Foundation Degree (FdSc) Health and Active Lifestyles

Programme aims

This course develops the students skill's in health, exercise, therapy and well being and will provide the academic credibility to transfer onto an associated degree, possibly at year 3. Specialist health related knowledge will be gained, applied and assessed in vocational environments. Additional related qualifications can also be gained whilst studying such as Active IQ gym instructors, exercise referral certificates, first aid, and chair based exercise. The modules ‘Activity Massage and Exercise Healing’ and ‘Advanced Massage’ are also accredited by the Active Health Group – which allows students to access full vocational and industry standard qualifications in these fields. This course would suit both full time students and professionals who are seeking continuing professional development.
This course will also develop key generic skills appropriate to the world of work and provide active links between work experience and academic study.

Graduates could look to gain employment in the following areas:

• Gym / fitness instructor
• Exercise referral consultant / personal trainer
• Health lifestyles officer / health development work
• Physical activity development work
• Health and rehabilitation
• Massage therapy
• Sport and remedial massage

Mode of attendance
Full time - on average 3 days per week allowing independent vocational study time.

Part time study is available, please contact the course leader for more information.

Core Modules

• Anatomy and Health Nutrition
• Active Populations and Social Inclusion
• Activity Massage and Exercise Healing *
• Client Consultation and Wellbeing
• Professional Skills Development

* Accredited by the Active Health Group to achieve Level 3 Body Massage Certificate

Year 2 Level 5 FdSc

Core Modules

• Professional Project
• Business and Commerce

Optional Modules (3 from 5)

• Exercise Prescription and Programming
• Health Promotion and Development
• Advanced Massage*
• Alternative Recovery Therapies
• Psychological Lifestyle Behavior

* Accredited by the Active Health Group to achieve Level 3 Sports/Remedial Massage Certificate

Level: Level 4/5 Course Type: Full Time Part Time Entry RequirementsEntry Requirements:

120 UCAS points from related FE programmes and grade C at GCSE English.

Applications from mature candidates, continuing professional development seekers and from candidates with qualifications other than A levels / BTEC are encouraged and will be given full consideration.

Progression & AssessmentAssessment and Progression:

The vocational nature of the course provides training and qualifications considered necessary for a variety of health and activity related careers, which include management, leisure and other areas where health and fitness is emphasised. Examples include sport development, lifestyle coaching, primary care trust work, gym / fitness instruction, community health work, basic massage and holistic therapy

A variety of assessment techniques will be used to reflect the differing learning outcomes and the levels of different units. The ability to collect, organise, analyse, interpret will be assessed through coursework, practicals, presentations and employer reflection.

Clear criteria will accompany assessment tasks with all items being verified by an external examiner and/or employer standard.

Progression

Graduates would look to gain employment as physical activity and health development officers, health promotion specialists, smoking cessation advisors, walking and active transport project officers, cardiac rehabilitation worker. Others may wish to pursue careers in alternative therapies, well being and relaxation related professions.

Progression onto degree study is available through Sheffield Hallam University as this course is linked to the BSc (Hons) Community Health and Leadership Studies.

Duration:

2 years