Despite the economic recession, there is still a dramatic demand for health and fitness services. The world is still recovering from ‘olympic fever’ and money is continuously being invested into the industry from public and private funding sources. As a result of this, those with qualifications in Health and Fitness as well as relevant experience are highly sought after.
Are you passionate about health and fitness? So you want a career within the health and fitness industry? Does the human body fascinate you? If so then you should perhaps consider studying for a Health and Fitness qualification.
The course content will be taught predominantly through practical workshops, although this vocational method of learning will be complemented by theoretical teaching within lectures. The progression of students will be measured through the use of physical projects and written assignments so it is vital that potential candidates are capable of independent study.
It is also important that potential candidate should not only have high levels of fitness, but should also have a natural aptitude for biology and physiology as an understanding of these disciplines will be key to the completion of the course.
Some health and fitness graduates opt to pursue a further qualification such as studying for a PGCE in order to qualify as a PE teacher or obtaining a qualification in coaching, allowing you to coach a number of sports team or even to find work as a personal trainer for those wishing to optimise their athletic potential.
An understanding of fitness, health and the human body also makes fitness and health graduates ideal for working within the social health care sector, particularly as residential carers for those who require specialist attention due to restricted mobility.
An understanding of fitness, health and the human body also makes fitness and health graduates ideal for working within the social health care sector, particularly as residential carers for those who require specialist attention due to restricted mobility.
If you’re looking to study a course in health and fitness, then there are a number of programmes available to you. For those looking to study at an undergraduate level then you should have at least 3 A-levels or equivalent. Those wishing to study at post-graduate level should have a 2:1 degree or relevant work experience.
UK Universities will consider applications from non-native English speakers if they meet the entry requirement criteria and are able to pass the IELTS test, scoring a minimum of 6.0-6.5 to demonstrate language fluency.
Many undergraduate courses will last at least three years and post-graduate qualifications may last anywhere from 1 – 3 years, although this may take longer for those wishing to study on a part-time basis. There are also a wide range of continuing professional development courses available for those who have already started their careers but wish to progress further.
Location is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing where you would like to study. Given that the subject matter leads to a very specific career path, it is important to gain as much work experience as possible in order to compete with all the other graduates on the jobs market. As such your extra –curricular activities may have a dramatic impact upon your future employability. Ideally you should study at a university located in a city that has a vibrant sports and fitness industry
It is important to take into account which areas of Health and fitness are of interest. Some modules will be compulsory to the course, but there will also be a range of optional modules. You’ll be studying for at least a year, if not longer, so it is important that you study something that interests you. Similarly, are you interested in pursuing a work placement during your study? If so, then you should also investigate whether this can be done as part of your qualification.
Of course, it is also vital that you consider the costs of the course, and whether you meet the entry criteria for the programme of study. If you’re just short of the required grades, then some Universities may be flexible about who they will and won’t accept and will consider applications from mature candidates with relevant work experience.
There are also a number of grants and scholarships available to those who are struggling financially to gain access to further education. This is something you should investigate when planning your budget. Are you able to apply for any of them?