Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons)

 Course structure 

The theoretical aspect of the course has a strong scientific and mathematical underpinning. Learning in small classes throughout the course, you will apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems in sport or exercise contexts.

The first year of the course consists of six core modules and will give you a thorough introductory grounding, covering aspects of physiology, psychology, anatomy, biomechanics and study skills.

In the second year, you will further explore these areas and look at research methods in preparation for your final year dissertation. You will choose option modules so you can tailor the course to your interests. Around a third of your second year is made up of option modules.

In your final year, you will complete a dissertation and four option modules. For your dissertation, you'll be in control of your own study and look at aspects of sport and exercise science in the wider world. Options make up around two thirds of the final year and you may choose to complete a professional placement.

Depending on option modules that you choose, you will graduate with Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons) or Sport and Exercise Science with PE BSc(Hons).

Find out all the latest news on our sport and exercise science course, students, staff and research.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, we will inform you of any improvements or innovations to the curriculum through Student View.

Year 1

On this programme you will study both sport science and exercise and health science throughout the three years of your course.

Modules

• Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Fundamental Biomechanics

  This module will outline fundamental musculoskeletal anatomy and links it to the mechanical principles which govern movement of the body. You will study the language of anatomy and human movement, the form and function of the skeleton, muscle, bone and articulations. Methods of qualitatively and quantitatively describing motion will be introduced as will the relationships between the force applied to a body and the motion that it experiences.

• Physiology for Sport and Exercise

  This module will introduce fundamental principles and systems of physiology with regard to maturation, gender and health state. You will learn how these are researched in the laboratory and field in relation to exercise, sport and health, and will develop practical laboratory techniques to collect, interpret and disseminate physiological data.

• Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology

  This module will provide the foundation in sport and exercise psychology essential for future physical educators, sport and exercise scientists or leisure employees. You will examine such factors as how and why people participate in activities and the psychological factors that influence successful participation. You’ll also gain an understanding of the cognitive processes involved in learning and skilled performance. This in turn, aids your understanding of successful teaching, coaching and applied sport psychology techniques.

• The Scientific Study of Sport and Exercise

  This module will provide you with basic skills in critical analysis, interpretation and analysis of numerical data, and research methods, which are fundamental for a sport and exercise science graduate.

• Sport, the Body and Society

  This module will give you an insight into a range of social issues connected to the sporting body. It will introduce you to socio-cultural theories and concepts about the body and sport. This is done through a variety of case studies and topic areas that you will explore through an active and engaged problem-solving pedagogy. You will be encouraged to reflect on taken-for-granted behaviours and experiences in sport to enable you to develop your own social scientific approach to understanding the sporting body.

• Integrated and Applied Studies

  This module introduces the fundamental theories and principles of exercise-based interventions and strategies to improve health, wellbeing and performance. You will develop an understanding of the challenges to health, wellbeing or performance and exercise interventions. You'll explore the importance of professional and personal development, and develop your employability skills.

Year 2

During year you'll decide whether to follow the Sport and Exercise degree, or to specialise further on the Sport and Exercise with PE pathway. Your choice will determine which option modules are available to you.

Core modules – both pathways

• Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Data Analysis and Research Methods

Sport and Exercise Science options*

• Nutrition for Physical Activity
• Performance in Environmental Extremes
• Sport Psychology in Action
• Exercise Referral and Rehabilitation
• Performance Assessment and Training Prescription in Strength and Conditioning
• Performance Analysis
• Sport for Development and Peace
• Globalisation and Sport
• Outdoor Adventurous Activities
• Teaching Physical Education
• Games

Sport and Exercise Science with PE options*
This pathway is designed for students who wish to go on to qualify as a teacher after graduation. You will study practical activity modules from our wide range of options and your dissertation will focus on PE. Practical modules offered include gymnastics and swimming, and martial arts and combat sports.

• Learning and Teaching Through Games and Dance
• Learning and Teaching Through Athletic and Adventurous Activities
• Learning and Teaching Through Gymnastics and Swimming
• Pedagogy and Practice in Physical Education and Sport
• Nutrition for Physical Activity
• Outdoor Adventurous Activities
• Primary Physical Education: Theory and Practice of Teaching KS1 and KS2 PE
• Teaching Physical Education
• Games
• Creating a Positive Teaching and Learning Environment
• Accredited Physical Education

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

Core modules – both pathways

• Dissertation
• Personal and Professional Development

Sport and Exercise Science pathway options*

• Applied Sport Psychology
• Applied Exercise and Health Psychology
• Physiological Aspects of Exercise, Nutrition and Health
• Science of Physical Training/Study of Physical Training
• Injury and Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise Science
• Expedition Physiology
• Advanced Strength and Conditioning
• Advanced Performance Analysis
• Exercise Science and the Brain
• Sports Nutrition
• Racism in Sport and Popular Culture
• Sport and Deviancy
• Level 6 Practical Activity
• Food Biochemistry and Functionality

Sport and Exercise Science with PE pathway options*

One from:

• Education Studies 3: Inclusive Practice
• Physical Education and the National Agenda
• Physical Education in the 14–19 Curriculum
• Martial Arts and Combat Sports: Theory and Practice
• Sport and Deviancy
• Level 6 Practical Activity
• Primary Physical Education: Active Learning in the Primary Setting

Two from:

• Applied Sport Psychology
• Applied Exercise and Health Psychology
• Physiological Aspects of Exercise, Nutrition and Health
• Science of Physical Training and Performance/The Study of Physical Training
• Injury and Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise Science
• Expedition Physiology
• Advanced Strength and Conditioning
• Advanced Performance Analysis
• Exercise Science and the Brain
• Sports Nutrition

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Facilities

Our laboratories are equipped with the latest modern facilities, accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). These world-class facilities include a -10 to +50°C hot-cold chamber, an altitude/hypoxic chamber that rises to the equivalent of 5500m, as well as 3D motion analysis, ground reaction force plates, a DXA bone scanner, exercise physiology laboratories, biomechanics laboratories and three biochemistry laboratories.

You will be encouraged to access the facilities to build your lab skills and hands-on experience. Your use of these facilities will be particularly central to your studies in your final year to support your dissertation.

Our laboratories have recently appeared in BBC Horizon, BBC Bang Goes the Theory, BBC South East and Sky TV. They have also been used to test out products for exercising and weight loss and to prepare athletes for the Olympics and Paralympics.

We have recently opened a new teaching and research gym with six Olympic lifting platforms with full Eleiko training equipment, three force platforms, Desmotec isoinertial device, Isokinetic dynamometer, Optojump and a wireless EMG.

Find out more about the facilities available to our sport and exercise students.

Click image to view a virtual tour of some of the labs.

Click image to view a virtual tour of our new teaching and research gym.  

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International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

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Course fees

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included, while studying a course in the School of Sport and Service Management are listed here.

• DBS checks, where required, are included in the fees.
• For all journalism students there are professional body examinations from the National Council for Training of Journalists. The university pays for your first attempt at each examination and this cost of around £400 is included in the course fees. But if you don’t pass an exam you will be responsible for resit fees, at an average cost of £45 per examination.
• UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip is present costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
• For courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
• The school runs a number of day trips which students do not pay for. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget around £30 per year.
• All work is electronically submitted. You may need to provide a printed copy of your final dissertation. Estimated cost £5 per student in the final year.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships, as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2021–22.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

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