Program Overview

SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science

Overview

Understanding the science behind sport and exercise helps address a range of challenges we face, from tackling obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy ageing to enhancing the performance of elite athletes. Our Sport and Exercise Science college course combines theoretical knowledge with a range of practical applications to help prepare you for working in the sports industry.

This nationally-recognised BTEC course explores how a range of disciplines – including physiology, psychology, field and lab-based fitness testing and biomechanics in sport and exercise science – can be applied to boost sports performance, physical activity, health and wellbeing. You will have the chance to complete laboratory testing in state-of-the-art facilities to support your knowledge, and you will gain the essential skills and understanding of the sports sector to progress onto a variety of rewarding careers or university courses, from sports therapy or physiotherapy to sports psychology and sports nutrition.

Course Breakdown

Year 1

BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science

• Functional Anatomy (exam)
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (exam)
• Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise
• Coaching for Performance and Fitness
• Specialised Fitness Training
• Research Project

Year 2

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science

• Sport and Exercise Physiology (exam)
• Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance (exam)
• Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing
• Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science
• Sports Massage
• Technology in Sport and Exercise Science
• Sports Injury and Assessment

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) including English (Language or Literature), Maths and Science, or equivalent.

Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

You will be required to prepare work independently and as part of a team. You will be assessed through coursework, assignments, projects, practical observations and presentations, some of which will involve industry-related visits.

To pass this course, you will carry out a wide range of assessment activities and coursework (e.g. written reports, formal presentations, poster design and presentation, leading practical sessions etc.)

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our **Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy **.

Additional Qualifications and Training

Our course offers opportunities to gain additional qualifications alongside your studies, such as:

• Level 2 Gym Instructor
• Emergency First Aid
• Safeguarding

Uniform and Kit Costs

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £50, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)

Facilities

Students on our sports college courses at University College Birmingham have use of our on-campus sports facilities as well as state-of-the-art facilities at Avery Fields, a purpose-built 15-acre site which we share with leading Birmingham rugby club Bournville RFC.

• Avery Fields features an all-weather pitch situated alongside two grass pitches and an impressive clubhouse
• The clubhouse at Avery Fields includes a function room, modern changing facilities and a physiotherapy suite
• Open to the public, our sports injury clinics at Summer Row give students the opportunity to develop their massage skills
• You will have use of the FE gym at Summer Row, dedicated for use by our college students

Career Opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

• Sports therapist (privately/with a professional team): £17,000 - £35,000
• Exercise physiology lecturer: Average Salary: £24,000
• Sports nutritionist: Average Salary: £25,000
• Sports scientist: Average Salary: £26,500