Study a Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences
Faculty of Education
School/Department:
Department of Humanities Education
Plan description: Higher Certificate (Sports Sciences)
Plan code: 09110003
SAQA ID: 111821
Minimum study duration: 2 years
The purpose of the fully online Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences is to develop coaches who can function successfully in an interdisciplinary environment to improve athletes’ and sports teams’ performances using the latest techniques. The qualification also serves to provide students with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for higher education studies in sports sciences. It emphasises selected general principles together with more specific procedures and their application.
On completion of this qualification, students will have knowledge, skills and values related to the scope of physical education and sports coaching required to develop sporting codes for extramural programmes. This will prepare students for employment as trainers and coaches in various sporting codes, in the private and public sectors in the context of community sports clubs, school sports and sports coaching.
First Payment and Sports Practical Access
First Payment
• When starting the programme the student will register for two modules, JLO 180 OR JLZ 180 and the Sports Practical module, JRC 180. Thereafter the student will only register for one module at a time until the end of the programme.
• JLO 180 and JLZ 180 must be completed and passed before registering for any other module.
• The JRC 180 Sports Practical module runs concurrently with the first six modules of the programme.
• This programme is structured with six enrolment opportunities per year where a student will enrol for a module of either eight (regular modules) or 48 weeks (Sports Practical) at a time.
• An eight-week module typically consists of seven weeks of teaching and one week of recess. A 48-week module typically consists of six blocks of seven weeks of teaching and one week of recess.
• Students must be able to dedicate about 21 hours a week to their studies as there are weekly engagements and commitments in each module.
Sports Practical Access
Access on a part-time basis, to schools, sports clubs and/or accredited training facilities to complete the Sports Practical module (JRC 180).
For you to be considered for the UPOnline Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences you require access on a part-time basis, to schools, sports clubs and/or accredited training facilities to complete your Sports Practical (JRC 180) module that will be presented for the first year of your studies and run concurrent with your first six theoretical modules. While the module consists of online components, and the creation of a portfolio of evidence, it also includes placement participation requirements.
You will be expected to participate in 70 hours of coaching education and training, 70 hours of sports administration and 20 hours of first aid practical training. Organisations, where this fieldwork is conducted, should be willing to allocate a staff member as a supervisor who will mentor and coach you as you develop these practical skills. You will need to provide weekly reflections on activities completed, as well as logbook entries for every seven-week cycle. The supervisor will be responsible for signing the logbook entries and providing constructive feedback after each seven-week cycle. At the end of the module, an evaluation form will need to be completed by the supervisor.
Admission Requirements and Closing Dates
- Students can apply any time of the year to enrol for a UPOnline programme.
- UPOnline programmes have 6 start dates throughout the year.
- Applications must be submitted 2 weeks before a start date. Any applications received after this deadline will be considered for the subsequent start date.
- A prospective student should complete only one online application per programme.
- The relevant departments will process the applications as they are received.
- Qualifications obtained outside South Africa will need to be ratified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Students must be able to dedicate about 21 hours a week to their studies as there are weekly engagements and commitments in each module.
Minimum admission requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) APS (or equivalent) of 20.
AND - English Home Language 50%
OR - English First Additional Language 50%
AND - Students will need to get access to a school, sports club and/or accredited training facility for the proposed field of specialisation. The first part of the practical module will guide you through the process of getting permission/access.
International applicants
- Full or foreign exemption certificate from USAf
AND - National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) APS (or equivalent) of 20. Cambridge A-level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects will be considered for admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Click here for Conversion Calculations.
AND - Proof of proficiency in English – Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Certificate
OR - An average of at least 60% for English Language (or equivalent) passed at the first-year level
AND - Students will need to get access to a school, sports club and/or accredited training facility for the proposed field of specialisation. The first part of the practical module will guide you through the process of getting permission/access.
Technical Requirements
To complete your studies successfully, you will need to:
- Be computer literate
- Own a laptop or desktop computer
- Have access to a stable internet connection
UPOnline Annual Increase
- Module pricing is subject to change at the beginning of every year without prior notice.
- UPOnline tuition fees will increase annually by approximately 5%.
- The annual increase will apply from the March intake, which is the second intake of the year.
- If the programme fee is paid in full upfront the student is still liable for the difference between the upfront payment and increased amount until the completion of the programme.
- All-inclusive total programme cost.
Modules & Credits
| Faculty of Education | |||
| UPOnline Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences (Plan code: 09110003) | |||
| Module code | Module description | Weeks |
Credits |
| JLZ 180 | Literacies in education 180 | 8 | 12 |
| JLO 180 | Personal development and life skills training 180 | 8 | 12 |
| JMB 118 | Sports and physical education management 118 | 8 | 8 |
| JMB 119 | Human motor skills development 119 | 8 | 8 |
| JMB 128 | Basic human anatomy and physiology 128 | 8 | 8 |
| JRM 118 | Foundations of recreation 118 | 8 | 8 |
| JXE 180 | Sports injuries 180 | 8 | 10 |
| JXE 181 | Fundamental nutrition 181 | 8 | 8 |
| JXE 190 | Exercise and training principles 190 | 8 | 8 |
| JXP 180 | Coaching professionalism 180 | 8 | 8 |
| JRC 180 | Sports practical 180 (Runs concurrently) | 48 | 32 |
| Total | 122 | ||
Module Information
● When starting this programme, a student will need to pay for two modules, the second being the Sports Practical module that runs concurrently with the first six modules of the programme. From the second module start onwards, a student will only pay for one 8-week module at a time as they progress.
● An 8-week module typically consists of 7 weeks of teaching and 1 week of recess.
● The full curriculum is displayed below.
- Sports Practical 180 – JRC 180 will be offered over the first year and run concurrently with the first 6 modules.
| Literacies in Education 180 | |
| Module code | JLZ 180 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | This module aims to enable students to effectively listen, speak, read and write for academic understanding. Students will have the opportunity to build an academic and professional vocabulary to read a variety of material with comprehension for academic and professional purposes and to produce coherent academic texts. The module focuses on basic language structures, reading strategies and writing skills. In addition, students will be equipped to access, reference and present information in a visually appropriate manner. |
| Module credits | 12 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Personal Development and Life Skills Training 180 | |
| Module code | JLO 180 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | The purpose of this module is to ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will enable them to meaningfully and successfully cope with the demands of everyday life, and maintain a balance between academic and social life. The module emphasises the need for students to display resilience by responding to situations and events in a positive and focused manner. This module focuses on the personal development of the student as an individual and the various interrelated factors which influence self-development. The content is designed to encourage a student’s personal, social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth. This includes highlighting positive emotional states, traits, constructs, theories and measurements for application in various phases of life and in different contexts. |
| Module credits | 12 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Sports and Physical Education Management 118 | |
| Module code | JMB 118 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | The main purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the field of sports and physical education and the management thereof. The functions of management will be applied to the sport and physical education industry in particular. The module provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental management functions. Placing a continual in-depth focus on planning, organisations, and leading sports and physical education organisations. |
| Module credits | 8 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Human Motor Skills Development 119 | |
| Module code | JMB 119 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | The Human Motor Skills Development model will introduce students to the concepts of development, maturation, and growth associated with human development. Students will be able to define concepts related to human motor development, and describe stages of motor development and motor learning upon completion of the module. Attention is also paid to games in the school context. |
| Module credits | 8 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology 128 | |
| Module code | JMB 128 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | The purpose of this module is to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology. Students will have a basic knowledge of the different human physiological systems and functions which contribute to the substance of human life, including the circulatory; musculoskeletal; respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. Students will be able to apply their knowledge in exercise physiology. |
| Module credits | 8 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Foundations of Recreation 118 | |
| Module code | JRM 118 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | Foundations of Recreation provides students with a broad introduction to recreation. An overview of leisure, recreational activities, and key aspects of recreation will be addressed. Students will discover the difference between the concepts and policies, plans, strategies and structures of sport and recreation. The dynamic scope and nature of recreation are introduced. |
| Module credits | 8 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Sport Injuries 180 | |
| Module code | JXE 180 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the principles of injury prevention, management and risk related to sports injuries. Principles of first aid, causes of injuries, soft-tissue injuries, sport massage and fundamentals of strapping will be covered. This module also incorporates basic first aid management as well as the management and referral guidelines for athletes with injuries and with the aim of providing a current and well-guided understanding of best practice for the individual working within a sports environment. |
| Module credits | 10 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Fundamental Nutrition 181 | |
| Module code | JXE 181 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | This module examines key concepts related to nutrients in food and their function(s) in the body and describes the role of foods and nutrients in energy balance and physical activity. The student will be able to identify quackery, interpret food labels and apply basic nutrition principles in advising athletes toward optimal dietary intake. |
| Module credits | 8 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Exercise and Training Principles 190 | |
| Module code | JXE 190 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | The purpose of this practical module is to introduce students to the principles of training and conditioning, and how to apply these principles in planning a training programme. It further assists the students in becoming young coaches with strong communication skills, the ability to manage athletes positively and build relationships with persons involved in sport. Students will encounter a section pertaining to the basic principles and practices of sports coaching and refereeing. In addition, they are encouraged to obtain a recognised sport coaching, refereeing and umpiring certificate in their selected sport. |
| Module credits | 8 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Coaching Professionalism 180 | |
| Module code | JXP 180 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | Coaching Professionalism aims to introduce students to the principles that underpin coaching practices. The module will cover the importance of developing coaching philosophies, roles undertaken by a coach and skills needed to coach effectively. The aim of this module is further to equip students with skills of coaching holistically, on the sports field, during practice sessions, competitions and beyond for life. Coaches are influential in creating positive and achievement-oriented sports environments and the development of a sound philosophy is the key to successful coaching. |
| Module credits | 8 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
| Sports Practical 180 | |
| Module code | JRC 180 |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Education |
| Module content | The purpose of the Sports practical module is to prepare students professionally for the diverse world of sport with all its job opportunities. This module attempts to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide professional services within the sports industry. Students are provided with experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice while exposing them to a diverse list of topics and issues that characterize the sports industry. To pass the Sports Practical module, students must acquire 50% for the section on First Aid in the module, obtain at least 50% for all of the assignments and prescribed activities, and provide proof by handing in a logbook and multimedia evidence of their involvement at a facility. |
| Module credits | 32 |
| Programmes | Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
