Mass sports participation and general exercise are rapidly developing occupations supported by an increasingly specialist industry specialising in testing and exercise prescription. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) defines sport and exercise science as: „The application of scientific principles to the promotion, maintenance and enhancement of sport and exercise related behaviours.”
In this degree you’ll explore a wide curriculum with exercise physiology, biomechanics, psychology and sociology the core areas of focus. You’ll study the short and long term changes the body experiences after physical activity, environmental stress and exercise; the biomechanics of human movement, including the interaction between the athlete and the equipment they use; and motivation and group dynamics in exercise. You’ll also develop the skills to identify the optimal techniques to boost sporting performance and analyse movement to reduce risk of injury.
Our teaching staff are experts in their field with interests varying from elite athlete performance testing, supra-maximal exercise, cardiopulmonary testing, stroke rehabilitation and neuromuscular patterns in movement. Some of our staff, such as Nick Gardiner, have even contributed to prestigious publications in clinical sports medicine.
The University has state-of-the-art facilities available to you throughout the course, this includes Cosmed breath by breath gas analysers, Woodway treadmills, a climate chamber, blood analysers, BodPod (body fat analyser), Wattbikes, EMG and 2D motion analysis.
There’s also an optional work placement module where you’ll gain experience in the culture and structure of the sport and exercise science industry.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through written and practical exams, practical reports, presentations, class tests and a final research dissertation.
After the course
This degree will prepare you for a career in the scientific or commercial worlds, with many students choosing to work in the fitness industry. You’ll receive general scientific training that will enable you to take on a wide variety of roles. Previous graduates have gone into careers such as sports therapy at AFC Wimbledon and holistic training at Educogym. Others have continued on to a PGCE, enabling them to work in education.
