BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences program at the University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underlying human movement and performance. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical experience, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in the sport and leisure sector. The program offers access to world-class sports facilities and cutting-edge labs, enhancing students' practical experience and research opportunities. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as sports scientists, performance analysts, sports psychologists, and other roles in the field.

Program Outline

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences | The University of Sunderland

Degree Overview:

Students will gain knowledge and practical experience in various disciplines, including:

• Psychology
• Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Nutrition
• Injury rehabilitation
This comprehensive approach will equip them to analyze and develop strategies to optimize performance in sport and exercise. The course is delivered by an excellent teaching team with extensive experience in the industry.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a thorough understanding of the scientific principles underlying human movement and performance.
• Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on practical work, workshops, and lectures.
• Enhance students' communication and research abilities through presentations, essays, and reports.
• Prepare students for professional careers in the sport and leisure sector through a combination of academic learning, practical experience, and industry links.

Course Description:

This program provides a broad understanding of the scientific principles underpinning human movement and performance. Students explore topics like:

• The impact of exercise on the body
• The psychological factors involved in athletic success
• The effective management and rehabilitation of sports injuries
Through practical sessions and theoretical study, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze athletic performance, design effective training programs, and promote participant health and wellbeing. They also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to various employment settings within the sports and leisure industry.

Outline:

Year 1 (national level 4):

• Academic and Professional Development (20 credits): Acquiring essential skills for academic achievement and employability, raising awareness and comprehension of lifelong learning processes, gaining an industry-recognized qualification in fitness instruction or sports massage (aligned with government vocational qualification standards), completing 50 hours of work-related experience.
• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology and Movement Analysis (20 credits): Understanding the physiological principles related to exercise and human movement.
• Introduction to Motor Skills and Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 credits): Exploring motor skill acquisition and development, alongside exploring psychological factors influencing sports and exercise participation.
• Introduction to Athlete Testing (20 credits): Mastering various testing methods used to assess fitness levels and athletic performance.
• Introduction to Nutrition (20 credits): Learning the fundamentals of nutrition for optimal health and athletic performance.
• Sport and Health in the Community (20 credits): Understanding the role of sport and exercise in promoting public health and wellbeing within communities.

Year 2 (national level 5):

• Core modules:
• Research and Professional Development (20 credits)
• Physiology of Fitness Training (20 credits)
• Motivating Physical Activity (20 credits)
• Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement (20 credits)
• Optional modules – choose one:
• Injuries and Rehabilitation (20 credits)
• Performance Analysis (20 credits)
• Nutrition in Health and Disease (20 credits)

Final year (national level 6):

• Core modules:
• Applied Project (40 credits)
• Optional modules – choose three:
• Sport and Exercise Physiology (20 credits)
• Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 credits)
• Strength, Conditioning and Prehabilitation (20 credits)
• Exercise and Diet Behaviour (20 credits)
• Exercise for Special Populations (20 credits)
• Sport Psychology (20 credits)

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to gauge student learning throughout the course, including:

• Essays: Evaluating students' ability to express and structure arguments and synthesize information effectively in written form.
• Reports: Assessing students' capacity to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings concisely and accurately.
• Practical work: Evaluating students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and technical expertise in relevant sport and exercise science practical applications.
• Presentations: Assessing students' communication abilities, public speaking confidence, and ability to present research or project work clearly and persuasively.

Teaching:

The University of Sunderland employs diverse teaching methods to enhance students' understanding and skill development, including:

• Small group work: Facilitating active and collaborative learning environments where students interact with peers, discuss ideas, and tackle problems collectively.
• Practical activities: Providing hands-on experience to reinforce concepts learned in theoretical settings, fostering practical skills development through real-world application.
• Workshops: Facilitating interactive sessions focused on specific topics to deepen understanding and explore concepts in detail, promoting active participation and knowledge application.
• Lectures: Delivering expert knowledge from experienced academics in the field of Sport and Exercise science, providing foundational information and stimulating further inquiry.
• Tutorials: Providing personalized support in smaller group settings, facilitating deeper understanding, addressing individual learning needs, and fostering personalized feedback for improvement.
• Computer-based learning: Employing technology to enhance the accessibility of learning materials, provide interactive simulations and assessments, and offer flexible options to suit individual learning preferences.
• Presentations: Developing student skills in articulation, research communication, and presentation techniques, enabling confident sharing of findings and engaging with diverse audiences.
• Independent learning: Fostering student autonomy and self-directed learning, encouraging independent research, critical reflection on acquired knowledge, and self-management of study schedules and resources.

Careers:

This program prepares graduates for various career paths and further study opportunities. Some potential career options for Sports and Exercise Science graduates include:

• Sports scientist
• Performance analyst
• Sports psychologist
• Strength and conditioning coach
• Sports therapist
• Nutritionist
Graduates may find opportunities to work in sports clubs, national sports associations, sports and leisure companies, recreation services, local authorities, health bodies such as the NHS, and schools and colleges. They can also choose to pursue careers within clinical support services assisting health or medical professionals in various specialties. Sunderland's strong network with regional and national sports organizations, local healthcare facilities, and fitness centers helps students gain valuable industry connections and potential future employers. Throughout the course, students receive support and guidance in securing supervised experience, an integral stage in the journey to becoming a professionally recognized Sport and Exercise Scientist accredited through British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

Other:

Locations with access to world-class sports facilities

This course provides access to the university's exceptional sport facilities, including:

• A modern sport hall and fitness suite, offering students opportunities for training and practical applications.
• State-of-the-art strength and conditioning rooms equipped with advanced technology to enhance training programs.
• Dedicated injury prevention and support suites providing access to diverse recovery and rehabilitation resources.
• Climbing wall challenging students with various levels of climbing experience.
Students also have access to the university's cutting-edge labs:
• Clinical Biomechanics lab: Featuring Vicon motion capture systems, Xsens motion capture suits, specialized software for biomechanical analysis, and a specialized research environment, providing students with opportunities to conduct advanced study and research on human movement and biomechanics.
• Human Performance Lab: Equipped for advanced cardiovascular testing and health and fitness assessment, providing equipment such as gas analysis systems, cycle ergometers, and specialized machines for assessing diverse fitness and health parameters.
• Human Physiology Lab: Offering specialized research equipment, including advanced imaging and physiological testing tools.
• Sports medicine and anatomy labs: Featuring a clinical lab equipped with skeletons, anatomical models, advanced software tools (3D software, online materials), and specialized equipment for learning sports injury rehabilitation techniques (sports massage, ultrasound equipment).
• Sports medicine and anatomy: Providing access to the Anatomy Building with real human cadavers for visualization of human structure in a real-life context.
These labs are designed to enhance practical experience, scientific inquiry, and research opportunities within the field of Sports and Exercise Sciences.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• The annual fee for this course is:
• £9,250 if you are from the UK/Europe
• £16,000 if you are an international student (EU nationals will receive a £5,750 scholarship to reduce their fee to £10,250)
• The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter.