female lecturer coaching futsal coaching in sports hall

FdSc

Sport Performance and Coaching

UCAS Code: C607

Typical offer: 64-80 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Duration: 2 years full-time; option to progress to 1-year full-time BSc (Hons) Sport Performance course; part-time options available

Awarding body: Hartpury University

Apply for this course here: https://www.hartpury.ac.uk/university/courses/foundation/fdsc-sport-performance-and-coaching/fdsc-sport-performance-and-coaching-2023/

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Overview

Course overview

Study an industry-focused, practical degree that puts real-world experience first. Explore a range of subjects and tailor your studies to suit your interests and career goals.

By choosing this degree, you won’t be limited to studying just one discipline. You’ll develop expertise in sports science, coaching, and analysis, before specialising in your second year with a range of optional modules.

You’ll complete 220 hours of industry experience, to ensure you’re ready for your next step. You could help out one of our performance sports teams, or alongside one of our many external sporting partners. This will give you insights into different career pathways as well as valuable experience for your CV.

The course will encourage you to think creatively, solve problems, and examine new concepts in the world of performance sport. You’ll learn with industry-standard facilities and have opportunities to work with athletes and teams from our Sports Academies.

On completion of the degree you should be ready to move into employment or top-up your qualification to a full BSc (Hons) degree, by progressing onto one of our one-year level 6 programmes.

How to apply Contact us: +44 (0)1452 702244

What you'll study

This course places an emphasis on students getting industry experience. Throughout the two years, you’ll be required to complete 140 hours of industry experience. Alongside this you’ll study a series of core modules, covering everything from sports science to coaching, and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Level four (year one)

In your first year, you’ll cover a series of specialist modules focused on sport psychology, sports coaching and exercise physiology. These will give you the fundamental skills and knowledge to study at a higher level. Alongside this, you’ll experience what it‘s like to work in a sporting environment through 50 hours of placement. This will start introducing you to key industry skills and knowledge ready for when you graduate.

Compulsory modules

Gain 80 hours of pre-approved industry experience, and reflect on your experience.

Learn academic and research skills through work with other sports science disciplines.

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport exercise psychology.

Learning the biological systems used during exercise.

Study how historical and political influences have shaped practices in a chosen sport.

This module covers coaching processes and practices, as well as different leadership theories

Optional modules

There are no optional modules during this year. Your learning is focused on compulsory modules to ensure you have a thorough understanding of key topics to prepare you for module choices in your subsequent years.

Level five (year two)

Alongside 90 hours of practical experience, you’ll specialise in the areas that interest you most through a series of optional modules. You could choose to study youth physical development, nutritional strategies for athletes, or applied performance analysis, amongst others. Your core modules will also see you exploring more advanced theory.

Compulsory modules

Undertake 140 hours of pre-approved work placement. Analyse the needs of the clients, management practices, and overall effectiveness of the performance environment.

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Explore pedagogical theories, learning how to apply them in practical settings.

Optional modules

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Recent research highlights the need for aspiring coaches and teacher to be provided with opportunities to apply theory to practice. This module and assessment is critically aligned to provide the student with the opportunity to put what they have learnt in the classroom in to action. Via a number of hands on teaching experiences a student will apply effective teaching and learning via the application of a broad and balance curriculum.

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

A chance to independently review an approved topic area in line with the student’s programme of study.

This module allows students to the explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Learn and apply psychological skills to improve athlete performance.

The basics of nutritional requirements for exercise, including metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

You will engage in a programme relevant study trip which will provide a context for you to synthesise content from across your programme of study and make applications and inferences to this real world setting, while expanding your horizons.

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive practice within sport, physical activity, and physical education.

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

Please visit our document library for more module information.

Further module information

How you'll study

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 15 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year - this is 25% above the UK average.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

Further details

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second year may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Of note, for those who want to progress and earn a full BSc (Hons) degree, credits awarded during the second year of the Foundation Degree may contribute towards this award.

The modules will contain a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical learning in taught contact hours. Alongside this, students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour.

A key requirement of the course is that students complete a minimum of 140 hours work placement throughout their two years.

The course is taught in English.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level four (year one)	26%	4%	70%
Level five (year two)	20%	8%	72%

You’ll receive a minimum of an average of 15 hours scheduled contact time per week in your first year if full time. In your second year, scheduled contact will vary depending on the modules you select but is typically around 12 hours per week.

You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given within four working weeks to allow students to reflect on work submitted.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level four (year one)	13%	59%	28%
Level five (year two)	5%	31%	64%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

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Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placement and experience

This is a key part of the degree. Industry experience and building networks are essential for developing the skills employers are looking for, as well as for building key relationships with employers, and the community. Students have worked within local schools and communities, with others gaining experience at professional clubs. We’ll support you to find a placement based on your interests and career goals.

Graduate destinations

As a sports graduate you’ll have opportunities to progress into varied career paths. With the optional nature of the degree, it’s likely you’ll choose to find employment in the field that interests you most. The programme covers a range of different topics, including sport science, exercise physiology, performance analysis, and coaching modules. You may choose to focus your path in that direction. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate jobs. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

Performance analyst
Roles within professional and amateur sport
National Governing Bodies
Coaching youth athletes
Teacher training
Postgraduate study

Facilities

World-class facilities

You’ll have access to a diverse range of facilities while you’re here, many of which are newly built and world class. Alongside lecture halls and workshop spaces, these include:

Sports Facilities

Our new sports hall and 3G football pitch are equipped with state-of-the-art video analysis cameras for live capture of coaching sessions and gameplay. Our £8.8million Sports Academy includes fully equipped human performance and biomechanics laboratories, as well as an altitude chamber. You’ll also have access to grass pitches and a golf driving range. We also have indoor and outdoor equine arenas, and a cross country track on campus.

Laboratories

Our human performance laboratories, biomechanics laboratory, and rehabilitation suite all boast state-of-the-art sports and exercise technology. Students will be encouraged to get hands on using some of the same equipment that is used by professional sports clubs, including Gloucester Rugby, as well as teams in the Premiership and NFL.

Study spaces

Our University Learning Centre has books, journals, ebooks, computers and breakout study spaces. In addition, we have a Study Lounge – an informal space with sports equipment, study booths and chill-out spaces to support both studying and relaxation.

Entry requirements

UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 64-80 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.

A-Level | Typical offer is CC-CDD or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels.

Vocational Award | Typical offer is a MPP-MMP in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

Access | Typical offer is 64-80 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

IB | Typical offer is 64-80 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of one Higher at H3 or above.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 64-80 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced Higher and one Higher.

Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 64-80 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of one Higher. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.

OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a MPP in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

T Level | Typical offer is Pass in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject.

We welcome students with equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss.

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course.

Please contact us for further information:

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Fees and funding

Tuition fees and financial support

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Explore student finance

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. Whilst students may wish to wear their own clothing, some will want to purchase Hartpury branded sports kit. Everything you may need is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.

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Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

Explore Sports Academies

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

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Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

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Top 10

We’re in the top 10 UK universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2023)

Top 10%

We’re in the top 10% of UK providers for student satisfaction (NSS, 2020)

97%

of graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2022)

£8.8m invested

An £8.8m Sports Academy including some of the only equipment of its kind in the UK.

200 professional players

We’ve produced over 200 international sports stars

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World-class sports facilities

Our £8.8m sports facility contains kit that you won't find many other places in the UK. You could get hands-on access to technology including altitude chambers, anti-gravity treadmills, 3D cameras and digital body-mapping mirrors.

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Get in touch

We would love to hear from you, so please get in touch. You can ask a specific question or simply pop your details in to be kept up-to-date with news and events.

How to apply

You can apply for the FdSc Sport Performance and Coaching degree via UCAS.

Apply via UCAS

Success Stories

Incredible opportunities

Scott Jones, BBC Graduate Talent Scheme

"I work on shows like Sports Personality of the Year and the 2020 Olympic Games. It’s an incredible opportunity that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without Hartpury."

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Inspiring future generations

George Miller, former professional footballer

"I want to get back into professional football while achieving a first-class honours degree, but I’ve learned that you never know what’s around the corner! I see myself teaching PE, ideally in a secondary school, which would mean going on to do my PGCE. Hopefully, I can become a role model like my PE teachers were to me."

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Further course details

For further details about this course, including the programme specification and module descriptions, please visit our document library.

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Your journey

We're here to support you on your journey to university and beyond. Our students tell us that they love the family feel and sense of belonging that we provide.

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Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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