Bradford College

Enrolment Dates

Course Overview

This course is designed to meet the demand for qualified sports coaches and development officers in the emerging job market. It has been designed in consultation with some of the industry's leading professional bodies and employers including SkillsActive, Sports Coach UK, David Lloyd Leisure, Bradford Bulls and Leeds United Football Club. The course reflects the appropriate National Occupational Standards and Key Skills for the sector and is designed to foster life-long learning. 

Course Structure

Eight Modules are studied in each of the two years of the course (four per semester). The majority of Modules are taught however there is one Distance Learning Module and a substantial work placement throughout the two years.

Modules Covered

The Course consists of eight 15-credit Modules in each year:
Level four modules include: 

• Work Based Learning
• Coaching Performance 
• Coaching Preparation
• Human Performance Analysis
• Practical Coaching Experience 
• Psychology for Sports Coaches 
• Professional Development 1
• Professional Development 2

Level five modules include:

• Work Based Learning 3
• Professional Development 3
• Nutrition for Sports Performance 
• Applied Physiology for Sport 
• Evaluation of Fitness in Health & Disease 
• Sports Psychology
• Professional Development 4
• Work Based Learning 4
   

Learning Methods

Teaching and learning methods include: lectures, seminars, workshops, practical sessions, individual, small and large groupwork, discussions, student-centred and distance learning.  Work experience is a central part of the course.

Teaching Methods

Our methods include: home study, workshops, lectures, seminars, practicals and work-based learning. The Professional Development modules allow you to identify claims for prior learning and experience (APL/APEL), develop key skills and to gain some essential study skills.

During the course, you will have the opportunity to attend a recruitment event for the New York Red Bulls Soccer team.
 

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used including reports, exams, work-based projects, case studies, home study tasks, practical coaching assessments within a teaching & learning environment and presentations. Some assessment methods are undertaken individually, others in small groups.

Work Placement/Fieldwork

The work placement element takes place during both years of the course. The placements are set up with the approval of the organisation and the course tutor.  The aim is for the you to gain an invaluable insight into the industry and to apply various Modules of the course in a practical setting.

What`s Next?

This Foundation Degree will prepare you for employment within the coaching industry and/or progression to a one-year top up to gain an Honours degree.

Did You Know?

In 2010, one of our graduating students signed a nine month contract to coach one of the New York Red Bulls Soccer teams.

Additional Costs

As part of a Professional Team delivering sport and physical activity you will need to dress appropriately. this will require you to have sports clothing and footwear which is suitable for the many different roles you will be asked to undertake. Throughout the programme there are a number of sports leaders and level one coaching awards delivered that incur a small cost to the student.
 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade C or above to include Mathematics, English and Physical Education or a Science and
one full A level
an Advanced GNVQ, AVCE, NVQ, BTEC or other Level 3 vocational qualification or an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship which includes Level 3 qualifications equalling 160 UCAS points.

You should have a combination of academic qualifications, experience and motivation. Entry onto the course will be subject to an interview.

Mature students are not always expected to have formal qualifications. Prior experiences will be taken into consideration.
 

Did you know?

We were delighted that the QAA's Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review (IQER), carried out in January 2010 concluded that they had 'Confidence' (the highest judgement possible) in the quality of our Higher Education provision.

For further details read the summary report