Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching

Sport & Recreation

A flexible online qualification for practising coaches and sports industry professionals to develop professional coaching skills and advance in performance sport coaching contexts. Designed for both current practitioners and those aspiring to enter the field, the programme emphasises practical learning and flexible study options.

NZ$16,400

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

(60 Credits)


Online study

Flexible online learning from anywhere

University of Canterbury Main Campus, Christchurch

It will take a total of 6 months

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Develop expertise in contemporary sport coaching skills

Graduates will strengthen their practical and theoretical knowledge in modern sport coaching, including leadership, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation.

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Apply leadership and planning in sport contexts

Students will learn to apply leadership and planning skills relevant to high-performance and community sports settings.

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Acquire skills in performance analysis and skill acquisition

Learners will gain expertise in assessing and improving athlete performance through contemporary tools and methodologies, and understand the science of skill learning in sport.

What You're Signing Up For

The Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching is designed for practising coaches and those employed in the sports industry, as well as those interested in developing advanced skills and competencies to enter the industry. The qualification provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, with courses focused on leadership, skill acquisition, and practicum placements. The online, flexible format allows students to fit their studies around personal and professional commitments. Completion prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in sport coaching and related fields.

Course Content

  • Sport Coaching and Leadership (SPCO301)
  • Skill Acquisition in Sport (SPCO302)
  • Practicum 3 (SPCO310)
  • Electives chosen from an approved list at 200 or 300 level in Sport or related fields
  • Sociological, pedagogical, and scientific aspects of sport and sport coaching
  • Practical placement in a chosen performance sport coaching context

What you need to know first

An approved bachelor's degree or equivalent, or

Satisfactory evidence of relevant post-secondary school study and at least five years of sport-related work experience with accompanying industry qualifications (e.g., NZRU Advanced Coaching, NZ Football Senior Level 2 Coaching Certificate, Advanced Youth Coaching Certificate)

Vaccinations may be required for some courses

If English is not your first language, you must meet UC’s English language requirements

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Sport and Recreation

  • Health and Fitness

  • Leadership

  • Education

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • High-performance sport coach

  • Sport coaching leader

  • Sports management roles

  • Sports development officer

  • Strength and conditioning coach

  • Performance analyst