Overview
Sport and exercise science involves the application of scientific theory and principles within the domains of physical activity, exercise, and sports performance. The scientific evidence supporting the importance of a physically active lifestyle continues to develop, and is an internationally important area of science. In addition, the scientific analysis and support of sports performance continues to advance across multiple sporting disciplines. These two factors ensure that sport and exercise science students not only study important, topical material, but also prepare themselves for the exciting career opportunities that this discipline provides. The degree is designed to develop graduates who have the underlying scientific theory and practical skills required for professional practice. Click on the 'Further Information' tab for additional career opportunity information.
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree at UCS is comprised of three scientific disciplines: physiology, biomechanics and psychology. In addition to specific sport and exercise provision, students also benefit from the internationally excellent resources within the School of Science, Technology and Health. In January 2011, new UCS Science facilities were opened on the waterfront of the Ipswich campus. These facilities include a new exercise laboratory, which will further enable students to use the latest scientific apparatus to complement their theoretical learning.
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree is studied over three years. However, for those students who lack the required entry qualifications for the three year programme, the Foundation Year route provides an alternative study opportunity. The aim of the foundation year is to provide students with the subject knowledge, study skills and personal confidence to succeed at degree level in a science subject. The foundation year provides a supportive route to degree level study for students from a wide variety of educational and working backgrounds.
Content and Modules
The three-year BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree is designed to develop graduates who have scientific theory and practical skills required to work in professional practice. The course provides students with the skills required to critically assess the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological characteristics of health related activity and sports performance.
First year modules include:
-
Introduction to Health, Wellbeing and Disease
-
Human Physiology and Biomeasurement
-
Biochemistry and Cell Biology for Nutrition and Exercise
-
Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
-
Introduction to Study Skills and Research Methods
Second year modules include:
-
Exercise Physiology
-
Physical Assessment
-
Nutrition and Biochemistry for Exercise (option)
-
Sport and Exercise Psychology
-
Work-Based Experience (option)
-
Research Methods and Statistics
Third year modules include:
-
A Dissertation
-
Conditioning and Rehabilitation for Performance and Health
-
Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Science (option)
-
Human Performance and Behaviour in Challenging Environments
-
An Individual Project (option)
The optional work-based experience module in the second year enables students to utilise and develop their skills within a relevant work environment. This is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their employability skills and career prospects.
The wide variety of learning opportunities and experiences range from formal teaching methods (e.g. lectures and seminars) to more activity-based and experiential learning (e.g. laboratory work and field tests). As the course progresses, there is a shift towards student initiated activities that foster autonomous study and vocationally relevant graduate skills. During the course, students will be assessed though a diverse mixture of essays, laboratory reports, practical assessments, presentations, exams, and an independent study dissertation.
Students' learning is facilitated by a supportive, enthusiastic, research active staff team. UCS also possesses excellent student support infrastructure.
Further Information
Career Opportunities
Following successful completion of the degree, graduate opportunities include postgraduate study, research positions, and employment in a diverse range of health/sport/exercise/lifestyle related occupations.
Some possible destinations of graduates include: exercise physiologists, sports performance analysts, strength and conditioning practitioners, sports development officers, health and exercise advisors, GP referral exercise consultants, sport and/or exercise research scientists, and MSc and PhD studentships.
Secondary science and physical education teaching (after a one-year PGCE or GTP) have also been popular destinations. Given the degree's strengths in the natural sciences, the ability to teach both science and physical education are strongly supported.