Sport, Fitness and Coaching (Honours)

Key features of the Sport, Fitness and Coaching (Honours) course at The Open University

– Offers flexible learning that fits around your sport, fitness and work commitments
– Demonstrates a strong applied focus through the extensive use of audiovisual case studies
– Uses innovative technology such as augmented reality to enhance your learning
– Enables you to gain Register of Exercise Professions CPD points throughout your study
– Provides a preparatory step towards teaching physical education
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

– Knowledge and understanding
– Cognitive skills
– Practical and professional skills
– Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Skills for career development

Sport and fitness employment requires well developed skills for motivating customers, including communication skills (written, oral and online) that enhance good relationships and coaching. This degree course will improve your career potential and give you the opportunity to develop skills which employers will value, including:

– leadership
– empathy with participants
– knowledge of safety and welfare issues
– understanding group and individual psychology
– searching for and presenting information
– use of IT.
Overall, you will become a more critically aware leader who can reflect on your own and others’ practice and apply scientific theory to practical situations.

Career relevance

The BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching is a good choice if you want to enhance your prospects in sports coaching, fitness training or the leadership of recreational groups. It is also valuable if you are self-employed in the sport and fitness sector, working at sports clubs or wishing to further your career in sports management or sports development. Some students use this qualification as a route towards teaching physical education (PE) – note you will need to have GCSEs in English and mathematics (and possibly science), and undertake subsequent postgraduate training.