Course overview

With the rapidly growing specialism of coaching science within the sports industry this course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge of how scientific principles and methods are applied within coaching. The two year program provides learners with the opportunity to study a broad range of modules aimed at providing you with the knowledge and scientific understanding to help you succeed in your chosen profession.

The course will be delivered by a blend of experienced lecturing staff that have a range of qualifications and vocational knowledge and experience. These include NGB sports coaching certificates, professional qualifications, PGCE’s, and experience of working with elite sport performers. Some of the staff are currently working towards Masters in the areas of Sports Medicine, Sports Nutrition and Sport Science. This breadth and depth of skills allows the team to provide not only an inspiring academic learning environment but excellent vocational knowledge in the classroom.

During the length of the course you will be offered extra opportunities to complete additional qualifications in coaching levels & gym instruction.

Entry requirements

You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS points preferably gained in a sport and/or business related qualification e.g. BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport or A Level P.E. Level 2 (GCSE) maths and English Language are required.

Mature applicants with other qualifications or non-formal qualifications are welcome to apply, if they are over 21 years of age, and will be assessed on an individual basis and may be asked to complete a short task to demonstrate the required level of knowledge to meet the demands of the course.

All applicants will be asked to attend a formal interview to assess suitability and commitment to the programme of study.

The College has a commitment to widening participation in Higher Education, and will therefore give careful consideration to prior experiential learning, non-traditional qualifications and qualifications obtained outside of the United Kingdom.

Course Modules

Year 1

- Nutrition
This unit aims to equip the student with the knowledge, skills and competencies to understand the nutritional composition of food and the effects of nutritional choices on the health of a person. Research on current trends will take place including intolerances and diseases while also investigating fad diets.

- Anatomy & Physiology
An understanding of anatomy and physiology forms the basis for a number of other areas relating to training, fitness, fitness testing, physical activity and various therapeutic techniques. In this unit learners will study the structure and function of the human body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory and musculo-skeletal). This unit will provide you information that will support you on a sport science degree at university.

- Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Psychology
This unit addresses key concepts in sport psychology that are relevant to sports performance. Whilst the focus of sport psychology is on performance in competitive sport, the focus of exercise psychology is on exercise/physical activity and the role exercise plays in establishing optimal mental health.

- Professional Skills
This unit enables Learners to explore and examine a relevant and current topical aspect of sport. Developing appropriate professional skills is fundamental to becoming a sport scientist and will open up an array of career opportunities within sport science. To be a sport scientist, individuals must develop a range of professional skills that will develop their understanding of research methods in the field of Sport and Exercise Science.

- Coaching Practice & Skill Development
The aim of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of coaching practice and the skill development associated with athlete performance. Students will engage in researching the impact of different coaching practices, working in various environments, utilising resources, developing skills and planning effective sessions. They will gain an understanding of the importance of developing sessions dependent on the group’s demographics. The knowledge, understanding and skill sets gained in this unit will help students to appreciate the varied coaching environments in which they might work. They will have learned how to be specific to the individuals they are coaching and ensure they apply the relevant skill development.

- Training, Fitness & Testing
Within this unit there is a combination of both theoretical and applied learning contexts which will allow learners to examine traditional principles of training in a practical learning environment. Learners will also discover how to use essential practical techniques in training environments through investigating different training techniques. This will allow for a greater understanding of the key physiological, biomechanical and psychological changes that can benefit performance. Learners will also adopt an evidence-based practice approach to their work on training programmes which will help them to prepare for the continuing rigours of Higher Education and careers within sport and exercise sciences, sports therapy and other related areas.

- Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the study of structure and force which is related to all sporting actions it can be broken down further into Nanobiomechanics which is the study in cellular and molecullar changes. During this unit you will study how different forces effect the human body and movement. Using state of the art software to help you record sports performers and study their movements will ready you for studying at a higher level.

- Technology in Sport
The aim of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the impact technology has on sport and the ways in which it supports the athletes’ performance developments. Students will engage in researching the impact of technological equipment, facility development, performance-enhancing tools and testing equipment used within sports. They will gain an understanding in the importance of sport’s National Governing Bodies (NGB) to set their rules stipulating limitations to allow fair competition, the ethics of implementing technology and the influence it can have on an athlete.

Year 2

- Research Project
The unit develops learners’ skills of independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation of direct relevance to their Higher Education programme and professional development

- Advanced Coaching
This unit will challenge the learner to analyse the environment of performance coaching from pedagogic and multi-disciplinary support service perspective, utilising theory and technology to improve performance in their chosen sports.

- Performance Analysis
This unit gives learners the skills required to analyse sports performance, and to offer feedback to performers to bring about improvements. Learners will select a specific sport, depending upon their own areas of interest. They will learn about the performance demands of selected sport including the skills, techniques, physical fitness requirements, skill related requirements and psychological requirements.

- Talent Identification & Development
You will explore the aim, structure and purpose of talent identification and development within sport with the skills of analysing and reviewing talent that leads to success.

- Strength & Conditioning for Coaching
Learners will develop underpinning knowledge of the foundations of strength and conditioning and the application of different types of specific methods of training.

- Work Experience and Employability Skills
All learners at all levels of education and experience require honed employability skills as a prerequisite to entering the job market. Students will investigate the jobs available within the area Sport Science. This unit allows you to gain hands on experience in the sport industry that will increase your employability. You will seek a placement and participate in 66 hours of work experience and monitor and evaluate the placement.

- Sport Rehabilitation
Learners will develop knowledge in the process of injury and safe strategies to allow an athletes return to their sport.

How will I be assessed?

Each assessment is designed in the context of realistic situations of the workplace and higher education.

Throughout the course you will be asked to complete:
- Practical demonstrations
- Presentations
- Timed assessments
- Poster presentations
- Written reports
- Dissertation

Each unit will be marked to pass, merit or distinction and are combined at the end of the course to give an overall grade.

What can I do next

On completion of this course, you could progress onto the final year of a BA or BSC programme to convert your HND into a full honours degree. Previous students have moved on to local universities such as University of Gloucestershire, University of Worcester and Newman University. Alternatively you could choose a range of career paths including; Fitness Instructor, Sports Teacher, Sports Coach, Personal Trainer, Sports Centre Manager, Sports Development Officer, sport initiative programme coaching in the voluntary, public and private sector and charity trust sport campaigners.