SPORT AND EXERCISE - Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in place allocation.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July 2024.

• Applicants must have attained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
• Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent) .
• For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each the applicant must secure employment with a Northern Ireland based company with a minimum contract of 21 hours. Entrance to HLAs is subject to meeting DfE Operational requirements.
• Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Policy.

Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/ A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Please note that for Ulster University qualifications, the general entry requirements for Ulster University must also be met in addition to those listed below.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Modules Year 1

• Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
• Introduction to Sport Psychology
• Introduction to Sports Analysis
• Introduction to Sport & Society

Modules Year 2

• Introduction to Training Fitness and Testing
• introduction to Fundamentals of Practical Sport
• Work Based Learning 1
• Applied Physical Education

Modules Year 3

• Applied Research Methods
• Work Based Learning 2
• Applied Strength & Conditioning
• Applied Contemporary Issues in Health

Student workload usually includes 2-3 assessments (a combination of coursework and/or examination) per module. There is an expectation that the student will undertake self-study hours off campus to enable them to fully achieve the course of study.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

Mandatory field trips will need to be paid in advance with estimated approximate cost of £50 per year. (1st Semester induction week £35) (2nd Semester- pre-Easter £15). PE/Sports Kit: SRC Pack (T-Shirt x 2 and Shorts x 1) estimated £50. Additional Kit available.

Other optional employability courses on offer to students to avail of may include:

• Level 2 Gym Instructors (approx. £150) (2nd Semester - May).
• Level 3 Personal Training (approx. £200) (2nd Semester - June).
• Level 2 Kettlebells (approx. £75) (1st Semester - October).
• Level 2 Circuit Training (approx. £75) (1st Semester – October).
• Level 3 Sports Massage (approx. £215) (2nd Semester - June).
• Sports First Aid (approx. £35) (2nd Semester - May).
• Coaching/Referees Awards (i.e. GAA, Volleyball, Dodgeball etc.) and Child Protection (approx. £35-£60) (1st Semester - December).

Please note if a student chooses to undertake work placement within a school setting, they may be subject to an Advance AccessNI check, the cost of which will be incurred by the College.

On successful completion of this course, with the required average mark (55%), you will be eligible to apply for entry into the Open University Top-Up Degree programme in Sport & Exercise at Southern Regional College.

Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to apply to other Colleges/Universities to complete your undergraduate degree or go straight into employment.

Upon successful completion of the Sport and Exercise Level 5 Foundation Degree, graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of careers in the sport and exercise field. They may find employment opportunities in sports clubs, fitness centres, rehabilitation clinics, or choose to work as independent sports coaches or personal trainers. .