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Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who is passionate about sport and wants to develop the skills and knowledge to become a successful sport coaching or development practitioner.

On this course, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of sports coaching and development.

You will learn how to plan, deliver, and evaluate effective coaching sessions, as well as how to develop and implement sports development programmes.

You will study areas such as the science of sport coaching including psychology and physiology, fitness training methods, sport development and coaching a variety of populations.

If you are interested in becoming a PE teacher, this course will also provide a pathway on to postgraduate qualifications in teaching.
This course will run if sufficient applications are received.

How long is this course and when does it run?
TThe Foundation Degree is either two-year (full-time) or four-year (part-time) programme, commencing in September 2025.
Deadline
The application portal is now open! The deadline for applications is 31st January 2025.

What are the entry requirements for the course?
· A minimum of four x GCSE A* to C or 4+, including English and Maths
· OCR/BTEC Level 3 Diploma
· A Level profile: DD

What will I study on this course?

Level 4: Stage 1
· Fundamentals of coaching and leading - Develop the core skills and knowledge needed to be an effective sports coach or leader.
· Psychology of sport and physical activity – Explore the psychological factors that influence sport performance, participation and motivation.
· Anatomy and physiology – Develop a comprehensive understanding of the human body’s structure and function, with a focus on sports-related applications.
· Professional practice – Prepare for careers in sport and physical activity through real-world work experience and professional development opportunities.
· Sport and physical activity participation – Examine the factors that influence sport and physical activity participation, and how to promote active lifestyles.
· Sport nutrition - Explore the nutritional needs of athletes and how to optimize nutrition for performance and recovery.


Level 5: Stage 2
· Research in action - Develop practical research skills for applying research methodologies to real-world problems in sport, health, exercise, or physical activity.
· Advanced sport coaching – Enhance coaching expertise through in-depth exploration of advanced coaching techniques, strategies, and methodologies.
· The developing athlete - Examine the unique physiological, psychological, and social aspects of athlete development across different stages of growth and maturation.
· Work-based learning – Provide students with the opportunity to gain valuable work-based experience in a professional setting related to sport, health, or physical activity.
· Health in the community – Explore the role of physical activity and healthy lifestyles in promoting community health and well-being.
· Sports training methods - Provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of sport training, including different training methods, periodization, and program design.


What qualification will I gain?

FdA Sport Coaching and Development from the University of Plymouth.
This can be topped up to a full degree through the BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Development top up year.
Other work-based qualifications will also be offered or signposted to in areas such as coaching, fitness, massage and emergency aid.

How will it be assessed?
Assessment methods will include formal reports, essays, formal presentations, practical delivery, critical reflections and online open book assessments.

Work Experience
Each year will have a one-month full-time work placement within a local sport, physical activity, education or health provider.

How much will it cost?
£9,250 per year.

Extra Information:
Please email Andrew McGinnigle on andrew.mcginnigle@highlands.ac.uk or call UCJ on 01534 608702.
The application portal is now open! The deadline for applications is 31st January 2025.

S65FDS-S1
15/09/2025
20/06/2026
32 weeks
To be confirmed
Highlands College-University Building
£9,250.00

If you are enquiring for, applying to or enrolling on this course for yourself, please click the appropriate button below.

The leading provider of Adult & Community Education on the island.

The majority of our courses are delivered at our dedicated Adult Education Centre during the day and some evening classes too with parking outside.

Whatever you want to do to enhance your skills, learn something or achieve a qualification you will find it at ACE.

The Adult & Community Education (ACE) programme is only available to students who are no longer in compulsory education and are aged 18 or over.

You can book and pay for your ACE course online!

  1. Go to www.highlands.ac.uk and click on ACE Leisure Courses
  2. Create your personal account by clicking Request Account. (If you already have a personal account, log in with your username and password)
  3. Click on the course titles that interest you for more information. You can filter your search by subject or day.
  4. If you wish to enrol on a course, add your chosen course to your basket and follow the payment process.
  • Use a MasterCard, Visa or Maestro credit or debit card online
  • Supply mastercard, visa or Maestro credit or debit card information over the telephone or by person only. It is no longer acceptable to take written note of your card details.
  • Pay by cheque. Cheques should be made out to “Treasurer of the States”. If you are applying for more than one course please enclose separate cheques for each. This will enable us to return fees for courses that are already full and still process other applications without delay. Post your form and cheque to Highlands College – Student Records, Highlands Lane, St Saviour JE1 1HL.
Unfortunately, no. You will not have your application confirmed until payment is received in full. Remember payment can be made via credit card, cheque, postal order or, if applying in person, in cash.
All ACE course fees include your tuition and a registration fee. They may also include a contribution towards the cost of demonstration materials, venue rental, handouts, artist models, equipment or assessment fees. PLEASE NOTE: be prepared to supply materials in addition to your course fees depending on your course, for example flowers, cooking ingredients, art and craft materials or specialist clothing.
ACE courses vary in length from half-day workshops to one academic year. The majority of courses follow an academic timetable and may include half-term, bank holiday or other breaks.
We make every effort to avoid doing this, but occasionally it is necessary. This is why it is vitally important for us to have your current telephone numbers or e-mail address in order that we can contact you as speedily as possible. If you have a mobile telephone number, we will use a text message service to inform you of any changes to your course. If the change is not acceptable to you, a full refund will be issued. Please note, our text message service is a non-reply service.
The Adult & Community Education (ACE) programme is only available to students aged 18 or over. (Unless specified in the course information).
Applications for Adult & Community Education (ACE) leisure courses are accepted on a first come, first served basis on receipt of the fees. If the wait list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available another course may be set up, for which you will be offered a place.
If you are aged 60 or over, an automatic concession is applied to your course fee on application.
A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing a course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum we reluctantly cancel it. Applicants are provided with a full refund or a transfer to another suitable course if one is available.
Unfortunately, we only offer a refund if a course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the Island are not considered for refunds. Course places cannot be deferred to another term and are not transferable to another person.
Highlands Professional courses offers a range of professional qualifications to enhance your career opportunities.
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