Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in Sport and Fitness

The diploma provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

Of:

• The organisation and operational principles underpinning the provision and management of sport, health and fitness in the UK
• The way that physiology and psychology impact on sport, health and fitness
• Exercise and fitness instruction, planning, delivery and evaluation, including adaptations to suit the needs of different population groups.

Cognitive skills

Be able to:

• Analyse and evaluate practice critically and systematically
• Select and integrate ideas and evidence to develop arguments
• Link theory and practice.

Practical and professional skills

Be able to:

• Appreciate the wider strategic context in which work teams and organisations operate
• Collect and analyse information to plan a progressive physical activity programme
• Carry out aspects of work roles about sport and fitness to the standards expected in employment
• Show awareness and adherence to codes of conduct and operating procedures.

Key skills

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

• Reflect on the learning process and learning experiences.

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.

Working with others

• Works effectively with others in work situations and contexts.

This qualification has two 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.

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)

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

Jobs in sports and fitness demand well-developed skills for motivating customers; including the communication skills (written, oral and online) needed to enhance good relationships and coaching. This diploma course will boost your career potential and help you develop key skills that are highly valued by employers, 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’ll become a more critically aware leader who can reflect on your own and others’ practice and apply scientific theory to practical situations.

Career relevance

This diploma is ideal if you want to enhance your prospects in sports coaching, fitness training or the leadership of recreational groups. It’s also valuable if you’re self-employed in the sport and fitness sector, working at sports clubs or keen to develop your career in sports management or sports development.

Other careers

Some students use this qualification as a route towards physical education (PE) teaching, although you’ll need to complete an honours degree and subsequent post-graduate training.

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.