The core skills modules are supplemented by sport specific modules that prepare you for study in the field you wish to progress on to, including, Sport Management for Participation, Foundations of Coaching and Pedagogy, Foundations of Sport and Exercise Science and Current Issues in Sport.

The foundation certificate is relevant for any of the sport degrees in Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences including:

• BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching
• BSc (Hons) Sport Management
• BSc (Hons) Sport Media
• BSc (Hons) Sport Performance Analysis
• BSc (Hons) Sport & Physical Education
• BSc (Hons) Sport & Physical Education (Dance)
• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science
• BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation & Massage
• BSc (Anrh) Astudiaethau Chwaraeon ac Addysg Gorfforol Dwyieithog

The foundation programme will develop your confidence and competence in acquiring the study skills required to embark upon a sport-based undergraduate degree, whilst introducing you to a basic range of knowledge on which you can build, either by the process of self-study or in, further programmes of directed study. You will be fully integrated into university life and the student community from day one.

The programme comprises six 20-credit Level 3 modules as follows:

Term 1

• Academic Skills (20 credits)
• Foundations of Coaching and Pedagogy (20 credits)
• Sport Management for Participation (20 credits)

Term 2

• Foundations of Sport and Exercise Science (20 credits)
• Current Issues in Sport (20 credits)
• Research Project (20 credits)

Effective learning, teaching and assessment methods underpin the educational aims and the learning outcomes of all our degrees and modules. Learning and teaching methods within the sport programme includes lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, practical sessions, guest speakers and industrial visits. Our Virtual Learning Environment is also an integral aspect of the learning package that supports the needs of our students.

We work hard to provide student-centred learning opportunities that deliver a high quality and flexible learning environment. Learning and teaching methods emphasise and facilitate the development of your critical reasoning and encourage the integration of practice and theory. Throughout your degree you will experience both tutor-led learning and self-directed methods of learning, increase your independence and reflection, whilst encourage you to develop a positive attitude toward lifelong learning.

There is a diverse team who are here to support your development throughout the programme. The Programme Director is responsible for the leadership, organisation and overall operation of the programme. Module Leaders will co-ordinate the delivery and assessment of each module. Your Personal Academic Tutor will be assigned to you during the first week and will be your first port of call for any difficulties you may have and support you in key modules. Individual pastoral tutorials will be held at regular intervals throughout the programme, to ensure you have the opportunity to discuss the issues that are most important to you.

Methods of Assessment

The foundation programme is continuously assessed throughout the year. Most modules are assessed by a combination of both examinations/class tests and coursework, and students are required to attempt all elements of assessment in order to successfully complete the modules. A breakdown of the assessment pattern for each module will be confirmed with students by the module leaders in Induction Week. These areas will again be introduced in more detail during the first week of teaching and explored throughout the year.

Programme Regulations, Attendance and Codes of Practice

Students are required to attend all teaching sessions, undertake all assessment and show respect for their peers, tutors and the institution. Full guidance on the specifics of these regulations/codes of practice and where to find the information will form the basis of the sessions that take place in Induction Week. It is important that everyone attends these sessions.

Support for Students and Their Learning

A number of textbooks for each of the modules will be recommended to you at the start of teaching.

A range of support is provided for students which includes the following provision:

• Creation of a supportive learning environment
• Pre-enrolment details and comprehensive welcome week programme
• Cardiff Metropolitan University undergraduate student handbook
• Student programme handbook and detailed module guidance
• Library and study skills packages
• Library and learning resources
• IT facilities, including Moodle VLE and other online platforms
• Regular contact with your Personal Academic Tutor to support your development
• Specialist sport facilities including sport science laboratories and a diverse range of indoor and outdoor sport facilities
• Dedicated sessions to support Level 3 module content
• Access to a range of student support services

Assessments are designed to support your learning experience by providing opportunities for you to engage in formative and summative assessments to test your knowledge, ability, skill, and start to develop a critical understanding of the world of sport.

The foundation is continuously assessed throughout the year. Most modules are assessed by a combination of practical, coursework, portfolios and presentations. You are required to attempt all elements of assessment in order to successfully complete the modules. A breakdown of the assessment pattern for each module will be confirmed by the module leaders in Welcome Week. These areas will again be introduced in more detail during the first week of teaching and explored throughout the year.

The nature of the foundation in sport requires you to demonstrate both theoretical (evidence-based practice and becoming a critical thinker) and applied (practical, coaching and presentation) knowledge and skills, and therefore assessments within most modules include both theoretical assessments and practical assessments in applied settings. This diverse and progressive range of assessment methods is designed to develop all the core skills needed for success in the first-year undergraduate sport degrees and your future employment.

Our foundation year enables you to progress onto the degrees listed within the ‘Course Content’ section of this webpage.

For specific information on employability and careers linked to these degrees, please refer to the individual course pages.

Applicants should normally have five GCSEs including English Language (or Welsh First Language), Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy, and Science at grade C or above / grade 4 or above plus one of the following:

• 32 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent at an appropriate standard for entry into Higher Education at Year 1, but in subject areas which fail to meet the entry requirements for their intended undergraduate degree programme.
• 32 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent in subject areas relevant for their intended undergraduate degree programme, but at a standard which fails to meet the entry requirements to Higher Education at Year 1.

Prospective students who do not meet the above criteria may be considered on an individual basis and will be called for interview.

* For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search. Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

International Applicants

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages.

How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

Mature Students

A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn’t go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found here.

For Admissions enquiries, please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Support Team:

• Email: CSSHSLTSE@cardiffmet.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding the individual degree programmes, please refer to the individual course pages for contact details.