FdSc Sports Coaching and Development

The following outlines the specific requirements for this course:

• You will hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a sport and exercise related subject 32 UCAS points.
• If you are a mature applicant, or do not possess the expected qualifications, you can gain access to the course through demonstration of your knowledge and understanding of sport and exercise at interview.
• You will be required to attend an interview (either face-to-face, telephone or Teams).
• Enhanced clear DBS check may be required.
• Level 2 in English Language and Level 2 in maths (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).

No additional costs apply unless you choose to purchase your own textbooks.

You will meet with a course tutor who will ask a set of standard questions. On arrival, please report to the NCD University Centre reception where you will be met by one of the team.

Please bring your relevant qualifications.

This programme aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience to operate independently and successfully within the dynamic area of Community Sports Coaching and Sports Development. The underpinning course objectives are as follows:

1. Provide a vocationally relevant programme which is supported by industry representatives and professional standards.
2. To develop students understanding of sports coaching and development principles that are required to enter graduate careers.
3. To develop students with the skills and experiences required in enter graduate careers.
4. To develop students’ ability to critically appraise, reflect and evaluate protocols and actions in sports coaching and development and apply these in settings.
5. To promote an ethos of self-reflection and self-development that enables continuous professional development for current and future work-based practices.

Year 1

• Fundamentals of Community Sports Coaching
• Skill Acquisition in Sport
• Long Term Athlete Development
• Coaching Children in Sport
• Academic and Personal Development
• Professional Practice

Year 2

• Sports Development
• Advanced Coaching with Performance Analysis
• Physical & Psychological Needs in Sport
• Advanced Professional Practice
• Research Methods

The assessment strategy for this programme adopts a variety of forms, in order to reflect the overall aims of the programme, the course learning outcomes, the level of the module and the specific module content and learning outcomes. Assessment methods include; Written reports ~ Practical assessments ~ Presentations ~ Portfolios of evidence. There will be a consistent approach to formative assessment, to enable both you and your tutors to monitor the progression of your learning. This will allow you to understand where gaps in your knowledge are and aid in supporting you to develop this knowledge further. Examples of such formative assessments include:

• Mock exams
• Tasks within lectures
• Simulation activities within practical sessions
• Short presentations.

Preparation for work is an integral part of the foundation degree programme - it has been designed to enable you to develop your employability skills, to support your future progression and success in a competitive economy. Throughout the programme, you will gain a proficient knowledge of sports coaching and development and gain high levels of experience and competence within the multi-disciplinary sector, that will enhance employment and lifelong learning opportunities in the future. The professional and vocational relevance of the curriculum design and content was contributed to and has been acknowledged by professionals in the field of sports coaching and development. An essential component of this work based/related learning of vocational coaching experience that you are required to accrue across the two years on programme.

You could progress to study BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health (Top-up) at New College Durham, or a relevant top-up programme at university.