Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This Sport, Exercise, and Physical Activity program equips students with knowledge in physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. Through a blend of theory and practical sessions, students gain skills in exercise testing, nutrition, coaching, and performance analysis, preparing them for careers in fitness, health, and sports performance. Endorsed by BASES and CIMSPA, the program offers optional work experience and research opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge in physiology, biomechanics, and psychology to prepare them for a career in sport, exercise, and health. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the science behind sport and exercise performance, combining scientific knowledge with practical experience.

Outline:

Year One:

• Anatomy and Biomechanics: Introduces the principles of human movement and anatomy.
• Biomechanics for Sport and Exercise Science: Focuses on the application of biomechanics principles to sport and exercise.
• Principles of Nutrition: Covers the fundamentals of nutrition, including metabolism, energy balance, and energy conversion.
• Human Physiology: Explores the key physiological systems used at rest and during exercise.
• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology: Introduces the principles and concepts of sport and exercise psychology.
• Introduction to Research Methods: Provides an overview of research methods in sport and exercise science.
• Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning: Offers the opportunity to gain the Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification endorsed by CIMPSA.
• Developing the Coaching Environment and Practice: Provides a coach's perspective on sport and exercise science.

Year Two:

• Exercise Physiology Measurement and Assessment: Develops laboratory skills through practical experience in testing athletes.
• Physiology of Exercise and Adaptation: Examines factors influencing sport and exercise performance, human adaptation to exercise, and training methods.
• Social Psychology of Sport: Analyzes theories, principles, and concepts of social psychology in relation to sport and physical activity.
• Biomechanics: Focuses on measurement and assessment techniques in sports science practice.
• Advanced Applied Exercise Practice: Offers the opportunity to gain the Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification endorsed by CIMPSA.
• Performance Analysis: Individual: Provides insight into the technical, tactical, and physical components of sport.
• Dissertation Preparation and Research Methods for Sport and Exercise and Physical Activity: Enhances understanding of research methods to prepare for the final year project.
• Professional Practice Year (Sport Science and Physical Activity): (Optional) Allows students to gain work experience and develop professional skills.

Year Three:

• Applied Exercise Physiology: Examines current measures of exercise performance and issues in sport and exercise science.
• Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health: Explores the role of physical activity in disease prevention, management, and treatment.
• Dissertation for Sport Science and Physical Activity: (Optional) Allows students to design and conduct a research study in their field of interest.
• Work Placement Project or Work Experience in Sport Science and Physical Activity: (Optional) Provides opportunities for work experience and skill development.
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology: Explores various techniques in sport and exercise psychology.
• Performance Nutrition: Examines ergogenic aids used by athletes to enhance performance.
• Psychology of Physical Activity: Analyzes the impact of psychology on participation and well-being in physical activity.
• Applied Biomechanics: Teaches techniques for biomechanical analysis of performers and making recommendations.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Examinations (seen and unseen)
• Essays
• Practical tests
• Laboratory reports
• Research projects
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Data-analysis exercises
Assessment is both formative and summative, occurring throughout the academic year. The assessment methods are designed to develop and assess core knowledge and skills relevant to future employment and/or further education.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes a blend of theoretical and practical sessions.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in a high-performance environment.
• The program offers research opportunities and skills development.
• Students gain practical experience at the University's Community Exercise Clinic and Human Performance Centre.
• Students have the opportunity to work on projects for elite sports teams, governing bodies, and government initiatives.
• Field trips to destinations such as St George’s Park, Burton-upon-Trent, and King’s College, London, enhance learning.
• Guest speakers from the field of sport and exercise science contribute to the program.
• Students benefit from the support of personal academic tutors.

Careers:

Recent graduates have pursued careers in:

• Fitness consultation
• Nutrition
• Physical education
• Sports performance
• Health and fitness
• Coaching
• Sports development
The program also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study.

Other:

• The course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
• The program offers a Professional Practice Year option for UK/EU students.
• The program is led by Dr Jeff Aldous, who has extensive experience in the field of sport and exercise science.
• The University of Bedfordshire has a strong reputation for research in sport and exercise science.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills.
• The University of Bedfordshire has a strong network of industry partners, providing students with opportunities for work experience and placements.

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. See www.gov.uk/student-finance Merit Scholarship We offer a Merit Scholarship to UK students, worth £2,400 over three academic years, which is awarded to those who can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, through scoring 120 UCAS tariff points or more. Bedfordshire Bursary The Bursary will give you £1,000 over three academic years, or £1,300 if you are taking your course over four academic years (including those with a Foundation Year). Full terms and conditions can be found here. International The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £15,500 per year. A full list of scholarships can be found here.