SPORT AND EXERCISE - Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

This Foundation Degree delivered by SRC and validated by The Open University, is offered as a higher level apprenticeship and 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 learner's knowledge and critical understanding of the areas associated with sport and critical transferable skills. It provides students 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.

As part of the HLA, students will attend College one day per week and be placed within a workplace for the remaining four days.

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 Regulations for Validated Awards

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

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).
For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each applicant must be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company. All apprentices must work a minimum contract of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training) and have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector. Applicants need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you are a non-EU national, a public sector worker or based on the qualifications you have previously been awarded. Further details can be found at NI Direct.

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.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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 Sports Analysis
Introduction to Sport & Society
Work Based Learning 1

Modules Year 2 include:

Introduction to Training Fitness and Testing
Introduction to Fundamentals of Practical Sport
Applied Physical Education
Work Based Learning 2
Applied Research Methods

Modules Year 3 include:

Applied Strength & Conditioning
Applied Contemporary Issues in Health

Student workload 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.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

Mandatory field trips will need to be paid in advance with 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 Advance AccessNI check, the cost of which will be incurred 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 & Exercise at Southern Regional College.

Alternatively, learners may have the opportunity to apply to other Colleges/Universities to complete your undergraduate degree or go straight into employment.

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 areas such as: