Sportsturf

Course Factsheet

FdSc Sportsturf On-line

About the Course

The Foundation Degree in Sportsturf (on-line) is designed to enable students to achieve a vocational Higher Education qualification through part-time study at a distance from the host educational establishment. High levels of employment in the sportsturf industry mitigate against traditional modes of attendance for those currently employed and this qualification will help to overcome this barrier to access and participation.

The course focuses on the scientific knowledge and management skills necessary for the design, development and maintenance of the range of sportsturf services and facilities found in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree provides access to the final year of the Honours Degree programme.

Entry Criteria / Additional Information

Applicants must be employed or actively engaged in the Sportsturf or related industry. Students will normally have gained one or more 'A' level passes with a minimum of 80 points. or BTEC National Diploma or BTEC National Certificate or NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will be considered positively - please enquire at the College. Transferable/Key Skills and AS levels may be used to contribute to the entry requirement but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Fees

A standard 20 credit module (on-line delivery) costs £350
A 10 credit half module (on-line delivery) costs £175

List of Modules

Year 1

• Work Skills Development: This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use a relevant work environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will be encouraged to record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.
• Ecology, Conservation and Sportsturf Management: Golf courses and other sportsturf facilities cover extensive areas of land, frequently including woodland, semi-natural grasslands and water courses. This module aims to explore effective management of this land to provide for first class sport and the development of “natural” areas which enhance local ecology.
• Plant Cell Biology: Increasingly research into the biochemistry and intracellular functioning of plants is giving us insights into new management practices or allowing us to produce new and useful plant varieties. This module aims to give students a basic knowledge of plant biochemistry and cell function to allow them to start to interpret these new developments.
• Applied Soil Technology: This module promotes the progression of the student from an understanding of the essential principles of soil science to their application in soil management in a wide range of environments.
• Essential Soil Science: The module provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding of soil science, sufficient for students to be able to recognise soil properties (in both soil samples and in the field) and their influence on plant growth and development.
• Essential Plant Biology: This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of plant biology needed to allow successful management of their growth and development. Students will discover how plant form and function relates to their basic needs in terms of light, water, nutrients and reproduction.

Year 2

• Cultural Practices in Sportsturf: This module will provide students with the underpinning knowledge and allow for the acquisition of skills necessary to achieve the outcome of an effective playing surface.
• Pests, Diseases and Weeds: This module deals with all the agents which can interfere with plant growth and development. The importance of life cycles and nature of current control measures are studied.
• Business Planning: This module will raise an awareness of specifying, contracting and estimating for grounds maintenance works.
• Principles of Mechanisation: This module aims to explore relationships between labour and mechanisation in agricultural production systems. It allows you to evaluate machinery & energy sources, & appraise optimum utilisation of power & equipment.

Year 3

• Work Project: This module aims to build on the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Work Skills Development module and provide a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, work with their supervisor in developing the project and reporting on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships.
• Construction, Drainage and Irrigation Management: This module is designed to give the student an understanding of the mode of action of different construction and drainage systems their related benefits and disadvantages and to introduce the management, operation and maintenance of associated irrigation systems.
• Golf Course Design and Management: This module aims to assess the trends in golf from an historic and present day perspective through to the predicted future developments, taking into account factors such as demand, finance and marketing.
• Management of Sportsturf Machinery: Within all sectors of the land based industries, modern machinery is increasingly important to the success of the various enterprises/businesses. Good management of this equipment, as fixed assets and due to their influence on the variable costs within a business, is paramount in up to date land based industries.
• Turfgrass Growth and Development: This module seeks to make the student aware of the anatomical and physiological factors involved in the growth and development of turfgrasses in the sportsturf environment.

Industrial / Work Experience

The Work Skills Development and Work Project modules will draw on the student’s current employment or other relevant working environments. Students will learn from the practical and technical skills gained through previous and current work experience and reflect on this to further develop in these areas.

Possible Careers / Jobs

There are considerable opportunities within the sportsturf industry, which includes the design, construction and management of golf courses, winter sports surfaces and specialist sports facilities. There is a skills shortage in the sportsturf industry and career opportunities exist for students both in the UK and overseas. Positions are available for golf course superintendents, football and winter sports ground managers, and specialist sportsground and greenkeepers. These opportunities are clearly illustrated in the industry journals "Greenkeeper International", "The Groundsman" and "Horticulture Week".

Progression

For students completing the Foundation Degree the opportunity exists to progress to the BSc (Hons) in two further years of study by distance learning.

Special Requirements

Access to a personal computer, internet facilities and a current e-mail account is essential. Recommended PC software requirements are:

• Access to a PC
• Microsoft Word 2003 or above
• Broadband internet connection
• Email account.

The following software is available as free downloadable software and will also be required:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Flash Player

Extra Costs: Possible subscriptions to journals, periodicals and websites. Key book purchases

How To Apply

To apply for this course, complete the Application Form . Additional printed copies are available from Course Enquiries, Tel: 01995 642211 E-mail: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk

Please return the completed application form to the Admissions Office, Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston PR3 0RY

Myerscough College - general contact details

Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone: 01995 642211 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Website: www.myerscough.ac.uk

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