Please be advised that SGS College will be closed from Friday 19 December, until Tuesday 6 January 2026.
We wish you a very happy and safe Christmas break.

Certificate Higher Education Applied Sports Coaching and Physical Education

The Conservation and Education Centre at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site remains open to students.

You will have private access to the zoo grounds during lectures, to carry out your observations and data collection, but as more animals are moved, this will gradually be carried out at the Bristol Zoo Project. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Take your first bold step towards an exciting career in sports coaching, sport and physical activity development, or Physical Education with our one-year Certificate in Higher Education.

This inspiring course is designed to ignite your passion and unlock your potential. Whether you’re aiming to move directly into the sports industry or continue your academic journey, this course provides the perfect launchpad. Blending cutting-edge theory with hands-on vocational experience, you’ll gain the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s sport and Physical Education sectors.

Throughout the year, you’ll embark on a transformative learning journey. You’ll explore your own coaching and learning philosophy while developing the ability to apply theory in real-world settings, from schools and professional teams to recognised athletic institutions. Every experience is designed to challenge and support you as you grow into a reflective, innovative, and inclusive practitioner.

Key areas of study include human anatomy, sport and exercise psychology, and the development of creative and inclusive coaching practices. You’ll learn how to navigate the entire coaching cycle, from curriculum design and session planning to delivery, evaluation, and reflective practice. With varied and engaging learning experiences, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving abilities and develop forward-thinking approaches within applied coaching environments.

Alongside practical expertise, you’ll build essential academic and professional skills that employers value. You’ll enhance your essay writing, presentation techniques, critical thinking, independent study, and research capabilities. Through reflective practice and collaborative learning communities, you’ll track and celebrate your professional development as you prepare for future success.

Your studies will integrate a range of working environments, enabling you to confidently work with individuals and groups. Assessments are diverse and industry-focused, including written work, presentations, and practical evaluations, ensuring you graduate with both academic achievement and real-world readiness.

When you complete the Certificate in Higher Education, you’ll hold a recognised academic qualification that opens doors. You can step directly into employment within the sports sector or choose to continue your studies at Level 5,progressing to the Foundation Degree in Applied Sports Coaching and Physical Education. From there, further progression to a BSc (Level 6) is within reach.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for sport into a purposeful career, this is where your journey begins. Apply now and start shaping your future in sport.

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Study Modules
CP4100
Physical Education Curriculum Design
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During this module you will explore the role physical education plays on the development of individual physical and psychological well-being and the impact it has on society as a whole. The module will also explore the social and historical context in which curriculum design is situated, considering how this relates to the development of educational science. Analysing the differences between traditional and contemporary approaches to physical education you will develop appropriate approaches to planning to meet the needs of selected individuals and groups.

50% Individual, Assignment

50% Individual Presentation

CP4200
Introduction to Applied Practice
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This is the exciting start of your applied practice! The module will give you a range of applied coaching and physical education opportunities, allowing you to explore theory from both this and other modules along with developing your skills and expertise as a practitioner. This module will support your understanding of the entire coaching/cycle i.e. planning, delivering and reflecting on your practice. The assessment will focus on this journey in the form of a yearlong portfolio of evidence, proving a view of your holistic development over the course of the year. The module will include peer coaching alongside coaching different groups both in a range of contexts.

50% Individual Portfolio

50% Group Practical

SC4001
Foundations of the Knowledge: Professional Practice
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The Foundations of Knowledge module focuses on three key areas in the development of professional practice in sporting contexts: employability, academic skills and reflective practice. The module enables you to develop your academic skills as-well as enhancing your growth and development as you move through professional environments. You will develop your professional profile through C.V writing, self-analysis and goal setting as well as developing awareness of reflective practice and related theory which will allow you to develop your interpersonal skills and reflect on your development over the year.

50% Individual, Portfolio

50% Individual, Portfolio

SC4002
The Human Body: Explore the Fundamentals and Application of Anatomy
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Understanding and drawing upon anatomical knowledge is important for professional practitioners, enabling a holistic approach to coaching, teaching and instructing. Introducing and developing knowledge related to the structures and functions of the human body, the module will focus on the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You will explore the complex nature related to how these systems work together, with application to fundamental movements and sports performance. This module provides the foundations in order for more complex topics to be discovered including, creative coaching; integration into Physical Education; sports conditioning; training and exercise.

100% Group, Presentation

SC4003
Power of the Mind: Sport and Exercise Psychology
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This module draws on the foundations of sport psychology and looks to explore how these theories can be best applied in context. Learning is, itself, a cognitive process and understanding our minds has a significant influence on our thoughts, feelings behaviours and therefore our performance. Psychological knowledge is important for professional practitioners, enabling a holistic approach to coaching, teaching and instructing. Individuals are in a unique position to apply their knowledge, together with educating others as to the amazing and complex processes of the mind. Students are encouraged to engage with the fundamentals of psychology, together with taking this knowledge to the broader context of the course and practical application.

100% Individual, Portfolio

SC4004
Learning to Learn: The Foundations of Pedagogy
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This module allows you to explore, understand and apply pedagogical theory to enhance the learning environment and develop the knowledge and skill of others. Practitioners in both Sports Coaching and Physical Education need to understand the complexities of learning and this module will introduce a range of theories from traditional approaches to more contemporary methods. You will be supported to make links between theory and practice. This module will focus on traditional learning theories such as Behaviourism, Constructivism and Cognitivism along with more contemporary concepts such as Connectivism and games-based approaches to learning. Methods of teaching/coaching will be explored using theoretical frameworks such as Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction and Teaching Games for Understanding.

100% Group Presentation

Course Video
Fiona Ware
Subject Area Lead for Academic Sport / Programme Lead for FdSc and BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Conditioning and Exercise
*This programme is subject to validation and delivery approval by the University of Gloucestershire.
APPLICATIONS FOR SEPT 2025 ENTRY ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS COURSE.APPLY VIA UCAS FOR FULL-TIME STUDY
(FULL-TIME)
APPLY ONLINE FOR FULL-TIME STUDY
(FULL-TIME)
APPLY ONLINE FOR PART-TIME STUDY
(PART-TIME ONLY)
SGS Level 3 Guarantee Offer Scheme
Campus:
University Centre WISE
Level:
Certificate of Higher Education
Full-time Duration:
1 year
Full-time Fee (Per Year):
£8,500
Part-time Duration:
2 year
Part-time Fee (Per Year):
£4,250
UCAS Application Code:
CHE1
UCAS Entry Tariff:
56
Entry Requirements

Level 3 qualifications and GCSE English and Maths grade C or 4. SGS recognises the individual nature of each application and our typical offer should be viewed as a guide. SGS welcomes interest from mature applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. We will consider evidence of your relevant personal, professional or educational experience where it demonstrates an ability and potential to succeed on the course. Please include details of any relevant experience in your application. If English isn't your first language you will need to undertake an IELTS qualification achieving an overall grade of 6 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent)

Course info last updated:
February 24, 2026
Full-Time
Part-Time
Delivery Format

The delivery format for your degree-level programs is primarily face-to-face and in-person sessions. However, there may be some hybrid sessions offered occasionally, mainly for flexibility purposes, such as tutorials or for larger events like visiting lecturers. Additionally, it's mentioned that all degree programs are well-supported by Virtual Learning Environments, which include Teams or Google Classroom.

Additional Cost Information

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