BSc (Honours) Sport, Fitness and Coaching: pathway

Stage 1

Stage 1 begins with the compulsory 60-credit module Introduction to sport, fitness and management (E112)Introduction to sport, fitness and management::This Level 1 course is for you if you have a general or professional interest in sport, recreation and fitness. It will provide you with a sound knowledge of some of the key underpinning concepts required to practise effectively within a sport or fitness setting, including: the organisation of sports/fitness provision in the UK; the health benefits of physical activity; fitness training principles; nutrition; legal and safety aspects; and customer care. You’ll be able to apply your understanding to your own participation in sport or exercise, or to careers in the field – such as exercise instruction, sports coaching or sports facility management.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q76-2,module,E112,,1, which explores scientific and management questions, such as:

• What is the scientific evidence of the benefits of sport and fitness?
• Who takes part in sport and fitness and how do facilities cater for their needs?
• How can aerobic and muscular fitness be improved?
• How does the scientific basis of nutrition inform coaching?

The study of science and management provides you with new perspectives and ways of considering issues concerning sport and fitness. You’ll also be introduced to some of the study skills you’ll need in later stages.

Following this module you’ll take another absorbing 60-credit module, Working and learning in sport and fitness (E113)Working and learning in sport and fitness::This work-based learning module will help you apply ideas from your study to work, ideally in a sport or fitness environment. It will improve your effectiveness and awareness of professional issues at work. It is aimed at health and fitness instructors, sports coaches, junior leisure centre managers and those supporting in voluntary sports clubs. You will develop reflective skills and a sound understanding of the key principles and values underlying leading and motivating people. These include interpersonal communication, instructional skills and customer care.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q76-2,module,E113,,1 that analyses key work-based issues such as: motivation (both that of participants and work colleagues); the dynamics of coaching communication; and leadership, instruction and learning. You’ll use filmed case studies to support your study, and you’ll be able to share ideas online with fellow students. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on how the study topics apply to work activities, helping to increase your effectiveness in your own role.

Stage 2

In Stage 2 you’ll explore the fascinating world of sports science research, brought to life with BBC documentary material and online collaboration. As you work through the materials, you’ll gain the understanding you need to answer questions such as:

1. What anatomical and physiological knowledge do you need in your work?
2. How can human movement be analysed and what part is played by biomechanics?
3. How do you recognise effective conditioning programmes for your activity?
4. How should you approach your own study of research literature?

In the work-related learning module Science and theory into practice: sports coaching (EXC223)Science and theory into practice: sports coaching::This 90-credit course is aimed at sports coaches wanting to develop their underpinning scientific knowledge, analytical skills and/or career in this work role. You’ll focus on: applying aspects of sports science, including movement analysis and core stability; training/conditioning in work roles, including some optional study choices; and the exploration of how coaches improve and learn. You will need to have gained a Level 2 UK-accredited coaching qualification within the last eight years or to obtain one in parallel with your OU studies.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q76-2,module,EXC223,,1 (90 credits), you submit an appropriate level 2 coaching qualification in your sport. You then investigate, drawing on your own experiences, how coaches develop.

A further element of Stage 2 is devoted to the psychology of sport and exercise. Coaches and instructors need a detailed understanding of mental aspects such as self-confidence, anxiety, team dynamics and psychological skills. This 30-credit module, Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach (E233)Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach::In this course you will explore common psychological issues in sport and exercise, and learn to recognise situations where psychological theory can be applied in real-life cases. Research summaries are used alongside case studies to help you engage with recent literature. You’ll cover some of the key topics in sport and exercise psychology such as: anxiety; self-confidence; concentration; group dynamics; the psychology of injury; exercise dependence; and mental skills training used by psychologists. This course is suitable if you have a general interest in sport and exercise psychology, or are working in the field in roles such as exercise instruction or sports coaching.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q76-2,module,E233,,1, uses a case study approach with film, audio, text and interactive online activities. It will challenge and change how you think about yourself and your participants.

Stage 3

In Stage 3 you will hone your research and writing skills – not just in sport and fitness but also in other fields. You’ll select one 60-credit module or two 30-credit modules from one of these themes:

• childhood and youth
• public health
• management and business
• social and global development.

Exploring one of these fields will help you to develop a broader perspective on sport and fitness. You will be able to pursue specialist interests such as working with young people, entrepreneurial opportunities, marketing, management or the effects of globalisation – the choice is yours.

The final 60-credit compulsory module, Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development (E313)Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development::In this course you will explore some of the most significant psychological factors influencing the development of participants in sport. Through critical analysis of relevant research and psychological theory, you’ll consider the psycho-developmental influences of factors, such as families, coach-athlete interactions and transitional stages, on an individual’s pathway in sport. This course is suitable for you if you have an interest in sport and exercise psychology, or are working in this field in a coaching role. While the course is focused predominantly on sports performance, it does also consider some aspects of exercise participation.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q76-2,module,E313,,1, builds on the psychological approach you studied in Stage 2. You’ll explore athletic development using social psychology as a lens through which to view and explain how people are shaped by the social world in which they develop. Using case studies and BBC film materials you will unravel topics such as:

• explanations of expertise and talent development
• psychological aspects of the coach-athlete relationship
• the influence of the family.

This module will stimulate you to re-evaluate the journey people take from school PE to adult proficiency in sport and exercise and will influence your coaching behaviour.