Sport, Fitness and Coaching

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
• Provides a preparatory step towards teaching physical education

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Sport and Fitness (W07) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree; similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Sport, Fitness and Management (T05) corresponds to the first third.

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

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.

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