing higher education! Our Pro Player Pathway is tailored for exceptional footballers seeking a unique blend of professional sports and academic excellence. Seamlessly combine playing (or coaching) at professional or semi-professional levels globally with pursuing a BSc degree. Elevate your game on and off the field with this exclusive opportunity."
THE UCS WAY
the ucs way
OVERVIEW All students are provided with the programme's resources via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), known as Activate Learning On-line (ALO). This system also facilitates the running of online lessons, seminars and tutorials and is a key tool in the delivery of the HND. Study Support Student progression on the programme is supported by the Programme Coordinator, Unit Leaders and central student services, and includes: An induction programme introducing new students to the subject of study, higher level skills that need to be developed, and the college facilities including the online library, IT, staff and other students. Scheduled 1:1 and group tutorials which provide opportunities for formative feedback. General student and course handbooks available in print and electronic format on ALO. Personal and academic support is integrated in teaching provided by supportive and accessible tutors and identified 1:1 support sessions are also available with HE Study Support Tutors. An online library along with access to campus libraries. Personal development planning sessions integrated into programme. Access to counsellors and mental health support. Access to online study support team. Written assessment feedback (within 15 working days of assessment submission). Access to regularly updated course section on the ALO. Additional support from UCS Support Services include the following: Emotional and Mental Health - If you are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, we have an online counsellor to offer one to one appointments. Career Development and Employability - these skills are embedded into your curriculum, providing initiatives to enhance your employability and social entrepreneurship skills. As an organisation we are an Education Partner of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) which allows for effective signposting on the skills to be developed for the sport and leisure industry. Financial Support - we can provide support with student finance applications for student loans and tuition fees. In addition, for those students with additional learning needs we can support applications for Disability Student Allowance (DSA). Additional Learning Support (ALS) - We can provide support for students who have learning difficulties, disabilities or medical conditions. We are committed to ensuring all possible reasonable adjustments are made in order to accommodate our students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Sport & exercise science (HND)
COSTS For Academic Year 26-27, the following fees apply for UK students: Sport & Exercise Science (Coaching Science) HND £6900 (subject to change) Undergraduate students generally have two types of expenses - tuition fees and living costs. Note: For the in-person teaching weeks there will be no upfront accommodation costs but students are liable for upfront travel costs which will be reimbursed to a maximum of £150. You will be required to allocate yourself a budget for meals during this time. Depending on your own personal budget, we suggest an allocation of up to £150 each week which should be sufficient to cover your own subsistence costs. TUITION FEE LOANS UK students don't need to pay fees in advance. Eligible students can apply for a loan to cover tuition fees. If you are from England, this loan is paid directly to the University on your behalf and does not depend on your household income. You only need to start paying the loan back once you earn more than £27,295 per year. LIVING COST LOANS If you are a full-time student from England, you can also apply for a maintenance loan to support you whilst you study. The amount available depends on: Your family income Where you are living whilst studying Your entitlement to benefits. The loan is paid into your bank account in three installments at the start of each term. SELF FUNDED STUDENTS If you are not eligible for a tuition fee loan, chances are we will be able to accept payment by installment. This is ideal for students who may be doing a second degree, a self-funded course, or may be sponsored by their employer. Please contact an advisor for more information. If you are from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and want to study at a UCS Campus in England, you need to contact your own government to discuss what support is available for tuition and living costs. Channel Islands and Isle of Man students are not eligible for funding from UK government.
FEES & FUNDING
Sport & exercise science (HND) MODULES
UCS has an unrivalled network of local clubs and organisations ready and able to provide you with valuable experience. Please note the modules shown on the next pages, relate to Academic Year 2025/26.
Unit 14: Research Project Unit 15: Advanced Coaching Unit 16: Performance Analysis Unit 17: Talent identification and Development Unit 26: Exercise Physiology Unit 32: Psychology for Performance Unit 34: Innovation in Coaching
APPLYING YOUR SKILLS To develop your applied skills, work experience is integrated into the degree programme modules in each year that you study with UCS, so you have the opportunities to apply ideas from the course and build the skills that employers look for.
The Higher National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching Science) allows you to develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers in the sporting sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualification aims to widen your access to higher education and enhance your career prospects. The HND provides the opportunity to enter or progress in employment in Sport & Exercise Science, or progress to higher education qualifications such as an Honours degree in Sport or a related area. It also provides progression to further professional qualifications in specific Sport & Exercise Science areas by mapping to units in a range of professional Sport & Exercise Science qualifications.
Any institution is only as good as it's people. At UCS we are very proud of our alumni and their successes Here we showcase some recent stories:
At UCS, our ethos of embedding your learning in the heart of professional industry allows you to develop these skills and put together a set of skills to help you be successful in your chosen career. Through specific, targeted work experience, we focus on the 3 key employability skills and graduate attributes: The Growth Mindset is key to us at UCS. We believe that all of our staff and students should be open to new ideas and experiences, striving to be better in everything we do. We want students to use the unique opportunities afforded by working and learning in a professional industry environment to develop a growth mindset. To be open to new experiences and accept honest, constructive feedback to grow into successful coaches, managers and leaders. Interpersonal Skills are skills required to work well with other people, helping you to work effectively as a member of a team, meet client and customer expectations and solve problems. The UCS work experience opportunities allow you to develop a range of interpersonal skills, such as, communication skills, team-working, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, problem solving and decision making. Be Reliable and Dependable. This is all about developing personal skills and traits, such as being organised, managing time effectively, being trustworthy, working hard, taking responsibility, asking for help when needed, and using your initiative.
KEY FACTS Level: Undergraduate Duration: Full Time: 3 Years Starting: September 2025 Fees UK 25/26: £8500
Ondrej Prielozny - Coach Ondrej is currently employed full time by Oxford City Football Club as a coach. He coaches across the male age groups and within the women's academy too.
Cavan Burns - Footballer & Coach Cavan combined both his high level football ability and his coaching expertise to gain valuable work experience with Dubai City Football Club. He is now a full time coach working for Celtic FC which has allowed him the opportunity to travel to Australia on tour.
EMPLOYABILITY
alumni
Habtamu Ayele - Teacher Habs currently works for VLUK as a teacher at The Football College, as he gained his PGCE after graduation. He is also a coach for Bolton Wanderers FC. He completed his UEFA B and is now working towards his UEFA A.
Sam Spencer - PGCE Student After completing his BSc degree with UCS, Sam has started a PGCE course in Education at Brunel University with ambition to become a teacher.
Adam Timson - Football Coach Whilst studying for his degree with us, Adam joined Leicester City FC Women as a volunteer coach. During this time, Adam moved into a part time position with the club.
Ethan Thomas - PE Intern Currently working as a PE intern in Halifax, Ethan is looking to complete a teaching qualification. He is also working towards his RFU refereeing qualification and Level 2 coaching.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
*All information in this brochure is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to updates or revisions.
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For more information: www.ucseducation.org info@ucseducation.org (44) 01865 965317
Pearson does not set formal entry requirements for our qualifications. But as a Centre, you are responsible for making sure that the students you recruit have a reasonable chance of success on the programme. Students who have recently been in education are likely to need: ● a Level 4 qualification in Sport - HNC or similar ● a GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Maths and English ● other related Level 3 qualifications ● an Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution ● relevant work experience, or ● an international equivalent to the above qualifications. Our Recognition of Prior Learning policy means that students’ previous learning and experience can be taken into account and they may be awarded certain qualifications or units of a qualification based on that learning or experience. Please see section 9 for more information. English language requirements Pearson's mission is to help people make more of their lives through learning. To assist centres to recruit students who have the skills to benefit from undertaking a Higher National programme of study, we are providing the following clarification regarding the English language admission requirements when offering places to applicants. All centres delivering Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in English must ensure that each applicant can demonstrate their capability to learn and be assessed at the relevant level in English. Students applying for a Pearson BTEC Higher National qualification that is taught and assessed completely in English will need a certain level of English language skills. Before accepting students onto a programme, you must make sure that those who are non- native English speakers and who have not carried out their final two years of schooling in English can demonstrate ability at a standard equivalent to: ● Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 ● PTE Academic 51, or ● IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5). Students who have completed a Pearson BTEC Higher National qualification delivered partly or completely in another language but assessed in English will need to demonstrate ability in English to the standard above but at the end of the programme. It is up to you to decide what proof of ability students will need to provide. GET IN TOUCH For questions about study or admissions, please contact us: Email: info@UCSeducation.org, Tel: 01753 362248 or SCAN QR CODE.