Overview
How can athletes optimise their training and performance? How can individuals and communities improve their physical activity, health and well-being? Our inter-disciplinary team of scientists and practitioners will help you understand the role of physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition in sports and exercise science.
Our BSc Sports and Exercise Science course will give you a new and exciting perspective on the world of sport, exercise, health and physical fitness.
Your study topics include:
- How and why different energy systems are deployed at different exercise intensities
- Biomechanical principles behind acute and chronic sporting injuries, and how these can be applied to prevent injuries
- The role of ergogenic aids in improving athletic performance
- How physical activity and nutrition can reduce the risk of cardio-metabolic disease
- The design and implementation of psychological skills training programmes
Practical work in your first two years provides you with the professional and scientific skills you need to conduct your own research project in your final year, and to make the transition to postgraduate study or on to a fulfilling career in a range of industries, especially sport, health and education.
As part of our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences you’ll have an exciting opportunity to join a community specifically focused on sports and exercise science, sports therapy and physiotherapy. We bring together internationally recognised research, share knowledge, and enhance placement and vocational opportunities for our students and graduates.
Study abroad
Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.
Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.
If you spend a full year abroad you’ll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won’t pay any tuition fees to your host university
Placement year
Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation. This is usually focussed around your course, and enables you to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.
Organisations our students have recently been placed with include West Ham United Football Club, Colchester United Football Club, Colchester Rugby Club and Royal Hospital School.
Why we’re great
- 94% of our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences students are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2021).
- Work with elite athletes and gain experience in our renowned Human Performance Unit.
- We are ranked 13th for Sport Science in the Complete University Guide 2022.
Structure
Course structure
We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists.
Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The course content is therefore reviewed on an annual basis to ensure our courses remain up-to-date so modules listed are subject to change.
Teaching and learning disclaimer
Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.
The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently approved for 2022 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.
