Diploma of Higher Education Sports and Exercise Performance

• UCAS Tariff Points: 180 - 240
• GCE A Levels: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
• Irish Certificate: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x ILC higher at B1
• Scottish Highers: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x higher at B
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma: MM (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass (120) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Diploma: Merit (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)

English language requirements
If you do not have English as a first language, you will normally be required to demonstrate an IELTS overall score (or equivalent) of:

• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Further Education course
• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Foundation degree, Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma
• 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a degree
• 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a postgraduate degree

If you have lower scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English Language course, which can lead to entry to the appropriate programme of study.

STAGE ONE

• Professional Skills in Sports and Exercise Performance (SEP) - Professional Skills for Sports and Exercise Performance will develop a range of professional and academic skills necessary for successful HE study and employment in organisations within the sector. Professional Skills for Sports and Exercise Performance will aim to equip students with the key communication and numeracy skills they require as scientists and will also facilitate their personal and professional development as sports practitioners. Many students study sport with a view to becoming fitness advisors, coaches or teachers. The module will examine these professions by considering the academic and vocational qualifications needed for entry, the structure of the organisations delivering in these areas, personal and professional standards, and the internal and external factors affecting the professions. For students on the FdSc Cycling Performance programme this module will be contextualized in order to make it relevant to the cycling industry. Students will have access to professional working within the industry including sponsors, riders, coaches, soigneurs, a directeur sportif and physiotherapist. For students on the BSc Sports performance programme this module will cover a wide range of sports and of professional roles within the sports industry.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology - This module is designed to develop students' understanding of the relationship between structure and function in the human species by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major body systems at a cellular level. The course will provide an introduction to human physiology covering such topics as the energy systems and metabolism, neutological control, neuromuscular adaptations. It will also develop a broad knowledge of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and their acute response to exercise. Taught in both semesters of the first year, it will provide a core understanding of the science needed for linked modules later in the course.
• Introduction to Psychology - Psychology is seen as an invaluable tool for increasing the performance of both athletes and coaches and can be used to understand the pattern of exercise adherence. This module introduces fundamental areas of sports and exercise psychology and introduces basic concepts in motor learning.
• Coaching in Practice - This module explores the opportunities for students to participate in sport and exercise. It allows them to learn and practice basic skills required to attain basic National Governing Body (NGB) coaching awards in appropriate sports, ranging from methods of coaching to health and safety legislation and first aid. Students will be encouraged to attain an appropriate NGB as an additional Learning Outcome. Students may have some additional costs for training and/or examination fees.
• Introduction to Biomechanics - The module will include an introduction to biomechanics to include both kinematics and kinetics. It will cover the basic laws of motion, projectile motion and other physical theories to aid in students’ understanding of movement. Students will explore the movement of the body describing different types of motion and be able to explain the anatomical and mechanical reasons behind the movement. This knowledge will be applied to a wide range of sporting disciplines using both theory and practical based sessions.

Optional Modules:

• Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise - This module aims to introduce students to the key theoretical constructs of sport and exercise. It explores the role of public, private and voluntary sectors in providing leisure opportunities and facilities, particularly in education. The module will develop the student’s appreciation of the factors that influence participation sport and exercise activities. Factors looked at will include age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and disability. The module will also look at recent sports development changes that are trying to address these factors and initiatives to drive participation in both sport and exercise.

STAGE TWO

• Research Skills in Sports and Exercise Performance - This module is intended to develop scholarly, professional and research skills appropriate to the discipline of sports and exercise performance or associated health and sociological areas. This module will advance a broader and more detailed investigation into statistics that were introduced in the first year during the Professional Skills in Sports and Exercise Performance module, including the difference between parametric and non-parametric data, t-tests, ANOVA’s, correlations and Chi-square tests. Following from this, students will develop their ability to critically analyse and interpret research in the field of sports and exercise performance and produce acceptable and detailed experimental work. The development of knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original academic and/or work-focused research will make use of real life techniques and approaches and will provide a basis for progression on to the Level 6 Dissertation module or equivalent.
• Leadership Development via the Outdoors - To enable students to develop leadership skills and effective people management in an applied setting. Students will learn how to maximise human resource potential in demanding outdoor settings such as athletic training camps or outdoor adventurous activities. Students will be encouraged to plan outdoor activities from the conception of an idea through to its delivery to their peer group.
• Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise - This module examines the chronic and acute physiological responses of the body to exercise and physical training as well as the effects of detraining and inactivity. It considers the specific nutritional requirements of athletes and non-athletes and develops an understanding of the metabolic processes that support physical activity. Furthermore, the module also evaluates the potential ergogenic effects of both legal nutritional supplements and banned drugs upon performance.
• Principles of Strength and Conditioning - This module will examine the application of scientific training principles to develop fitness in sport and exercise settings. It will illustrate how a detailed understanding of the physiological principles explaining adaptation and reversibility can be applied to the effective design of training programmes for a range of client groups, including athletes and non-athletes. It will also evaluate the scientific evidence to support the use of a variety of systems and methods of training and teach the importance of fitness and performance testing as a key tool in the design of an individual's training prescription. Practically, students will investigate and analyse the components of fitness and compare a range of laboratory and field based tests. The module will also consider health and safety and informed consent.
• Disability in Sport and Leisure - Recent years have seen a growing appreciation of the benefits that full and active participation in sport and recreation can bring to people with disabilities. Equally, the contribution they can make to many different sports, and at all levels, is now realized by most people. This module allows students to fully engage in developments and processes leading to the increased integration into society of people with disabilities. It will identify and evaluate the physical, emotional, psychological and economic barriers that they can encounter when attempting to participate in sport and recreation activities and evaluate policies aimed at improving their access to, and participation in, sport and recreation activities.
• Sports Injury - The prevention and treatment of sporting injuries is a major concern to all athletes. This module considers a range of approaches to the assessment, prevention and management of injury to athletes. The module reviews the mechanism and nature of specific injuries and evaluates the role of the treatment process. During the module students will undertake practical workshops to introduce the specific skills which may by applied in the assessment, treatment and prevention of sports injury.