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Student Handbook
Funding Support for Students
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:
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.
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
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
P5052DP10A
3 Year(s)
13
Total Annual Fee £1,140.00
P5052EF10A
Christopher.McDowell@swc.ac.uk
P5052EP10A
P5052OF10A
09:00-18:00
Time
Wednesday|Thursday
Fiona.Owens@swc.ac.uk
P5052OP10A
Active IQ Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (blended delivery)
Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (RQF)