Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Performance

Academic entry requirements are as follows:

Level 4 - 48 UCAS tariff points
Level 5 - Pass and proceed from Level 4

Applicants who do not have the recognised UCAS tariff points will be considered on a case by case basis.

It is mandatory that students enrolling on this course are able to go through a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as a requirement of this programme is to actively work with members of the community.

Here’s how to apply depending on your plans:

• If this College is your only choice, you can begin the process by selecting the “Apply” button at the top of this course page, which will take you to the online application form for a simple and direct experience.
• If you’re applying to multiple Higher Education providers, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline for the relevant recruitment cycle. This ensures your application reaches all your chosen institutions efficiently.
• For detailed information on UCAS applications and deadlines, https://www.ucas.com/applying .

In Year 1 of the Foundation Degree (Level 4), students will enhance their knowledge of scientific topics on the programme in this introductory phase.

- One of the first modules to be taught is ‘Preparation for Learning in Sport, Health and Exercise. This is strategically delivered first by lecturers to develop your Higher Education skills to help the you to explore academic sources and research, which you will need for future modules across the Foundation Degree and Top Up qualification. Students will also be given the opportunity to become qualified first aiders within this module, which will be beneficial for them as coaches.

- The ‘Fundamentals of Anatomy and Biomechanics module will allow the you to make effective use of your knowledge and understanding of the disciplines underpinning human structures and functioning. The proposed learning and teaching approach for this module will include lectures and seminars within our sports lab facility.

- The Introduction to Coaching Pedagogy module will also be delivered within the first semester of Level 4 to help you to learn about leadership styles, theories and skill acquisition within the coaching environment. The module will include both theoretical lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions where you can begin to put some of the theories you have learned into practice in our sports facilities (indoor sports hall and outdoor grass pitches). Students will be practicing a range of programme competencies within this module.

In the second semester of the first year, you will continue to be given opportunities to develop youir scientific knowledge from a different perspective. You receive lectures and seminars from sports lecturers for the following modules:
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Introduction to Human Physiology and Performance
- Nutrition for Sport, Health and Exercise

The variety of modules will allow you to build up a scientific knowledge base, which will be beneficial progression. Each of the modules will include lectures and seminars.

In year 2 of the Foundation Degree (Level 5), you will receive lectures and will be involved in seminars and practical sessions.

- By studying the module Introduction to Strength and Conditioning in semester 1 of year 2, you can utilise the knowledge from the anatomy, biomechanics and human physiology-based modules. You will learn how strength and conditioning can support many different athletes and their performances.

- You will be involved in a second psychology-based module in semester 1 of year 2, this time from a social psychology perspective. This will help you to learn about the motives behind why people do and do not participate in exercise, and the role that sport and exercise has on mental health. You will become competent in recognising and responding to moral and ethical issues, and behaviour change.

- Building on the Introduction to Coaching Pedagogy in year 1, The Reflective Sports Coach module will help you to be reflective and evaluate your own practices. You will learn how to use different reflective models and will actively use these within your own coaching practices via the practical elements of this module.

- Sports Development is included as a module at Level 5 so that students are able to understand the history of sports development in the UK, the role of National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD). You will be taught through lectures and seminars, and will also receive guest talks from various people within sports development, such as employees from RISE (Active Partnership for the region) and various sport NGBs (such as County Durham FA).

- You will continue to develop as industry-ready practitioners through lectures and seminars on the Introduction to Performance Analyse module. You will use different technologies and enhance your digital literacy throughout this module as you explore different methods to assess performances in different sports.

- In semester 2 of year 2, you will be involved in a Research Methods module exploring contemporary issues in coaching. You will be supported in planning a research project of your choosing, looking at data and statistical analysis (both qualitative and quantitative) during taught lessons, and will work independently to come up with research proposal for your chosen contemporary coaching issue.

All of the taught modules on this qualification are inclusive and champion diversity.

It is expected that prospective students will have obtained GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or be working towards this).

It will be expected that students take part in placements in year 2 of the Foundation Degree. Students will take part in small placements in both sports coaching and performance analysis.

We partner with a diverse range of organisations, including RISE – the Active Partnership for Tyne, Wear, and Northumberland, as well as UK Coaching, County Durham FA, Everyone Active, and the Foundation of Light. These connections provide valuable industry insights and networking opportunities.

At Sunderland College, students can also benefit from our range of sporting academies, including football, rugby, basketball, netball, and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).

Throughout the course, students will engage in talks and seminars led by expert guest speakers, go on exciting trips, and gain hands-on experience through industry-focused modules. This qualification offers unique opportunities to enhance employability, such as:

First aid certification
Level 2 national governing body qualification
Gym instructor qualification
Optional NPLQ lifeguard qualification
Optional swim teacher certification
These experiences ensure students are well-prepared for a successful career in the sports industry.

Students will be expected to commit time to attend timetabled sessions each week during term times, and also time to work independently of assignments and assessment submissions.

It is expected that students will attend lessons face-to-face where possible. Some lessons will be blended or remote.

The Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Performance offers students the opportunity to learn about various topics to help them to progress into further studies and/or employment in this area.

The Foundation Degree will allow students to learn about how to how to manage scientific information, to collaborate with others, to be reflective practitioners, to be innovate and creative, to be able to communicate effectively, and to be able to work independently.

You will study modules including:

Level 4 -
- Fundamentals of Anatomy and Biomechanics
- Preparation for Learning in Sport, Health and Exercise
- Introduction to Coaching Pedagogy
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Introduction to Human Physiology and Performance
- Nutrition for Sport, Health and Exercise

Level 5 -
- Introduction to Strength and Conditioning
- Social Psychology of Sport, Health and Exercise
- The Reflective Sports Coach
- Sports Development
- Introduction to Performance Analysis
- Research Methods

Level 4 - 120 credits
Level 5 - 120 credits

Total - 240 credits