FdSc Applied Sports Conditioning and Exercise Foundation degree at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
FdSc Applied Sports Conditioning and Exercise at SGSC. You'll work through core theory, research methods, and specialist options, but the emphasis is on conditioning and exercise in real settings.
About this course
FdSc Applied Sports Conditioning & Exercise | University Centre SGS Please be advised that SGS College will be closed from Friday 19 December, until Tuesday 6 January 2026. From the provider’s course page.
FdSc Applied Sports Conditioning and Exercise is a Foundation degree (FdSc) at SGSC, based in University Centre WISE Campus. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 6 modules
- Knowledge of Training: Principles of Sports Conditioning and Exercise
Module details
Setting the foundations for your sports conditioning, training and exercise journey, and future success within the industry, this module will develop your knowledge and understanding of fundamentals related to the client experience and principles for developing effective training programmes. Recognising the interdisciplinary approach to the industry, you will link the theory underpinning programme design and development with applied practice. You will also develop an understanding of components
Assessment: 40% Individual, Practical 60% Individual, Portfolio
- Fuel for Performance: An Introduction to Nutrition
Module details
Developing your knowledge of nutrition, you will consider its impact on everyday health, and in response to physical activity and sporting demands. Exploring the role of macronutrients and micronutrients, you will develop understanding of varying dietary requirements, with further consideration for fluid intake, relevant to a variety of scenarios. Additionally, you will study how nutrition can impact performance, e.g. pre-, inter- and post-exercise, together with supporting individuals to lead a
Assessment: 100% Individual, Assignment
- Potential in Action: Fundamentals of Physiology and Performance
Module details
The human body is a network of physiological, neurological and biological processes, which responds to the environment and demands placed upon it. Building on your anatomical understanding, you will explore the short-term and long-term responses to sport and physical activity, considering energy systems and the impact of fatigue and recovery. Enhancing your skills as a practitioner, you will apply your knowledge to create training programmes which are tailored and promote positive physiological
Assessment: 100% Individual, Assignment
- Foundations of the Knowledge: Professional Practice
Module details
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 th
Assessment: 50% Individual, Portfolio 50% Individual, Portfolio
- The Human Body: Explore the Fundamentals and Application of Anatomy
Module details
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
Assessment: 100% Group, Presentation
- Power of the Mind: Sport and Exercise Psychology
Module details
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, togeth
Assessment: 100% Individual, Portfolio
Level 5 5 modules
- Applied PRACademic Skills
Module details
In the Applied PRACademic Skills module you will continue to develop the application of theoretical concepts in a range of sporting contexts. The term pracademic refers to a practitioner that combines theoretical research with applied practice. The module encourages you to look innovatively through the lens of business owners, policy makers, curriculum designers or National Governing Bodies to create an intervention that will support the development of people in sporting contexts. This approach
Assessment: 50% Group Presentation 50% Individual Presentation
- The Evolution of Lifelong Participation: An Exploration of Physical Literacy for Life
Module details
This module will introduce you to physical literacy, linking both theory and practice. Exploring the historical development of this concept, you will consider the theoretical perspectives of monism, phenomenology and existentialism, to appreciate the subjective and personal nature of individual experiences and the impact of the surrounding world. Considering the development of physical activity through health literacy, sport and exercise, you will consider how physical literacy can be fostered t
Assessment: 100% Individual, Presentation
- Application of Knowledge: Professional Practice and Research
Module details
This module aims to link theory with practice further, developing the knowledge and understanding of research approaches, together with the impact of these on professional practice and application. Exploring an interest area, you will consider academic literature and research to-date, identifying and analysing the current landscape, additionally drawing upon the experiences and practices of industry professionals. Through lectures and independent study, you will explore the underpinning theory a
Assessment: 40% Individual, Assignment 60% Individual, Portfolio
- Ready, Prepare Action: Physical Activity, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Module details
Recognising the dynamic and multidisciplinary approach to sport and physical activity, this module aims to develop your understanding of injury and illness aetiology, together with the role and impact of prevention and rehabilitation. You will explore the principles underpinning injury prevention and how these apply to musculoskeletal conditions and sports performance. Furthermore, you will investigate and apply safe practices and methods to support injury and illness rehabilitation, demonstrati
Assessment: 100% Individual, Presentation
- Application of Training: Sports Conditioning, Exercise and Health
Module details
This module will continue to develop your communication and planning skills from Level 4, focusing on the participant experience throughout their individual journey including, the consultation process, motivation and programme adherence, utilising a variety of methods. Furthermore, you will engage with multiple practices to enhance training and programming, implementing testing and monitoring techniques, applying modifications where appropriate, relevant to participant goals and progression to-d
Assessment: 30% Individual, Assignment 70% Individual, Portfolio
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the science of athletic performance and training adaptation over two years. The course typically begins with anatomy, exercise physiology and sport psychology, alongside practical coaching and conditioning work. You'll usually progress to biomechanics, training physiology and research methods in your second year. A foundation degree like this emphasises applied practice: you'll analyse technique, test athletes' responses to training and learn to prescribe conditioning programmes. You can specialise in areas such as strength & conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes. The course concludes with a practical placement working with athletes or teams, grounding your learning in real-world practice.
Who it's for
You're interested in how the body responds to exercise and training, and you want to apply that knowledge directly to coaching, conditioning, or fitness work rather than sit in a lab. You're pragmatic, keen on learning techniques you can use immediately, and you're comfortable with a mix of classroom learning and practical application. You suit this course if you enjoy working with people, want to build professional credentials quickly, and see yourself in a sports or exercise environment after graduating.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Of those working, 62% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Starting salaries typically fall between £22,000 and £30,000; after five years, graduates nationally earn between £23,375 and £33,000. These figures come from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes data and reflect the broader labour market, not individual guarantees.
University & format
This FdSc is studied full-time over 2 years at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, a higher education college based at University Centre WISE Campus. Instruction is in English. The award is a nationally recognised foundation degree, accredited as a UK degree.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at SGSC →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Sport CoachAspire PeopleSport Science LeadBiolyz FlexCoBTEC Tech Awards Sept 22 - Sport - ExaminerPearsonEquine Vet: Independent Clinic for Leisure & Sport HorsesBritish Veterinary LGBT+Learning Mentor (PE/Sport)Prospero TeachingCasual Youth Worker: Sport, Community Growth & BelongingActive Herefordshire & WorcestershireIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.0 out of 10: NSS 90% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University Centre WISE Campus
533 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to SGSC from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by SGSC; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check SGSC’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with SGSC and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SGSC
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
Request information about FdSc Applied Sports Conditioning and Exercise
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.