Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness (Validated by the Ulster University)

The Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness will provide you with a strong educational foundation combined with practical experience in fitness, coaching, sports science, physical education, sports analysis, sports development and strength and conditioning. Enhancement of core skills required for employment within the evolving needs of the sporting sector is a central focus.


Academic Year: 2025/26
Course Code: 10708
Campus: Bangor, Lisburn
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Sport & Recreation

Available Sessions

We have 2 sessions available for application on this course in Lisburn, Bangor.

Course Structure

The Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness aims to equip students with a broad range of relevant skills, enabling them to explore a range of related subject areas and develop key specialisms.

Modules studied on the Foundation Degree include:

Year 1:

  • Anatomy and Physiology (Bangor only): An introduction to the key concepts associated with the disciplines of anatomy and physiology and its application to human movement, exercise and sporting performance.
  • Sports Development (Lisburn only): Gain a knowledge and understanding of the key issues and debates in real world sports development practice.
  • Sports Psychology: An introduction to some of the key concepts, psychological skills and techniques that are employed to motivate and support athletes.
  • Professional Fitness Environment: An opportunity to examine the theoretical knowledge behind and then apply the appropriate professional exercise and fitness instruction for specific population groups. 
  • Analysis of Performance and Coaching: Establish and develop the skills required to analyse sports and/or coaching performance by conducting appropriate performance assessments.
  • Fundamental Skills in Laboratory Techniques (Bangor only): Learn how physiological and biomechanical processes are used to support athletes and coaches to to improve sporting performance.
  • Sport and Society (Lisburn only): Discover how sport can impact the lives of people in contemporary society by considering the interrelationship between sports practice and societal beliefs. 
  • Principles of Teaching and Coaching: This module blends theoretical insight with the practical skills necessary for developing competent teachers and coaches.

Year 2:

  • Work Based 1: As part of a 16-week work placement gain and develop the necessary practical and intellectual skills and qualities required to succeed within the sports industry.
  • Research Methods: Introduction to research methodologies and the appropriate use of statistics to complete future investigations in continuing higher education and/or professional development.
  • Sports Coaching: Investigate good coaching practice through the implementation of sports specific coaching sessions.
  • Strength and Conditioning: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of strength and conditioning throe practical application of current practices.
  • Work Based 2: Continued development of industry related practical and intellectual skills and qualities through the completion of a work based project. 
  • Sports Nutrition: Gain the core knowledge and understanding of human nutrition and the associated benefits with health and performance.
  • Physical Education: Examine and apply the key concepts and perspectives that are employed within the physical education classroom.
  • Applied Laboratory Techniques and Biomechanics (Bangor only): Developing from content within the first year further investigate how the use of physiological and biomechanical principles can benefit performance.

This programme is based on a hybrid learning model with a focus on face-to-face delivery.

The Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness provides learners with an opportunity to develop a diverse range of related skills through a breadth of core sporting modules. The course is a balance of theoretical and practical aspects allowing for the underpinning of established knowledge in an environment that promotes understanding in application.  

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment. Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

  • GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

  • GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points including:

  • GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC

OR

  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / Diploma in Sport (or subject in a related area) with overall award profile MPP / MM

OR

  • Access to HE Diploma (NI): 65%+ overall with one science module 60%+

OR

  • An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English-speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

  • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
  • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk 

Assessment is scheduled throughout the course using a combination of assignment and practical work / observations. Each module is assessed using a predefined grading rubric validated by the Ulster University. 

Student are assessed using a range of methods. These may include:

  • Coursework / Case Studies: You will be asked to complete research and/or report on your development activities in a formal report.
  • Presentations: Students will present their findings using a range of potential presentation methods.
  • Practical: You may be asked to demonstrate your skills by completing assigned tasks/activities.

This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. 

Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Students that successfully complete the Foundation Degree programme traditionally progress to one of the following areas:

Related Degree Programmes

Articulation agreements are currently supported by Ulster University:

SERC students who achieve an average of 65% or more in Year 2 of the Foundation Degree may apply for and gain entry into the second year of BSc (Hons) Sports Studies / Sport and Exercise Sciences programmes..

SERC students who achieve an average of 50% or more in Year 2 of the Foundation Degree may apply for and gain entry into the final year of the BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Performance programme.

Progression to other institutions is also available.

This course will grant you the status of Ulster University Associate Student.

Employment

The Foundation Degree programme has been designed to equip students with the knowledge required to seek and gain employment within a number of potential employment fields within the industry. Roles may include but are not limited to:

  • Fitness Instruction and Personal Training*
  • Leisure Management
  • Sports Development
  • Sports Coaching
  • Sports Analysis
  • Teaching*

*Please note further professional or academic qualifications may be needed.

 

SERC is committed through its Ulster University validated programme to delivering learning that provides students with real-world experience, developing the necessary knowledge and intellectual skills sets that will allow for progression onwards into related degree programmes or future employment.

 

The programme will help learners develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to:

 

Technical Skills

 

  • Understanding the structure and function of the human body and its response to physical activity.
  • Knowledge of dietary needs and how they affect performance and recovery.
  • Performance testing and its evaluation for athletic performance.
  • Development and implementation of strength training programmes to enhance athletic performance.
  • Athlete monitoring processes.
  • Design and implementation of coaching sessions.
  • Collection methods and analysis of sporting data.

 

Employability Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Reflective Practice
  • Decision Making
  • Team Working

You will learn transferable skills on the course, which will help you to apply for relevant jobs within the Sport, Coaching and Fitness Industry.

A range of coaching awards may be completed by each student during the programme in addition to an extended period of work placement.  Qualifications may include:

  • Sport NI Safeguarding Children - £15
  • First Aid - £45
  • Governing Body Coaching Awards (tailored to individual student need)  
  • Level 3 Active IQ Personal Training - £550

 Students will be expected to purchase Course Sports Kit at an estimated cost of £25. In addition students will be required to pay for their own Access NI check (approx. £32).

Course and Provider regulated by Ulster University.

 

Available Sessions

We have 2 sessions available for application on this course in Lisburn, Bangor.

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

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UCAS Information

You can apply directly to SERC for this course using the Apply Now buttons.

If you apply directly to SERC we will process a UCAS application on your behalf in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018/ UK GDPR.

Applications to our full-time undergraduate Higher Education courses can also be made through UCAS.

View SERC on UCAS

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Fee Apply or get more information
Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness (Validated by the Ulster University)
Y10708BF1A-25/26-FT
Bangor
01/09/2025
20+ £2940.00
Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness (Validated by the Ulster University)
Y10708LF1A-25/26-FT
Lisburn
01/09/2025
18 £2940.00

Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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