Sport and Fitness

Key features of the course

• Offers flexible learning that fits around your sport, fitness and work commitments
• Demonstrates a strong applied focus through the extensive use of audiovisual case studies
• Uses innovative technology such as augmented reality to enhance your learning
• Builds a solid foundation for further study

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two thirds of our BA (Honours) Sport, Fitness and Coaching (Q76).

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

You don’t need experience of working in sport and fitness prior to starting this diploma. 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

Skills for career development

Jobs in sport and fitness demand well developed skills for motivating customers; including the communication skills (written, oral and online) needed to enhance good relationships and coaching. This diploma course will boost your career potential and help you develop key skills that are highly valued by employers, 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’ll become a more critically aware leader who can reflect on your own and others’ practice and apply scientific theory to practical situations.

Career relevance

This diploma is ideal if you want to enhance your prospects in sports coaching, fitness training or the leadership of recreational groups. It’s also valuable if you’re self-employed in the sport and fitness sector, working at sports clubs or keen to develop your career in sports management or sports development. 

Other careers

Some students use this qualification as a route towards physical education (PE) teaching, although you’ll need to complete an honours degree and subsequent post-graduate training.

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):

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