ASPIRE
www.ucsport.org
Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22
ACHIEVE
EDUCATE
Welcome P2 About UCS P4 Why Choose UCS? P5 Higher National Certificate P6 Higher National Diploma P8 BSc (Hons) P10 Employability P12 Alumni P13 Student Finance P14 Admissions P15 Long Eaton United Community FC Academy P16 B
UCS is an inclusive centre guided by the traditions of industry professionals, that places key emphasis on areas around intellectual curiosity, provision to others, and a comprehensive perspective on education. A UCS education grounded in sporting excellence, promotes career preparation and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth in sport and it's associated areas..
WELCOME
Contents
A student-focused learning community that values equality and diversity, and focuses on the education of the whole person, here at UCS, we guide the intellectual, ethical, and physical development of each individual on our programmes.
OUR MISSION
Dominic Anderson Head of UCS
FROM the Head of UCS
Selecting the next path in a learning journey can be confusing for any student. Our dedicated professional team will help you to make an informed decision that best supports your career aspirations. On behalf of Universal Centre of Sport, I encourage students to find out more about how we can support your career aspirations and look forward to welcoming those who are serious about their future.
Nothing supports our goals more than our values. They are key to everything we want all of our students and staff to be. They are the cornerstone of our success and our continued development. All staff and students are encouraged to display these behaviours, and set agreed targets to challenge themselves to be the best they can be.
. Innovation Leadership Motivation Professionalism
Academic Excellence At UCS, we pride ourselves on an academic programme that prepares higher education students for the world of academia, sport and fitness. While much is expected of our staff to build academic excellence in our students, we build an environment of leadership, motivation, innovation and professionalism to allow students to take ownership of their learning journey. As a learning community, UCS work collaboratively to empower students to feel a sense of ownership in all areas of their learning journey.
Outstanding Success The core of the UCS student body has forward thinking industry professionals with an outstanding success rate of students completing our programmes and moving into education or employment. This culminates in students gaining added value in deeper knowledge and best practices, leading to a truly outstanding experience within the sports industry.
WHY CHOOSE UCS?
Employability Skills The goal of UCS is to provide students with hands-on experience in education and an experience that prepares them for the required skill set for the ever-changing world of employment. While subject-specific knowledge is always important to employers, employability skills are essential to students professional development. Employability skills are the transferable skills that are needed in every job in the sporting industry - such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, initiative, planning, organising, self-management and lifelong learning. All of which are developed and enhanced at UCS.
At UCS, we are all about getting to the next level. We strive to better our students through educational experiences both in and out of the classroom. UCS aims to create a haven where students feel safe to tackle challenges and accomplish all goals, both personal and professional. We want to help students to become the best versions of themselves, whilst having fun along the way.
OUR GOALS
UCS specialises in offering Undergraduate degree level programmes in the sports industry. We offer a world-class stepping stone, providing opportunities to develop coaching, employability and management skills necessary to be successful in your chosen career. We have been delivering Higher Education Programmes since 2014 and are proud of the outstanding success and achievement rates we have secured in this time.
OUR VALUES
dreams
today
ABOUT UCS
Established in 2014 to serve the growing needs of the sports industry, UCS has become one of the UK's leading providers in Sports Education at Degree Level. In 2020-21 we have 12 campuses across the country from Bury to Dorking and Lydney to Lincoln We have an outstanding track-record of developing excellent graduates, delivering the next generation of the workforce to different sectors of the sports industry.
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COURSE DETAIL The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science is a 1 year programme offering students an introduction to the subject area using core modules of learning. Students gain a range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills, research, self study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Both the HNC and the HND are made up of a series of modules. In each year you can expect to cover three of the following: Unit 1 - Nutrition Unit 2 - Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology Unit 3 - Anatomy & Physiology Unit 4 - Professional Skills (Pearson Set) Unit 5 - Coaching Practice and Skills Development Unit 6 - Training, Fitness, Testing Unit 7 - Physical Activity, Lifestyle & Health Unit 11 - Injury Prevention For more information about unit content and how the assignments are structured, click here to visit the Programmes page of our website
Sports Coaching Science
PROGRESSION On completion of the HNC, you can therefore: Opt for further study, in particular the Level 5 HND in Sports Coaching & Exercise Science (Coaching Science) Exit with the Level 4 HNC into the sports industry. Roles successfully secured by our alumni include: Sports coach Sports development officer Teaching Assistant Camp supervisor
Start Date: October 2021 Course Type: Full time Course Duration One Year Locations: Bury - BL9 0QD Dorking - RH4 1DX Harrogate - HG2 7SA Hull - HU3 6HU Lincoln - LN6 0JE Lydney - GL15 5DZ Northampton - NN5 5QA Long Eaton - NG10 2EF Oxford - OX3 0NQ Salford - M7 3NQ Ware - SG12 0UQ Whetstone - LE8 6LW Entry Requirements 96 UCAS Points plus GCSE English & Maths (Grades 4-9) or Access to HE Certificate Cost £6165 Progression Higher National Diploma in Sports Coaching Science
Higher National certificate
WORK EXPERIENCE
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The UCS Higher National Certificate in Sport provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the roles of sports development and coaching, as well as practice managerial skills and knowledge that can be applied within a variety of sports industries and different sectors of the sports industry. The programme provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of the roles of the sports coach and their application in practical work settings.
APPLICATION All applications are through UCAS. The service costs £24 for a multi and £13 for a single application. Pleas visit www.ucas.com to sign up and find out more. You will need the unique course code and location listed on this page.
PARTNERS
FUNDING Most UK students are eligible to apply to Student Finance England for a loan to cover the cost of tuition. To learn more visit the student finance page.
LEVEL 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Sports and exercise science (Coaching Science)
PATHWAYS The UCS programme is built as a 3 year pathway. Year 1 - HNC Year 2 - HND Year 3 - BSc It is designed to be flexible and allow you to leave at the end of any year with the qualifications you have achieved. You can also take a break in learning and return at a later date
INTRODUCTION
Government surveys show that 75% of students believe work placements provide them with increased confidence and skills Throughout the HNC qualification, students typically have two days of lectures and seminars, along with at least one day per week in a work placement. Our exclusive relationships with professional sports industry partners mean that we can provide a valuable advantage in these placements, and therefore give students a head start when applying for a job.
The team of lecturers delivering this programme are all experts in their field and importantly maintain their connections with the industry, including coaching and management of high performance sports teams and professional sports clubs. A range of guest speakers from industry experts complements the team of lecturers, further emphasising the dedication the team have in maintaining the vocational relevance of this degree programme.
The UCS programme in Sports Coaching Science is delivered in partnership with:
Higher National DIPLOMA
PATHWAYS The UCS programme is built as a 3 year pathway. Year 1 - HNC Year 2 - HND Year 3 - BSc It is designed to be flexible and allow you to leave at the end of any year with the qualifications you have achieved. You can also take a break in learning and return at a later date.
Government surveys show that 75% of students believe work placements provide them with increased confidence and skills. Throughout the HND qualification, students typically have two days of lectures and seminars, along with at least one day per week in a work placement. Our exclusive relationships with professional sports industry partners mean that we can provide a valuable advantage in these placements, and therefore give students a head start when applying for a job.
LEVEL 5 BTEC Higher National DIPLOMA in Sports and exercise science (Coaching Science)
The UCS Higher National Diploma in Sport builds upon the opportunities provided by the Level 4 HNC, allowing students to apply their understanding of the roles of sports development and coaching in practical work based environments. Some of the focus moves into further developing and applying managerial skills within different sectors of the sports industry. The programme provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of the roles of the sports coach and their application in practical work settings. The team of lecturers delivering this programme are all experts in their field and importantly maintain their connections with industry, including coaching and management of high performance sports teams and professional sports clubs. A range of guest speakers from industry experts complements the team of lecturers, further emphasising the dedication of the team in maintaining the vocational relevance of this degree programme.
COURSE DETAIL The Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science is a 1 year programme developing the offering students an introduction to the subject area using core modules of learning. Students gain a range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills, research, self study, directed study and workplace scenarios.
PROGRESSION On completion of the HND you can therefore: Opt for further study, in particular the Level BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching Exit with the Level 5 HND into the sports industry. Roles successfully secured by our alumni include: Sports coach Sports development officer Teaching Assistant Camp supervisor
Start Date: October 2021 Course Type: Full time Course Duration One Year Locations: Bury - BL9 0QD Dorking - RH4 1DX Harrogate - HG2 7SA Hull - HU3 6HU Lincoln - LN6 0JE Lydney - GL15 5DZ Northampton - NN5 5QA Long Eaton - NG10 2EF Oxford - OX3 0NQ Salford - M7 3NQ Ware - SG12 0UQ Whetstone - LE8 6LW Entry Requirements 96 UCAS Points plus GCSE English & Maths (Grades 4-9) or Access to HE Certificate Previous Study on Level 4 HNC, or similar Cost £6165 Progression BSc in Sports Coaching
Both the HNC and the HND are made up of a series of modules. In each year you can expect to cover three of the following: Unit 1 - Nutrition Unit 2 - Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology Unit 3 - Anatomy & Physiology Unit 4 - Professional Skills (Pearson Set) Unit 5 - Coaching Practice and Skills Development Unit 6 - Training, Fitness, Testing Unit 7 - Physical Activity, Lifestyle & Health Unit 11 - Injury Prevention For more information about unit content and how the assignments are structured, click here to visit the Programmes page of our website
APPLICATION All applications are through UCAS. The service costs £24 for a multi and £13 for a single application. Pleas visit www.ucas.com to sign up and find out more. You will need the unique course code and location listed on this page. If you have already completed the L4 HNC at an appropriate standard, you will automatically be offered a place on the HND programme.
ASSESSMENT The course provides opportunities to test student's understanding of the subject informally, before the completion of the formal assessments that count towards the final grade. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or 'formative' assessment, for which students receive feedback from their tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades received do not count towards the final module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations, essays, reports, portfolios, performances, presentations, and the final project. Students receive feedback on all formative and summative assessments undertaken through coursework and are encouraged to discuss them with their tutors in order to further develop.
PROGRESSION The BSc in Sports coaching is designed to enable students to enter employment with the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Students are encouraged to explore a range of careers in government agencies, sporting agencies, team management, professional sports clubs and local sports teams. As a newly qualified professional in the arena of sport and fitness coaching, students can progress on to a diverse selection of roles. Roles successfully secured by our alumni include: Sports nutritionist Sports psychologist Sports therapist Exercise physiologist Lifestyle advisor Health and fitness professional Sports coach Sports development officer Teaching Assistant Camp supervisor Students can also opt for further study, such as post graduate degrees, teacher training degrees, or further study at level 7.
Start Date: October 2021 Course Type: Full time Course Duration One Year Locations: Bury - BL9 0QD Lydney - GL15 5DZ Entry Requirements 96 UCAS Points plus GCSE English & Maths (Grades 4-9) or Access to HE Certificate Previous Study on Level 5 HND, Foundation Degree or similar Cost £8250 Progression Post Graduate Diploma, Career opportunities in management roles in the sports industry
The BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching (third year top up) is a direct progressions for students who have successfully completed a Higher National Diploma in Sport. It provides students the opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge obtained in the HNC/D programme. IN DETAIL The year focuses on extending three key sports specific strands: Coaching Management of sports development strategy Sports Science Within this, students have the opportunity to tailor the qualification to specialise in a sport of their choice. Students further develop their understanding of sports science, nutrition, safeguarding and first aid, as well as exploring motivational techniques, styles of communication, performance analysis and plans for athletic progression. The year has a strong vocational relevance, through applying theory into working practice with athletes as part of a multi-disciplinary team. There is a strong focus on preparing students to undertake a dissertation in a related sports area, through the research skills unit. The lecturing team are all experts in their field that maintain their connections with industry, including coaching and management of high performance sports teams and professional sports clubs. The lectures are complemented by a range of industry-expert guest speakers, emphasising the vocational relevance of this degree programme.
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
COURSE DETAIL The BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching is built around 6 modules in 2 semesters: Semester 1: Research methodologies in Sport Performance Coaching Dissertation Semester 2 Nutrition, Lifestyle & Health for Athletes Planning & Performance Management Dissertation For more information about unit content and how the assignments are structured, click to visit the Programmes page of our website.
BSc (HoNS)
Sports CoachING (TOP UP)
PATHWAYS The UCS programme is built as a 3 year pathway. Year 1 - HNC Year 2 - HND Year 3 - BSc It is designed to be flexible and allow you to leave at the end of any year with the qualifications achieved. You can also take a break and return at a later date.
APPLICATION All applications are through UCAS. Please visit www.ucas.com to sign up and find out more. You will need the unique course code and location listed on this page. If you have already completed the L5 HND at an appropriate standard, you will automatically be offered a place on the BA (Hons) at your nearest campus, subject to appropriate references.
Students learn in a variety of sports settings, and benefit from a placement, which ensures they can apply learned theory to real-life sporting environments. Our exclusive relationships with professional sports industry partners mean that we can provide a valuable advantage in these placements, and therefore give students a head start when applying for a job.
WORK EXPERIENCE At UCS, we believe that education is only part of the equation. Students need to develop the skills required to prepare themselves for the world of work. To this end, all students are expected to participate in a structured and varied schedule of work experience. The programmes are generally tailored to the interests of the students, with a variety of roles available at each campus, such as coaching, marketing and media support and performance analyst,
Scott Pollock Campus: Northampton Graduation Year: 2021 Position: Professional footballer Scott signed professionally for Northampton Town FC in September 2018. He had joined the under 14's at the club and moved into the 16-18 football and education programme after not being offered an academy place in 2017. During his time in the Football and Education programme, Scott impressed and was offered the chance to train with the academy full-time. He was offered a professional contract, and soon made his first team debut. Scott currently combines his training and matchday schedule alongside his studies on the second year HND programme.
employability
Jordan Booth Campus: TFUP. Graduation Year: 2018 Position: Self employed Football Coach Jordan started coaching on the Level 3 College programme, where he was the lead coach to the Goalkeepers. Whilst at UCS, he gained his Level 2 FA coaching badge in both outfield and goalkeepers. He has recently been accepted on to the UEFA B. Since leaving UCS, Jordan has gone on to start his own coaching company, delivering 1 to 1 coaching sessions., as well as working with the goalkeepers at a local semi-professional club. He works closely with Manchester United Ladies FC Academy.
SUCCESS STORIES
RELIABILITY & DEPENDABILITY Basically, do what you say you will do! This is all about developing personal skills and traits, such as: Being organised Managing your time effectively Being trustworthy Working hard Taking responsibility Asking for help when needed Using your initiative
Max Parry Campus: Forest Sports Education Graduation Year: 2017 Position: Performance Analyst Whilst studying with UCS, Max gained a role with ProStars Coaching, as a senior coach. He was responsible for delivering PPA and School Sports lessons in primary schools to support the development of both children and teachers. Max moved on to be responsible for ProStars hugely successful half term holiday camps. Recently, Max has been appointed as a performance analyst at Gloucester Rugby. He was nominated for the Gloucester Under 21 Ambassador of the Year Award for his work with Forest Bulldogs Rugby League.
ALUMNI
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS These are the skills required to work well with other people. They help you to work effectively as a member of a team, meet client and customer expectations and solve problems. The UCS work experience opportunities allow you to develop a range of interpersonal skills, such as: Communication skills - verbal, non-Verbal and listening Team-working Conflict resolution Emotional intelligence Problem solving and decision making
More than a qualification In the modern world, employers are looking for more than just a qualification. Yes, the qualification will make you eligible to apply for the job, but you need much more than that to be successful in most roles. You need 'soft skills'. Skills that are developed over time. At UCS, our ethos of embedding your learning in the heart of professional industry allows you to develop these skills and put together a set of skills to help you be successful in successful in your chosen career. Through specific, targeted work experience, we focus on the 3 key employability skills:
GROWTH MINDSET The growth mindset is key to everything we do at UCS. We believe that all of our staff and students should be open to new ideas and experiences. We believe that we can always be better in everything we do. We want you to use the unique opportunities afforded by working and learning in professional industry environment to develop a growth mindset. Be open to new experiences and accept honest, constructive feedback to grow into the successful coaches, managers and leaders that you strive to become.
PREPARING FOR WORK
PAST STUDENTS Any institution is only as good as it's people. At UCS we are very proud of our alumni and the successes they share with us, once they have gone on to employment or further study. Here we showcase some of our recent success stories, updating where they went on to, and how UCS has helped them to take the next steps in their chosen careers.
SELF FUNDED STUDENTS If you are not eligible for a tuition fee loan, chances are we will be able to accept payment by installment using FlexEd. This is ideal for students who may be doing a second degree, a self-funded course, or may be sponsored by their employer. Please speak to our advisor for more information.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UCS welcomes students from all over the world. We charge an annual fee for international students which covers the cost of all tuition, examination and graduation. Fees are payable at the start of the programme. UKCISA provides information on tuition fees to help you assess your fee status. This gives a clear indication of whether you are a home or international student. The decision on your home fee status will be made by the UCS admissions department after interview. The cost of your tuition fee depends on the programme you choose to study and the level at which you study. If you are made an offer by UCS, the yearly tuition fee will be quoted in your offer letter.
EXAMPLE 2: Jackson left UCS in 2018. He started working as a junior sports development officer with a local professional rugby league club on £20,500 per yer. Until he gets the pay rise in December, he does not need to pay anything back to the Student Loans Company. The UCAS website on Student finance has lots of downloadable guides and additional support.
ECLAS STUDENTS Many Institutions accept ELC credits from the Ministry of Defence. The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. To find out if you may be eligible, please take a look at the ECLAS website.
ADMISSIONS
TUITION FEE LOANS Tuition fee loans need to be paid back once you leave University. This is only once your salary reaches over £21,000. At that point, you will pay back 9% of any salary that you earn over £21,000. EXAMPLE 1: Mia left UCS in 2018. She secured a job working for a local coaching company on £25,000 per year. Mia's student loan repayment: 25,000-21,000 = 4000 9% of £4000 = £360. Mia will need to repay £360 over the year (or £30 each month) to cover her student loan.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT LOANS If you don't qualify for student finance, you may be able to apply for a career development loan. Professional and Career Development loans are bank loans used to pay for courses that may help with progressing your career or helping you to get into work. It is a government initiative that may allow you to borrow between £300 and £10,000. Loans are usually offered at a reduced interest rate and the government pays the interest whilst you are studying. More information can be found here.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY COURSE?
COSTS Prices for individual programmes vary. For Academic Year 2021-22, the following fees apply: All HNC Campuses £6175 All HND Campuses £6175 All BA (Hons) Campuses £8250
APPLY THROUGH UCAS If you are applying full-time, you will need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which is a UK-based charity whose main role is providing the application process for almost all British Degree programmes. The service costs £24 for a multi application and £13 for a single application. Each Campus has a unique code which can be found here. You will need this to use in your application. You can find out more about UCAS and sign up for the service here.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Applications for Higher Education courses from International Students must be made via UCAS. Applications can be made online from any country at the UCAS website www.ucas.com However, we suggest that you register your interest and discuss your needs with one of our trained advisors first.
WHAT IF I DON'T QUALIFY FOR A TUITION FEE LOAN?
STUDENT LOANS Higher Education students need to pay fees. However, you do not need to pay for everything up front, and can pay by instalments, or apply for a loan. If you are a full time student, there are 2 different types on loan you may be eligible for: Tuition fee loan Maintenance loan When you are assessed for fees, you are also assessed for a student loan. To learn more about loans and how to apply for them, please see the Student Finance website.
HOW TO APPLY
STUDENT FINANCE
MENTORING Each student will be assigned a professional coaching mentor with direct experience in the game at professional and National League levels. Mentors will provide support and guidance in the development of coaching skills as well as their application in both theory and practice. Most importantly the mentor will support each student experience a wide range of football related work opportunities and guide them in choosing areas that interest them most. completed the programme.
WORK EXPERIENCE Relevant real life work experience is a key component of our curriculum equipping all our students with a genuine platform to progress within the football industry or beyond at the end of each year of study. Our students will develop their leadership skills across a broad spectrum of football related activities. Whether its coaching in local schools, grass root or academy levels, analysing games, media related activities, strength and conditioning and sports therapy, match-day management or in understanding the wider business of football, our students leave the programme with genuine skills to equip them for a career in football, sport in general or in whichever alternative field they choose.
INTRODUCTION Our HE Programme provides a unique opportunity for students to gain up to a BA (Hons) degree combined with a wide range of exciting football related work experience. The Programme has a flexible, incremental annual curriculum, providing excellent qualifications and experience that can be used and built on at the end of each year of study. Students can also gain additional vocational qualifications in their preferred area across the wide spectrum of the football industry and benefit from hands on, practical experience in their chosen field. Students can access coaching projects from grass roots to academy working alongside highly experienced professional coaches as well as accessing media, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, analytics, sports conditioning as well as a wide variety of other areas within the sport.
Established: 2016 2021 Start Date: October 2021 Address Grange Park, Long Eaton NG10 2EF Courses on Offer HNC Sports Coaching Science HND Sports Coaching Science BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching & Sports Management UCAS Details Course Code: C611 Institution Code: C75 Campus Name: Long Eaton Campus Code: M Transport The campus is easily accessible via the A52/M1 with excellent bus, train and tram routes to the stadium
WHY CHOOSE LONG EATON United COMMUNITY FC ACADEMY?
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES The programme combines high level education with the opportunity to gain hands on practical skills. As well as the work experience opportunities, there are also regular talks from guest speakers, trips and opportunities to develop playing ability through participation in our local and national football league and cup competitions. Students can experience expert coaching sessions as participants for 6-8 hours a week. If you would like to study a work-based programme please get in touch!
LONG EATON, EAST MIDLANDS
CAMPUS SUMMARY
Save more than £6000 over the 3 years of your programme* Wide variety of hands-on integrated work experience Access to a wide range of experienced professionals, including those with a background in professional sport. Free Laptop or £100 Amazon voucher Excellent transport links Includes Level 1, 2 and UEFA B/Level 3 coaching qualifications *versus traditional degree programmes charging over £9000 per year
THE CAMPUS Based in the heart of the East Midlands, equidistant between Derby and Nottingham we are well served with key, convenient transport links. Our facilities include a brand-new state of the art 3G FIFA Pro full-size floodlit pitch, as well as further separate break out 3G arenas, brand new dedicated classrooms, changing rooms, social areas and access to on site catering facilities and a clubhouse. NEW FOR AUTUMN 2021 – The Campus will have its own dedicated Higher Education “Hub” including high speed wi-fi through-out facilitating learning for all aspects of our higher education sports programme. Group sizes will be capped at 15 to ensure close support and tailored development plans for each individual student.
LONG EATON United Community FC ACADEMY