Coaching and Fitness FdSc (HTQ)

Click here to view our Fees and Funding Course Information.

This two-year Foundation Degree (HTQ) programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter and is for those with an interest and experience in coaching, instructing or teaching sport and PE. You will study the science behind sporting activity, developing the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the rapidly expanding coaching and fitness industries. The broad perspective of the programme opens up opportunities for employment at higher supervisor/lower management levels within sports centres, health and fitness clubs, in sports development, as personal trainers or in the wider areas of physical education (PE) such as teaching, advising or coordinating. The University is the validating partner for the Foundation Degree which formalises the progression route for graduates from the FdSc into year two of the BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences programme at the University of Exeter.

Studying on this course will allow students the opportunity to study at College and to train and compete in British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions for the University of Exeter. This is an invaluable opportunity for those aspiring players looking for a Higher Education qualification whilst exploring playing opportunities with the University of Exeter and Exeter Chiefs.

The programme is delivered by a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, lab sessions and group work. The majority of the programme is assessed through course work which will take the form of written reports, presentations, practical sessions, case studies and seminars. There are some timed assessments and examinations.

The College’s strong links with professional sports clubs (Exeter Chiefs RFC and Exeter City FC), educational organisations (Ted Wragg Trust), and sports development organisations (Active Devon and Exeter College Sports Development), provide numerous opportunities to develop students’ applied experience in a ‘real world’ context. You will engage in various visits to Professional Sports Clubs and organisations, engage in Coaching Practice and develop a coaching portfolio alongside accessing guest speakers from the sports and fitness industry.

Students will have dual registration between the College and university, meaning they will be able to join their sports teams, access resources, and use the sports facilities.

Graduates of the Foundation Degree, who meet the necessary academic standards, will have the exciting opportunity for students to progress to the second year of the BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Exeter.

Topics will include:

Year 1 Modules

• Principles of coaching and instruction
• Fitness analysis and programming
• Foundations of sports psychology
• Coaching practice
• Sports participation, health and performance
• Coach development
• Study skills

Year 2 Modules

• Physiology of sports performance
• Leadership and management in sport
• Principles of performance coaching
• The fundamentals of strength and conditioning
• Technique analysis of sports performance
• Applied research in work based learning

Click here to view the current Programme Handbook.

You will need 64 UCAS tariff points including GCSE grade C or above in English Language and maths (or equivalent). GCSE Science at grade C or above is desirable (or equivalent). If you have another Level 3 qualification it needs to be in an appropriate discipline, for example, BTEC National Diploma in Sport, AS/A Level subjects to include one of Physical Education (PE), Psychology, Biology, Sociology or other qualification such as NVQ 3, CYQ, Massage qualification etc. Sporting involvement is desirable, for example, as coach or competitor. Please note, an A Level in General Studies does not count towards the 64 UCAS Tariff points. GCSE Maths and English is required at grade C (or 4) or above (or equivalent O Level).

Please be aware that Exeter College does not hold a CAS licence, and therefore is unable to consider applications from prospective learners who require a Student Visa. Non-UK nationals can be considered for courses as long as they already hold the Right to Study in the UK for purposes other than education.

You will have access to our fitness centre Sports Hall (off Queen Street), with access to Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), study areas, cafes and computer suites. Students have access to the lab based sports science equipment at Exwick Sports Hub as well as Central Fitness Gym behind Victoria House on Queen Street.

Sports Coach UK courses £40 approx (offered in each year). First Aid (optional) £25. Kit £70. CYQ Level 2 course in year 2 (optional) £75.