BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning and Performance Analysis

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning and Performance Analysis

Overview

This course is designed to give you the industry knowledge, skills, and employment prospects to work in an elite sport performance environment. Our sport courses are ranked 1st in the North West for continuation and 2nd in the North West for career prospects (Guardian University Guide 2023 Results).

Course Structure

What you will learn

The modules on this course will deliver high-quality, profession-specific training, including in the underpinning disciplines of physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. These will be applied to the objective evaluation and analysis of athlete performance, utilising the data and information gathered to inform exercise prescription and the development of sport-specific conditioning training programmes.

Year one

In your first year, you will develop a foundational knowledge and develop practical skills through modules that explore the principles of human movement and function, sport psychology, basic exercise techniques and training principles, coaching practitioner skills, and the fundamentals of performance analysis.

• Personal and Professional Development
• Principles of Human Movement and Function
• Exercise Techniques and Training
• Developing the Practitioner Toolkit
• Introduction to Sport Psychology
• Introduction to Performance Analysis

Year two

At level 5, the focus is on developing subject- and practitioner-specific knowledge and skills through undertaking modules on strength and conditioning and field-based conditioning. The focus is on the preparation of the athlete for general and sport-specific fitness and sport-specific skills required for optimal performance.

• Investigative Techniques
• Strength and Conditioning for Performance
• Leadership and Relationships in Sport
• Field-Based Conditioning for Sport
• Applied Movement Analysis
• Applied Notational Analysis

Year three

Knowledge and skills developed previously will be applied in specific sporting contexts at level 6 through sport performance testing and prescription, applied conditioning and performance analysis modules, a practitioner placement, and investigative project.

• Independent Investigative Project
• Sport Performance Testing and Prescription
• Applied Conditioning and Performance Analysis
• Practitioner Placement

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the programme and are designed to be student-centred, flexible, and modern while being challenging and stimulating.

How you will be assessed

Modules use formative and summative assessment so that you can progress through a module in a structured and constructive way and build knowledge for practice in a coherent and logical way. A varied diet of summative assessment methods will be utilised to prepare you for further academic study and professional practice.

Entry Requirements

• 104-112 UCAS Tariff Points
• GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted

Qualifications

• A-levels: BCC-BBC
• T-levels: P (C+) – M
• Access to HE: 15 Credits at Distinction & 30 at Merit
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: C-B
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: MMM-DMM
• Scottish Highers: BBBC - BBBB
• Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – B1x3, B2

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)

Additional Costs

• Books and Journals: £100-200 per year
• Stationery: £30-£40 per year
• Clothing and Equipment: £120-£200
• Other: £30-£50 for field trips, membership fees, etc.

Experience Sport at Cumbria

The University of Cumbria offers a range of sports courses, including this BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning and Performance Analysis programme. Our Lancaster campus is home to top-quality facilities tailored to the needs of life-savers, world changers, and future leaders.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning and Performance Analysis degree is designed to equip students with the industry knowledge, skills, and employment prospects to thrive in elite sport performance environments. The program emphasizes the science behind sport performance, athlete diagnostics, fitness analysis, technical performance evaluation, tactical play assessment, and the development of tailored training programs for performance enhancement. The course is designed to provide students with the tools to become effective in performance sport coaching, performance development, talent identification, sport science support, and performance analysis.

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Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of sport conditioning and performance analysis, including its applications across various levels of sport.
• Master practical techniques and skills for conducting diagnostics, analyzing athlete fitness, technical performance, and tactical play.
• Design and implement effective exercise training programs for improving athlete performance.
• Learn to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to real-world sporting environments through practical modules and a 100-hour placement.
• Gain firsthand experience with performance analysis and sport-specific conditioning while working with athletes from diverse sports, including football, rugby, athletics, hockey, cycling, golf, dance, and outdoor sports.
• Obtain the Hudl Certification in Notational Analysis and qualify for the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) Level 1 accreditation upon graduation.
• Benefit from small class sizes to foster a close-knit community and build strong relationships with fellow students and tutors.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Personal and Professional Development: Introduces students to essential skills for navigating academic research, including sourcing, evaluating, and analyzing academic materials.
• Principles of Human Movement and Function: Provides a foundational understanding of the human body's systems relevant to sport performance, emphasizing biomechanical principles of kinesiology, kinematics, and kinetics.
• Exercise Techniques and Training: Teaches students how to instruct safe and effective exercise techniques aimed at enhancing basic fitness components for improved health and athletic performance.
• Developing the Practitioner Toolkit: Develops a foundational understanding of fundamental pedagogical processes within sports coaching.
• Introduction to Sport Psychology: Explores the psychology behind teaching and learning skilled movement patterns and examines factors influencing motivation, applying these concepts to coaching and sport performance.
• Introduction to Performance Analysis: Provides an introduction to the field of performance analysis and the role of a performance analyst.
It explores systematic observation tools for collecting performance-related data and drawing meaningful conclusions based on the results.

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Year Two:

• Investigative Techniques: Prepares students for conducting personal research projects in areas of interest, focusing on research methodology, ethics, data analysis, and formulating research questions.
• Strength and Conditioning for Performance: Develops a comprehensive understanding of athlete physical requirements and teaches students how to create, deliver, and evaluate training plans for maximizing sporting potential and performance.
• Leadership and Relationships in Sport: Explores the nature of coach behavior and coach-athlete relationships, analyzing leadership models and practical application of these concepts.
• Field-Based Conditioning for Sport: Focuses on improving physiological parameters crucial for successful sporting performance, exploring physiological responses to conditioning strategies within various sports.
• Applied Movement Analysis: Applies knowledge of biomechanical and physiological principles to analyze movement, introducing field-based methods of motion analysis and evaluating their limitations, reliability measures, and statistical data presentation.
• Applied Notational Analysis: Advances students' knowledge and application of notational analysis to generate actionable data for stakeholders by recording live sports, developing skills in specialized notational analysis software.

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Year Three:

• Independent Investigative Project: Enables students to conduct original research investigations under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor and effectively communicate their findings.
• Sport Performance Testing and Prescription: Explores laboratory and field-based performance assessments, emphasizing the appropriate interpretation of data.
Students select and deliver tests for various athletes and provide personalized improvement strategies based on the results.
• Applied Conditioning and Performance Analysis: Draws on the knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the program to identify, collect, analyze, and report on performance-related data from multiple perspectives, contributing to a holistic understanding of athletic performance.
• Practitioner Placement: Provides students with a 100-hour vocational placement of their choice to apply theoretical knowledge to professional practice.
This placement allows for critical analysis of professional practice, theoretical reflection, and development of personal professional practice.

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Assessment:

• Formative Assessment: Regularly used throughout each module to provide feedback on performance before submitting final summative assessments.
Formative assessments do not contribute to the final module grade.
• Summative Assessment: Employed to prepare students for further academic study and professional practice.
Assessment methods include:
• Academic essays and reports
• Projects
• Exams
• Reflective reports
• Presentations (individual and group)
• Practical skills assessments
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Portfolios
• Research project

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: A variety of teaching and learning methods are incorporated to:
• Foster student-centered learning
• Offer flexibility and modernity
• Provide stimulating and challenging learning experiences
• Support student needs at different developmental stages
• Integrate technological approaches through the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE)
• Utilize technology-enhanced learning for practical application of software systems and online resources
• Ensure a strong link between theoretical work and practical application
• Cultivate academic skills, lifelong learning skills, and independent and self-directed learning
• Encourage reflective learning
• Develop effective learning and academic progress through in-depth, evidence-based research dissertations
• Offer an interprofessional perspective on the practical applications of knowledge and skills in industry settings.
• Teaching Methods Used:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Practical demonstrations/observational learning
• Laboratory-based practical work
• Practical teaching/coaching sessions
• Case studies
• Discussion
• Debates
• Small group work
• Seminar presentations
• Reflection
• Problem-based learning
• Vocational placement
• Independent study
• Research projects
• Faculty: Staff members on the program hold subject-specific qualifications at advanced levels, conduct research relevant to their expertise, have experience working in coaching and performance sport, and actively engage in continuing professional development.
They bring their professional, real-world experience to the program.
• Learning and Teaching Assessment (LTA): Regularly evaluated and improved using module evaluations, student feedback, peer review of teaching, and module development sessions to enhance student learning and maintain best practice in teaching and assessment.

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Careers:

The program prepares students for a range of career paths within the field of sports performance, including:

• Performance Sport Coaching: This involves working with athletes at all levels to improve their physical and mental performance.
• Performance Development: Working with athletes to optimize their training programs and ensure they are reaching their full potential.
• Talent Identification: Identifying promising athletes with the potential to succeed at a high level.
• Sport Science Support: Providing scientific support to athletes, coaches, and teams, including analysis of performance data, biomechanics, and physiology.
• Performance Analysis: Analyzing athletic performance using video and other data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

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Other:

• The course is taught in small class sizes to provide students with personalized attention and a close-knit learning environment.
• Students gain practical experience through modules and a 100-hour placement, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world settings.
• The program boasts industry links with professional sports clubs and national governing bodies, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and career pathways.
• The University of Cumbria offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants, and funds to support students throughout their studies.
• Students have access to top-quality facilities including a performance analysis suite, a strength and conditioning room, a human performance lab, and various sports facilities.
• Students are encouraged to wear appropriate trainers and a University sports kit during practical sessions and placements.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Tuition Fees
2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK £13,575 - International
• The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
• Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year.
The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.