FdSc Surf Science with Science Gateway

Course information

Do you have the passion and potential to study one of our university-level programmes, but not the necessary qualifications to start?

Our Science Gateway course is the perfect solution.

Whether you are returning to education or your results weren’t quite what you hoped for, the Science Gateway provides a high-quality route into the large range of science foundation degree (FdSc) programmes at Newquay University Centre Cornwall College.

Science Gateway is designed to prepare you to succeed on a foundation degree in a number of ways.

It’ll help to develop your knowledge of core underpinning scientific concepts, as well as subject knowledge specifically related to your chosen subject area.

With our focus on building practical skills; you’ll gain confidence and competence in both the laboratory and fieldwork. Alongside this, the development of your academic study skills will help to boost your research competencies and overall employability.

You will study at our thriving Newquay campus, set against an inspirational backdrop of wild and rugged headland, sheltered coves, freshwater streams, saltmarsh and sprawling estuaries.

For over 20 years, Newquay University Centre Cornwall College has inspired thousands of science graduates to make a difference, using their passion as a guide.

Our small supportive group sizes and friendly experienced tutors create a family-feel that’s unlike any university experience you will have seen. Another benefit is the contact you’ll get with academic staff teaching at higher levels, ranging from formal tutorials and lessons to attendance at oral and poster presentation sessions.

So, what are you waiting for? The Science Gateway programme is the ideal way to progress onto your foundation degree, knowing that you are well-prepared, not just to achieve but to excel.

Following on from the Science Gateway year you may then progress onto the FdSc Surf Science

If you are passionate about surfing and the surfing environment and want to pursue a career in the surf industry, then this unique course is for you.

Newquay is where surf culture started and blossomed in the UK and this history has moulded Newquay into the self-proclaimed surf capital of the UK. Newquay and the South-West is where most of the surf industry has developed and continues to thrive, our strong industry links provide many opportunities for students to connect, engage, work alongside and be inspired by the big players within the industry. Although practical surfing is not part of the course, this surf rich location provides plenty of opportunities to practise your surfing on some of the best beaches in Europe. Whilst a healthy interest in aspects of surfing is important, you do not need to be a competent surfer to apply.

This academic programme is taught by passionate, authentic lecturers and industry experts with a love for preserving the environment in which they work and play. You will learn through lectures and practical workshops that are all contextualised to surfing or the surf industry. Some of the industry experts who deliver on the programme are Ben Skinner at Skindog Surfboards, author and filmmaker Dr. Sam Bleakely, Brad Rochfort at FCS and Dr. Jamie Marshall of the International Surf Therapy Organisation, Steve Bowens of H2O Training amongst other exciting guest lecturers. You will also be taught in our classroom located on one of the most renowned surfing beaches in Europe, Fistral.

This interdisciplinary programme covers myriad themes such as Surf Culture, Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics, Coaching, Wave Mechanics, Coastal Processes, Surfboard Anatomy, Design and Manufacture, Surf Media and the Value of Surfing to Society.
You will also have the opportunity to gain subsidised, world recognised ‘tickets’ of your choice, for example, surf coaching (ISA level 1), surf judging (ISA) or lifesaving awards. You will also get an opportunity to design and shape your own bespoke surfboard from concept through to realisation with a world-renowned shaper, learn photography and videography skills, be a member of a thriving Surf Life Saving Club all alongside exploration of the surf industry to discover where you will eventually fit in.

In short, this course is unlike any other in the UK and Europe, it enables you to develop your passion for surfing. The FdSc Surf Science with Science Gateway is ideal if you would like to study for a Foundation Degrees (FdSc), but do not have the right qualifications or grades to do so. The Science Gateway will prepare you for success on our FdSc programmes by helping you develop your knowledge in relevant areas of biology and chemistry, your practical skills, and your academic study skills.

What You Will Learn

Science Gateway Course Content:
The Science Gateway course includes modules designed to prepare you for Higher Education. These modules will be assessed in a range of ways, including essays, reports, exams, presentations, and practical tasks.

Foundation Biology
This module introduces learners to the key principles in biology - no prior knowledge is required. The module also provides a range of opportunities to complete laboratory practical work. Learners will develop competence in key practical techniques and build confidence in a laboratory setting.

Foundation Chemistry
This module introduces learners to the key principles of chemistry - no prior knowledge is required. Beginning with atomic theory the module progresses to chemical bonding and organic chemistry. Finally, the module includes an introduction to environmental chemistry with a focus on plastics and pollutants. Theory is supported by practical work.

Fieldwork Techniques
This module introduces basic ecological concepts such as biomes, nutrient cycles, food webs, and the classification of plants and animals. It also provides a range of opportunities to plan and undertake field surveys. Learners will phrase and test hypotheses, develop competence in key practical and analytical techniques and build confidence in field settings.

Research Techniques
This module encourages students to engage with the primary literature, becoming comfortable with identifying appropriate sources and articles, interpreting and extracting relevant information, and communicating that information through different methods.

Study Skills for HE
This module helps refresh basic mathematical and literacy skills needed to start in Higher Education and develops research and study skills needed for success.

First year FdSc modules include:

• Skills for Scientific Success
• Surf Training
• The Surfing Environment
• Surfboard Development and Design
• Surf Media and Application
• Surf Culture

Second Year FdSc Modules include:

• Individual Research Project
• Performance Psychology and Coaching
• The Environment and Surfing
• Surf Industry in Practice
• Surf Events
• Surfing in Society

Entry Requirements

Students will ideally have GCSEs (or equivalent) in both English and maths. Students may be accepted with just one of these, but would need to commit to completing the other alongside the Science Gateway.

This can be discussed at interview.

Assessment

Coursework, Exams, Practicals and Tests.

Progression

BSc Marine Sports Science (final year top up)


BSc Environmental Resource Management (final year top up)

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College is a small but vibrant campus specialising in university level courses focussing on the environment. For over 20 years, we have inspired hundreds of students to make that all-important difference, using their passion as a guide. Our dedicated higher education campus is home to the marine science, zoology and surf stars of the future.

Championing #generationrestoration, this campus may be small, but its students and staff have a big impact on our planet and its future wellbeing. Likeminded individuals come together to undertake international, award-winning research, meaning when their incredible time at Newquay is done, they move onto fantastic and important careers.

It’s why you should definitely consider Newquay University Centre Cornwall College for your #careercollege experience.

Find out more about studying at Newquay

Find out more about our Newquay campus

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