Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science)

This Course at a Glance

• Take the first steps towards a sports-related career
• Go to university without A Levels
• 100% online learning
• Get prepared for degree-level study
• Gain essential sports science knowledge
• Earn a nationally recognised qualification

About Your Diploma

A passion for sports coaching and fitness can lead you into an exciting and rewarding career. If you follow competitive sports and have always been fascinated with the intricacies of training and development, studying the right qualifications will guide you towards your dream job. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science) is an ideal way to kick-start your career.

As an equivalent to 3 A Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma is perfect for you if you do not already possess A Levels. Most universities will accept an applicant if they have an Access to Higher Education Diploma that is related to their chosen degree instead. However, it is important to check the university’s entry requirements prior to application.

By obtaining an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science), you can progress to degree-level study, focusing on a subject related to your career goals. For example, you could go on to study a foundation degree in sports coaching and development, physiotherapy, exercise science and many more.

The career options are vast, and by gaining a foundation knowledge of sports science, you will be able to carve out a career path that matches your ambitions.

Getting Started

With the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science) being 100% online, you have the freedom to study from the comfort of your own home. Also, unlike traditional classroom study, you don’t have to wait for term times, so you can begin your learning journey instantly. This is because you will be given 24/7 access to all online learning materials as soon as you enrol.

As part of your course, you will be issued with an Individual Learning Plan that includes the submission deadlines for your assignments, helping you stay on track. While you have two years to study this course, learndirect students take around 9-12 months to complete it, so you could have your qualification in less than one year.

Our innovative online platform allows you to tailor your study schedule around your existing commitments. So, if you work full-time or look after young children, you can study at a time that suits you.

Modules

Unit 1: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System Interaction

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure of the human muscular system.
• Understand the structure and function of the skeletal system.
• Understand the musculoskeletal system in terms of locomotion, growth, and repair.

Unit 2: The Nervous System, Brain, and Cells

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of nervous system including key areas of the brain.
• Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons.

Unit 3: The role of human nervous system and endocrine system in homeostasis

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how the human nervous system is structured and how it functions.
• Understand endocrine system regulation.
• Understand the role of the endocrine system and the nervous system in maintaining homeostasis in humans.

Unit 4: Health and Disease

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the categories of disease and contraction of an infectious disease.
• Understand the epidemiology of a chosen disease or condition.
• Understand the preventative action available for a specific disease or condition.

Unit 5: Contemporary Issues in Sport

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand professional sports development in the UK.
• Understand the influences on modern sport of current media and technology.
• Be able to analyse how current issues impacts sport.
• Understand how barriers and cultural influences affect sport participation.

Unit 6: Nutrition in Sports

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of the digestive system.
• Understand how nutrition impacts sporting performance.
• Understand the link between hydration and sports performance.
• Understand energy balance in sports performance.
• Be able to create and evaluate a nutritional plan for a sporting activity.

Unit 7: Psychology of Sport and Exercise

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the impact of personality and personal motivation on physical activity.
• Understand the effects of arousal, stress, and anxiety on sports performance.
• Understand the psychology of group dynamics in sport.
• Understand psychological factors that affect people in exercise situations.

Unit 8: Sport, Values and Ethics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the principles of values and ethics in sport.
• Understand performance enhancement issues.

Unit 9: Strength and Conditioning in Sports Fitness

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the meaning of fitness.
• Understand the principles of sports and exercise training.
• Be able to design own fitness programme.
• Understand the health and safety considerations when undertaking exercise and using equipment and facilities.

Unit 10: Sports Science Project

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to identify and conduct a primary research project related to Sports Science.
• Be able to write a report using data from research conducted related to Sports Science.
• Know how to use research skills applied to Sports Science Project.

Unit 11: Learning and Study Skills

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how to plan and organise study activity.
• Understand the application of learning theories relating to personal learning.
• Be able to create a range of strategies to address the factors which may impact upon study.
• Understand the value of assessment feedback.

Unit 12: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write academically and with relevance.
• Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work.
• Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism.

Unit 13: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task.
• Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style.
• Understand different reading strategies.
• Be able to take effective notes.
• Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 14: Exploring Cellular Structure and Activity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand cellular structure.
• Understand the processes and products of cellular metabolism.
• Understand cellular growth, division, and the impact of cancer at a cellular level.

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: essay, academic poster, fitness plan, series of questions, illustrated report, journal article, diet plan and evaluation, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, academic writing skills tasks

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.

As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to get the most out of your diploma.

Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science), (QAA ref = 40014745), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

Career

For those of you who want to combine your love of sport, fitness, and nutrition and transform it into a career, you need to achieve relevant qualifications to get there. By successfully completing the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science), you will be eligible to apply to universities that accept these qualifications as part of their entry requirements.

Once you have successfully obtained your diploma, you can go on to study a degree in Sports Science or related degrees. Eventually, you could work towards a career in the sports industry. There are plenty of opportunities and roles available to you in various areas within the industry. For example, you may want to pursue the following jobs:

• Sports Coach
• Exercise Physiologist
• Sports Therapist
• Personal Trainer
• Fitness Centre Manager
• Sports Development Officer

Further Qualifications and Prospects

If any of those professions appeal to you, then getting a related degree will help you achieve your goal. An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science) will enable you to take first steps towards your desired job.

Earning a Sports Science degree does not have to be the final step in your academic career. At this point, you could embark on postgraduate-level study depending on the profession you want to move into. For example, if you are interested in becoming a sport and exercise psychologist, you will need to gain accredited psychology qualifications.

Moreover, if you are keen to work as a sports coach or a PE teacher, you will likely need to gain an approved coaching qualification and postgraduate teaching qualification respectively. One of the many great things about studying for an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Sports Science) is that it can open up a realm of opportunities for you.

Frequently Asked Questions