Certificate in Foundation Sports Coaching Theory

Introduction
Higher Diploma in Fitness, Coaching and Sports Management - The programme covers Fitness Training, Sports Coaching and Sports Management. It aims at equipping students with professional knowledge and skills in the sports industry. Students will acquire practical and specific industry knowledge and skills.
 
This programme is jointly operated by HKCT Institute of Higher Education (CTIHE) and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). It is a Government-funded Programme. 
 

This certificate programme aims to equip aspiring coaches with essential theoretical knowledge in sports coaching. It covers fundamental concepts such as physiology and fitness testing, coaching principles, and sport injuries, helping learners apply theory to practice in a structured and informed manner.

As collaborative partners, CTIHE and SF&OC are dedicated to offering comprehensive support for our students across career planning, further education, and employment. In recent years, we have deepened our partnership to create a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Alongside co-organising sports coaching courses, we regularly host thematic seminars, arrange industry visits and professional internships, and facilitate exchange activities. These initiatives are designed to broaden students' horizons, help them realise their full potential, and build a strong foundation for their future endeavours.

 

Programme Enquiry: WhatsApp
 
Professional Qualification

This programme is a Level 2 Sports-General Theory Coach Accreditation Programme」ointly organised by the CTIHE and the SF&OC, in a bid to enhance the quality and recognition of sports coach education programmes. This half-year course consists of 7 modules and a 32-hour practicum. 

Contents

Programme Contents

This programme is a Level 2 Sports-General Theory Coach Accreditation Programme jointly organised by the HKCT Institute of Higher Education and the SF&OC, in a bid to enhance the quality and recognition of sports coach education programmes. This half-year course consists of 7 modules and a 32-hour practicum.

 

Programme Features

  • Students can enjoy access to HKCT campus facilities, including the library, fitness centre, and Olympic Studies Centre.
  • The curriculum covers core areas such as physical fitness testing, exercise physiology, and sports psychology. Progressing from basic to advanced levels, it helps students build a solid and comprehensive theoretical foundation in sports science.
  • A specialised professional internship module is included, allowing students to apply the theories they have learned directly to real-world work environments. By personally participating in actual industry operations, students can fully master the essential practical skills needed in the workplace, truly putting their knowledge into practice.
  • The programme is designed to meet practical needs, allowing students to perfectly balance work and study. Graduates can also directly progress to the "Certificate in Advanced Sports Coaching Theory", helping you continuously upskill and make constant breakthroughs in your professional sports career.

Featured Modules

Topics  Assessment 
1. Introduction to Physiology and Fitness Testing Continuous assessments, tests, and coaching practicum assessment 
2. Human Anatomy and Movement Principles
3. Fundamental Psychological Skills in Sports
4. Prevention and Management of Sports Injuries
5. Coaching Principles and Skill Acquisition
6. Sports and Society
7. Practicum

 

Programme Consultant

  • Dr. WONG Choi Ki, Clara
    (Senior Physical Education Officer, Physical Education Section, Student Development Services, City University of Hong Kong)
  • Mr. CHAN Yan Kit, Sean
    (Head Coach of Hong Kong Disabled Badminton Team)

Medium of Instruction

  • Cantonese (supplemented with English)

Assessment & Certification 

  • Mode of Assessment 
    - Continuous assessments, tests, and coaching practicum assessment. 
  • Certification & Coach Accreditation 
    - Certificate in Foundation Sports Coaching Theory, which is equivalent to a Level 2 Accredited Coach (Sports-General Theory part). 
Graduation Path

Articulation Path

This programme establishes a systematic and solid foundation for students' professional practice and continuous education. Graduates may choose to enrol in the following programmes for further development:

  • Certificate in Advanced Sports Coaching Theory 
  • Advanced Specific Sports Coaching Qualifications or Award Programmes
  • Relevant Diploma programmes in Sports Coaching, Sports Development, or Recreation Management (subject to the admission requirements of individual programmes)

 

Career Prospects

Graduates will master foundational coaching knowledge and application skills. They will possess the practical abilities to plan basic coaching sessions, support athlete development, and implement safety and professional codes of conduct. This makes them well-suited for entry-level coaching or related positions in the industry. Common career directions include:

  • Assistant Sports Coach (working in sports clubs and National Sports Associations)
  • Community Sports Coach (Entry-level)
  • School Team Coach (Junior or Assistant level)
  • Recreation Instructor / Sports Programme Assistant
Programme Details
Mode of Study

Part Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September, November 2026

Entry Requirements
    1. Aged 18 or above, attaining five level 2 or above in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) (including Chinese) or above; or equivalent qualification; or
    2. Holder of Certificate of Introductory Sports Coaching Course or above issued by the Hong Kong Coaching Committee (HKCC) with 1-year sports-related working experience; or
    3. Aged 21 or above with 2-years sports-related working experience*;or
    4. Nominated by a National Sports Association (NSA) of SF&OC (Priority admission); or
    5. Nominated by the Admission Panel #

Note:
* All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Chinese language equivalent to route (a), otherwise they need to take a Chinese writing ability test.
# Admission Panel is formed by the representatives of CTIHE and SF&OC, which handles the applications without a local NSA’s nomination.

Teaching Facilities
Fitness Room
 

HKCT has dedicated resources to building various indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including a fitness room with professional fitness training equipment, a mirrored Dancing & Fitness Studio and a standard basketball court. Students studying sports-related programmes can improve their athletic performance and train to become professional fitness coaches. These recreation and sports facilities are also open to the general student body to encourage them to maintain their physical and mental health, and to strengthen their sense of belonging.

Click to view the 360º VR tour of Fitness Room

Dancing & Fitness Studio
 
This is a spacious, multi-functional, mirrored studio designed for sports-related activities. Besides this Dance & Fitness Studio, HKCT has dedicated resources to building various indoor and outdoor sports facilities, such as a fitness room equipped with professional fitness training equipment and a standard basketball court. These facilities allow students taking sports-related programmes to improve their athletic performance and train to become professional fitness coaches. These recreation and sports facilities are also open to the general student body to encourage them to maintain their physical and mental health and to strengthen their sense of belonging to the Institute.
Hong Kong Centre for Olympic Studies
 

Hong Kong Centre for Olympic Studies (the Centre) at HKCT Academic Pavilion (Library) and becomes the only higher education institution in Hong Kong listed in the Academic Olympic Studies and Research Centres in the world. The Centre provides an extensive collection of books, journals, and magazines on the Olympics and sports. Also, the Centre holds exhibitions and activities periodically, which is aimed at raising teachers’ and students' awareness of Olympism and enriching students' knowledge of the sports industry.

 
Tuition Fees and Assistance

$8,000

Students may apply for scholarships or bursaries:
• Scholarships are primarily assessed based on academic performance.
• Bursaries are primarily awarded based on financial need.

QF Level
QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level:2
QR Registration No.:25/000407/L2
Registration Validity Period:1/5/2025 to 30/4/2027
Disclaimer
HKCT Institute of Higher Education reserves the right of cancellation of programme and granting offer without prior notice.
Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.