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Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise (Validated by The Open University)

Level 5
Full-Time/Part-Time
25/26
EXC50052
Open university logo

Overview

The Foundation Degree Sport and Exercise course will focus on developing knowledge of the field (content) whilst providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in practical contexts (experience) and enhancing their learning through problem solving approaches (challenging and authentic tasks).

The learning approaches will take into account the diverse backgrounds of students, nurturing them through levels four & five whilst developing them into independent learners and critical divergent thinkers, ready for employment or undergraduate study (Inclusive environment, activities linked to student experience).

This programme is delivered face-to-face, with some virtual learning material.

South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

The Open University Regulations for validated awards of the Open University

Download the Full Programme Specification

Download the Open University Student Guide

The learning approaches will consider the diverse backgrounds of students, nurturing them through level five, whilst developing them into independent learners and critical divergent thinkers ready for employment or degree study (Inclusive environment, activities linked to student experience).

Students also have an opportunity to undertake optional employability courses, including:

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

Level 2 Gym Instructors

Level 3 Personal Training

Level 2 Circuit Training

Level 3 Sports Massage

Sports First Aid

Coaching/Referees Awards (i.e., GAA, Volleyball, Dodgeball etc.)

Child Protection

At level 4 learners will undertake six compulsory 20 credit modules:

  • Nutrition for Sport & Exercise
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Training, Fitness & Testing
  • Exercise Health & Lifestyle
  • Sport & Exercise Psychology
  • Academic, Study and Digital Skills
  • Work-Based Learning (40 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology for Athlete Development
  • Physical Education and the National Curriculum
  • Contemporary Issues in Sport, Health and Exercise Science
  • Introduction to Performance Analysis and Coaching

Applicants should possess a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, that should include English Language and Maths (or equivalent qualifications, for example, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy Essential Skills).

Applicants should have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved Level 3 qualifications.

Suitable applicants will be invited for an interview.

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

All applicants must have reached the age of 18 years on admission.

Course International Entry Requirements:

International students must meet the general entrance requirements for admission to any College First Degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma.

English language requirements for international applicants is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.

In order to demonstrate achievement, students typically undertake assessment activities that include a series of tasks or assignments, reflecting typical practice in sector concerned. The assessment methods used include exams, essays, reports, presentations, case study, portfolio, and video/digital work.

On successful completion of this course with the required average mark (50%) you will be eligible to apply for entry into the BSc (Hons) Top Up Sport and Exercise (validated by The Open University) at South West College or other professional qualifications.

Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to apply to other Colleges/Universities to complete your undergraduate degree or pursue a career within the sport sector.

Access NI disclosure is required and costs £33. During your course you may be required to purchase course textbooks or specific software and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year.

Please see link to OU Regulations for validated awards of the Open University here. You can also download the full programme specification here.

Fees are payable annually.

Tuition Fees:

2025/26 fees:

Full Time £2,800 full time

Part Time £285 per 20 credit module and £570 for 40-credit Work Based Learning Module

Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details.

6 Available Sessions

*The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration.

Dungannon

Full-Time

P5052DF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Mairead.McCormack@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,800.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Dungannon

Part-Time

P5052DP10A

Session Code

3 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

13

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Mairead.McCormack@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £1,140.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enniskillen

Full-Time

P5052EF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Christopher.McDowell@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,800.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enniskillen

Part-Time

P5052EP10A

Session Code

3 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

13

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Christopher.McDowell@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £1,140.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Omagh

Full-Time

P5052OF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

09:00-18:00

Time

Wednesday|Thursday

Day/s

Fiona.Owens@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,800.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Omagh

Part-Time

P5052OP10A

Session Code

3 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

13

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

Wednesday|Thursday

Day/s

Fiona.Owens@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £1,140.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

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