This FdA prepares you for a career in the sports industry. It assists in developing knowledge and understanding of coaching fitness and rehabilitation through work experience and other features, such as physiology, principles of fitness, coaching theory, and practical experience of rehabilitation.
2 days per week
The programme provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding of three key aspects within the field of sport: sports coaching, fitness and rehabilitation.
The FdSc will help students identify their work interests and give an introduction to business skills for the sports practitioner – perfect for students who are thinking of working for themselves at some time in the future. As such, the programme aims to maintain a wide skills set.
You will study 15 modules over the two years, including:
- Developing Skills for Learning
- Exercise Physiology and Anatomy
- Fitness Assessment and Training
- Biomechanical Analysis
- Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation
- Coaching: Theory to Practice
- Sport and Exercise Nutrition
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Developing Critical Skills for Learning
- Work Based Learning
- Professional Practice in Sport Coaching
- The Rehabilitation Process
- Advanced Fitness Assessment and Training
- Sports Massage
- Business Skills for Sport Practitioners
Having successfully completed the FdSc in Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation, students will be eligible to apply to the top-up year and achieve a BSc in Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation.
*The modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change.
The FdSc Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation programme provides opportunities for students to achieve the learning outcomes using a range of different learning experiences.
You will be able to develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence in your capabilities throughout the two years. 25% of all learning will be work related and this includes a work-based learning module in the second year. Where and whenever possible, all learning will be based on practical scenarios and real-life situations. Many of the modules in the second year will link into your work-based learning experience.
Work experience is a key factor in this course and students are encouraged to organise a placement that meets their interests and skills. The experience, including the personal and professional development you acquire during the voluntary work, will be captured, and awarded academic credit through the assessment of the work-related learning module.
The module assessments have been designed to assist in the building of skills offering formative before summative assignments.
There will be a schedule for each student that provides the opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
If you have a Student visa, please book a call to discuss your options.
Applicants should apply through the UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website. All courses will be listed under Activate Learning on the UCAS website.
Each application will be considered on an individual basis following the University principle of widening access to those who might not have the traditional academic entry criteria to degree level awards.
Normally the minimum requirement would be:
Either:
- a minimum of the equivalent of two years’ full-time relevant work experience and a current role in an appropriate workplace setting
- evidence of ability to study at academic Level 4
- evidence of support from their employer and recommendation;
or
- a minimum of one A-level at grade C (4) plus the equivalent of 5 GCSE passes at C grade (4) or above, normally including Mathematics and English language – or an equivalent vocationally related qualification such as NVQ 3 (to Merit grade) in a subject relevant to Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation
In addition:
- where applicable; IELTS normally minimum level 6.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in the reading and writing components.
DBS checks
City of Oxford College will confirm that DBS check have been carried out where students are working with young people and vulnerable adults. It will be the responsibility of the student and their employer/ voluntary organisation to arrange DBS checks.
Upon successful completion you can progress into a range of a careers in the sports industry including sports analyst and personal trainer. You can also progress onto the BSc in Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation.
On successful completion, you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation from Oxford Brookes University
Home/EU* Fee for September 2025 entry: £7,700 per year
Please note:
Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.
*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after the 1st August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:
- you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements
- you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue
Additional costs include:
All equipment/resources you require for this course are provided by Activate Learning at no extra cost.
You should be aware that accommodation and day-to-day living costs are not included in our fees.
We strongly recommend purchasing a laptop to support you in your studies on the course.
We recommend that you budget £100 a year for additional costs such as for stationary to undertake your studies. You can borrow textbooks and access journals from the recommended reading lists most of these are available from the Learning Resource Centre. If you choose to buy textbooks, they may cost up to £60 each.