WHO
WE ARE
The Holbeach United F.E.A's 'The Open Sport University' , powered by UCS and part of The Virtual Learning UK group provides a Universal approach to academia and work/life experiences to the maximum benefit of all its students and student athletes.
The Open Sport University is the Higher Education arm of Holbeach United F.E.A (part of VLUK), a Nationwide government funded and regulated training provider. As a nation wide company, we educate approximately 2000 learners in each Academic Year, with a proven track record of outstanding learner outcomes in the sports and performing arts industries.
Our core philosophy revolves around bringing theoretical knowledge to life through industry-specific practical learning. We believe in developing core academic skills for all learners to engage in further and higher education, with appropriate exit routes to positive destinations being a key focus.
Our target is for all learners to be confident young people who are engaged in lifelong learning, developing softer skills, and becoming competitive in the workplace and employable in their chosen industry.
EDUCATION
With each year of delivery certificated individually and culminating in the BSc, we provide a Higher Educational environment that not only provides life changing experiences but also flexibility and safeguards for students or student-athletes should their career opportunities take them around the world. But even then we can remove the barriers to learning through our technology, even live streaming lecture content directly from our lecture theatre to athletes around the globe.
The Educational curriculum and lectures are delivered by UCS, who provide and employ all
Lecturers and work in partnership with Holbeach United F.E.A.
WHY CHOOSE THE OPEN SPORT UNIVERSITY
The Open Sport University Programme at Holbeach United F.E.A brings together outstanding industry networks from around the country and the outstanding UCS Lecturers giving our students and student athletes a Universal experience from which they can maximise their true potential.
OUR COURSES
Do you aspire to become one of the following?
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PE/Sports Teacher?
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A Personal Trainer/ Strength & Conditioning Coach?
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A UEFA Qualified Football Coach? or,
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A Sports Performance Analyst?
if your answer is yes to the above, then you MUST check out The Open Sport University's BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching!
We operate with THE MOST flexibility possible. We offer students the option to study either 100% remotely (UK based or internationally), 100% onsite (at our Holbeach United F.E.A campus), or a mix of both!
What makes us different to the rest is that whilst our students are securing their BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching over 3 years, they are also progressing across their chosen 'Graduate Route'. Students select one of the following Graduate Routes:
1) PE/Sports Teaching route (Level 4 & 5 Teaching)
2) Personal Training / Strength & Conditioning Coach route (Level 2 & 3)
3) Football Coaching route (FA Level 1, 2 and/or UEFA C)
4) Sports Performance Analysis route (FA/PSFA Level 2/3)
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What makes this so good is that when you have completed 3 years with The Open Sports University, you not only graduate with your BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching, but you will also be highly qualified and instantly ready for employment in your chosen Graduate route and career!
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WAIT! IT GETS BETTER...
All of our students have the option to incorporate either a 'Student-Athlete' or 'Student Only' pathway.
STUDENT-ATHLETES:
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Our Student-Athlete's combine their studying & work experience with full-time/part-time semi professional football where they will compete for Holbeach United F.E.A's student only team, whom play in the English non-league football pyramid
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STUDENT ONLY:
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Our 'Student Only' learners focus solely on completing their studies and work experiences for the duration of their course.
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WHAT IF I START THE OPEN SPORT UNIVERSITY AND THEN LATER DECIDE I DONT WANT TO CONTINUE?
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Well, we have thought of that aswell, as long as you complete each year in full, you can leave the programme with a qualifcation to show for it:
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Leave after year one? You obtain a Level 4 - Higher National Certificate (HNC)
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Leave after year two? You obtain a Level 5 - Higher National Diploma (HND)
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Complete the course in full? You obtain a Level 6 - Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports Coaching
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Open Sport University offers a wide variety of rewarding work experience opportunities across a range of careers in sport and education both at home and around the world. Using our extended network of contacts within the sport & football industry our students are afforded opportunities in semi-professional and professional sport both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
APPLYING YOUR SKILLS
To develop your applied skills, you complete a minimum of 120 hours of work-based learning in each year that you study with UCS, so you can apply ideas from the course and build the skills that employers look for.
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UCS has worked closely with The University of Northampton (UoN) and The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to select a suite of modules that reflects the needs of the sports coaching industry, such as Analysis, Psychology and Applied Business Practice. UCS has an unrivalled network of local clubs and organisations ready and able to provide you with valuable "hands-on" experience.
THE OPEN SPORT UNIVERSITY'S
'GRADUATE PATHWAYS'
The Open Sport University offers a wide variety of rewarding work experience opportunities across a range of careers in sport and education both at home and around the world. Using our extended network of contacts within the sport & football industry our students are afforded opportunities in semi-professional and professional sport both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Whilst embarking upon our BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching, our students will chose and progress down one of our four Graduate Pathways':
SPORTS PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
We have partnered with InPlay Sports, who provide us with software that allows our learners to tag and code competitive matches. This is a fundamental aspect of sports analysis as it allows managers and coaches to assess the performance of their players and key performance indicators. If this Graduate pathway is chosen, then these students will obtain nationally recognised PA qualifications, allowing them direct access to employment within this field.
PE / SPORT TEACHING
The modules within the Bachelor of Science (BSc) lend themselves perfectly for aspiring teachers, as learners will develop an understanding of the physiological and psychological aspect of the human body, whilst delving into issues within society and carrying out research projects in your area of study. If this Graduate pathway is selected, then all students will obtain Level 4 & Level 5 Teaching qualifications, allowing them direct access to teaching in HE settings.
PERSONAL TRAINING / STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
As part of studying a Bachelor of Science (BSc) undergraduate degree, our learners will develop an understanding of key fitness training methods required to develop the components of fitness. If this Graduate pathway is chosen, then these students will obtain Level 2 & Level 3 status, allowing them direct access to employment or self-employment.
FOOTBALL COACHING
As part of the The Open Sport University Programme our learners are provided with opportunities to gain qualifications with the associated National Governing Body, with the cost subsidised by us. In addition to gaining coaching qualifications our learners are provided work experience placements at differing clubs.
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THE FOOTBALL UNI PROGRAMME AND PRO PLAYER PATHWAYS HAVE GIVEN ME THE BASE TO EXPLORE THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL ROUTE WHILST GAINING IMPORTANT QUALIFICATIONS.
- LUKE WALL
FC BOCA GIBRALTAR
STANDARD ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A typical offer would be CCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC.
In addition, you will need to have studied physical education, sports science or science related subject at A Level, BTEC level 3 diploma or equivalent qualification.
KEY FACTS
Level: Undergraduate
Duration: 3 Years
Starting: September 2024
Fees UK 24/25: £8250
The Open Sports University
Ready to take your career to the next level? Explore our BSC (Hons) Sports Coaching prospectus—a key to acquiring in-depth expertise and prized skills. Elevate your career in the competitive world of sports, plus get a glimpse of what it's like to study at Holbeach United Football & Education Academy before you apply