Level 4 Sports Coach Higher Apprenticeship

• You must have completed an appropriate vocational qualification at Level 3
• To be employed or know of an employer who is willing to take on an apprentice

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of 6 modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Developing Academic and Professional Skills
• Foundations of Coaching Practice
• Developing Coaching Practice

Year 2 Modules

• Coaching Context, Culture and Policy
• Research Project

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. As a guide, In 2022/23 the first year of this programme was timetabled on: Monday (all day)

Your work-based learning will take place during your on-the-job work hours.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by examination/test, coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

50% coursework and 50% practical

UCSD recognises feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. It adopts a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

The programme will encourage an integrated learning experience; academic, information literacy, key skills and employability skills will all be developed alongside knowledge and intellectual
skills. Integration of theory, practical and transferable skills development generates a dynamic approach to the curriculum, preparing graduates to be flexible and proactive in managing the
changing needs of clients and employers within the framework of their own continuing growth. The need for a sound ethical and evidence base for working with people is addressed by
developing reasoning, analytical and critical skills as well as the ability to select, organise and interpret complex information. Through the practice of presentation skills, students will learn to convey information clearly to others in appealing and accessible ways.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

Your time in lesson is classed as your 20% off-the-job training. When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 6 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision.

We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Upon successful completion of the Cert HE students will be able to move into Level 5 of the FdSc Sports Coaching and Fitness foundation degree. As the CertHE is delivered over 18 months students can progress onto the Level 5 on the following September after their EPA. These students can also progress into employment with their current employer or progress elsewhere in the sector.

Additional career progression and other additional opportunities will be included in tutorials throughout the year. Initial advice and guidance will be provided to individual students who may want to progress to other higher education institutes.

Potential Job Roles

• Sports Coach