Case Study: University of Cumbria - NCFE qualifications are providing learners with a head start at Higher Education level

University of Cumbria: NCFE qualifications are providing learners with a head start at Higher Education level

At NCFE, we want to ensure that learners who complete our qualification are able to access to a wide range of progression routes. We recently complete a mapping exercise with the University of Cumbria on a mapping exercise, to highlight that our qualifications effectively prepare learners who wish to progress on to relevant degree programme in the field of sports coaching, sport development, event management, sports rehabilitation and broader health agendas.

Speaking about the outcome of the mapping exercise, Tim Barry, Head of the Department for Medical & Sport Sciences at University of Cumbria, commented: “Our results show that NCFE qualifications cover the essential foundational knowledge needed to provide learners with access to higher education studies. Equally, they also show a commitment to achieving both practitioner skills and knowledge, with the potential to make a major contribution to the health of the nation through a well-educated workforce.”

NCFE Study Programmes aim to develop learners to be independent and reflective, and to show a critical awareness of their own learning. As well as mastering theoretical knowledge in their subject, learners are challenged to apply their skills to familiar and unfamiliar situations using relevant theories and research, preparing them for a range of theoretical and applied assessments at degree level.

According to Tim, NCFE qualifications provide a strong foundational knowledge for students considering higher education. Additionally, the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained through NCFE Level 3 Diploma qualifications is “critical” to learners’ success on applied courses at degree level. It’s also one of the primary reasons that applications from those with NCFE qualifications are welcomed by the university. Tim continued about the preparedness of learners who’ve completed an NCFE qualification: “The combination of theory and practical work means learners are able to apply relevant knowledge to their degree work – an essential capability for tomorrow’s workforce.”

The University of Cumbria’s qualifications in Sports Coaching & Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Science, Sport Rehabilitation and Exercise & Health Practitioner* appeal to traditional school leavers, mature students seeking a career change and those already within the industry seeking to enhance their career prospects. Graduates have entered into careers in teaching PE, sports development, health promotion, high performance sports coaching (including strength & conditioning coaches, performance analysts, sports psychologists), sports rehabilitation in private and public health provision, event management, fitness facility management, uniformed services and much more.

Tutors at the University of Cumbria are a mix of experienced industry practitioners and active researchers within their respective fields. All share a passion for sport and the importance of sport in not only contributing to the sporting success of the country, but also to its positive influence in a range of social policy fields such as health, education, crime prevention and social and economic regeneration.

Learners also benefit from the high-quality facilities available to them at the university including dedicated facilities for sports rehabilitation practitioner skills, as well as a high performance sports science laboratory, 3G astroturf and access to the local authority’s flagship sports centre (with facilities including: swimming, climbing, gym, conditioning room, sports massage clinic and keep fit classes).