Online/Blended Education understands that students will have varying degrees of technical experience and ability when they begin their studies. However, due to the key role technology plays in Online/Blended Education students’ studies all students must be able to engage with relevant technologies to a minimum level. It is expected that students will have a computer competency level equivalent to the International Computer Driving Licence (IDCL) (https://icdl.org/). That is, students should be familiar with using email, browsing the Internet, and using the word processing package Microsoft Word.

In addition, students must have regular access to a good quality Computer (loaded with Microsoft Office) and a broadband Internet connection. The web browser a student uses must be able to play Macromedia Flash, Shockwave, Java and the Adobe Acrobat PDF file reader. (These internet browser plug-ins are freely available.)

The reason that students must have a regular access to a computer with broadband is that substantial use is made of online support via the virtual learning environment Moodle, with some learning resources only being available from that source. Students are required to access the online journal databases available through the Setanta College online library. Students should also be able to attend ‘live’ virtual classrooms. In order to facilitate online communication in ‘live’ virtual classrooms students should have a high quality headset/microphone (built in microphones and speakers in laptops or desktops cannot be used as they give rise to sound problems) and a webcam is also desirable.

For students, the following system configuration and software are recommended for optimal performance: • Platforms: Mac OS X 10.6 or higher or Windows 7 or higher or Linux- Chrome OS • Hardware: 1 GB of RAM with 2 GHz processor, CD-ROM, and 50 Gb free disk space • Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; Adobe Reader 10.0 or higher • Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome • Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail • Internet Speed: 512 kbps, for optimal performance 1 Mbps • Web Camera and microphone.

All of our tutors have at least a degree from a third level institution with many having a Master’s degree in their chosen area of expertise. In addition, tutors have extensive practical coaching experience in their sport and are recognised as content and practical experts in their chosen field.

All Setanta College undergraduate programmes are accredited by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland).

QQI is an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland. It was established in 2012 by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 with a board appointed by the Minister for Education and Skills. For more information please visit www.qqi.ie

Missing a week or two should not present too many problems as the lecture notes may be printed off and studied at any stage within the 12 week module period. You should contact our Administration Office and your Tutor to inform them of your details and a plan can be developed to suit you when you have to travel.

If you miss a workshop it can be repeated at a later date.

A student can take a break after a module and continue in a few months/a year’s time and continue where they left off. Each module restarts every three months.

There are no sit down written examinations. The grade for each module is determined by continuous assessment. The breakdown for assessments and their grades can be seen below:

• Online Logbooks Tasks: 15%
• Assignment 1: 25%
• Final project: 40%
• Workshops Assessments: 20%

*Please note that for certain modules the breakdown of marks may alter slightly.

Normally there are two workshops per module which take place on a Saturday. However, in some modules there may be an additional workshop.

Workshops for all courses take place in the new state of the art Sportslab at LIT-Tipperary in Thurles. We also host workshops in Dublin for the Diploma in Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning.

Each module is 12 weeks in duration and students study one module at a time. Once one module is completed, the student then progresses onto their next module.

The majority of the work is completed online. It is recommended 4-5 hours a week study time. Additional videos and reading are available to supplement the written lecture notes.

Setanta College courses are delivered through the blended learning process. This means that the lectures (written and video) are presented online to the student on a weekly basis. Furthermore, practical workshops take place at regular intervals during each module (at weekends). It is recommended that the prospective coach or student is actively involved in coaching (either with a team or an individual athlete) or is personally training throughout the course.

Currently we provide four QQI accredited part-time blended learning undergraduate programmes. They include:

1.     Certificate in Functional Screening and Resistance Training (9 months)

2.     Diploma in Personal Training and Resistance Training (10 months)

3.     Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (18 months)

4.     Higher Certificate in Strength & Conditioning (3 years)

5.     Bachelor of Science in Strength & Conditioning (4 ½ years)

Our educational pathway allows students to move from certificate level up to degree level seamlessly.

Setanta College offers a Masters of Science in Performance Coaching which is delivered via online blended learning over one year with additional time given for the final project at the end of the programme. This is a joint programme by Setanta College and the Irish American University. The Master of Science in Performance Coaching is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, one of the world’s leading accrediting bodies, recognised globally and come under the US Department of Education’s Council of Higher Education Accreditation.