Truro and Penwith College’s location is ideally suited to outdoor adventurous activities with an abundance of water for sailing, kayaking and surfing along with extensive coastline cliffs and moors for climbing, exploring and navigating.
The outstanding facilities and equipment combined with a strong team of industry professionals and academics ensure you reach your full potential. Graduates are suitably trained for employment but many will use the course as a stepping stone to a full degree.
This Foundation Degree now also offers an optional Surfing module in the second year of study. Students learn about the science of waves, the kinetics of surfing and experience the thrill itself.
Do you already work in the industry?
We now offer this course to professionals who already work in the outdoor activities sector. You can study this course part-time, alongside your work, in an accelerated two-year programme. The one-day per week course, and accompanying tutorials, allows students to up-skill beyond their current National Governing Body (NGB) standard.
Duration
Two years full-time
Two or four years part-time dependant on experience
Entry Requirements
GCSE Level: Normally four GCSEs including English and Maths at Grade C or above.
Together with one of the following:
A minimum of 60 tariff points at A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification.
Access to Higher Education: Considered on an individual basis.
Applications from mature students without academic credentials will be considered on an individual basis but must prove they are capable of Higher Education study. Level 3 qualifications achieved in the workplace will be taken into consideration.
Diplomas and Extended Diplomas in a relevant subject are accepted as a progression to a Foundation Degree and HND.
Prospective students will be required to successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau).
Please note, additional costs may be incurred for a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) and if any equipment, resources or trips need to be purchased.
Awarding Body
Plymouth University
Apply Notes
For full-time study apply online at www.ucas.com
Click here to download the part-time application form
UCAS Institution: TRURO
UCAS Institution Code: T85
UCAS Course Code: X303
UCAS Course Title:FdSc/OEd
Course Structure
The course is delivered through practical and theory lectures and expeditions. The majority of this programme is taught at the Tregye campus with other relevant locations being used to maximise student development. This course is set apart from others by the heavy weighting towards the practical content ensuring the best practical skill development.
Modules
Stage One
- Performance Psychology
- Business Skills
- Principles of Coaching and Learning 1
- Watersports 1: Sail Powered Craft
- Watersports 2: Alternative Powered Craft
- Land Based Activities
Stage Two
- Principles of Coaching and Learning 2
- Off Site Activities and Equipment Management
- Project
Options*
- Sail Powered Craft – Dinghies
- Sail Powered Craft – Windsurfing
- Paddle Craft
- Rock Climbing
- Mountain Skills
- Naturally Powered Craft – Surfing
*Choose three options in Stage Two
Teaching Practice
All students are actively encouraged and supported to gain employment or work experience within the sector whilst on the course to enhance their instructing experience across the range of activities on offer.
Assessment
Assignment, practical assessment, exams.
The Future
Graduates can progress to the BSc (Hons) Sports Performance and Coaching (top-up) at Truro and Penwith College. There is also progression opportunity to the BA (Hons) Education Studies at Plymouth University. Please note there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability
Features
Cornwall is an ideal location for the course which is aimed specifically at those wishing to work in the outdoor leisure industry, or those interested in moving on to teaching. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest locations for sailing and windsurfing at all levels; dinghy racing, yacht racing, windsurfing in waves or just pottering about, there is something for everyone.
Kayakers have a wide variety of venues to explore from recreational paddling around the estuaries, sea kayaking along the coast and also surf kayaking. The rivers feeding down from the moors provide the white water experience.
Hill walking opportunities and getting away from it all are available at the local national parks, true wilderness. There are also many trips organised to The Lake District, North Wales, South Wales and Scotland.
Cornwall’s cliffs are renowned throughout the country, great buttresses of granite pounded by the Atlantic swells. These cliffs are some of the best coastal multi-pitch climbing in the world, drawing climbers from far afield. Areas such as Bosigran, Chair Ladder and Sennen take your breath away. Single pitch opportunities are both inland and coastal. There is something for everybody. From Diffs’ up to E10! Many of these being starred routes and classic climbs.
Additional Qualifications
In addition to the Foundation Degree, students can study towards the SPA, ML, RYA and BCU awards.
Extra Information
Extra costs may be incurred for the purchase of necessary equipment such as a wetsuit, walking boots as well as costs associated in gaining affiliation to governing bodies and appropriate residential visits. A minimum contribution of £150 will be expected from students for each N.G.B. instructor/coaching course . There is also the opportunity to undertake courses in RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster, GMDSS and PADI Diving Qualifications during the evenings or weekends (These courses incur additional costs). Please contact the programme leader for further information.
Please note to achieve the National governing body awards students should be prepared to commit extra time to getting the necessary experience hours on their logbooks.
Still need convincing?
The outdoor industry in Cornwall is buzzing with endless possibilies. Follow these links to videos for an insight into Watersports in Cornwall.
Windsurfing in Cornwall (keep an eye out for one of our Graduates working as a local Windsurf Instructor)
Sailing in Cornwall
Coasteering in Cornwall
Kayaking in Cornwall
Surfing in Cornwall
Higher Education Department
Telephone: 01872 267122
Truro College
College Road
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 3XX
