Course summary

This course builds on the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career within the outdoor sports industry. This course provides the theoretical underpinning of outdoor learning and leadership within the outdoor activity sector. As well as participating in the course, you will be encouraged to be involved in practical work with various groups and clubs in the community to further deepen your knowledge and skills. The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport offers students an introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of skills and experience through the selection of Optional units across a range of occupational sectors at Level 4. This effectively builds underpinning core skills while preparing the student for subject specialisation at Level 5. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios. At Level 4, students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of Sport and Outdoor Adventure through three Core units, which include one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment. On successfully completing the Higher National Certificate you will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the concepts Outdoor Adventure. You will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately and have the qualities needed for employment that requires some degree of personal responsibility. A key part of the course will be developing a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. You learn how to be adaptable and flexible in your approach to Outdoor Adventure, showing resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource. The aim of this course is to provide you with the necessary specialist knowledge required to use sport and outdoor equipment, develop the knowledge and skills to coach outdoor adventurous activities and to demonstrate the required professionalism to work within the sport and outdoor adventure industry. You will also gain a diverse range of subject specific knowledge from specialist units selected to offer a broad understanding of the outdoor adventure, sport and leisure industry. There are also work placement opportunities available. Part of the development of employability skills in both years will be working as an instructor for Shuttleworth Activity Centre delivering to schools groups and also students studying on the BTEC Level 3 course. The second year will entail a compulsory work placement with an employer in the outdoor adventurous or sport sector. Each year on the course there will be compulsory residential trips but also optional extra trips such as skiing in Italy, climbing in Spain or yachting in Croatia. These will vary depending on cohort size/take up. Day trips to outdoor centres will be an integral part of the course. Successful completion of the HNC leads on to the HND or into employment. This course will help you gain the knowledge and skills required for a management role in the outdoor leisure sector. It will enable you to make effective contributions in the private, public and voluntary sectors with the expertise required by communities, providers and performers. The practical programme will be designed to develop higher-level skills in activities alongside developing coaching and leadership skills in delivery. The focus will be on Sailing, Climbing, Kayaking and Canoeing but other areas will also be introduced. Shuttleworth College run a careers and work placement event each year attended by employers such PGL, Rockley and UKSA, and local providers such as Grafham Water Centre, Fairland’s Valley Outdoor Centre and Big Rock Climbing.