Why Study / Key Benefits

• Designed for practising sport coaches and people already working in the sports industry who want to strengthen their professional coaching skills.
• Also suitable for people who are not currently employed in sport but want to develop skills for employment in performance sport coaching.
• Combines contemporary coaching theory with practical application.
• Develops knowledge across coaching pedagogy, leadership, planning, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, rehabilitation, reconditioning and nutrition.
• Includes a practical practicum where students can apply their learning in a coaching environment or area of sporting interest.
• The qualification can be completed in a relatively short period, making it suitable for working professionals.
• UC specifically describes it as an online and flexible-learning qualification, allowing study to fit around professional and personal commitments. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The certificate consists of four 15-point courses.

Three compulsory courses are:

• SPRT301 – Sport Coaching and Leadership
• SPRT302 – Skill Acquisition in Sport
• SPRT310 – Practicum 3

The wider Sport Coaching curriculum covers:

• Coaching pedagogy.
• Leadership and planning.
• Skill acquisition.
• Strength and conditioning.
• Performance analysis.
• Rehabilitation.
• Reconditioning.
• Nutrition.
• Sport and exercise science.
• Sociological aspects of sport and coaching

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Graduate Certificate does not have formal majors, minors or endorsements. The current qualification regulations explicitly state that there are no majors, minors or endorsements.

However, students can tailor the programme through the additional 15-point Sport course and through their practicum setting.

Areas of professional development include:

• Sport coaching.
• Coaching leadership.
• Skill acquisition.
• Performance analysis.
• Strength and conditioning.
• Rehabilitation and reconditioning.
• Nutrition.
• Sport pedagogy.
• Sport and exercise science.

Programme Highlights

• 60-point graduate qualification.
• Normally 6 months full-time.
• Up to 3 years part-time under the current qualification page/regulations.
• February and July intakes.
• Designed for existing graduates and experienced coaches.
• Flexible online/distance-learning option.
• Campus study also available.
• Three compulsory 15-point courses.
• Includes a practical placement/practicum.
• Strong combination of coaching theory and practical application.
• Focus on contemporary coaching practice.
• Develops leadership and professional coaching capability.
• Allows students to apply learning within a performance sport coaching context. 

Career Outcomes

UC states that the qualification can support careers in Sport Coaching and related fields.

The broader Sport Coaching subject information identifies potential career pathways such as:

• Sports coach.
• Personal trainer.
• Outdoor and recreational sports guide.
• Policy and health advisor.

The Graduate Certificate also develops transferable capabilities useful in:

• Coaching leadership.
• Sport programme management.
• Athlete development.
• Performance analysis.
• Strength and conditioning.
• Rehabilitation and reconditioning.
• Sport-related health and wellbeing roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching remains an active UC qualification.
• The current UC qualification page lists February and July starts.
• The current programme page lists 60 points and 6 months full-time.
• The formal regulations state a 36-month qualification time limit.
• There are no formal majors, minors or endorsements.
• The programme requires a practical placement through SPRT310.
• Students selecting distance study must ensure that their chosen elective is also offered by distance.
• One or more courses may require vaccinations; UC specifically directs students to individual course pages for details.
• The regulations require students to meet relevant Children's Act 2014 requirements before gaining entry.
• Students are required to disclose charges, convictions or other incidents that could compromise their fitness to teach or coach while participating in the programme.
• SPRT310 has specific prerequisites, including SPRT110 and 60 points from 200-level SPRT courses according to the current regulations.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student studying this qualification in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa if the study arrangement requires a student visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states:

• Visa cost: from NZD $850.
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• Processing: 80% within 8.5 weeks.
• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider is required.
• Students must have sufficient money to pay tuition fees or have an acceptable scholarship.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance is required.
• Health and character requirements apply.
• Students must have genuine intentions to study.