Sport, Exercise, Health and Fitness

Entry Requirements

For 2024 entry, you will need 80 UCAS Tariff points.

Some typical examples of how you can achieve 80 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below:

• A levels - CDD
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma - Merit, Merit, Pass (MMP)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma - 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction, 0 credits for Merit and 30 credits for Pass. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Prior Learning and Experience

University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the degree will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.

Additional Entry Requirements

All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.

Information for International Applicants

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.

Learning Environment and Assessment

This Foundation Degree takes a hands-on-approach to learning, through theoretical and practical based sessions, workshops, group work and presentations. You will also benefit from trips and guest lecturers.

The second-year employability skills module will provide a professional setting, allowing you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the degree.

Assessment methods include practical assessments, case studies, poster presentations, work placements, reflective writing, personal development planning, exams, written assignments and a research seminar/conference presentation.

Tuition Fees

For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £7,995 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits	Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation. Students are required to undertake a formal work placement whilst on the FdSc. Dependant on the nature of the placement, a DBS check may be required. Approximate cost is £44.
Equipment and Materials	Core texts, journals and reading lists should generally be available in the St Helens Town Centre Campus Library or University of Chester. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Students will provide their own practical kit to participate in fitness testing sessions and gym-based practical activities. Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. scientific calculator, pens, pencils, notebooks.
Additional Vocational Qualifications	Students have the opportunity to undertake the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training. Approximate cost is £500.
Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development	Variable depending on type of activity.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don't have to pay anything upfront and there's nothing to pay back until you're qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.

Study Enhancement Gift

All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.

For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.

Careers and Progression

This Foundation Degree will provide a platform for entry into a number of career pathways in the health and fitness industry.

Previous graduates have progressed into diverse careers upon completion of their studies including personal training, gym management, public health, lifestyle specialists, exercise referral specialists, sports coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, PE teaching and community health improvement.

To continue your studies, you may wish to progress on to the third year of the BSc (Hons) Physical Activity and Health at the University of Chester.

As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of careers, such as:

• Personal Trainer
• Health Club Manager
• Health and Wellbeing Adviser
• Nutrition Adviser