BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and Psychology of Sport
Business & Data Analytics BSc (Hon)
What is Sports Coaching and Psychology of Sport?
Develop the knowledge, confidence and practical expertise to help people perform, participate and thrive in sport. This BA (Hons) combines sports coaching with the psychology of sport, giving you a strong foundation in athlete development, motivation, behaviour change, wellbeing, leadership and performance enhancement.
You will explore how coaching practice, learning and psychological skills shape experiences across sport and physical activity settings. Through practical coaching, applied sport psychology strategies, research, industry-informed projects and the option of a credit-bearing internship, you will learn to turn evidence into effective, inclusive and ethical practice.
The programme’s Applied Liberal Arts curriculum broadens your perspective through subjects such as global sport, research methods, leadership and data literacy. You can also tailor your learning through options including talent development, positive psychology, sport management, marketing and performance analytics.
You’ll be prepared for careers in coaching, athlete support, sport development, community sport, health and wellbeing, and the wider physical activity sector, as well as postgraduate study in sport psychology and related fields.
What skills can I learn on the programme?
The Sports Coaching and Psychology of Sport degree programme at Richmond American University London equips students with a range of industry-relevant and professional skills, including:
- Coaching and athlete development for performance
- Applied Sport Psychology for supporting athlete wellbeing
- Digital and Enterprise Skills for business operations
- Communication and leadership skills for managing teams
- Research and Data Literacy skills for researching best practice and new methods in the field
What are the top reasons to study this subject?
- High chances of employability to roles requiring technical skills
- This is a practical and theoretical programme, so you’ll learn a wide range of knowledge and skills required for your career
Throughout the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct your own senior research project, guided by our expert faculty, allowing you to dive deep into an area of your choosing. Graduates of this programme are in high demand across diverse industries, with career paths ranging from programming and software engineering to user interface design, data analysis, and IT roles in both the private and public sectors. Additionally, this degree serves as a strong foundation for further study at the Master’s level in various computing disciplines.
Get Work Ready
Combine two high-impact fields on one degree to develop athletes physically, mentally and vocationally
FA Coaching Certificate
Earn the FA Introduction to Coaching Football Certificate (included in tuition) part of the Level 4 course Introduction to Coaching in Sport course.
High-profile Partnerships
Benefit from exclusive partnerships, including Huddersfield Town Football Club where RIASA is the official UK & US Education Partner.
Programme information
Use the tabs below to learn more about this programme.
Programme Structure
What will I study on this programme?
This Sports Coaching and Psychology of Sport degree equips you with knowledge and skills needed for a career in this field, including:
- Coaching practice: coaching foundations, pedagogy, skill acquisition, athlete development, team management, talent identification and inclusive, safe coaching
- Sport Psychology: motivation, engagement, behaviour change, confidence, psychological safety, group dynamics, leadership and mental-skills development
- Sport in Psychology: global sport and social dynamics, international sports governance, sport business, event planning and promotion
- Health and wellbeing: exercise, nutrition and lifestyle management, plus ethical, safeguarding, equity, diversity and inclusion considerations throughout the degree.
For students starting September 2027-28 academic year, view full programme information.
Year 1 (LEVEL 3)
Core courses
LANG 3100 Fundamentals of English for Academic Writing and Oracy
This course is designed to enable students to communicate effectively at university level. Students will be provided with input from a range of texts and audio from cross-cultural materials and practice fundamental research and writing and oracy skills. Students will become more familiar with the academic environment and its conventions through spoken and written production. With exposure to a range of academic texts, talks and digital skills, students will appreciate the role of academic integrity. The course gives students the opportunity to think, listen, talk and write with confidence and clarity, which will help them succeed in other courses.
LIBA 3101 Tools for Change
In this course, students will be introduced to a range of foundational skills to aid in their progression and success at the University and allow them to begin the process of becoming collaborative and independent learners. These skills will be introduced through investigations of social and/or environmental issues in the local area, using group work and report writing. Students will be introduced to, and use, a range of digital platforms as aids to effective communication through professional academic oral presentations and written reports using secondary sources. In addition, students will be presented with reflective writing tools through a personal development portfolio that can aid in self-improvement, particularly in an academic setting.
LIBA 3102 Fundamentals of Research and Writing
This course concentrates on developing the students’ ability to read and think critically, and to read, understand and analyse texts from a range of genres. How do you successfully negotiate a path through a sea of information and then write it up? Using essential information literacy skills to help with guided research, this course develops the ability to produce effective and appropriate academic writing across the curriculum.
MATH 3102 Fundamentals of Mathematics and Statistics
This course is designed to be a foundation in mathematics and statistics that will provide students with the necessary knowledge for courses in probability and statistics, mathematics, and data analysis. The course will cover content from solving linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic equations, co-ordinate geometry analysis, function analysis, sequences and series to applied topics such as measures of central tendencies and measures of spread of data calculations with outliers, representations of data, probability calculations and discrete random variables.
BUSM 3101 Fundamentals of Business
This module introduces students to the exciting world of business. It explores what businesses are, why they exist, and how they work. Students learn about different types of businesses, from small local shops to huge global companies. The course also looks at the people involved in businesses, what they do, and the challenges they face. This module students gives students a solid foundation for further study in business and management
SPRT 3101 Fundamentals of Sport Studies
Foundations of Sport Studies provides students with a comprehensive foundation to the multifaceted world of sport and provides a critical grounding in sport studies – with a specific focus on sport’s cultural, social, governance and business-related aspects.
Year 2 (LEVEL 4)
Core courses
PSYC 4301 Introduction to Sports Psychology
This course enables students to understand the relevance of psychological issues in sport and sports coaching. The influence of the social context on sports participation and performance is emphasised as fundamental in the study of sport and sport psychology. The development of the discipline and current thinking concerning sporting performance and the sports performer is studied and related to students’ personal experiences. The theoretical underpinnings of sport engagement and optimal performance are also explored using case studies, projects, and group interactions. The course examines practical implications and applications of sport psychology via personal experience and use of examples in the media where appropriate to demonstrate theory into practice. An overarching theme of the course is a focus on the use of psychological strategies and interventions to optimize sport experiences, health, well-being and performance of athletes.
COAC 4101 Introduction to Coaching in Sport
SPRT 4102 Introduction to Sport Business
This course explores the diverse and expanding practice of sport business in an international context. It provides a comprehensive foundation of the economic, organisational and legal components of the sports industry. Students will explore facets of sport business within areas such as sport event management, sports law, and sports marketing. Contemporary issues related to sport business such as the media, sports analytics, corporate social responsibility, and retailing are also examined.
LIBA 4301 Academic Research and Writing
This course is designed to develop students’ critical research and writing skills to be effective in the academic and professional world. It focuses on principles of good scholarship and academic practice that will be required throughout university study and in a future professional work environment. These skills are enhanced throughout the course. Upon completion of this course, successful students will become confident in using available resources to produce well-researched writing that demonstrates critical engagement with a self-selected research topic.
SPRT 4101 Global Sport and Social Dynamics
This course introduces students to the critical examination of how sports reflect and shape broader cultural, social, and political dynamics across the globe. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will explore key cultural and ideological issues in sport, focusing on how race, gender, class, and disability are both reinforced and contested within sporting contexts. Drawing on foundational social theories, students will analyse the role of sport as a platform for both maintaining and challenging social hierarchies and inequalities. The course takes an international perspective, offering students insights into how sport is not only a reflection of societal values but also a powerful political tool used to drive social change and influence public opinion. Students will examine historical and contemporary examples of sport being used to address issues such as racial injustice, gender equity, class disparities, and the inclusion of athletes with disabilities to develop a deeper understanding of how sport intersects with issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) and the global implications of these interactions.
PSYC 4101 Introduction to Psychology
This course introduces students to the major areas within the psychology discipline, through current empirical research and theoretical debate. Students discover how psychological research is conducted and how research findings can be applied to understanding human behaviour. Topics include scientific methodology in psychology, and key contemporary areas of research, such as biopsychology, brain functioning; sensation and perception; evolutionary theory, development, personality, memory, consciousness, stress, psychological disorders, language, learning and social psychology.
SPRT 4301 Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Management
The module explores the behavioural aspects of diet and important food hygiene issues. Key topics examined are nutritional interventions before and during performance, recovery strategies, the nutritional needs of special populations, and topical health issues which can be addressed through physical activity and/or dietary manipulation. Students will also investigate the application of these issues in professional practice and examine the translation of knowledge about nutrition and sport, exercise and physical activity into practical guidance for individuals and groups.
Choose one Data/Numeracy course from the following:
MATH 4101 Probability and Statistics
This course in probability and statistics includes theoretical and applied approaches which are primarily designed for business, data science, social science and psychology majors. The course coverage will include: descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, random variables and expectations, discrete probability distributions (Binomial and Poisson distributions), continuous probability distribution (Normal distribution), sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing about the mean and proportions of up to two populations, Chi-square tests, One-way ANOVA and F Distribution, linear, multiple and non-linear regression and non-parametric methods. SPSS lab sessions will be included targeting applications of statistical concepts to business, data science, social science and psychology. All practical work will be produced using SPSS statistical software.
DATA 4301 Data Literacy
This course Introduces the concept of data analytic cycles and their role in data analysis. Users will learn why data is important and explore how data is quantified to understand trends and patterns of data structure. They will understand types of data and include relevant statistical metrics and parameters used to describe data patterns and help to explain societal patterns and measure behaviour. Students will use primary tools for analysing exploring data analysis, learn about and the statistical processes underpinning this analysis, this will encourage wide-ranging debates about the ethical, sustainability and social implications of data analysis.
Year 3 (LEVEL 5)
Core courses
SPSY 5101 Motivation, Engagement and Behaviour Change in Sport
COAC 5101 Coaching in Sport: Pedagogy and Applications
SPRT 5101 International Sports Governance
This course examines the governance of international sport with a focus on regulatory functions and organisational structures. Students will evaluate the role of national and international sports governing bodies and analyse ways in which good governance frameworks are embedded in corporate and non-profit sports organisations. The course also explores the role of stakeholding in sports governance and practices of social responsibility within various international sports settings. Students have the opportunity to critically reflect on the strategic organisation of sport in different countries and engage with a variety of contemporary issues and challenges facing international sports organisations.
SPRT 5102 Sports Event Planning and Promotion
This course introduces students to the principles, concepts, and steps involved in planning and executing successful sports events. Students will explore the cultural significance of sports events, studying how they shape and reflect societal values, traditions, and identities. Students will examine diverse and complex sports event management contexts, applying a wide range of techniques and information sources to plan and execute successful sports events. The course covers wide-ranging areas of knowledge, including the latest theories, ideas, and concepts in sports event management, and their application in real-world scenarios. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, applying relevant principles and techniques to address complex challenges in sports event management. They will also engage in creative processes to design innovative sports event solutions. The course emphasizes practical skills, including the organization and communication of information, teamwork, and the design and development of sports event projects. Students will develop an awareness of ethical and professional values, taking responsibility for their decisions and actions in the context of sports event management. The course explores current industry standards and emerging trends in sports event management, including sustainability practices, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements. Students will examine various types of sports events, including professional tournaments, community sports festivals, charity runs, and school sports days, and learn to address their unique needs and challenges.
SPRT 5301 Research Methods for Sports Studies
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of research methods in international sports management. Students will engage with a range of research philosophies and learn how to conduct critical literature reviews. The course emphasizes the application of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. By participating in practical exercises and collaborative projects, students will develop the skills necessary to design and conduct research studies, effectively communicate their findings, and critically reflect on ethical considerations in the research process. This course prepares students for their Senior Projects by equipping them with the knowledge and applied skills required to conduct independent research in the field of international sports management.
LIBA 5302 Service Learning: Leadership in a Globalised World
This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service learning to global challenges and how to be a leader that creates positive change. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues. Students will learn how to lead and work with diverse teams to make a positive impact. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.
Choose two Level 5 electives from the following:
DATA 5101 Data Analytics: Performance
This course introduces students to the principles and methods of data analysis within a variety of different sport contexts. Students will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data relevant to various aspects of sports, such as performance analysis and athlete evaluation. In addition, students will learn how to use statistical software (including Excel, SPSS, Python and R), effectively apply software to deploy a variety of descriptive, inferential statistical and other analytical techniques, and extract meaningful insights from sports data. These analytical tools will be used throughout the course to evaluate datasets from both individual and team performance sport settings. By learning data preparation, analysis, and visualization skills, students will also develop an understanding of how sport data analytics is applied within a variety of sports industry settings.
ACCT 5102 Financial Decision Making
The course introduces the role and purpose of financial management within a business organisation. The Financial Decision Making course highlights the importance of the three fundamental financial management decisions: financing, dividend policy and investment. It explores the economic environment within which these financial management decisions are made. The course covers working capital management and the appraisal of long-term investments in detail. The course examines the various funding options for business organisations. Funding decisions include internal and external funding sources. The course considers the cost of capital and the type of capital selected for a business organisation. The principles underlying the valuation of a business and financial assets are also covered. The course then examines risk and the main techniques employed in managing such risk.
HIST 5104 Football: Development, Diversity, and Culture
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of football’s transformation from its global origins through mid-19th century Britain to its current status as a global sporting phenomenon. Students will critically examine how developmental shifts from amateurism to professionalism influenced football’s role in shaping identities, communities, and social norms across different cultures. By situating football’s development within broader historical contexts, including social history, material culture and memory studies, students will analyze its influence on cultural, political, and social structures. Additionally, the course will evaluate the sport’s contemporary global reach, focusing on its intersections with media, globalisation, postcolonial legacies to examine the socio-economic forces that have shaped its modern form. The course emphasizes diversity and inclusion by examining football's role in addressing issues of race, gender, and class.
SPRT 5103 Sports Management
This course explores the diverse and expanding practice of sport management in an international context. Alongside the underpinning theoretical concepts, students will explore international sport management theory and practice within functional areas such as leadership, human resource management, organization, and planning as well as from historical, cultural, political, and business perspectives. Contemporary issues related to the management of international sports, such as corporate social responsibility, strategic management, and the media are also examined.
SPRT 5104 Sports Marketing
The course introduces students to the core philosophy and process of sport marketing. It examines the essential practices of effective sports marketing including marketing strategy, product development, segmentation, targeting, pricing, and consumer behavior. Learning activities include in-depth analysis of case studies, sport markets and consumers, market research and sports market segmentation, and sport marketing plans.
Year 4 (LEVEL 6)
Core courses
SPRT 6104 Coaching and Team Management in Sports
This module explores the science and practice of coaching. The coach and coaching are at the core of sport and sporting experience. In this course the foci are the coach as a person and coaching practice as a complex social encounter. In the course students will examine practical, vocational and scientific principles that underpin the sports coaching process. This course is practice-oriented and will provide students with skills, knowledge and scientific background needed to prepare athletes and sports people technically, tactically, physically and mentally. This module helps to bridge the gap between coaching theory and from coaching practice enabling students to develop and extend their coaching expertise.
SPSY 6101 Psychological Safety and Performance in Sport
SPRT 6103 Team and Leadership Dynamics in Sport
This advanced leadership course is tailored to the sporting context, focusing on developing in-depth critical, analytical, and practical leadership skills. Through case studies, projects, and group interactions, students will engage with complex theories and practices related to group dynamics, small group behaviour, motivation, power structures, and communication, specifically within sports teams. Emphasis is placed on the sociological and psychological dimensions of team leadership, encouraging students to autonomously analyse, synthesize, and solve sophisticated team-related challenges through simulations, real-world sports scenarios, and reflective practice. Students will take responsibility for leading projects, critically evaluating team management approaches, and developing specialist strategies to enhance team performance in complex, dynamic sporting environments.
SPSY 6110 Senior Project
Plus either:
SPSY 6401 Coaching and Psychology of Sport Internship
Or both of the following Major Options:
SPRT 6105 Talent Identification in Sport
This course explores key factors and issues in contemporary sport, including genetics, secondary factors such as birth date, cultural context, and population size, perceptual motor skill acquisition and expertise, and sports development policy. Through in-depth case studies, including European soccer, East African running, and US professional sports, students will critically evaluate these factors and their practical implications. The course emphasizes practical skills, ethical considerations, and an interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for professional roles in sports coaching, development, and talent management.
SPSY 6103 Applied Positive Psychology in Sport and Life
And one elective course from the following:
DATA 6101 Data Analytics: Industries
This course is a continuation of Data Analytics: Performance and introduces students to advanced methods of data analysis situated within a wide range of sports contexts. Building on the key skill developed in the previous course, students will learn how to apply data analytics to multi-varied datasets and interpret data relevant to different sports industry settings – these include various aspects of talent identification and scouting, fan engagement, and sports marketing and management strategies. By learning advanced analysis tools and techniques of different statistical software to extract meaningful insights from sports data, students will also develop an understanding of how analytics informs data-driven decision-making processes with a variety of sports industries.
SPRT 6101 Branding and Sponsorship
This course explores the strategic role of branding and sponsorship in modern sports business. Emphasizing digital innovations, fan engagement, and corporate social responsibility, students analyse case studies of major sponsorship deals and branding campaigns. The course addresses contemporary challenges in global sports marketing, focusing on building brand equity, maximizing sponsorship value, and navigating ethical considerations.
SPRT 6102 Sports Finance
This course examines the importance of finance within professional sports. It grounds students in the ‘real world’ of financial management in sport, illustrating how to apply financial concepts and appreciate the importance of finance in sound sport management and operations.
Teaching and Assessment
Entry Requirements
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
Are scholarships available for this programme?
Yes. Browse all scholarships.
When you apply for a degree programme at Richmond, we also review your application to see if you are eligible for any of our scholarships. Except for the Cyril Taylor Bursaries, you will not need to complete a separate application form.
Student Experience
Can I study abroad on this programme?
Yes. All undergraduate students have the option to study abroad for a semester or academic year with one of our academic partners, earning academic credit.
What can you get from studying abroad?
- Learning and experiencing new cultures
- Making friends and professional connections
Studying abroad through Richmond American University London’s partner institutions offers students an enriching educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, enhancing your global awareness and cross-cultural communication skills. Additionally, studying abroad can bolster your CV, showcasing your adaptability and international perspectives to potential employers. Overall, the study abroad programme fosters personal growth, independence, and a deeper understanding of the global community.
The tuition fees and credits are part of the Richmond degree, therefore no tuition is paid to the host institution. Students must ensure a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) to succeed.
Richmond has partnerships all over the world, to learn more, visit our Overseas Study Partners webpage.
Careers and Graduate skills
How does the Sports Coaching and Psychology of Sport programme at Richmond help my career?
The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.
Why is Liberal Arts important for professional development?
- You’re not limited to one subject. You can take courses across areas such as business, humanities, sciences, media, technology, and data. Connect the dots between disciplines and ideas, and deepen your perspectives.
- Develop transferable career skills. Our programmes expect critical thinking, clear written and oral communication, research, problem-solving, teamwork, information literacy, ethical decision-making, and adaptability as core outcomes.
- Prepare for a changing job market. Employers increasingly value graduates who can communicate, solve unfamiliar problems, work across disciplines, and continue learning; Liberal arts graduates can adapt and move easily across sectors.
- Grow personally and socially. The approach is designed to build confidence, self-understanding, empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of social responsibility—not just employability.
- Gain actual experience. Richmond embeds service learning into your programme, and encourages internships, community work, and study abroad, giving students practical experience and professional networks while you study.
What careers have Richmond graduates gone on to, and can apply to
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This programme also provides a pathway into Masters level study in a variety of computing disciplines.
Can I do an internship on this programme?
Yes. We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.
Through internships you can gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.
If you’re a degree students and thinking about completing an academic internship (Summer 2026 onwards), it is required that you complete a minimum of 70 UK academic credits, and your cumulative GPA is 3.00 or higher.
UK and US dual accreditation
What are the benefits of having UK and US accreditation?
A UK and US accredited (dual‑accredited) degree gives you formal recognition in both systems, which translates into wider mobility, stronger employer confidence, and more options for further study.
Along with our location in stylish Chiswick, internships and study abroad experiences for credit, and diverse cultural communities, Richmond is a great choice for both adventurous and ambitious students.
Global recognition and portability: Your qualification is recognised and accredited by both UK (e.g., QAA/degree‑awarding powers) and US (e.g., regional accreditor such as MSCHE) bodies, so it is accepted by employers and universities on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.
Broader career mobility and study flexibility: Dual accreditation simplifies the process when applying for work and study in the UK, US, Europe, and other countries that recognise either system, and can simplify credential checks for HR and immigration processes.
Employer confidence: Earning a degree that has two separate academic accreditations shows rigour across two different academic traditions—UK specialisation and US breadth/liberal arts—which shows critical skills in adaptability, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Transfer and study‑abroad options: Credits and coursework are more easily mapped between institutions, supporting exchanges, transfers, or combined study routes that leverage both systems.
Study Sports Coaching and Psychology of Sport at Richmond
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Information Publishing and Regulation
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course.
- Read the detailed programme specification document for this programme
- Read the regulations that govern this programme
