Is this course right for me?

Are you looking to develop a career in the outdoor industry? Do you wish to learn personal, practical and coaching skills? You may also be looking for an alternative route into Higher Education.

The course attracts a wide range of individuals from academic and vocational backgrounds who wish to develop industry skills in the area.

This course will give you the opportunity to gain an academic qualification whilst also working towards nationally recognised competency and coaching qualifications in outdoor sports such as kayaking and sailing, which will broaden your knowledge and increase your chances of employment.

Fees

Visit the Financial Support and Finance page for more information.

Additional costs

Students will be required to have a DBS certificate to allow them to undertake Work Placement. Students will be supported to apply for their DBS through college support services and will be responsible for payment. Also, during Work Placement, students will be required to fund any travel, food and accommodation expenses. Some activities will require students to dress appropriately for health and safety reasons and to conduct themselves in a professional manner. A list of necessary kit, if any, will be given to the student during the interview. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase the course hoody / fleece and polo shirt.

On the Level 5 course, students are required to undertake a 5-day expedition which will cost approximately £400.00.

More detailed information on other costs associated with your course and work placements/work experience (if applicable) will be outlined in the programme validation document and explained to you at your interview.

Module information

More detailed information on modules is to be found in the ‘Additional Campus / Course Information’ section.

Start date

September

Entry requirements:

Language requirements:

• Welsh or English with equivalent GCSE grade C, or above
• Any degrees, diplomas or certificates eligible above should have been taught and assessed in Welsh or English
• For overseas applicants, for entry onto Level 4, English fluency to IELTS 5.5 or higher (with no element less than 5.0)
• For overseas applicants, for entry onto Levels 5, English fluency to  IELTS 6.0 or higher (with no element less than 5.5)

Academic requirements:

• A minimum of 64 UCAS tariff points in main qualification, normally gaining at least one relevant A2 subject; or a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma (MP) or above, or an AVCE, GNVQ, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, in a relevant subject; or a Pass in approved ACCESS; or NVQ/VRQ Level 3
• A pass at grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent), Physical Education / Science would be advantageous. Alternatively, evidence of the ability to study at this level in terms of numeracy and scientific skills will need to be evaluated.

Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable

Entry onto Level 5 will be considered on an individual basis in line with GLLM credit transfer policy

For individuals with no formal qualifications, or have not reached the required UCAS points, offer will be based on but not exclusive to:       

• A personal statement or CV, assessment at interview, performance in tasks set specifically for admission purposes, relevant work experience and employment references
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance is required for all learners prior to undertaking the employability modules.

Progression:

Successful completion of the programme will enable you to enter one of a range of degree courses within the School of Sports, Health and Exercise Sciences at Bangor University.

There is also the option to complete a one year top-up degree, dependent upon grades achieved.

Additional campus/course information:

• Dolgellau

  Additional Course Information

  The course is aimed at anyone with an interest in the outdoors and will prepare you for a range of careers in the outdoor, leisure, countryside and tourism industries. We will build up your knowledge and skills, providing specialised studies which are directly relevant to your current workplace or for those seeking a change in career to work in the outdoor recreation sector.

  For every 10 credits, students should engage with around 100 notional hours of learning.  This will be approximately 30% direct learning contact and 70% independent student learning.

  Year 1 (Level 4)

  Research and Study Skills (10 credits, compulsory)

  The module aims to develop the student’s capacity to apply a range of academic skills appropriately within a chosen discipline.  (Portfolio 100%)

  Functional Anatomy (20 credits, compulsory)

  This module allows the learner to develop an enquiring approach to the anatomical principles underpinning human functioning in Sport and Exercise. (Multiple Choice Question Exam 50%, Presentation 50%)

  Behavioural Science and Skill Acquisition (20 credits, compulsory)

  The overall aim of this module is to introduce concepts of skill, ability, behaviour, performance and learning as they relate to physical activities. (Essay 25%, Presentation 25%, Case Study 50%)

  Working with Employers and Sports Event Coordination (10 credits, compulsory)

  This module will develop an understanding of the factors which go into the safe and successful organisation of an event (e.g. Health and Safety, marketing, financial considerations etc). Students will begin to develop essential skills required for effective event management and will reflect and evaluate their own skills in relation to event coordination. (  Presentation 40%, Portfolio 60%)

  Employability-Based Learning 1: Applying Theory in Practice (20 credits, compulsory)

  This module aims to enable students to carry out a number of employment-related tasks, negotiated jointly with employers/industry representatives and Grŵp-based staff. (Portfolio 100%)

  Outdoor Activities – Foundation Skills (20 credits, core)

  This module provides a foundation of practical and theoretical knowledge in two key Outdoor Activities and related skills. (Practical 65%, Portfolio 35%)

  Practical Sports Coaching (20 credits, compulsory)

  This module provides students with the practical skills and knowledge required to plan, deliver and evaluate coaching sessions, taking into consideration the differing needs of individuals. (Report 30%, Practical Delivery with Report 70%)

  Year 2 (Level 5)

  Sport Psychology (20 credits, compulsory)

  Sport psychology is a discipline which seeks to define motivational bases for individual and group behaviour in a sports/outdoor activities and leisure context.  This module explores mechanisms of raising the level of individual and group performance and identifies strategies for this purpose. (Report x 2 75%, Academic Poster 25%)

  Expedition and Exploration (20 credits, compulsory)

  This module develops the team work, planning and leadership skills required to deliver a successful five-day expedition. This module will be the main link of the second year programme. (Report 25%, Portfolio 50%, Presentation 25%)

  Employability-based Learning 2: Professional Reflection and Personal Development (20 credits, compulsory)

  This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to analyse the value of their skills and learning as applied to vocational and work-specific contexts.  In doing so, the module will require students to organise a sporting event, building on their work in Year 1 Employability-based Learning 1. (Portfolio 60%, Personal and Professional Development Plan 40%)

  Outdoor Activities – Skill Development, Coaching and Leadership (20 credits, core)

  This module develops the practical skills and theoretical knowledge gained in the Outdoor Activities module: Foundation Skills and Practical Sports Coaching. (Practical 70%, Portfolio 30%)

  Research Project (20 credits, compulsory)

  This module is designed to complement and extend the research skills learned in Year 1. The research project will be a feature of the second year of the course and will allow students to carry out an in-depth study of an area of interest within the context of Sport Science. (Report 75%, Presentation 25%)

  Exercise Physiology (20 credits, compulsory) This builds upon and reviews knowledge acquired in the Functional Anatomy modules with progression towards deeper understanding of the relationship between the different physiological systems. (Presentation 35%, Report 35%, Portfolio 30%)