Sports Science, Coaching and Fitness - Foundation Degree

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 5th June 2027
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: To be confirmed

Course Content

Year 1 Modules (Level 4)

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Sport Pscyhology
• The Professional Fitness Environment
• Principles of Teaching & Coaching
• Sports Analysis
• Fundamental Skills in Laboratory Testing

Year 2 Modules (Level 5)

• Work-based 1
• Sports Coaching
• Research Methods
• Work-based 2
• Sports Nutrition
• Physical Education

Course Outcomes

Successful completion of 240 credits (120 at Level 5) gains the award Foundation Degree Sports Science, Coaching and Fitness. Upon attainment of the Foundation Degree Sports Science, Coaching and Fitness, students will then have the opportunity to apply for direct progression to Year Two BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences or Final Year BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance at Ulster University.

This course will entail completing an AccessNI.

There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.

Course Aims

The Foundation Degree Sports Science, Coaching and Fitness programme aims to provide sound and well balanced academic and vocational training in the areas of sports science, coaching, exercise, and fitness.  This is achieved through the provision of practical experiences of the techniques and analytical skills required by personnel employed in the rapidly developing sport and leisure industry. In Addition, the programme aims to develop students’ skills and personal qualities relevant to working life and effective participation in the wider community.

Special Features

The programme has been designed in collaboration with Ulster University BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences and BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance degree programmes to facilitate direct progression.

Supplementary awards and qualifications are also offered as part of the programme delivery.  Please note these are optional and not a compulsory requirement of the programme.  Supplementary awards and qualifications offered include Irish Football Association coaching qualifications, Sport NI workshops and LinkedIn Learning certificates. 

Students currently competing in their sport can avail of the support services offered through Northern Regional College Performance Academy in the areas of nutrition, psychology, and performance analysis.

As an Associate Student of Ulster University, students can represent the University in their chosen sport and are eligible to compete in the World Student Games.

This course is validated by Ulster University.

Assessment Methods

Student performance is assessed using a combination of coursework, examinations, practical delivery and presentations.

All modules of study on the programme have a value of 20 credits, totalling 200 effort hours in each module.  These effect hours comprise of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical lessons, blended learning, and independent study.

• Minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above, or equivalent.
• Applicants must satisfy the University's general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL).

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

Upon attainment of the Foundation Degree Sports Science, Coaching and Fitness, students will have the opportunity to apply for direct progression to Year Two BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences or Final Year BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance at Ulster University.

Students can also apply to other Universities and Colleges within the UK for advanced entry to sports-related Bachelor’s Degree programmes.