BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science

Level 1

Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement
This module aims to examine the mechanics of human movement, identifying the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects of these forces. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying the theoretical principles of biomechanics to sport and exercise.

Introduction to Psychomotor Behaviour in Sport and Exercise
The module aims to examine, through an information processing approach to sports performance, the principles of learning and performing a range of motor skills. In addition, social psychological variables will be studied relating to the facilitation and decrement in learning and performances.

Physiological Foundations of Sport and Exercise
The module aims to provide a basic knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, this module will focus on anatomical, biochemical and physiological integration necessary for human movement production. The student will develop an integrated systems approach to human movement, examining endocrine, neural and muscular functions required for movement initiation.

Research Methods 1
This module aims to develop students’ study skills and introduce them to the underpinning concepts of scientific study and research methods. This module will enable the student to benefit more fully from the higher education learning environment and develop their reflective practice, along with an understanding of the philosophy of science as related to scientific study in sport and exercise.

Level 2

Applied Movement Analysis
This module aims to enable students to build on knowledge they gained at level 1 within Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement. It will involve the delivery of more advanced theoretical concepts and their application to practical sport assessment.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
This module aims to enable students to consolidate and expand on the fundamental principles of human anatomy and physiology, developed at Level 1. Encouraging students to apply these principles to investigate how the body performs and responds to physical activity. Students will be able to apply the generic principles of exercise physiology to different populations in order to develop an appreciation of methods of fitness development and adaptations.

Personal and Career Development
This module aims to equip students with an assortment of skills, understandings and achievements required for the world of work. Employability skills audits, practise of job applications and CV writing will all provide the contextual bedrock from which effective employability and career strategies will be generated.

Research Methods 2
This module aims to build directly on the key concepts delivered at level 1 through the Research Methods 1 module. Advancing an understanding of research enquiry, the module will introduce a wide range of methodologies applicable to sport and exercise science research. Enabling independent research activities, the development of analytical skills will be evolved through applied evidence-based practice.

Sport and Exercise Psychology
The module aims to focus on the importance of psychological factors in sport, including: an introduction to the history and nature of sport and exercise psychology, self-determination in exercise and sport, physical self-perceptions, social influences on sport and exercise participation, correlates of physical activity, sport and moral behaviour, sport-related transitions, sport and development of life skills.

Level 3

Adapted Sport and Exercise Prescription
This optional module aims to provide a theoretical and practical perspective on sporting provision for people with disabilities. Definitions of disability; the mainstreaming of disability sport; and the place of physical education and youth sport will form the contextual bedrock of knowledge. Physiological, anatomical, mechanical and psycho-social perspectives will be examined to promote exercise prescription for people with a range of disabilities seen in the context of health or performance based sporting activities. Specific consideration will be given to applicable exercise assessment and fitness enhancement techniques used in laboratory, clinical or work-based settings.

Advanced Biomechanical Analysis
This optional module aims to develop the students’ ability to carry out independent research and consultancy activities in the area of sport and exercise biomechanics. Building on the knowledge gained at previous levels, introducing state of the art techniques to assess performance and the wider issues surrounding support work.

Applied Sport Psychology
This optional module aims to develop further understanding of how sport psychology can be applied to improve and support sport performance. It provides an insight into how psychological skills training can be used by athletes from all different levels and how the performer can manage competition and training and enhance performance. The student will consider how to effectively assess an athletes psychological profile, how to design and implement training programmes.

Independent Study
This compulsory module aims to build upon individual, supervised student activity, which provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic relevant to the field of their particular degree and to demonstrate original and critical thought.

Physiological aspects of High Performance Sport
This optional module aims to encourage students to apply knowledge and understanding of the physiological systems during exercise, at fatigue and following training to the performance and specific requirements of an elite athlete. An elite sport or high performance athlete in this context is defined as any sport or athlete, recognised by Sport England.

Physical Activity for Health Development
This optional module aims to critically examine the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health, exploring the prescription of exercise to benefit specific low risk conditions and special populations such as young people and the elderly. It will draw upon the theoretical issues and practical skills delivered at year 2 exploring physical activity, health and disease. Students will employ vocationally relevant skills in the assessment and diagnosis of a low risk client and provide exercise-based recommendations

Sport and Exercise Nutrition
This optional module aims to draw upon prior knowledge and practical experience in nutrition, furthering the relationship with exercise and environmental physiology.

Strengh and Conditioning
This optional interdisciplinary module aims to build on prior knowledge of antomical and physiological processes, preparing students for vocational employment within the strength and conditioning environment and factors to consider within the support of athletes, programme design and effective implementation/delivery.

A progressive and multidisciplinary course that qualifies the sport and exercise science graduate at honours degree level in the areas specific to sport and exercise science. The course will provide the student with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the key sport and exercise disciplines of physiology, biomechanics and psychology in both the laboratory and field settings. The student will also develop key transferable skills to prepare the student for sport related graduate employment or postgraduate study.

Compulsory modules at levels one and two provide students with the foundation and underpinning knowledge in sport and exercise science. Exploring, evaluating and applying subject theory to vocational practice, prepares the student for advanced study at level three. At this level, in addition to the compulsory independent study, students select from a series of electives dependent on vocational interests and subject expertise.

An applied course that integrates theoretical and practical concepts through a wide range of teaching methods. The recently developed Human Performance Centre enables staff and students to perform cutting edge research and assessment of high level performers within the field of sport and exercise science.

Facilities include a state-of-the-art Human Performance Centre and sports facilities. The Sports Centre hosts a double sports hall, all weather synthetic pitches, fitness suites, squash courts, a dance studio and saunas.

BASES Undergraduate Endorsement scheme.

This is the right course for you if:

• You have an interest and a background in Physical Education, Sport or Science
• You are willing to engage in theoretical concepts and apply the concepts through laboratory practicals
• You are committed to becoming an independent learner.

• Commitment and enthusiasm for sport and exercise science
• Be able to work effectively as an independent learner and as part of a group
• Interpersonal skills and a willingness to develop the skills that you already have.

Students will experience a variety of different assessment methods depending on whether the study is practical, theoretical or contextual/vocational. Assessment methods may include demonstration of laboratory techniques, field assessments, laboratory reports, coursework, individual/group presentations and written examinations. The course aims to harness students' academic focus with the development of personal and career skills through vocational opportunities and additional qualifications/awards.

• A well grounded knowledge and understanding of the current issues and research in all disciplines of sport and exercise science
• The ability to personalise your degree at level three by choosing your module electives and independent research area
• A range of practical and applied skills to assist you in assessing, monitoring and developing people for performance or health benefits
• Transferable skills that will assist you within the working environment.

• A good background in Science at GCSE and Further Education Level
• A commitment to sport/exercise and a desire to learn new concepts
• Evidence of a variety of transferable skills, including strong communication skills and working as part of a team.

Minimum two 'A' Levels, equivalent of  (280 points), including one Science A Level (physical Education or Sports Studies counts as a science subject) plus GCSE (Grade C or above) English Language, Mathematics and Science. General Studies A Level is not an accepted subject for entry.

An appropriate BTEC National Diploma or GNVQ Advanced with a distinction, merit, merit profile, in which Mathematics and Science modules feature strongly. Alternative qualifications such as ACCESS are welcomed, students would be required to pass this programme with 45 credits at level 3 at Merit or above and 15 credits at level 2. Scottish, Irish and overseas applicants must show evidence of equivalent qualifications.

The course equips and prepares students for postgraduate study and entry into a wide range of careers within the sport and leisure industry.

Sport and Exercise Science graduates enter into careers in; sports science, health and fitness development/GP referral schemes, strength and conditioning, fitness instruction, sport/laboratory technicians, physical education teaching (after completion of a one year PGCE or equivalent), emergency services and armed forces, leisure industry.

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding