FdA Health and Personal Training (FT)

FdA Health and Personal Training

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

This innovative Foundation Degree, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, has been developed for those who not only want to work as fitness instructors, exercise leaders or personal trainers but also leisure manager roles within the industry. Liaison with local exercise and fitness industry practitioners has helped to ensure that the course has been carefully developed to suit the requirements of the industry.

This course provides the graduate with practical, academic and vocational skills all relevant to the exercise and fitness industry. To be a personal trainer excellent personal skills and managerial ability must supplement a comprehensive knowledge of the exercise and fitness industry. Core aspects of health and fitness management, leadership, customer care and marketing, are complemented by modules concerning management of customers/clients in relation to personal training, lifestyle assessment, exercise prescription, rehabilitation and special populations. Within the course students may be provided with the opportunity to complete various short course awards relating to particular modules of study.

Year 1

Exercise Sciences

The learner will cover human anatomy of the musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as the short and long term adaptations of these systems to exercise. Topic areas cover homeostatic control of body systems at rest and in response to exercise as well as functional kinesiology and core stability in relation to exercise.

Health Training

This module enables students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to facilitate individuals to change their behaviour and improve their health and well-being. Students will learn how to engage and communicate effectively with individuals and groups about their health and well-being.

Personal and Vocational Development for Sport

The learner will be encouraged to embrace lifelong learning and continuing professional development throughout this module. Planning and managing own performance, which includes time and stress management whilst achieving an effective work/life balance to maintain performance will be addressed. Short courses in health and safety, first aid etc will also be included within this module.

The Health and Fitness Industry

The health and fitness industry has expanded rapidly over recent years and is set to continue. This module will review the history and recent developments in the health and fitness industry examining the size and make up of the industry including corporate and public facilities and key national agencies e.g. Fitness Industry Association, Register of Exercise Professionals and Skills Active. The scientific, social and political contexts of physical activity will also be examined.

Exercise Leadership and Gym Oriented Exercise

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the necessary skills to confidently delivery various modes of exercise instruction including gym and circuit training. The practical exercise instruction includes planning and preparing activities, preparing clients for activity, as well as adapting activities. Bringing activities to an end and evaluating personal performance is also a fundamental aspect of exercise leadership.

Developing Physical Activity

Building on the knowledge and skills developed in introduction to exercise leadership, this module aims to provide the learner with advanced health and fitness evaluation skills and procedures which include the use of laboratory and field tests. Analysis and interpretation of information relating to health status, fitness status, exercise experience, goals and needs allows the personal trainer to develop the client's health and lifestyle.

Year 2

Personal Training

This modules builds on the skills and knowledge gained in year one. Advanced exercise instruction techniques including resistance and cardiovascular training will provide the learner with the skills required to work with special and athletic populations in different environments. The psychology of personal training working with these populations will further enhance the specialist skills required of the personal trainer. The business of personal training including potential client follow ups, enquiries and retaining clients will be addressed. Professional values, ethics and legal responsibilities will also be covered.

Nutrition and Weight Management

The aim of this module is to investigate the Inter-relationship between nutrition, health and exercise. Macro and micro nutrient metabolism and availability will be identified as well as sports specific nutrition, nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids. Nutritional Strategies and issues in training and competition including dehydration, rehydration and sports drinks as well as weight control strategies will provide the knowledge and skills to enable the personal trainer to help clients achieve success.

Research Project

The aim of the module is to provide an understanding of experimental design, quantitative and qualitative research tools and statistics. Learners will investigate an area of personal interest and carry out a project to further enhance the body of knowledge surrounding that area.

Work Placement

The work placement will provide the learner with an opportunity to gain valuable experience working in the Leisure/Fitness industry. In addition to the work placement learners will be encouraged to work within the college gymnasium conducting inductions, personal training sessions with the elite squads as well as running exercise classes.

Exercise Prescription and Rehabilitation

The aim of the module is to enable the learner to help return the client to normal functionality as soon as possible. The personal trainer must demonstrate good communication skills with all parties involved in the rehabilitation process, from client to allied professionals such as doctors, surgeons and physiotherapists. The learner will develop advanced skills and knowledge to be able to follow recognised guidelines for exercise prescription for special populations. Special populations include; older adults, disabled clients, pre and post natal clients, children and young people. Operational needs of special populations within facilities e.g. disabled access will also be examined.

Health and Fitness Management

This module will provide the necessary skills for a personal trainer to be able to produce a sound business plan which includes market research, sales, promotion and financial planning.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including in-class tests, practical assessment, skills audit, mini project, log book, portfolio, case study, essays, reports, presentations and personal reflection.

Links with Professional Body:

This course is validated by the Register of Exercise Professionals. This is an accreditation that is highly sought after by employers in the fitness industry. To gain accreditation at Levels 2 and 3 students must take an additional multiple-choice exam.

Course Documents:

Student Handbook (2015 Entry)

Programme Specification and Handbook (2016 Entry)

Myerscough College Policies and Procedures

Although not essential it is desirable that students are at least familiar with keeping fit either by using the gym or participate in exercise classes or both.

Extra Costs

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

Short Courses - £100 per year

Learning Environment:

Learning activities will include lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research. Students will also have access to Myerscough's virtual learning environment.

Other Opportunities:

The course will prepare students for a career in personal training and other areas of the exercise and fitness industry. Modular content emphasises the importance of career development and planning throughout. Depending on the top degree taken (see progression), students have also progressed onto teacher training, health promotion, and sports development careers.

What do students think about this course?

Please see Key Information Set statistics.

Work Experience:

Students will gain experience in a fitness environment as part of the work placement module. In addition students may have the opportunity to volunteer at an international fitness conference every year.

What are our graduates doing now?

Students are gaining employment in health clubs, cruise ships, within the NHS, teaching or sports development.

Progression:

Successful students from the Foundation Degree Health and Personal Training may apply to progress on to related top up degrees at the University of Central Lancashire. These include the BA (Hons) Exercise & Fitness Management or BA (Hons) Sports Studies.

What careers can you follow:

Students will be in a position to start up their own business, work in the fitness industry as a personal trainer or move into management.

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice. Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses. Myerscough College is proud to be an Associate School of the University of Central Lancashire

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.