Open University and YMCAfit launch fitness degree

YMCA Fitness Industry Training, one of the UK's leading providers of exercise and fitness instructor training, has teamed up with The Open University for a new Foundation Degree in Sport, Fitness and Health.

The degree course will provide students with an understanding of the theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to professional practice in leadership and instructional settings in sport and fitness.

It will also provide expertise in health, the psychology of exercise and working with groups with special exercise needs, such as people with medical conditions.

The new degree marks the first time the OU, the UK's largest university, will be offering a course in sports and fitness.

It follows huge interest expressed by students and the OU's interest in meeting the demands of the sport and fitness industries.

Development

The OU researched and developed the qualification in consultation with the YMCAfit and the Fitness Industry Association (FIA).

YMCAfit will deliver practical elements of the foundation degree course which will incorporate the recognised fitness industry level 3 vocational qualification Advanced Fitness Instructing (Gym).

"YMCAfit and the Open University
share similar aims and values".

Robin Gargrave, Executive Director of YMCAfit said

"We feel that YMCAfit and The Open University share similar aims and values which make it natural for us to work together on the significant project.
Both organisations are working to address an important skill gap in the industry and to promote inclusivity in education."

Work-based study

The Foundation Degree in Sport, Fitness and Health, which launches in September 2008, will allow students to earn and learn without taking time of work.

Half of the foundation degree is about students studying in their own work-based setting.

The course is suitable for exercise or fitness instructors, personal trainers, aspiring fitness managers and sports coaches (including those who work on a voluntary basis).

The part-time study format will provide immediate, practical benefits representing a means of raising employee standards, skills and self-awareness, whilst also contributing to staff retention.

Demand for fitness courses

"The development of a fitness-related foundation degree which is vocational and work based has been a long term aim of the YMCAfit," Robin added.

"We feel there is a real need for an accessible higher education qualification in this area and are delighted to be working with The Open University on this important educational and vocational development."

"There is a real need for an accessible
higher education qualification in fitness".

Course leader and senior lecturer in sports studies at the OU Ben Oakley said, "The growth and development of the sport, health and fitness industry and related courses has been phenomenal over the last 20 years.

We believe there is a demand for flexible distance learning to meet the career development needs of the people currently working in the industry or those simply interested in the subject.

Our research also suggests that employers are looking for new, innovative ways to develop their staff without losing them for long periods of time".

If you would like more information on YMCAfit please click here.

Date Last Modified: 14th January 2008

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