BSc (Hons) Fitness and Personal Training (Full Time)

The course provides a varied and stimulating insight into the broad spectrum of methods available to improve an individual’s health, fitness and performance.

Developed to meet the newly revised National Occupational Standards in exercise and fitness, the degree is endorsed by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure, Learning and Wellbeing and recognised as an industry award by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). Membership of REPs is a requirement of the ukactive Code of Practice and assures employers that you have the appropriate skills and competencies to do the job.

You will make use of our extensive sport science laboratories, including a state-of-the-art dedicated health and exercise lab. You will also gain invaluable experience of developing and managing training programmes for individuals with a variety of medical conditions, including older adults, exercise referral patients and disabled users.

Industrial focus

Extensive opportunities will be provided to gain real-life experience of working with different clients throughout the course. These practical experiences will not only increase your confidence and competence, but also enhance your employability both during the course and upon graduating.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Principles of Health, Fitness and Nutrition
• Gym Training
• Client Appraisal and Assessment
• Introduction to Exercise Psychology
• Introduction to Exercise Physiology
• Industry Practice and Research.

Year 2

Five core units and one option unit:

• Advanced Training Principles
• Exercise Programming for Older Adults
• Exercise Psychology (Behaviour Change)
• Services Marketing and Sales
• Research Methods for Sport and Exercise.

Options:

• Sports Massage
• Group Exercise
• Diet and Nutrition
• Application of Fitness Testing and Training.

Year 3

Three core units and two option units:

• Professional Practice in Personal Training
• Exercise Programming for Medically Referred and Disabled Clients
• Project.

Options:

• Sports Nutrition and Performance
• Sports Conditioning
• Advanced Sports Massage
• Small Business Enterprise
• Physical Education.

Why choose Solent?

This course not only focuses on the physical aspects of fitness and wellbeing, but also contains a strong element of exercise psychology, allowing students to gain a thorough understanding of the processes behind behaviour change.

• Recognised as an industry award by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)
• Fully equipped, state-of-the-art health and exercise lab
• Work experience embedded into academic units
• Extensive links with fitness employers.

Assessment

Written assignments, practical simulations, in-course tests, group work, reports, presentations and exams.

Projects/work experience

Work in health centres, private gyms, leisure centres or as self-employed personal trainers.

Key career skills

Presentation, listening and diagnostic skills, teamwork.

REPs fees

Please note that this course is subject to an additional compulsory fee of £300 in the first year and £200 in the second year for professional body (REPs) qualifications.

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Graduate quote

Jess Keeley

"I have my own Personal Training Business (JK Personal Training), am the Group Exercise Co-ordinator for Buckinghamshire New University, do clinical exercise in Cardiac Rehab Phase III and IV sessions and exercise referral, Group Exercise Instructor (teach 12 classes a week) and more recently now specialise in Ante and Post Natal exercise.

"Studying at Solent enabled me to get started in the fitness industry and gain relevant qualifications. Since graduating I have been able to access more courses through having the degree, knowledge and experience behind me. I have since done my Level 4 Cardiac Rehabilitation and Level 3 in Ante and Post Natal exercise. Not only did the degree give me the knowledge and qualifications, I was able to practice what I was learning under close supervision and that provided me with the confidence to go into the industry alone.

"I absolutely loved the course, it was all I had hoped for when I applied and more, and I cannot thank all the lecturers enough as I wouldn't be where I am today without studying at SSU!"

The International Foundation Year must be successfully completed before commencing undergraduate study (NQF Level 6 and above). In compliance with UKBA Tier 4 (General Student) policy, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) will initially be issued for the foundation course.

Key info from UNISTATS