Course modules
Year 1
Functional Anatomy
Learners will explore how the anatomy of the cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal and muscular systems function to produce movements in sport and exercise. This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of how the human body produces movement as well as the factors that can contribute to making the performance of movement more effective
Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the major psychological factors that impact on sports performers. You will cover the major psychological factors that can affect performers in sport and exercise environments, and the interventions that can promote an appropriate mindset
Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science (*3 A-Level Equivalent Extended Diploma Route Only in Year 1, Studied on the Diploma Route in Year 2)
This unit covers the importance of research, factors affecting the quality of research and the different research methods used in sport. You will develop a clear grasp of research methods, the different types of research, how to search for and read different examples of research, and the importance of this for emerging sport and exercise scientists. Following on from this, you will gain an understanding of the different factors that can affect the quality of research and the importance of ethical research practices and finish by developing practical skills in the use of different research methods
Coaching for Performance and Fitness
In this unit, you will develop coaching skills, knowledge, qualities and best practices, allowing for sessions to incorporate progression over time. You will develop your planning, delivery and reflection skills, as well as your ability to use a variety of coaching practices and will explore different practices and measures that could be used to develop sports performance. You will develop the knowledge and ability to plan, deliver and evaluate coaching sessions that promote athletes’ technical, tactical and fitness performance
Specialised Fitness Training
You will study specialised fitness training and the physical demands of sports to plan training of periodised programmes and training sessions to improve sports performance within this unit. You will explore the fitness requirements, physical characteristics and demands of sports that contribute to effective training and sports performance and then investigate methods of training for physical and skill-related fitness that will improve this performance. You will then examine the principles that underpin the design of periodised training programmes and training sessions and carry out the planning of programmes and training sessions for a chosen sport
Physical Activity for Individual and Group-based Exercise (*3 A-Level Equivalent Extended Diploma Route Only)
This unit covers theoretical and practical requirements for planning and instructing individual and group-based exercise sessions. You will gain an understanding of how to establish effective working relationships with individuals and groups of participants, which is essential in order to ensure that participants trust you and come back for business. You will also explore ways in which to help to support participants to encourage regular participation in physical activity and explore the types of exercises that can be used for both individual exercise sessions and group-based classes. You will then plan and instruct an individual and a group-based exercise session before carrying out a review of your sessions.
Year 2
Sport and Exercise Physiology
Explore the different body systems and their response to sport and exercise in normal conditions, as well as in different environments. This unit will provide you with the detailed core knowledge required to progress to employment in the sport and exercise science industry or further study
Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science
Throughout this unit, you will learn the skills required to successfully research a project in sport and exercise science. This will help you to develop your subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skill set in your chosen area and will also help you to develop wider skills of time management, problem solving and creative thinking. You will complete a research project in a sport-based context, involving learning about how to plan, do and review a successful research project
Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing
This unit focuses specifically on the practical aspects used by both the sports scientist and allied practitioner. These skills and methods will enable you to expand on your understanding of safe and ethical working practice, testing protocols and data evaluation skills that are essential for the sports scientist. You will become familiar with the essential testing protocols commonly used in both the field and laboratory to assess the fitness of the modern performer
Sociocultural Issues in Sport and Exercise (*3 A-Level Equivalent Extended Diploma Route Only)
This unit considers the value of sport and exercise in our society and the historical, social, cultural and ethical factors that impact on its development. Studying this unit will give you an insight into the reasons for the development of sport and why sport continues to hold such an important role in our society. You will learn about the sociological theories which underpin the study of sport and society, how sport can be used to address social and cultural issues and the relationships between sport, commercialism and the media
Technology in Sport and Exercise Science (*3 A-Level Equivalent Extended Diploma Route Only)
This unit covers the use of technology in sport and exercise, its impact on performance, the measurement of performance, and the ethical considerations associated with its use. You will examine the impact of technology on sport and exercise. You will explore the types of technology and personal equipment available to sport and exercise performers and investigate how technology aids sport and exercise performance. You will then explore how technology is used to measure and analyse sport and exercise performance and will examine the ethical considerations that impact on the use of technology in sport and exercise
Sports Injury and Assessment (*3 A-Level Equivalent Extended Diploma Route Only)
During this unit, you will study the signs and symptoms of sports injuries, application of basic treatment and rehabilitation methods, injury risk factors and injury prevention. Specifically, you will learn how to differentiate between acute and chronic injuries, understand injury mechanisms, appreciate the types of injury that may be experienced in each classification, and gain an awareness of the aetiology and symptoms that can present for each injury. You will recognise the symptoms of injury and understand the physiological and psychological responses to injury and rehabilitation. You will examine gait analysis and the components of the sequence of prevention model and introduce preventative measures to reduce risk and prevent injury occurrence
Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance (*3 A-Level Equivalent Extended Diploma Route Only)
In this unit, you will understand how nutrition can positively or negatively affect a sports participant’s performance, the importance of hydration, and how to apply the nutritional principles needed to meet a specific athlete’s nutritional requirements. You will gain a broad understanding of the importance of nutrition and hydration to be able to adapt a nutritional programme for a variety of sports participants.
Entry requirements & additional information
Entry requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
An English GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of three others at C (4) or higher, including Maths or Science.
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
An English Language GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of four others at C (4) or higher, including Maths and Science.
In addition Learning Areas may apply specific agreed aptitude assessments that assist selection.
Learning and assessment
Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector.
Assessments include writing up research findings, case studies, project work, practical and technical demonstrations, synoptics, vocational tasks and written exams.
Progression
This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to employment after further study at university. However, it also supports learners who may choose to progress directly to employment, as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give learners an advantage in applying for entry level roles or ‘school leaver’ industry training programmes and Higher Apprenticeships in areas such as sport and fitness training, coaching, and sports performance research.
In addition to the sector-specific content, the requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, the study of applied research methods and the research project require learners to carry out individual research and to give evidence in a sport science context, evaluating and justifying their findings.
The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example:
• BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science
• BSc (Hons) in Sport Science
• BSc (Hons) in Sport and Coaching Studies
• BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
Careers
This course can lead to wide variety of potential career paths within Fitness and Coaching, Sport Science and Research, Healthcare and Rehabilitation such as:
• Personal Trainer
• Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Sports Coach
• Exercise Physiologist
• Sports Nutritionist
• Sport Psychologist
• Physiotherapist
• Sports Development
• Leisure and Recreation
• P.E. Teacher
Special requirements
Costs that are optional for the course:
Clothing - £100 approx