Professional Degree in Physical Education and Coaching, Sports Coach (AT) 150 ECTS
Vocational training in the field of sports for sports coaches
Do you want to train as a professional coach and work in goal-oriented coaching with athletes in both individual and team sports?
Are you interested in people-oriented coaching where you support the athlete's holistic development and safe training?
Sports coaching training is ideal for completing alongside coaching work, where study assignments are part of your everyday sports coaching.
Most importantly, you will receive personal guidance and support from your study community during your studies, where you will network with coaches from different sports.
You also have the opportunity to develop coaching skills in an international work environment as part of your studies. Erasmus + with support.
For you who
- you want to become a professional coach
- you want to develop yourself and your athletes holistically
- you work as a club coach and already have training from a sports association
- you work as an academy coach and want to qualify as a sports coach
Profession: Sports coach
Sports Coach (AT) degree holder
- can act as a coach in coaching work
- develop their skills as a coach and develop the coaching environment
- can act as a coach in a people-oriented manner, support and monitor the athlete's overall development
- promotes safety in training and competition situations
- develop their professional skills, act as an entrepreneur and take care of their own work and functional capacity
A sports coach can work in sports coaching positions in various operating environments:
- In the public sector: coaching centers, sports academies
- In the private sector: professional sports organizations, as a private entrepreneur in coaching work or in companies with tasks related to sports coaching
- In the third sector: sports and exercise clubs
The degree also qualifies you to apply for postgraduate studies at a university of applied sciences or university.
Training content
The scope of the sports coaching competence area of the Professional Degree in Physical Education and Coaching is 150 competence points.
The degree consists of two mandatory components (75 points) and optional components (75 points).
Mandatory degree components
- Coaching, 45 credits
- Developing your own coaching and operating environment, 30 credits
Elective degree components 45 ECTS credits (choose one)
- Children's coaching, 45 credits
- Youth coaching, 45 credits
- Adult coaching, 45 credits
Elective degree components 30 ECTS credits
- Physical training, 15 credits
- Mental coaching, 15 credits
- Athlete's Nutrition, 15 credits
- Top Sports Coaching, 15 credits
- Sustainable and responsible club and association activities, 15 credits
- Developing international competence, 15 credits
- Entrepreneurship in the sports and coaching industry, 30 ECTS credits
- Promoting digital competence in the work community, 15 credits
- Utilization of artificial intelligence in the work process, 15 credits
Read more detailed descriptions of the content of the degree about the basics of the degree.
Implementation of studies
A personal competence development plan (HOKS) is prepared for each student at the beginning of their studies, which takes into account the student's previous competence.
The studies last approximately 1-2 years, depending on previous studies, electives, and skills.
Distance and face-to-face teaching days approx. 3 days/month.
In addition, studies are carried out online and in practical coaching tasks with an apprenticeship or training contract. More information from the apprenticeship contract.
At the start of the training, the student must have a team/training group to coach or individuals to coach at a sports club and/or sports academy.
The skills acquired during the studies are demonstrated in demonstrations carried out in real coaching tasks.
Costs and benefits
The price of the training is 1050€.
The price includes tuition fees.
- teaching
- teaching materials
- insurance in educational institutions' learning environments
It is possible to stay and eat at the Tanhuvaara Sports Institute during the upcoming semesters at student prices.
- 2-4 people (Townhouse) €39,50/night/person, incl. breakfast
- 1 bedroom (Townhouse) €74,50/night, incl. breakfast
- Pet fee 10€/day (limited number of rooms)
- Lunch / dinner: €8,90/meal
Prices incl. VAT.
Full-time students have the opportunity to apply for Kela study benefits.
Selection criteria
Students are selected for the training based on work and study history, application and interview. The interview will be held at a separately agreed time after the application has been received.
Degree-specific health and functional capacity requirements
The Basic Degree in Physical Education Guidance and the Professional Degree in Physical Education and Coaching are SORA (solutions to unsuitability for studies) regulations.
SORAIn degrees, the education provider may request information about the student's health and functional capacity when applying for studies or if these change during the studies.
A circumstance related to the health or functional capacity of an applicant may not be an obstacle to admission. However, a student may not be admitted if his/her health or functional capacity does not allow him/her to perform practical tasks related to education in an educational institution, workplace or other learning environment, if the safety requirements related to the qualifications referred to in Section 531 of the Vocational Education and Training Act (2017/81) so require and if the obstacle cannot be removed by reasonable measures. With regard to the person's health or functional capacity, the limitations caused by possible illnesses and the individual treatment situation for the illnesses must be assessed. Read more Health requirements in the sports industry
Obstacles to admission may include:
- an illness or injury that limits physical health and ability to function
- an illness or disability that prevents communication and sign language
- drug addiction or problem or abuse
- a mental health disorder or psychological illness that is not under treatment
- substance dependence or problem or abuse
- a functional impairment that makes interaction difficult
The student is obliged to inform the educational institution of any of the above-mentioned circumstances that may affect their studies or work in the field of physical education. In Sora degrees, a student's right to study may be revoked if they do not meet the requirements for admission to the program due to their health or functional capacity or if they repeatedly or seriously endanger the health and safety of another person.
Other conditions
The applicant must have sufficient study skills for online learning and independent study. The student is also required to have their own computer.
When entering the training, the student must have a team/training group to coach or individual coaches at a sports club and/or sports academy.
The training provider will request a criminal record extract from those selected for the training if the training essentially involves working with minors.
Search time: continuous search
Training starts: 8/2026, a more detailed schedule will be published during spring 2026.
Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact the Sports Coach (AT) qualification manager:
Atte Juti
+358 400 509 909
atte.juuti@tanhuvaara.fi
Students' experiences at Tanhuvaara
If you have any questions about the training, please contact:
Sports coach (AT)
-Degree Officer
Atte Juti
+358 400 509 909
atte.juuti@tanhuvaara.fi
Training manager
Arja Laine
+358 50 572 7348
arja.laine@tanhuvaara.fi
Education Secretary
Satu Kosonen
+ 358447150407
satu.kosonen@tanhuvaara.fi
