University of Bedfordshire

BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science

What will you study?

Studying our Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) course will equip you with the skills and knowledge in physiology, biomechanics and psychology to best prepare you for a career in sport, exercise and health. In year one, via a blend of both theoretical and practical sessions you will learn the principles of human movement and anatomy in both the Anatomy and Biomechanics and Biomechanics for Sport and Exercise Science units. Our Principles of Nutrition and Human Physiology units will provide you with an understanding of metabolism, energy balance and energy conversion alongside the key physiological systems used at both rest and exercise within the human body. You will be given an Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology and how it contributes to performance enhancement and athlete wellbeing. You will also be introduced to reading and understanding sport and exercise science research in our Introduction to Research Methods unit. Furthermore, there will be an opportunity to gain the Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification endorsed by CIMPSA in Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning. You will also gain a coach's perspective into the field of sport and exercise science in our Developing the Coaching Environment and Practice unit.

During year two, our Exercise Physiology Measurement and Assessment unit will develop your laboratory skills by allowing you to experience testing external athletes with the University of Bedfordshire’s Human Performance Centre. Using both theory and practice, you will also examine the current factors that influence sport and exercise performance, how the human body adapts to different types of exercise and various training methods in the Physiology of Exercise and Adaptation. You will also enhance your understanding of nutrition for sport, health and exercise in our Nutrient Metabolism unit. Through examining human behaviour, you will look at the Social Psychology of Sport by analysing theories, principles and concepts to understand behaviour and its effects on performance and participation in sport and physical activity. The Biomechanics unit will focus on acquiring the skills for measurement and assessment techniques in sports science practice while considering sports performance and injury prevention. You also have the opportunity in Advanced Applied Exercise Practice to gain the Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification endorsed by CIMPSA.

You may wish to gain further insight into the technical, tactical and physical components underpinning sport in our Performance Analysis: Individual unit. Finally, both Dissertation Preparation and Research Methods for Sport and Exercise and Physical Activity will provide you with a further opportunity to enhance your understanding of sport and exercise science research to prepare you for your final year project. Finally, you can also undertake a Professional Practice Year (Sport Science and Physical Activity) that will allow you to gain work experience while developing your professional skills. In year three, you will consider the current measures of exercise performance and issues within sport and exercise science during Applied Exercise Physiology. You will also consider the role of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health in the prevention, management and treatment of disease. This course also gives you the flexibility to choose from a range of optional units to tailor to your interests. You may complete a Dissertation for Sport Science and Physical Activity designing and auctioning a relevant study within your field of interest, using the skills and knowledge gained from your academic study.

Alternatively, you may complete the Work Placement Project or Work Experience in Sport Science and Physical Activity units that will allow you to undertake work experience in the field that can be used to develop reflective practice, critical evaluation and work-based skills. You can explore a variety of techniques in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology, discover the ergogenic aids used by athletes to enhance performance in the Performance Nutrition unit, or analyse the Psychology of Physical Activity and how it affects participation and psychological well-being. Furthermore, our Applied Biomechanics unit will teach you the techniques for biomechanical analyses of performers and how to make recommendations based on this. Separately, if you wish to learn more about how to safely prescribe exercise, particularly for individuals with diseases, our Exercise and Fitness Testing for Clinical Populations unit will give you the opportunity to do this. Furthermore, this unit will also allow you to obtain the CIMPSA-endorsed Working with People with Long-Term Conditions qualifications.

How will you be assessed?

Assessment on the course is both formative and summative in nature and occurs at various points throughout the academic year. A wide variety of strategies and activities are employed to assess the specific unit learning outcomes and to permit all students opportunities to utilise their personal strengths across different assessment types.

Modes of assessment include examinations (seen and unseen) essays practical tests laboratory reports research projects case studies presentations and data-analysis exercises. These assessment methods will develop and assess core knowledge and skills relevant to your future employment and/or further education.

At level 4 you will be assessed primarily on your breadth of knowledge pertaining to core relevant topics. At level 5 you will be assessed on your level of knowledge and ability to critically evaluate specific key topics. At level 6 your assessments will evaluate your ability to critically analyse core topics synthesise literature and theories and apply this in various situations through a process of problem-solving. Formative assessment points provide feedback regarding your progress and diagnostic assessment will be used to assess your knowledge and understanding

BSc Sport and Exercise Science, with its strong emphasis on performance and health, equips graduates for diverse careers in the sports and health sectors. Recent graduates have become sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and technical coaches in professional sports such as football, rugby, and cricket. Those with a passion for health have pursued careers in Public Health and Exercise Referral, supporting various populations with long-term health conditions. The course also serves as an excellent foundation for postgraduate studies, including a PGCE in Physical Education or an MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, and Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Behaviour Change. Additionally, the course’s research focus has inspired some graduates to advance into PhD studies.