Manchester Metropolitan University

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Course information

Our sport and exercise sciences programme is taught via a blended approach of theory and practical classes. In Year 1, you will study anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and psychology as core modules. As you progress through the degree, you will have the opportunity in Year 2 to select options relating to health or performance. You will also have several options to choose from in your final year, which will enable you to focus more on specific areas of interest or select modules with a broader, interdisciplinary focus.

The assessment range of this degree reflects the nature of the skills required to work in sport and exercise. Assessments may include group work, presentations, class-based tests, and written work (including essays, reports, seminar papers and research articles).

The programme is delivered by academics who have pioneered imaging techniques for human physiology, impacted on the classification of Paralympic athletes, and developed new insights into applied physiological, psychological, and biomechanical techniques. This means you can be assured that your education is keeping pace with the sector, laying the foundations for your future career success.

Studying with our Institute of Sport offers the chance to learn from experienced professionals in a friendly and supportive environment. While you’ll study a curriculum shaped by the latest research, you’ll also get the chance to work in state-of-the-art facilities, including an environmental chamber, clinical imaging, biomechanics assessments, sports performance laboratories and much more. And, just as we have the technology, we also have the network – with an impressive range of partnerships, from universities and health bodies to national sports bodies and elite teams.

Manchester provides a brilliant setting. It’s home to a wide range of healthcare providers and is a hub for biomedical research excellence, with the University working closely with local hospitals, the Nuffield Trust, and local and national medical device manufacturers. It’s also a true capital of sport. Here, you’ll find two of the world’s biggest football clubs, a range of sports brands’ HQs, several national sport bodies and a range of venues that host major sporting events. If you’re aiming to forge a future in sport, exercise or fitness, there are few better places to start.

Year 1

The first year of our sport and exercise science degree will introduce you to key disciplines, including sport and exercise psychology, professional skills in sport, and human movement, using a blended approach of theory and hands-on practical classes. You will also learn about the fundamentals of physiology and exercise metabolism, whilst developing essential skills in research methods. This year also allows you to build a strong foundation in psychological principles, and human movement analysis. Units typically include the following (the list is indicative and may change).

Core modules

• Fundamentals of Human Movement
• Fundamentals of Physiology and Exercise Metabolism
• Professional Skills for Sport and Exercise
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Year 2

During the second year, you will develop more detailed knowledge of the disciplines of physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and nutrition. You will also build upon professional skills in sport and exercise science. Modules typically include the following (the list is indicative and may change).

Core modules

• Applied Exercise Physiology and Nutrition
• Applied Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Advanced Professional Skills for Sport and Exercise

Year 3

If you opt for the four-year placement route, your third year will be spent on placement.

During the final year, you will build your knowledge and skillset to gain the experience and confidence needed to secure graduate employment. You will focus on the key skills needed in planning research and undertake an individual project in an area of your choice, working alongside one of our experienced academics. Modules typically include the following (the list is indicative and may change).

Core modules

• Planning Projects in Sport and Exercise
• Individual Project in Sport and Exercise

Option modules

• Sport Conditioning and Performance Analysis
• Exercise Science for Clinical Populations
• Multidisciplinary Strategies for Sports Performance
• Public Health Nutrition and Exercise Prescription

Thanks to recent high profile sporting events in the UK, sport and exercise are in the spotlight as important ways to improve health and wellbeing. It’s an exciting time to get involved and there are a huge number of opportunities in the sector.

There are several careers directly relevant to our sport and exercise science degree. You might want to work as a sports scientist with professional athletes and clubs, within the NHS, or with private healthcare providers. Or maybe you’d like to work as a personal trainer, an exercise professional in a rehabilitation unit, or as an entrepreneur in the leisure industry.

Some of our sport and exercise science graduates choose to go into teaching after studying for a PGCE, while others opt to carry on their studies with a Masters or PhD.

Study

• Year 1 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 75% independent study
• Year 2 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 75% independent study
• Year 3 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 75% independent study

Assessment

• Year 1 100% coursework
• Year 2 100% coursework
• Year 3 100% coursework