Overview

This is an innovative qualification that 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 program meets the needs of learners and of employers, who have informed much of the content.

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 program - (part-time and full-time at Hartlepool College of Further Education) please contact the college directly for details of delivery days.

Course details

The program 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 program 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

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 employees and employers with unique benefits.

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

Fundamentals Of Sports and Excercise

The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of the history of the 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, globalization, future perspectives, professionalism, commercialization, 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 sports 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 words, 70%) and a 15-minute presentation (30%).

Introduction to Sports Coaching and Excercise

Throughout this module, learners will develop an understanding of a coach/practitioner's role in a sport and exercise environment. Learners will get the opportunity to complete a number of relevant sport and exercise qualifications that 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 the 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 behavior factors that influence performance and participation in the sports industry. The module develops a sound theoretical base by examining motor behavior 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%).

How you learn

This program 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 program. 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 program. They take the form of practical and written examinations, portfolios, essays, laboratory reports, and verbal presentations.

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.