Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching Science) HND

The purpose of BTEC Higher Nationals in Sport & Exercise Science is to develop you as a professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers in the Sport & Exercise Science sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science offers you a specialist pathway designed to support progression into relevant occupational areas or on to degree-level study. The Coaching Science pathway is linked to the skills matrix produced by CIMSPA (where appropriate) and can provide professional status and progression to direct employment.

Holders of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma will have developed a sound understanding of the principles in their field of study and will have learned to apply those principles more widely. They will have learned to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. They will be able to perform effectively in their chosen field and will have the qualities necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.

Course Features

The course is delivered on campus and requires students to attend two full days per week. Additional days are required industry placements and experience.

Delivery of the course is through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, case-study, discussions, and workshops.

Course Modules

Research Project (Double Unit)

The unit provides an opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field related to your career aspirations and interests.

Advanced Coaching

The unit challenges you to analyse the environment of performance coaching from a pedagogic and multi-disciplinary support service perspective, utilising theory and technology to improve performance in your chosen sports

Performance Analysis

You will gain an understanding of performance analysis within sport and how it is used to aid development. You will engage in research to analyse performance, to create a performance profile, practically analyse performance, and carry out a post-event analysis to provide feedback.

4. Talent Identification and Development

You will gain knowledge and understanding of talent identification and development in sport, with the capability to review the effectiveness of talent identification and development programmes and identify factors that impact on success.

5. Exercise Physiology

   You will gain knowledge and understanding of the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise, with the capability to analyse how the body’s systems respond to different types and intensities of physical activity. You will examine key concepts including energy systems, cardiovascular and respiratory function, and the impact of exercise on performance and recovery.

   You will also develop the ability to evaluate factors that influence physiological performance, including training methods, fatigue, and environmental conditions, and apply this knowledge to support effective exercise programming and performance enhancement

   Physical Education and School Sport

   The unit develops your subject, curriculum, and pedagogical content knowledge in the context of Physical Education and school sport. It introduces you to the safe and effective teaching of Physical Education and school sport in both the school and wider community environment.

   Strength and Condition Coaching

   This unit aims to develop your underpinning knowledge of the foundations of strength and conditioning, the application of different types of specific methods of training and the underlying theories of sports programming

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A variety of assessment methods are used which include written reports, written assignments, literature reviews, group presentations, and the compilation of a learning journal.
Modules are assessed by the module leader and internally verified by another member of staff.