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Undergraduate study
Sports Coaching and Exercise

Sports Coaching and Exercise FdSc

This is an innovative qualification which provides a holistic approach to develop the academic and vocational skills needed to succeed in the sport and exercise environment. By integrating a work-related approach, the programme meets the needs of learners and of employers, who have informed much of the content.

 
 

Course overview

This is an award of Teesside University delivered in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education. You study at the college campus for the duration of the programme - (part-time and full-time at Hartlepool College of Further Education) please contact the college directly for details of delivery days.

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Course details

The programme equips you with the skills required to be an effective reflective practitioner in the field of sports coaching and exercise. Fundamental theories of coaching, practical competencies and the application of academic knowledge are considered in Year 1. The programme progresses to introduce analytical and problem-solving skills in Year 2. You study aspects of physiology, psychology, anatomy, nutrition, biomechanics and motor skills. Practical coaching and instructing with different groups is also considered in addition to keeping up to date with the changing nature of the industry.

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

Coaching in a Practical Environment (Work-based Learning)

This innovative module is work based and offers the learners the opportunity to develop their skills in conjunction with their work based experience. Learners will use a reflective cycle to justify and explain issues encountered in the working environment. Through Personal Development Programmes, individuals will not only enhance learning but will improve their employability. The content of this module includes: Teaching methods, planning, monitoring and evaluation, action plans, coaching performance, self reflection, observation of others and the peer reflection process, in the form of SWOT analysis or action plan. Completion of this module will provide both employee and employer with unique benefits.

This module will be assessed via a portfolio (3000 word, 70%) and a reflective report on an observation (1500 words, 30%).

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise

The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of the history of sport, the relationship between sport, government and politics. The role of the media and national frameworks will also be explored. The content also includes: The fitness industry, benefits of exercise, gender, disability, disadvantaged groups, race, young children, globalisation, future perspectives, professionalism, commercialisation and Nationalism.

This module will be assessed via a report (1500 words, 70%) and a 15 minute individual presentation (30%).

Human Body in Action

This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the role of biomechanics and physiology in the coaching of sport and exercise. It will cover the fundamentals of sport science and the application of these principles to performance analysis and fitness testing. The initial focus will be on the theoretical knowledge underpinning both disciplines; physiology will cover the body systems and biomechanics will look at linear and angular kinetics and kinematics. This knowledge will then be applied to sport and exercise activities through the use of laboratory sessions to investigate the human body in action. Finally the module will take a holistic approach by exploring how these analytical methods can be used together to monitor and improve performance.

This module will be assessed via a group practical laboratory session which will provide data for an individual laboratory report (1500 word, 70%) and a 15 minute presentation (30%).

Introduction to Sports Coaching and Exercise

Throughout this module, learners will develop an understanding of a coach/practitioners role in a sport and exercise environment. Learners will get the opportunity to complete a number of relevant sport and exercise qualifications which they will need to work in the industry. This module will provide learners with the underpinning knowledge of what is expected in the coaching/exercise environment. It will explore roles, responsibilities and skills of a coach. Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of planning and the different methods used in this area. The module will explore how individuals learn and the use of feedback in coaching.

This module will be assessed via a 15 minute group presentation (30%) wk 5 and a personal reflection (1000 words, 70%).

Mind and Movement

This module is aimed at the learner working in the sports and exercise industry in either an employed or voluntary capacity. It gives the learners knowledge of the key psychological and motor behaviour factors that influence performance and participation in the sports industry. The module develops a sound theoretical base by examining motor behaviour and psychological factors such as stress, anxiety personality, social learning, motivation, arousal, concentration, group dynamics, psychological intervention strategies linked to sport and exercise, information processing, sensory information and feedback in sport.

This module will be assessed via a report (2000 words, 50%) and a multiple choice exam (50%).

 

Year 2 core modules

Analysis of Performance

This module aims to develop the coaches' ability to evaluate sportsm performance using different forms of anaylsis. Data is obtained through a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods and statistically analysed to inform the coaching process. The module content includes: performance analysis, coaching implications, performance profiling, fitness components, gym tests, principles and methods of training, fitness requirements and training programmes.

This Module will be assessed via an individual report based on a group practical investigation (1500 word, 60%) and a literature review (1500 word, 40%).

Coaching in an Alternative Environment (Work-based learning)

This Module will provide learners with the opportunity to coach in an alternative environment and adapt their coaching to suit. Learners will enhance their coaching knowledge and skills equipping them to meet the ever changing needs of the sports industry. Through reflection learners' will be encouraged to refine their approach to deal with unorthodox circumstances which may arise in this environment. The module content includes: delivery of continuous sessions, adapting sessions, problem solving, use of tactics, role of sport science in coaching, team cohesion and social loafing.

This module will be assessed via a Journal (2000 words, 60%) and an Essay (1000 words, 40%).

Development of Sport and Exercise

This module will help learners develop an understanding of the government’s role in sport. It will provide learners with the tools to be able to write relevant policies and understand the funding process. This will enable the learner to be able to develop their own sports club. The module content includes: government roles in sport, partnership work, NGB’s, quality systems, effectiveness, aims and objectives of programmes, funding opportunities, child protection and first aid legislation and festival organisation.

This module will be assessed via a presentation (50%) and a critical review (1500 words, 50%).

Nutrition for the Exercise Practitioner

This module will assess the role of the diet in physical performance, specific individuals and health promotion. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills relevant to nutritional assessment and selectively employ this information in the development of nutritional education aimed at optimising an individuals or group of individuals’ diet within a working environment. The module content includes: digestive system, fundamentals of nutrition, RDA’s, food labelling, energy balance, weight management, pro-compeat, physical activity guidelines, ethical issues and diet, eating disorders, energy sources and nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids.

This module will be assessed via a logbook (2000 words, 50%) 2000 and an Essay (1500 words, 50%).

Work-based Project (Work-based Learning)

This module will provide learner with the opportunity to further enhance their learning. It will develop the learners' personal needs by attending courses which are suited to them. Learners will be encouraged to explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Through investigation and research the learners' will determine a topic to be explored for their research proposal. The content of this module includes effective literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, experiments, limitations and presenting information.

The module will be assessed by an essay (1,500 words, 30%) and a work-based research project (3,000 words, 70%).

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

This programme takes place one afternoon and evening a week (normally on the same day). You are also required to be actively coaching or instructing (paid or voluntary) for 8 to 10 hours a week which will form the work-related aspect of the programme. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory work, seminars, work-related practice and tutorials.

How you are assessed

Assessments are work related based on academic underpinnings and they are varied and timely to allow the greatest opportunity to succeed on this vocationally and academically challenging programme. They take the form of practical and written examinations, portfolios, essays, laboratory reports and verbal presentations.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 40-48 tariff points but the entry criteria are based on your ability to succeed and can be demonstrated in a variety of ways including:
• a range of Level 3 qualifications (NVQ 3, BTEC Award, A level)
• appropriate training through work

You are required to have GCSE at grade 4 (grade C) or above in English, Maths and Science or equivalent.

You require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check) for this course. And you must find your own work practice.

Because this course is taught at Hartlepool College of Further Education, we are not accepting applications from international students requiring a Student Visa.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Graduates should be well prepared for careers in sports coaching or exercise as the course provides the opportunity to develop the required skills to obtain national governing body awards. Successful graduates may also wish to further their education by progressing to the top-up degree BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise on a part-time or full-time basis at Teesside University.

Career options are varied including coaching at various levels (dependent on additional governing body qualifications), from recreation to elite sports performance, and sports development in the public or private sectors.

 
 

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£6,150 a year

More details about our fees


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 2 years
  • UCAS code: C607 FdSc/SCE
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates
  • Typical offer: 40-48 tariff points from at least 2 A levels (or equivalent)

Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

 

Part-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£3,960 (120 credits)

More details about our fees

Apply online (part-time)

 

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Teesside Sport

We offer the highest quality experience for you to get involved in sports during your student journey.

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Get in touch

UK students

Email: shlsadmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

 

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