Course summary
The Foundation Degree in Sports, Coaching and Fitness is validated by Ulster University Why study this course? The Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness provides learners with an opportunity to develop a diverse range of related skills through a breadth of core sporting modules. The course is a balance of theoretical and practical aspects allowing for the underpinning of established knowledge in an environment that promotes understanding in application. About the course The Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness will provide you with a strong educational foundation combined with practical experience in fitness, coaching, sports science, physical education, sports analysis, sports development and strength and conditioning. Enhancement of core skills required for employment within the evolving needs of the sporting sector is a central focus. The programme aims to equip students with a broad range of relevant skills, enabling them to explore a range of related subject areas and develop key specialisms. How will it make me more employable? SERC is committed through its Ulster University validated programme to delivering learning that provides students with real-world experience, developing the necessary knowledge and intellectual skills sets that will allow for progression onwards into related degree programmes or future employment. The programme will help learners develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to: Technical Skills • Understanding the structure and function of the human body and its response to physical activity. • Knowledge of dietary needs and how they affect performance and recovery. • Performance testing and its evaluation for athletic performance. • Development and implementation of strength training programmes to enhance athletic performance. • Athlete monitoring processes. • Design and implementation of coaching sessions. • Collection methods and analysis of sporting data. Employability Skills • Critical Thinking • Emotional Intelligence • Entrepreneurship • Leadership • Reflective Practice • Decision Making • Team Working You will learn transferable skills on the course, which will help you to apply for relevant jobs within the Sport, Coaching and Fitness Industry. Where will it take me? Students that successfully complete the Foundation Degree programme traditionally progress to one of the following areas: Related Degree Programmes- Articulation agreements are currently supported by Ulster University: SERC students who achieve an average of 65% or more in Year 2 of the Foundation Degree may apply for and gain entry into the second year of BSc (Hons) Sports Studies / Sport and Exercise Sciences programmes.. SERC students who achieve an average of 50% or more in Year 2 of the Foundation Degree may apply for and gain entry into the final year of the BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Performance programme. Progression to other institutions is also available. This course will grant you the status of Ulster University Associate Student. Employment- The Foundation Degree programme has been designed to equip students with the knowledge required to seek and gain employment within a number of potential employment fields within the industry. Roles may include but are not limited to: • Fitness Instruction and Personal Training* • Leisure Management • Sports Development • Sports Coaching • Sports Analysis • Teaching* *Please note further professional or academic qualifications may be needed.
Modules
Year 1 Modules (Level 4): Anatomy and Physiology (Bangor only): An introduction to the key concepts associated with the disciplines of anatomy and physiology and its application to human movement, exercise and sporting performance. Sports Development (Lisburn only): Gain a knowledge and understanding of the key issues and debates in real world sports development practice. Sports Psychology: An introduction to some of the key concepts, psychological skills and techniques that are employed to motivate and support athletes. Professional Fitness Environment: An opportunity to examine the theoretical knowledge behind and then apply the appropriate professional exercise and fitness instruction for specific population groups. Analysis of Performance and Coaching: Establish and develop the skills required to analyse sports and/or coaching performance by conducting appropriate performance assessments. Fundamental Skills in Laboratory Techniques (Bangor only): Learn how physiological and biomechanical processes are used to support athletes and coaches to to improve sporting performance. Sport and Society (Lisburn only): Discover how sport can impact the lives of people in contemporary society by considering the interrelationship between sports practice and societal beliefs. Principles of Teaching and Coaching: This module blends theoretical insight with the practical skills necessary for developing competent teachers and coaches. Year 2 Modules (Level 5): Work Based 1: As part of a 16-week work placement, gain and develop the necessary practical and intellectual skills and qualities required to succeed within the sports industry. Research Methods: Introduction to research methodologies and the appropriate use of statistics to complete future investigations in continuing higher education and/or professional development. Sports Coaching: Investigate good coaching practice through the implementation of sports specific coaching sessions. Strength and Conditioning: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of strength and conditioning through practical application of current practices. Work Based 2: Continued development of industry related practical and intellectual skills and qualities through the completion of a work based project. Sports Nutrition: Gain the core knowledge and understanding of human nutrition and the associated benefits with health and performance. Physical Education: Examine and apply the key concepts and perspectives that are employed within the physical education classroom. Applied Laboratory Techniques and Biomechanics (Bangor only): Developing from content within the first year, further investigate how the use of physiological and biomechanical principles can benefit performance. Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Assessment method
Assessment is scheduled throughout the course using a combination of assignment and practical work / observations. Each module is assessed using a predefined grading rubric validated by the Ulster University. Student are assessed using a range of methods. These may include: Coursework / Case Studies: You will be asked to complete research and/or report on your development activities in a formal report. Presentations: Students will present their findings using a range of potential presentation methods. Practical: You may be asked to demonstrate your skills by completing assigned tasks/activities. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We offer a diverse range of world class courses and study options, and we’re delighted to offer our international students a warm welcome to study at SERC. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/international/students
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - CC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MM
Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE admissions process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Other
All applicants must hold GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Minimum of 5.5 in all skills |
| PTE Academic | 51 | Minimum of 46 in each part |
All applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test For further information please contact our International Department at [email protected]
Click here to find out more about becoming an international student at SERC.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| England | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2940 | Year 1 |
| International | £7500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
A range of coaching awards may be completed by each student during the programme in addition to an extended period of work placement. Qualifications may include: Sport NI Safeguarding Children - £15 First Aid - £45 Governing Body Coaching Awards (tailored to individual student need) Level 3 Active IQ Personal Training - £550 Students will be expected to purchase Course Sports Kit at an estimated cost of £25. In addition, depending upon placement, students will be required to pay for their own Access NI check (approx. £32).
Sponsorship information
There are a number of sources of financial support available to students. These vary depending upon your course of study. Apply as soon as possible as closing dates vary between funds. The main types of student finance are tuition fee and maintenance loans, which have to be paid back, and grants and bursaries, which do not have to be paid back. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/support/student-finance/full-time
Provider information
South Eastern Regional College
Castle Park Road
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4TD