Open University

BSc (Honours) in Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• Human performance in sport and fitness and its enhancement through coaching and instruction
• the way physiology and psychology inform human responses to sport and exercise
• Physical and mental health-related aspects of sport and fitness participation include the needs of different population groups.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Analyse and evaluate sport and fitness practices and policies critically and systematically concerning theory
• Select and critically analyse information, ideas and evidence from different sources to present appropriate discussion and arguments
• Plan, design, execute and communicate independent intellectual work which engages with, and interprets appropriate academic literature.

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Appreciate the wider strategic context of teams working in the sport and fitness sector
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches to coaching and leadership scenarios
• Articulate and critically comment on the different sport and exercise science disciplines and their contribution to the study of sport, fitness and coaching
• Recognise and respond to ethical and safety issues demonstrating awareness of relevant legislation or codes of conduct.

Key skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

Application of number

• Use and interpret graphical and numerical data.

Communication

• Organise and articulate opinions and arguments
• Draw on appropriate conventions of academic writing
• Engage, motivate and respond sensitively to others.

Improving own learning and performance

• Develop a high degree of autonomy as a learner, integrating study and personal development with an active awareness of skills development and a reflective approach to learning.

Information and communication technology

• Use appropriate forms of ICT to communicate and present information, and to support research and learning.

Problem-solving

• Explore problems to gain a deeper insight and identify different perspectives.

This qualification has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study two modules that will introduce you to some of the key topics in sport and fitness.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study two modules that explore sport and exercise science and psychology.
• In Stage 3, you’ll study two modules that investigate psychological aspects of sport and fitness and a range of contemporary issues in sport and exercise.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Introduction to sport and fitness (E117)
• Working with people in sport and fitness (E119)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Sport and Exercise Psychology in Action (E235)
• Applying sport and exercise sciences to coaching (E236)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Athletic development: a psychological perspective (E312)
• Contemporary sport and exercise issues (E315)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

Sport and fitness employment requires well-developed skills for motivating customers, including communication skills (written, oral and online) that enhance good relationships and coaching. This degree course will improve your career potential and allow you to develop skills which employers will value, including:

• Leadership
• Empathy with participants
• Knowledge of safety and welfare issues
• Understanding group and individual psychology
• Searching for and presenting information
• Use of IT.

Overall, you will become a more critically aware leader who can reflect on your own and others’ practice and apply scientific theory to practical situations.

Career relevance

The BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching is a good choice if you want to enhance your prospects in sports coaching, fitness training or the leadership of recreational groups. It is also valuable if you are self-employed in the sport and fitness sector, working at sports clubs or wishing to further your career in sports management or sports development. Some students use this qualification as a route towards teaching physical education (PE) – note you will need to have GCSEs in English and mathematics (and possibly science) and undertake subsequent postgraduate training.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.