Sports Coaching Analysis (Top Up)
Full-time
One year
September 2025
In a nutshell
If you hold a sports science or coaching-related foundation degree, or equivalent qualification, this top-up programme allows you to obtain a BSc (Hons) degree in one year. You’ll explore the science of performance analysis in the context of a truly multidisciplinary scientific context. This includes studying psychology, strength and conditioning and applied research. You’ll also benefit from completing a placement in areas as diverse as performance analysis, sports coaching, health and fitness, teaching or sports science support.
You will:
- Have opportunities to work with professional/ amateur sports teams and athletes.
- Benefit from small class sizes meaning you are able to get hands-on with our laboratory equipment and facilities.
- Gain experience through work/industrial placement.
options available
students accepted
This is for you if...
You hold a sports science or coaching-related foundation degree, or equivalent qualification and want to 'top-up' to a BSc (Hons).
You want to learn in a hands on, practical way.
You want to get a real view of the sports industry.
All about the course
Our programme is designed to provide you with the skills, experiences and networks that will place you at the forefront of performance analysis practice. The programme is rooted in a real-world setting and links theory to practice from the outset.
At the University of Salford, our goal is to develop independent, resourceful, problem-solving scientists who have developed transferable skills that can be applied across many career pathways.
Dissertation
Allows you to conduct an in-depth, evidence-based study on a topic of your choice (quantitative, qualitative or review) and analyse, synthesise and evaluate the outcomes of the study.
Placement
This module provides you with a vocational opportunity aimed at developing personal transferable skills and work specific skills, thus enhancing future employability. By gaining experience of sport and exercise science in a real-world setting you will be challenged to link theory with practice. The module will also provide you with the opportunity to reflect upon evidence-based practice within a vocational setting.
Advanced Strength and Conditioning
This module will provide you with an extended understanding of the principles governing the training of elite athletes focusing on the application of the latest research to a real-world environment.
Advanced Performance Analysis
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and expertise to actively practice the discipline of Performance Analysis within an elite setting. You will utilise industry standard equipment to assess, monitor, review and improve performance in athletes/teams. You will use multiple methods to increase performance productivity in your clients.
Advanced Topics in Sports Psychology
Explores advanced psychological topics that are considered as current or emerging themes within a sport. This module focuses on critical thinking in relation to psychological themes, theories, research, and interventions. You will critically appraise the current state of sports psychology to suggest applied and theoretical implications and avenues for future research that would advance the discipline of sports psychology.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Health and Society
In the School of Health and Society, we are focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients, service users and athletes and our commitment to public involvement help us retain our strong focus on real-world issues.
Human Performance Laboratory
Our world-class Human Performance Laboratory is one of the best equipped in the country and contains almost every type of physiological, performance analysis and biomechanical testing equipment, including a 30-metre sprint track with inbuilt force platforms, motion capture systems, blood and gas analysis equipment and speed guns.
We also have a separate physiological testing laboratory and a fully equipped strength and conditioning suite, which includes an isokinetic dynamometer and portable force platforms.
Strength and Conditioning Suite
The Strength and Conditioning Suite boasts the following equipment:
- 10 dedicated PowerLift lifting platforms for both students and athletes alike to learn advanced training techniques.
- Biodex isokinetic dynamometer to assess muscle function/ asymmetries.
- FT700 Power Cage with integrated force platform and linear position transducer to assess force and power output during a variety of athletic performances, plus a portable isometric mid-thigh pull station.
Exercise and Physiology Laboratory
We also have extensive equipment in our Exercise and Physiology Laboratory including:
- Portable and static online gas analysis systems for breath-by-breath cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including VO2 max tests.
- A Lode Cycle Ergometer to provide isokinetic testing conditions within cycling.
- An Analox G37 Multi-Assay Blood Analyser to study blood lactate concentration. We also have a range of field-based Lactate Pro analysers, which have been used to test professional athletes as part of our partnerships.
The University is also home to three gait labs, which, together with the human performance lab, are used to conduct ground-breaking research by the Centre for Health Sciences Research that underpins your learning.
What about after uni?
The sports science/performance analysis market is currently one of the key growth areas in the UK. This programme will afford students the chance to become match analysts, scouting and recruitment analysts, Talent Identification Specialists or Technique Analysts.
Previous graduates of this programme have gone on to work for Manchester United Football Club, Manchester City Football Club, Salford Red Devils Rugby League Football Club, Quintic Consultancy, Fitness First, and the NHS. Some students go on to further study or research, while others use their degree as a stepping stone to a career in teaching or higher education.
Graduate roles include Health Professionals, Teaching Professionals, Sports Science Support and Sports Coaches.
Career Links
We also have strong working links with top sports clubs in the north west such as Sale Sharks, Salford Red Devils and Manchester Storm. The performance analysis strand has also allowed us to develop strong links with elite sporting clubs outside the north-west with opportunities to provide remote support for clubs up and down the country.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This course is suitable for holders of a relevant foundation degree or HND who wish to elevate their academic studies to the level of a full undergraduate degree.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.
GCSE
GCSE Maths and English C/4 or above.
Foundation Degree
To have completed a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching, validated by the University of Salford. A Pass in the Foundation Degree is required. Applications are also welcome from individuals who have passed a relevant foundation degree (sports coaching science, sports science). The foundation degree must have contained a study of sports psychology, research methods, performance analysis and strength and conditioning.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES) if you are an eligible candidate.
The University offers two routes for entry under the scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. As this course is part of the School of Health Sciences you will only be considered under Entry Route 1.
For more information, please visit our alternative entries page.
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545
Enrolment dates
UCAS information
Course ID C603
Institution S03