FdSc Sports Performance

Students have a range of compulsory modules and optional modules to choose from including:

Year 1

• Learning through the Performance Environment
• Sport Development and Leadership
• Coaching Theory
• Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Year 2

• Developing the Performance Environment
• Sports Leadership
• Sport Nutrition
• Sport Psychology

Opportunities to gain National Governing body qualifications will also be offered, and are excellent additions to your CV.

On successful completion of the Foundation degree, you could progress to a one year BSc Sport Performance (top-up).

Our students have pursued careers in a wide-range of sports related environments such as sports development, health and fitness and sports coaching.

Leadership and entrepreneurship are key skills covered in the course, ideal for setting up your own business and/or managing performance environments.

Graduate Profile: Jason Poole

Jason is Performance Coach for Oxstalls Tennis Centre, Gloucester GL2 9DW

What I do

I work full-time at Oxstalls Tennis Centre in Gloucester as a performance coach. Before I came to Hartpury I was a keen tennis player. I knew I couldn’t make it all the way as a player, but giving others the opportunity as a coach is exactly what I wanted to do. Oxstalls has recently been made a ‘performance centre’ by the Lawn Tennis Association (the national governing body) and my role here is to work with the under-10’s as a performance coach. I enjoy coaching the younger age groups. I love getting on court and seeing the reactions of players as they develop their skills. It’s great to be in an environment where everyone cares about what they do.

Why I chose Hartpury

I chose Hartpury as it had good links with the Oxstalls Tennis Centre and I liked that it was a sports campus. Having the passion for so many different sports in one place was a key factor. During my first year at Hartpury I did voluntary work at Oxstalls on a Wednesday and Saturday, first as a level 1 coach and I then took my level 2. Because I was at Hartpury I was able to work at Oxstalls every year throughout my course and work my way up to the role I have today. It was fantastic to have the facilities and coaches right on my doorstep. My university experience was fantastic. You develop really strong relationships with the lecturers, people like Dean Clark. His enthusiasm as a coach and lecturer was very inspiring. The lecturing staff really supported me, particularly in my dissertation. Being in a sports environment all the time allowed me to develop for the future.

The future

I see my job as an opportunity to give something back – getting the kids inspired in the same way I was. I want to develop my coaching career and I definitely see myself working in a high performance centre. My next step is to take my level 4 coaching qualification and I am also considering completing a PhD.

Our sports facilities include:

• Human Performance Laboratory
• Sports Academy Centre
• Sports Rehabilitation Suite
• Two Rubber Crumb pitches
• Power Gym
• Cardiovascular Gym
• Sports Pitches
• Tennis Court
• Nine-hole Golf Course and driving range

FdSc Sport Performance placement success

Our Foundation degree Sport Performance students have has considerable success with work placements. Students have gained up to 300 hours work experience at institutions such as Chelsea FC, Cardiff City FC, Paris Saint-Germain and Gloucester RFC.

A great success has to be the link made between Hartpury and Cheltenham Town Football Club (CTFC). Four students assisted CTFC within their community development programme, delivering coaching to a variety of groups from after school clubs to disability sports aid. Not only have the students completed their FdSc Sports Performance Degree, they have also become excellent ambassadors for Hartpury.

“Students have frequently taken part in the major festivals run by Cheltenham Town, and all gaining positive feedback. Outside of coaching, positive feedback has been received from school receptionists, teachers, parents and the children that the students work with. The link with Hartpury has been excellent and we are excited for the future partnership.”

Ollie Roberts (Community Development Coordinator)

"Within the Sports Performance degree there were several modules that I found interesting and beneficial, but none more so than my placement experience. Before I studied at Hartpury I was a coach for Chelsea Football Club for two years and felt I had a very good understanding of coaching children, but it wasn't until after my work placement experience I realised how much I lacked.

For my placement I worked for Cheltenham Football Club within their community programme coaching different sports in different environments such as football, hockey and rugby in after school clubs, in school lessons, disability lessons, and officiating in tournaments. Looking back at my placement experience I thought it was the most enjoyable module on a great course and feel not only have I improved as a football coach but began to develop into a sports coach, which in turn will help me become a greater PE teacher in the future.”

Enzo Benn (former Sports Performance student

* One level 2 qualification in Science (e.g. GCSE at C or above).

Applicants with non-standard entry criteria will be considered on an individual basis. This will take the form of an individual interview with members of the programme team and possibly the completion of a set task such as a written assignment. It is recommended that applicants hold a National Governing Body (NGB) Level 1 Coaching Award.

**Price is per 10 credits. Part time students would normally complete between 10 and 80 credits per year, depending upon individual circumstances.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Full details of the scholarships and bursaries available at Hartpury can be viewed here

Further information

Direct Gov

University of the West of England

Contacts

Hartpury College Student Finance Administrator: +44 (0)1452 702103

UWE Student Advice and Welfare Services: +44 (0)117 328 2822

Student Finance England: 0845 300 5090

Please note that this financial information is only a guide and is subject to change.

Applying for this degree

You must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can still apply for entry to degrees starting in September 2013.

The 'Apply' pages of the UCAS website give detailed guidance on completing your application so please read it carefully. It is important to ensure that all sections of the application are completed, paying particular attention to the qualifications, personal statement and reference sections.

Hartpury College is an Associate Faculty of the University of the West of England. The UWE institution code is BUWE B80and the Hartpury campus code is A.

Part-time study

If you want to study this degree on a part-time basis, apply directly to UWE Hartpury. Contact the Enquiry Line on +44 (0) 1452 702345 or email enquire@hartpury.ac.uk to request a part-time university application form.