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Course overview
-
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Part-Time -
2 Years -
14 Oct 2026
Supporting your professional development
This diploma will support the professional development of experienced coach developers and those in similar roles, including coach education and workforce development.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Build your knowledge and practical skills to ethically and effectively bolster coaches’ learning and professional development in a range of settings
- Work with peers to develop a communal sense of good practice in the various tasks you undertake in your work
- Identify opportunities for your professional growth by exploring the impact of your work with others
- Co-create a community of coach development professionals who can support one another in their ongoing learning and professional development
- Conduct projects in areas of interest to generate new knowledge, strategies and ways of working
Blended learning
The coach development course will be delivered in a blended fashion, with a mixture of campus-based three-day learning events, online sessions, and field-based (in-situ) experiences. In addition to face-to-face and online contact, you’ll engage in significant self-directed study, supported by your tutors and peer networks.
Promoting ethical coaching
The Carnegie School of Sport is committed to promoting and advancing effective and ethical sport coaching to improve participant and performer development experiences and outcomes. Central to this ambition is the continued support and progression of coaches provided by the increasingly recognised and valued emerging coach development workforce.
Coaching and coach development expertise
Leeds Beckett University has a long and influential history in supporting the professionalisation of sport coaching and coach development. Since 2009, our staff have been directly involved in designing and delivering individualised, longitudinal learning programmes. These programmes focus on professional development to meet the needs of coaches across several talent pathways, including Olympic, Paralympic and professional sport contexts.
Drawing from their experiences supporting coaches, the course team has also undertaken a complementary stream of work. This includes designing and delivering professional learning programmes for coach developers, in partnership with organisations such as UK Sport, The Football Association, Sport Scotland, Sport Northern Ireland and the International Council for Coaching Excellence.
Industry recognition
Building on an extensive body of world-leading research, the course has been designed to inform policy and practice, including the recently published Professional Standard for the Role of a Coach Developer by CIMSPA. This standard outlines the role, scope, skills and knowledge of a coach developer working across pathway and performance programmes in Olympic and Paralympic sports.
For more information about the full master's version of this course, please read our course prospectus.
Why study the PG Dip Coach Development course at Leeds Beckett University?
- An opportunity to build your portfolio of experiences towards gaining chartered status
- Global reputation - we're recognised as one of the top 100 institutions in the world for Sports-Related Subjects*
- Be part of a committed community of coach development professionals
- Work with our team of world-leading practitioners and researchers
- Specialist facilities - take advantage of the university’s state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building
*2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject
Why Leeds for Sport? Discover what the city of Leeds has to offer and why it’s a great choice for students studying sport.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Sports Science, Sport Coaching, Sport Development, Physical Education or Qualified Teacher Status, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment. This will usually be assessed through a portfolio of evidence and an interview.
All applicants are expected to be practicing coach developers and able to evidence being in the role for at least one year.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Sports Science, Sport Coaching, Sport Development, Physical Education or Qualified Teacher Status, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment. This will usually be assessed through a portfolio of evidence and an interview.
All applicants are expected to be practicing coach developers and able to evidence being in the role for at least one year.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Gain an awareness of what practice is, how and why it works, and what makes it effective. During this module, we'll support you in making informed reflections and judgements about your own practice to create personal development goals. Upon completion, you'll develop and refine strategies and ways of working that are informed by your personal beliefs, relevant cultural norms, and industry codes of conduct. Additionally, you'll identify ways of working that are ethical and inclusive, accounting for current and past barriers to coach entry and progression within the coaching industry.
Develop a coherent view on what coaching is. This module helps you to identify your own area of expertise and create a detailed mental model of your knowledge. Following this, you'll be able to create and deliver a curriculum matched to the needs and wants of coaches and aligned stakeholders within a specific context.
Enhance your understanding of workforce needs within a chosen sport or suite of sports, focusing on required expertise, skills, and inclusivity. You'll enhance your awareness of individual coaching requirements, comparing them to benchmarks for expertise development, learning dispositions and identity formation. This aids the creation of effective, ethical working relationships and provides the foundation for offering appropriate support.
Study various theories, concepts and principles that can be drawn on to explore adult learning and professional development. During this module, we'll support you to critically examine the principles that underpin your existing practices. You'll consider how certain theories and concepts can be used to create meaningful learning and development experiences for the learners you support.
This module provides the opportunity to explore your own practice across a variety of settings. By focusing on your experience of supporting coaches' learning and professional development, you'll use the questions, concerns and curiosities that arise as a springboard to explore and apply existing theories, concepts and frameworks. Simply put, this module is designed to help you identify and understand which strategies work for you and the coaches you support, in what circumstances, and why.
Fees and funding
£6,550
UK
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £54.58 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 120.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Part-time rates for international students are not automatically displayed as there are specific visa requirements which generally limit students to study in the UK on a full-time basis. Should you wish to query your visa status you can contact siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. If you are able to study on a part-time basis please contact fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for further information on course fees.
Fees and funding
£6,550
For students entering in 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £54.58 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 120.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Sports facilities and equipment linked to your studies.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Real-life coaching activities in your place of work or through a placement; you'll need to pay any associated travel costs.
Optional Costs
- Course branded sportswear (prices start from £17.96).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Part-time rates for international students are not automatically displayed as there are specific visa requirements which generally limit students to study in the UK on a full-time basis. Should you wish to query your visa status you can contact siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. If you are able to study on a part-time basis please contact fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for further information on course fees.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Sports facilities and equipment linked to your studies.
Essential Costs
- Real-life coaching activities in your place of work or through a placement; you'll need to pay any associated travel costs.
Optional Costs
- Course branded sportswear (prices start from £17.96).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £12,858, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Throughout your study, you’ll either undertake a placement or work in a coach development role. This experience will provide important context for your module assessments, helping you to embed new skills and knowledge in your ongoing professional practice.
By joining our community, you’ll be able to build your professional network, develop your expertise and enhance your portfolio of experiences. This course aligns with professional standards and provides a route to chartered status.
Our course has been designed to offer highly relevant and applied learning and professional development experiences that complement the working demands of coach development practitioners. The unique opportunities to collaborate with experienced staff and peers across sports, builds a strong sense of community and significant potential to learn from each other.”
Dr Bob Muir
Reader
Dr Bob Muir
Reader / Carnegie School of Sport
Bob is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching. He leads the Football Association Post Graduate Diploma in Coach Development and acts as a consultant for several other professional and Olympic sports to facilitate situated coach learning and professional development programmes.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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