Access to Higher Education: Sport Science
If you have an enthusiasm for sports combined with an interest in health, fitness or coaching the Access to HE Sport Science may be the steeping stone you need to pursue a career within this sector. This course is designed for students who are 19 years or older and require a level 3 qualification to study in a higher education setting.
Why Choose This Course?
You will be taught by lecturers with a broad range of experience who are ideally placed to appreciate your needs and drive your ambitions. While studying your Access to Sports Science at Truro College, you will enjoy access to a wealth of cutting-edge equipment and facilities, both in and out of curriculum time. This will include three fully-equipped fitness rooms catering for a spectrum of abilities, two sports halls, a purpose-built Cricket centre, sports science labs and physiotherapy suites.
There will also be placement opportunities that could be undertaken in a variety of related environments. Possibilities exist internally ranging from the College’s Health and Wellbeing programme, Foundation Studies Sports programmes, Strength and Conditioning and Rehabilitation programmes or within the College’s sports academy provision. Alternatively, learners could have the opportunity to work with premiership and championship rugby teams (Exeter Chiefs or the Cornish Pirates), the Plymouth Raiders who are competing in the top tier of the British Basketball League, the Netball Super League satellite centre or our partner primary and secondary schools.
Apply for this course
Start date: 15/09/2025
Top Course Highlights
UCAS Support
Experienced tutors
Small classes
Excellent Facilities
Enjoy professional surroundings including three fitness rooms, two sports halls, sports science labs and a purpose-built Cricket centre.
Placement Opportunities
Placement opportunities include internal sports programmes and premiership and championship rugby teams.
Learn from industry experts
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who will advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of the Sport industry.
What Will I Learn?
The Access course is comprised of 60 credits worth of study at level 3.
Ungraded Units
- HE Study Skills
- Sports Coaching Practical Skills
- Placement Practice
Graded Units
- Human Anatomy (3 credits)
- Business in Sport (3 credits)
- Sports Psychology (6 credits)
- Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
- Sports Development (6 credits)
- Sports Coaching Principles (3 credits)
- Fitness Testing and Training (6 credits)
- Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation (6 credits)
- Sports Science Research Project (9 credits)
Where Will It Take Me?
Students could choose to study from a range of Foundation Degrees at Truro College including FdSc Exercise, Health and Fitness, FdSc Sports Coaching, FdSc Sports Rehabilitation, potentially FdSc Public Services and ultimately our BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Health Science top up programme. For those students that prefer to study further afield, the Access course would allow you to progress to similar degree programmes across the country.
Assessment Arrangements
You will complete 12 modules over the year, you will build a portfolio of practical and written evidence. You will be continually assessed in a variety of ways including written reports, presentations, practical demonstrations and external assessments. Each assignment will be based around a scenario which reflects tasks/projects that sports employees would be under taking in the workplace. For example, a health and fitness instructor conducting client health and fitness assessments.
The Credit System – The course is credit based. Students are required to gain 60 credits in total. 45 credits must be achieved at level 3 from graded units; the remaining 15 credits at level 3 come from ungraded units.
The Grading System – All level 3 credits gained from graded units are awarded a pass, merit or distinction grade based on the learner’s knowledge and skills, and the quality of the work. Increasingly, universities are making graded offers to Access students that require students to gain a certain number of credits at merit or distinction level. Some universities require these to be in certain subjects e.g. human biology.
Entry Requirements
We recommend that you have either GCSE English or maths, preferably both, at Grade 4/C or above, before you commence the course. However, it is advisable to check entry requirements for the degree you wish to study as they may require grades higher than 4/C in GCSE English and/or maths, and may also stipulate a minimum number of GCSEs are required. Applicants are expected to undergo an interview.
Information & Support
Duration: This course is 31 weeks starting in September and finishing in May. Taught hours are 15 hours per week plus 1 hour of tutor. Lectures are taught over 3 days per week. The College day typically starts at 9.15am and ends at 4.15pm.
Awarding body: CAVA
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
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£124,791
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£22,042
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