We are the lead site for the Higher National Certificate and Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science which is led in partnership with Virtual Learning UK at various sites around the country. Our teaching team at UCC brings a variety of experience and subject specialisms within the sporting sector; this ensures we are able to facilitate each student’s individual learning journey both academically and vocationally. We look forward to meeting prospective students so please do get in touch if you have any questions or if you would like to visit us here at UCC.
The HNC/HND in Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching Science) programme allows you to work towards a Higher Education qualification at HNC Level 4 in your first year and HND Level 5 in your second year of study. It makes it ideal for those learners taking their first steps in Higher Education or returning to study after a break.
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science at UCC follows the Coaching Science pathway and provides a solid grounding which students can build on as they continue their studies beyond the Level 4 Certificate stage. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to specialise in more specific career paths associated with Sports Coaching and Sport and Exercise Science and progression routes to degree-level study. The purpose of our Higher National’s in Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching Science) is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals who are able to meet the demands of employment in the Sport and Exercise Science sector.
Who is this course for?
This course is for students looking to develop a career in sport. It will be focused on skills knowledge and experience needed to make a successful career in the sports industry. Students will be expected to gain practical coaching experience during the course.
Course Description
The HNC Course is a BTEC modular course with the HNC running for one year looking at core units of Nutrition, Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Coaching Practice and Skill Development and Training, Fitness, Testing as well as topics such as Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Health.
The HND course builds on the knowledge gained on the HNC. The HND is a level 4 course in the first year before introducing higher level studies at Level 5 in the second year. Level 5 is the equivalent of a typical second year undergraduate programme. Core modules include Advanced Coaching, Performance Analysis, Research Project and Talent Identification and Development
In addition, both courses will improve general study and literacy skills up to the level of the qualification.
Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 30/40 or 15/20 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.
Most full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. A total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.
Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.
Entry Requirements: Applicants will normally need to have gained 96 UCAS tariff points from; a BTEC Level 3 qualification or a GCE ‘A’ level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one subject. In addition, 4 or 5 GCSE grades at A* to C or equivalent, including English and Maths. Other related level 3 qualifications, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution or related work experience would also be considered. In addition, there will be an interview on a one to one basis.
Additional Qualifications
Alongside your main programme, there is also the opportunity to enrol onto the YMCA Award in Fitness Instructing, Gym-Based Exercise Certificate Level 2
Delivered at Colchester Institute on Wednesday from 2pm – 9pm, the YMCA Award Certificate in Fitness Instructing – Gym Instructor, is the entry level qualification required to gain employment as a Gym Instructor within the Health & Fitness Industry. This qualification will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills you require to work safely and effectively within a busy gym environment. The course will teach you how to screen clients, provide gym inductions, design basic training programs, and develop an understanding of how the body responds to exercise.
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Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week.
Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.
When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations
Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.
All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2018-19 or 2019-20 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.
The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.