Overview
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree with Foundation Year is studied over four years. This route provides an fantastic study opportunity for those students who do not possess the required entry qualifications for the three year programme. 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.
The Foundation Year provides core scientific knowledge which is fundamental to specific sport and exercise specific content studied later in the programme. Sport and exercise science itself 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.
2013 Science Fee Waiver
Students applying to study on one of our four year science programmes starting in 2013 can apply for a UCS Science Fee Waiver worth up to £1500. For further details and how to apply visit the Science Fee Waiver page|.
Content and Modules
The four-year BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree with Foundation Year 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.
Foundation year modules include:
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Biophysical Science
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Human Biological Systems
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Health and Nutrition
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Biological Basis for Life
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Maths for Biosciences
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Communication and Study Skills
Second year modules include:
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Introduction to Health, Wellbeing and Disease
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Human Physiology and Biomeasurement
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Biochemistry and Cell Biology for Nutrition and Exercise
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Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
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Introduction to Study Skills and Research Methods
Third year modules include:
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Exercise Physiology
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Physical Assessment
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Nutrition and Biochemistry for Exercise (option)
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Sport and Exercise Psychology
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Work-Based Experience (option)
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Research Methods and Statistics
Fourth year modules include:
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A Dissertation
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Conditioning and Rehabilitation for Performance and Health
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Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Science (option)
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Human Performance and Behaviour in Challenging Environments
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An Individual Project (option)
After successful completion of the Foundation Year, students automatically progress onto the first year of the BSc (Hons) programme.
The optional work-based experience module in the third 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.
Read the full Programme Specification for this course here:
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.
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