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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Sports and Exercise Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96958  Diploma in Sports and Exercise Technology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
  • A graduate who has achieved this qualification will be able to:
  • Design, implement and manage a physical activity programme for or groups including special populations (pregnant, children, youth, older adult, athletes).
  • Screen, assess, monitor and manage health related fitness, lifestyle and wellness programmes, without direct supervision.
  • Provide personal training in or lead and instruct safe and effective physical activity participation to meet participant/s fitness requirements as well as provide educated advice on lifestyle change for improved well-being. In addition, this graduate will have the knowledge for appropriate referral to other health care providers.
  • Demonstrate business, administrative and marketing skills.
  • Further his/her own learning, practice and career within the fitness and/or associated industries and through his/her own personal growth.

    Career Opportunities:
  • Sport Coach.
  • port Organiser.
  • Health and Fitness instructor.
  • Fitness adviser for sports teams.
  • Sport and fitness/gym manager.
  • Personal training Instructor.
  • Lifestyle Consultant.

    Rationale:
    The requirement for an entry-level Qualification professional in Sport and Exercise Technology that can cater for the needs of a variety of populations has been growing in South Africa and overseas. This entry-level professional would be able to cater for the needs of the apparently healthy population as well as fitness training for pregnancy, children, youth, older adults and athletic conditioning.

    Secondly, this Qualification will be the only one of its kind offered by a Higher Institution in the KwaZulu/Natal Province, by providing theoretical and practical education plus in-the-field training and workplace experience. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this Qualification are assumed to have the following skills, knowledge and understanding in order to gather and interact meaningfully with the relevant information:
  • Must demonstrate competence against the relevant Mathematical Literacy as well as the Communication skills in the language being offered by the service provider.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of teams.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The University's policy of Recognition of Prior Learning will be adhered to.

    Admission Requirements:
    A NSC (without endorsement) with an achievement rating of 3 (40% or better) in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects, for English at First Additional Language (FAL) level, or English as Home language, and Life Orientation is required.
    A record of sporting achievements or involvement in sport must accompany the application. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, Credits and Learning Components assigned to the Qualification:
    The National Higher Diploma: Sport and Exercise Technology is a three year full-time course. The National Diploma is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that have a defined purpose and will provide qualifying learners with applied competence and a foundation for further learning.

    This Qualification is made up of a mixture of Learning Offerings classified as Fundamental and Core. Each year level of this three year Qualification consists of 4 modules. Each module carries 16 Credits. A minimum of 360 Credits is required to complete the Qualification.

    Table showing spread of credits for Instruction Offerings across NQF Levels in Fundamental and Core Components:

    Component; NQF Level 4; NQF Level 6; Total Credits:
  • Fundamental; NQF Level 11; 6 Credits.
  • Core; NQF Level 11; 344 Credits.
  • Total: 360 Credits.

    All instructional offerings are compulsory.

    This Qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence that the stated competence of the Qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved to the satisfaction of the assessors. Secondly, the learner must have a valid First Aid certificate. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On achieving this qualification the graduate will be able to:

    1. Design an exercise program for healthy and special populations in sport, recreation and fitness. The learner will achieve this through applying an understanding of the special needs within special populations and barriers to their participation.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological aspects of sport, recreation and fitness. As such the learner will contribute to explaining, predicting and changing behaviour of individuals and the broader community in a sport setting.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between nutrition, exercise and health.
    4. Apply the basic principles of sport management and the basic principles of entrepreneurship.
    5. Start up and manage a small business in the Sport, Recreation and Fitness industry.
    6. Implement, sustain and promote ethical and moral values in the Sport and Fitness industry.
    7. Be conversant in the rules relating to the liability of players and coaches as to the issues surrounding drugs in sport.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy of the human body.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Learning offerings for the purpose of this Qualification:

    Critical Cross-field Outcomes supported by the Learning offering:

    Solve problems:
  • Utilize lifestyle concepts for health and wellness.
  • Apply anatomical and biomechanical principles to physical activity.
  • Explain the principles of sport and exercise physiology.
  • Implement the principles and methods of training.
  • Test and evaluate health and related fitness.
  • Design and implement exercise programmes.
  • Promote exercise adherence.
  • Deal with illness and special considerations in the context of physical activity.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics for physical activity.
  • Evaluate physiological implications for performance in sport and exercise.
  • Include persons with disabilities in sport, recreation and fitness.
  • Advise on nutrition for health and performance.
  • Design and implement conditioning programmes for sport performance

    Team work:
  • Provide for safety and risk management.
  • Promote exercise adherence.
  • Include persons with disabilities in sport, recreation and fitness.
  • Design and implement conditioning programmes for sport performance

    Organisation:
  • Use effective communication to instruct exercise.
  • Promote exercise adherence.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics for physical activity.
  • Include persons with disabilities in sport, recreation and fitness.

    Information:
  • Utilize lifestyle concepts for health and wellness.
  • Apply anatomical and biomechanical principles to physical activity.
  • Explain the principles of sport and exercise physiology.
  • Test and evaluate health and related fitness.
  • Design and implement exercise programmes.
  • Use effective communication to instruct exercise.
  • Conduct a screening and assessment procedure.
  • Deal with illness and special considerations in the context of physical activity.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics for physical activity.
  • Evaluate physiological implications for performance in sport and exercise.
  • Provide a lifestyle coaching service.
  • Advise on nutrition for health and performance.
  • Test and evaluate for sport performance.
  • Design and implement conditioning programmes for sport performance.

    Communication:
  • Provide for safety and risk management.
  • Utilize lifestyle concepts for health and wellness.
  • Apply anatomical and biomechanical principles to physical activity.
  • Explain the principles of sport and exercise physiology.
  • Implement the principles and methods of training.
  • Test and evaluate health and related fitness.
  • Design and implement exercise programmes.
  • Use effective communication to instruct exercise.
  • Conduct a screening and assessment procedure.
  • Promote exercise adherence.
  • Deal with illness and special considerations in the context of physical activity.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics for physical activity.
  • Evaluate physiological implications for performance in sport and exercise.
  • Include persons with disabilities in sport, recreation and fitness.
  • Provide a lifestyle coaching service.
  • Advise on nutrition for health and performance.
  • Test and evaluate for sport performance.
  • Design and implement conditioning programmes for sport performance

    Technology:
  • Provide for safety and risk management.
  • Utilize lifestyle concepts for health and wellness.
  • Implement the principles and methods of training.
  • Test and evaluate health and related fitness.
  • Design and implement exercise programmes.
  • Evaluate physiological implications for performance in sport and exercise.
  • Provide a lifestyle coaching service.
  • Test and evaluate for sport performance.
  • Design and implement conditioning programmes for sport performance.

    Related systems:
  • Provide for safety and risk management.
  • Apply anatomical and biomechanical principles to physical activity.
  • Explain the principles of sport and exercise physiology.
  • Implement the principles and methods of training.
  • Conduct a screening and assessment procedure.
  • Promote exercise adherence.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics for physical activity.
  • Evaluate physiological implications for performance in sport and exercise.

    Personal development:
  • Provide for safety and risk management.
  • Utilize lifestyle concepts for health and wellness.
  • Apply anatomical and biomechanical principles to physical activity.
  • Explain the principles of sport and exercise physiology.
  • Implement the principles and methods of training.
  • Test and evaluate health and related fitness.
  • Design and implement exercise programmes.
  • Use effective communication to instruct exercise.
  • Conduct a screening and assessment procedure.
  • Promote exercise adherence.
  • Deal with illness and special considerations in the context of physical activity.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics for physical activity.
  • Evaluate physiological implications for performance in sport and exercise.
  • Include persons with disabilities in sport, recreation and fitness.
  • Provide a lifestyle coaching service.
  • Advise on nutrition for health and performance.
  • Test and evaluate for sport performance.
  • Design and implement conditioning programmes for sport performance. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    In particular assessors should:

    Generally ensure that:
  • The Learner demonstrates an understanding of all the elements of exercise and their effects on the systems of the body. (The successful application of procedures, methods, technology and techniques will be evaluated by the course leader during the practical field experience).
  • Critical reviews of assessments are used to monitor and improve the students' performance.
  • The learner uses appropriate communication skills, to lead their clients to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

    Check that the student demonstrates an ability to make decisions about:
  • The health and fitness levels of clients.
  • The type of exercise to be recommended.
  • The appropriate options, skills and techniques for enhancing the various components of a healthy lifestyle.
  • The appropriate follow up exercises, adjustments and modifications required for their clients' programmes.

    Check that the student demonstrates an understanding of:
  • The principles of exercise science and how they are applied.
  • The various facts which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
  • Basic principles and methods of exercise training.

    Check that the student demonstrates the ability to;
  • Critically evaluate the use of, and explore alternatives methods of exercise taught in any given situation.
  • Justify decisions made in aspect of exercise programming, lifestyle management or wellness promotion.
  • Reflect on the appropriateness of decisions made in exercise programming and on modifications that have been recommended from time to time.
  • Critically reflect on any feedback given during or after supervision.
  • Monitor and improve their performance based on critical reviews and evaluation of their exercise programs, instructions, organizational skills, administration and business planning skills.

    Module outcomes; Instructional offerings:

    Year Level One:

    Sport Didactics and Coaching:

    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and coaching with regards to:
  • Foundations of coaching.
  • Coaching techniques.
  • Basic sport psychology.
  • Identify skills and strategies to show how scientific concepts in exercise physiology, motor learning, biomechanics, psychology, history, sociology and other areas have affected performance, teaching and coaching.
  • Identify the basic concepts behind fitness programmes and the practical application of the basic principles in constructing a basic training programme for diverse population groups.
  • Identify which didactic aspects place the learning of skills and strategies into the context of game play.

    Sport Management I:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport management with regards to:
  • The basic principles of sport management.
  • The basic principles of entrepreneurship with special attention to the establishment of a small business enterprise and/or sport club.

    Sport and Physical Recreation Studies:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and physical recreation with regards to:
  • Orientation and Anatomy of the human body.
  • The history of sport.

    Sport and Exercise Technology I:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and exercise with regards to:
  • The design of strengthening and conditioning programmes.
  • Dealing with the athlete.

    On completion of this module, the student will be able to work:
  • As an assistant gymnasium instructor and develop exercise programmes.

    Year Level Two:
    Human Movement Studies:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to Human Movement studies with regards to:
  • Motor learning (motor skill acquisition) from a behavioural and physiological perspective.
  • Bio-dynamics of physical activity.
  • Dynamics of motor skills acquisition.
  • Physical growth and motor development.

    Kinesiology:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to Kinesiology with regards to:
  • Biomechanics: Description of human motion.
  • Condition of linear motion.
  • Condition of rotary motion.
  • Centre of gravity and stability.
  • Musculoskeletal anatomy.
  • Kinesiology of fitness and exercise.
  • Throwing, striking and kicking skills.
  • Movement on solid surfaces.
  • Movement in an aquatic environment.
  • Movement when suspended and free of support.

    Sport and Exercise Technology II:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and exercise with regards to:
  • Designing a seasonal year-round programme for resistance exercise, plan athletic-type functional strength exercises for developing optimum potential.
  • Testing of athletes for muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance.
  • Designing of specific programmes for the prescription of metabolic exercises.

    Exercise Physiology II:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and exercise with regards to:
  • The functioning of the body with special reference to the interdependence of the different systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, etc).
  • The complementarities of anatomy and physiology.
  • The effects of exercise on the systems.

    Year Level Three:
    Health Sciences:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and exercise with regards to:
  • A study of the interaction between nutrition, exercise and health.
  • Factors associated with obesity.
  • Effectiveness of diet and exercise as treatment.

    Sport and Exercise Technology III:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and exercise with regards to:
  • The further testing of anaerobic power and capacity.
  • Kin anthropometry and flexibility.
  • The general health status of a sports person.
  • The monitoring and testing of sports people and prescribing exercises for them.

    Sport Psychology:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to Sport Psychology with regards to:

    Sport psychology interventions.
  • The social psychology of sport: Player.
  • Aggression in sport.
  • Leadership in sport.
  • The social nature of sport.
  • Team cohesion.
  • Audience effects and self-presentation.
  • Emotional and aggressive reactions of sport spectators.

    Exercise Physiology III:
    The Learner must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to sport and exercise with regards to:
  • The functioning of the body with special reference to the interdependence of the different systems.
  • The complementarities of anatomy and physiology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will be done by means of examinations at the end of each level, consisting on theory and case studies. Practical field experience, monitored by means of a log book system, is evaluated and integrated with other practical and theoretical assignments (group and or individual) assessments, as well as the assessment of theoretical tests throughout the duration of the level. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Qualification has been benchmarked against fitness qualification frameworks from New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom and it has shown a substantial degree of similarity. This Qualification is therefore comparable to those mentioned and in some cases exceeds those standards.

    The scope of practice of the learners that complete this Qualification has been determined in part with referencing from the American College of Sport Medicine and American Heart Association's joint position statement.

    The standards have been specifically benchmarked against the Australian and New Zealand fitness Qualifications. This similarity allows for easier recognition of the South African Qualifications and Unit Standards and for an internationally comparable Qualification.

    In addition the following sites were visited for comparison.

    South Australia: Diploma of Sport (Development):

    Core units:
  • Support Clients to Adopt the Principles of Sports Psychology.
  • Support Clients to Adopt the Principles of Eating for Peak Performance.
  • Review Office Administration Systems and Procedures to Meet Changing Demands.
  • Research, Prepare and Present Information.
  • Provide Leadership in the Workplace.
  • Provide Information Regarding Drugs in Sport Issues.
  • Promote Compliance with Laws and Legal Principles.
  • Plan, Implement and Evaluate a Fitness and Recovery Program for Officials.
  • Plan and Establish Office Administration Systems and Procedures.
  • Plan and Prepare an Individualised Long-Term Training Program.
  • Participate In, Lead and Facilitate Work Teams.
  • Monitor Coach Welfare.
  • Manage the Meeting Process.
  • Manage the Establishment and Maintenance of a Work Group Network.
  • Manage Quality Customer Service.
  • Manage Personal Work Priorities and Professional Development.
  • Manage Conflict Related to Officiating.
  • Manage and Coordinate Projects.
  • Implement Recovery Training Programs.
  • Evaluate, Analyse and Modify Outcomes of Officiating to Improve Performance.
  • Evaluate, Analyse and Modify Long-Term and/or High Performance Individualised Training Programs.
  • Establish, Maintain and Evaluate OH and S Systems to Ensure the Workplace is Safe for Employees and Clients.
  • Establish and Maintain Library/Resource Collection.
  • Establish and Maintain a Records System to Ensure Integrity of the System.
  • Develop Teams and Individuals to Enhance Performance.
  • Create, Maintain and Enhance Effective Working Relationships.
  • Conduct, Monitor and Adjust Individualised Long-Term Training Programs.

    Reference: http://www.vlepub.sa.edu.au/GatewaySearch.aspx (accessed 2 August 2007).

    Manukau Institute of Technology:
    Diploma in Applied Sport and Recreation:

    Core units:
  • Introduction to Sport Management.
  • Sport as a Business.
  • Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Body Bearings.
  • Teaching Pedagogy.
  • Practicum.
  • Exercise and Physical Activity Prescription.
  • Professional Fitness.
  • Nutritional Management.
  • Coaching Pedagogy.

    Manukau Institute of Technology:
    Diploma in Fitness Training;

    Core Units:
  • Exercise prescription and science.
  • Fitness assessment Supervisory management.
  • Personal training Quality Service.
  • Introduction to Managing and Quality Service.
  • Applied Anatomy Nutrition, Activity and Health.
  • Human Structure and Function Professional Practice.
  • Personal Training Exercise Prescription and Assessment.
  • Duration of Course: One year.

    Reference: http://www.manukau.ac.nz (assessed 2 August 2007).

    Auckland University of Technology and Recreation:
    Core units:
  • Programme and Event Management.
  • Exercise Principles.
  • Coaching Practice.
  • Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology.
  • Introduction to Managing and Quality Service.
  • Introduction to Coaching Practice.
  • Nutrition, Activity and Health.

    Reference: http://www.aut.ac.nz (assessed 2 August 2007).

    Universal College of Learning:
    Diploma in Sport and Fitness Management:
    Core units:
  • Advanced exercise science.
  • Event management.
  • Advanced sport coaching.
  • Facility management.
  • High performance conditioning.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • High performance conditioning.
  • Sport marketing and management.
  • Advanced exercise testing and programming.
  • Sports Physiology.
  • Nutrition.
  • Personal Training.

    Duration of Course: Two years including the first for the certificate.
    Reference: http://www.ucol.ac.nz (assessed 2 August 2007). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification will provide vertical articulation into the Sport Science degree offered by the Human Movement Science Department.

    Secondly, this Qualification will articulate vertically and horizontally with all other Sport and Exercise qualifications registered within the envisioned learning pathway or closely associated pathways in the sport, recreation and fitness arena. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation will take place during and at the end of each module. Both internal and external moderation will take place at the exit point of the Qualification. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    National Comparability:
    Institution; Web Address; Learning Offerings:
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; htp://www.nmmu.ac.za; National Diploma Sport Management, B Tech Sport Management, 3 year degree nib HMS.
  • University of Free State; http://www.uovs.ac.za; 3 year BS HMS.
  • University of Johannesburg; http://www.uj.ac.za; 3 year degrees in: BA Sport Psychology, BA Sport Development, B Com Sport Management, BSc Sport Science.
  • University of KZN; http://www.ukzn.ac.za; 3 year degree in: BSc Sport Science.
  • University of Stellenbosch; http://www.sun.ac.za; 3year degree in; BA HMS. 4 year degree in: BSc Sport Science.
  • University of Pretoria; http://www.up.ac.za; 3 year degree in: BA (Human Movement Science), B Com (Recreation and Sport Management, B Soc Sci (Sport Psychology), Certificates and Diploma in: Sport Sciences.
  • University of the North West; http://www.nwu.ac.za; Diploma in Sport Science 3 year degrees in: BA Sport, Health and Recreation, BSc Sport Science, B Com Sport Management.
  • Rhodes University; http://www.ru.ac.za; 3 year degrees in: BA and BSc Human Kinetics and Ergonomics.
  • Tshwane University of Technology; http://www.tut.ac.za; National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Technology B Tech Sport and Exercise Technology. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Zululand 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.