Our Foundation/Extended Diploma caters for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of Sports and Exercise Science, from a range of modules and areas of study which involves the physical fitness and health and well-being of athletes and sportsmen/women.
Throughout the course you will learn various aspects of fitness, anatomy, psychology, nutrition, sports massage, healthy living and the treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries to optimise your skills in exercise and dieting know-how and regimes for athletes.
The Foundation Diploma is a 1 year programme that consists of 6 Sports Science units:
- Anatomy in sport and exercise
- Sports Psychology
- Sports coaching
- Research Methods
- Fitness Testing
- Sports Massage
The National Extended Diploma is Sport is the second year of the Foundation Diploma (in Sport and Exercise Sciences). In your final year you will study the following units:
- Nutrition
- Research project
- Analysis of sports performance
- Sports injuries & Technology in Sport
- Sociocultural Issues
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This course is mainly classroom based with the aim of you being able to put into practice everything that you learn in the classroom into a practical setting.
1st Year - BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science
2nd Year - BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science
To pass this course you will carry out a wide range of assessment activities, including a controlled assessment and an exam. The rest of the course is assessed via coursework (e.g. written reports, formal presentations, poster design and presentation, leading practical sessions etc.)
You need to attend an Information Evening where all questions can be answered and places are offered by a successful interview. Interviews can be booked at the Information Evening.
4 GCSE grades at C/4 or above including GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science.
You will need to purchase course materials (£10) and the Solihull College uniform (TBC) You may also be invited to attend trips to a variety of places across the UK but these are offered only to students as a reward for continued hard work and excellent attendance. You will be required to have an up to date DBS check for your Work Experience and Coaching Unit. In addition to completing your BTEC course, you will also be developing employability skills that are valued and recognised by employers.
There are a range of additionality courses that are available for students to apply for throughout the academic year. Some of these courses include gaining coaching badges in football (accredited by the FA) and basketball. We also offer a sports massage course (accredited by VTCT) in the second year of the programme. All of our additionality courses require an interview to assess suitability for the qualification applied for. Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes. If you haven't achieved an A*/9 - C/4 grade in English or Maths at GCSE, or a Level 2 Functional Skill, you will also be working towards a qualification in English or Maths at a level that will enable you to progress towards these grades.
If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too. Solihull College and University Centre offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.
If you are successful on this course, you will be able to continue studying towards a higher education qualification such as a Higher National Diploma or a sport related degree either at a College or University. Employment as a coach or sports leader is also possible after completing this course as long as extra coaching qualifications have been gained.
Blossomfield Campus
Sept-2025
Various
TBC
N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds
SPCBB081BCF0
Full Time
Further education teaching professionals supervise and teach trade, technical, commercial, adult education, secondary and post-secondary courses to students beyond minimum school leaving age.
Fitness instructors deliver training in a range of fitness activities, including weight training, yoga, pilates, personal training and other forms of exercise at private health and fitness centres, local authority run sports and leisure centres, other public and community establishments, and in private homes.
Leisure and sports managers organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources required for the provision of sporting, artistic, theatrical and other recreational and amenity services.
Sports coaches, instructors and officials work with amateur and professional sportsmen and women to enhance performance, encourage greater participation in sport, supervise recreational activities such as canoeing and mountaineering, and organise and officiate at sporting events according to established rules.
Physiotherapists plan and apply massage, promote and encourage movement and exercise, use hydrotherapy, electro-therapy and other technological equipment in the treatment of a wide range of injuries, diseases and disabilities in order to assist rehabilitation by developing and restoring body systems.
Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.
Sports and leisure assistants, provide and maintain facilities for sporting and recreational activities and supervise their use, maintain the continuity of entertainment and social events, offer odds and accept bets on the result of sporting and other events and control gambling activities.
Sport Psychologists work with athletes, teams and coaches to improve their motivation and performance.
Sports therapists use a range of techniques to make sure people involved in sport and exercise are training and competing safely. They provide an immediate response when sport and exercise-related injuries occur and will rehabilitate the patient back to full fitness. They also provide advice and support to help prevent injuries from happening in the first place.