SPORT AND EXERCISE Level 5 Foundation Degree

Level 5
Higher Education
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

This Foundation Degree delivered by SRC and validated by The Open University, examines both the theoretical and practical application of sport and exercise through a wide range of modules aiming to develop student's academic and professional potential. This course will develop a student's knowledge and critical understanding of the areas associated with sport and critical transferable skills. It provides learners with a balance between the development of vocational skills necessary for employment and the knowledge necessary for academic progression and lifelong learning.

Throughout the course, students will explore the scientific principles that underpin sport and exercise. They will gain a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, and how these factors influence performance and health. Students will study the physiological responses to exercise, the principles of training, and the role of nutrition in optimising athletic performance.

The course covers a range of topics related to sport and exercise. Students will study the psychology of sport, exploring motivation, goal setting, and mental strategies for performance enhancement. They will gain an understanding of sports nutrition, exercise for special populations, and injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Typically, weekly contact hours are scheduled for a minimum of 17 hours per week per semester, with an additional independent study of approx. 60-160 hours per module depending on the credit value. Student workload usually includes 2-3 assessments (a combination of coursework and/or examination) per module. There is an expectation that the student will undertake self-study hours off campus to enable them to fully achieve the course of study.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules Year 1 include:

Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction to Sport Psychology
Introduction to Training, Fitness & Testing
Introduction Sports Analysis
Introduction to Fundamentals of Practical Sport
Introduction to Sport & Society

Modules Year 2 include:

Work Based Learning
Applied Research Methods for Sport & Exercise
Applied Conditioning for Sport & Exercise
Applied Physical Education
Applied Contemporary Issues in Health

Student workload usually includes 2-3 assessments per module (a combination of coursework/practical's and/or examination). There is also an expectation that the student will undertake self-study hours off campus to enable them to fully achieve the course of study.

Mandatory field trips will also need to be paid in advance with an estimated approximate cost of £50 per year. (1st Semester induction week £35) (2nd Semester- pre Easter £15). PE/Sports Kit: SRC Pack (T-Shirt x 2 and Shorts x 1) estimated £50. Additional kit available.

Other optional employability courses on offer to students to avail of may include:

Level 2 Gym Instructors (approx. £150) (2nd Semester - May)
Level 3 Personal Training (approx. £200) (2nd Semester - June)
Level 2 Kettlebells (approx. £75) (1st Semester - October)
Level 2 Circuit Training (approx. £75) (1st Semester – October)
Level 3 Sports Massage (approx. £215) (2nd Semester - June)
Sports First Aid (approx. £35) (2nd Semester - May)
Coaching/Referees Awards (i.e. GAA, Volleyball, Dodgeball etc.) and Child Protection (approx. £35-£60) (1st Semester - December)

Please note: If a student chooses to undertake work placement within a school setting, they may be subject to an Advanced Access NI check. The cost incurred for this will be covered by the College.

On successful completion of this course, with the required average mark (55%), students will be eligible to apply for entry into the Open University Top Up Degree programme in Sport and Exercise at Southern Regional College.

Alternatively, students may have the opportunity to apply to other Colleges/Universities to complete your undergraduate degree.

Upon successful completion of the Sport and Exercise Level 5 Foundation Degree, graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of careers in the sport and exercise field. They may find employment opportunities in: