Course details
This qualification has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1, you’ll study two modules that will introduce you to some of the key topics in sport and fitness.
- In Stage 2, you’ll study two modules that explore sport and exercise science and psychology.
- In Stage 3, you’ll study two modules that investigate psychological aspects of sport and fitness and a range of contemporary issues in sport and exercise.
In Stage 1, you’ll explore the organisation, practice and delivery of sport and fitness activity. You’ll investigate who takes part in sport and fitness, how facilities cater for their needs, how to improve fitness, and how nutrition informs coaching and exercise instruction. You’ll also consider important skills for those working in sport and fitness such as effective communication; motivating participants and colleagues; and what makes a good leader.
Stage 2 focuses on the scientific aspects of sport and exercise. You’ll develop your analytical and communication skills while focusing on various aspects of sport and exercise science, including psychology, and their application to sports coaching and exercise instruction.
In Stage 3, you’ll study athletic development from a psychological perspective, and then examine a range of contemporary issues in sport and exercise.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 15 March 2022.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BSc (Honours) Sport, Fitness and Coaching uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- working in a group with other students
- using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshot
- finding external/third party material online
- using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
- continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, and short answer questions
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
- engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
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; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Sport, Fitness and Coaching.
The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
International recognition
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
You don’t need experience of working in sport and fitness prior to starting this degree. However, you’ll find the modules and assignments much easier and more fulfilling if you can draw on employment (paid or unpaid) experience.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is either:
People, work and society Access module
What you will study
This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including childhood and youth studies, social science, psychology, health, business and law.
View full details of People, work and society Access module
Y032
Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module
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.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- sports club manager
- sports coach
- fitness instructor
- recreational group leader
- personal trainer
- fitness centre manager
- outdoor activities/education manager
- secondary school PE teacher
- sports development officer
- event organiser
- sports administrator