Why study this course?
Sport and exercise sciences involve the provision of support services to elite athlete, public health and fitness, as well as special populations such as the elderly and hospital patients. This course has substantial components of physiology, anatomy, metabolism and biomechanics, with coverage of sports psychology and sports sociology. In a growing industry with excellent and diverse employment opportunities, graduates can find roles in the fitness industry, coaching, sports therapy, exercise physiology, health promotion and teaching.
More about this course
Mass sports participation and general exercise are rapidly developing occupations supported by an increasingly specialist industry specialising in testing and exercise prescription. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) defines sport and exercise science as: „The application of scientific principles to the promotion, maintenance and enhancement of sport and exercise related behaviours.”
In this degree you’ll explore a wide curriculum with exercise physiology, biomechanics, psychology and sociology the core areas of focus. You’ll study the short and long term changes the body experiences after physical activity, environmental stress and exercise; the biomechanics of human movement, including the interaction between the athlete and the equipment they use; and motivation and group dynamics in exercise. You’ll also develop the skills to identify the optimal techniques to boost sporting performance and analyse movement to reduce risk of injury.
There’s also an optional work placement module where you’ll gain experience in the culture and structure of the sport and exercise science industry.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Applied Sports Science (core, 15 credits)
Essential Principles of Effective Coaching and Teaching (core, 15 credits)
Foundations of Sport Psychology (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Anatomy (core, 15 credits)
Human Physiology (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Biomechanics (core, 15 credits)
Physiological Principles of Training (core, 15 credits)
Professional and Core Skills (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Biomechanical Applications (core, 15 credits)
Biomechanics of Human Movement (core, 15 credits)
Environmental Exercise Physiology (core, 15 credits)
Exercise Physiology (core, 15 credits)
Sport Psychology: Controlling Individual Performance and Exercise (core, 15 credits)
Sport Psychology: Group Dynamics and Human Interaction (core, 15 credits)
Sports Science Research Methods (core, 15 credits)
Empowering London: Working within the Community (option, 15 credits)
Sociology of Effective Coaching and Teaching (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Applied Exercise Physiology (core, 15 credits)
Clinical Biomechanics (core, 15 credits)
Clinical Exercise Physiology (core, 15 credits)
Human Movement Analysis (core, 15 credits)
Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete (core, 15 credits)
Sport Psychology: Practical Application in the Real World (core, 15 credits)
Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation (core, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
This degree will prepare you for a career in the scientific or commercial worlds, with many students choosing to work in the fitness industry. You’ll receive general scientific training that will enable you to take on a wide variety of roles. Previous graduates have gone into careers such as sports therapy at AFC Wimbledon and holistic training at Educogym. Others have continued on to a PGCE, enabling them to work in education.
