Summary

The Level 3 Diploma in Sports Coaching and Cycling Performance is designed for learners who are keen cyclists and who are looking to combine their education with their cycling aspirations. This course is 100% online, with one welcome day based onsite at our WISE campus in Bristol. This is a career-focused qualification which is recognised, endorsed and accredited by industry, enabling learners to develop underpinning knowledge and technical skills as well as gaining experience as a coach and sport practitioner. The qualification also carries up to 112 UCAS points for University progression.

In partnership with British Cycling, we are now offering the Diploma in Sporting Excellence in Cycling. Carrying up to 64 UCAS points, DiSE is open to learners who are enrolled on to the Elite Junior Cycling Programme and is delivered remotely alongside the BTEC qualification. As well as being able to access workshops and training camps with British Cycling you will also be given training kit and opportunity to develop your connection with British Cycling and the coaches. Places on DiSE are very limited so early application is essential. Please find more information on the website below:

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/coaching/article/collegecyclingacademies

The SGS Cycling Academy

Learners on the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Coaching & Cycling Performance will be enrolled on to our brand new SGS Cycling Academy. In addition to the college’s existing portfolio of sports academies, the SGS Cycling Academy, provides each of its members with a complete on-line program of coaching, training and mentoring. Learners are given bespoke training plans, feedback on racing and training performance and guidance to develop their cycling fitness and race performance. Learners will also have their own Today’s Plan account to receive training session plans and to upload ride data for analysis and feedback. The SGS Cycling Academy is not a club, so riders are free to represent any club or team of their choice.

Distance learning

SGS College has been pioneering on-line Further Education provision, enabling learners to receive a first-class education wherever they live. Uniquely, the L3 Diploma in Sports Coaching & Cycling Performance with Cycling Academy package has been designed with a combination of distance and face to face learning - it's open to learners who live anywhere within the United Kingdom.

Induction

So that you understand how to use all the technology that we use to deliver and assess learning you will be required to attend an induction day at SGS College in Bristol. Our induction programme also covers essential aspects of being a learner at SGS College such as well-being and learner services.

The Academic Programme:

Year 1
Unit A – Careers in the sports and active leisure industry
Unit B – Health, well-being and sport
Unit C – Developing coaching skills
Unit 5 - Anatomy & Physiology

Year 2
Unit D1 – Applied Coaching Skills
Unit 1 – Sports Development
Unit 2 – Self Employment in Sport & Physical Activity
Unit 3 - Sports Psychology

How will I know how I am doing?

A variety of assessment methods will be used to measure your progress tracked against your expected grade and target grade. These may include practical tasks and assessments, written assignments, performance reviews, presentations and discussions, all of which will be submitted online. You will also be required to attend welcome days in-person at SGS College in Bristol. If an additional assessment day is required at the end of the year, we will notify you in good time. Learners are given regular feedback to support their understanding of the subject’s topic areas, whilst also receiving feedback to aid the continued development of their numeracy and literacy skills.

What do I need to join?

Learners are required to gain a grade 4 in either English language, English literature or maths to gain access to this course.

Learners will need access to the internet at home and a PC or Mac that can run Microsoft 365 and that can run the Zwift app. Learners will need a bike with a power meter as well as either a ‘dumb’ turbo trainer or a Smart turbo trainer if your bike doesn't have a power meter.

Maths & English

A key requirement for future progression and employment is a good understanding and application of knowledge and skills in both English and maths.

English & maths skills will be developed holistically within the core programme through a range of activities such as data analysis.

Employability

We aim to provide you with the skills required to be able to progress into further study and training or employment upon completion of your programme of study. Key attributes required by employers are that individuals be enthusiastic, motivated, presentable (in some instances in company uniform), organised, articulate, able to think 'outside the box', business-like and enterprising, and that they have a 'can-do' attitude. We work on all these areas throughout the duration of your programme of study, and your tutor(s) will provide feedback on progress made, as well as areas for development.

Work Experience

Every learner at SGS College is tasked with achieving a number of work experience hours during the academic year. We suggest the learner starts to consider their work experience placement at the earliest opportunity.

The work experience element of the course is imperative as it provides the learner with vital insight into possible roles within the industry. Each of our courses has a high amount of employer engagement, with the aim to expose the learner to possible destinations once the qualification has been completed. Is it these experiences and engagements that allow our learners to develop holistically and to become industry ready.

What can I do next?

This qualification prepares you to study one of the Higher Education degree programmes at SGS, or you may apply to other Higher Education institutions. You could also enter employment in the sport, leisure and recreation industry or apply for an apprenticeship.

You might also be able to progress even further in cycling by joining a professional or semi-professional cycling team either in the UK or overseas.

What are my career options?

Possible careers and salaries include: Cycling Coach - £20,000 to £30,000 depending upon experience Sports Professional - Variable depending upon experience and sponsorship Sports Nutritionist - £24,900 to £37,890 depending upon experience Average yearly salary data taken from the National Careers Services website