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Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching) BSc Honours

With some of the UK's most advanced facilities at our brand-new West Stand building, you'll build an advanced understanding of how to best support professional sportspeople
Code
C60F
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Wesley Fox

The London Sport Institute is top in London for Sport Exercise Science and Rehabilitation – Guardian League Tables 2023.

This means we'll help you thrive in a variety of professional sports coaching roles. this course is taught by active sports professionals involved in coaching, sports rehabilitation and performance.

Why choose Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching) BSc Honours at Middlesex?

The course is based in our modern facilities at StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens Rugby Club. You’ll have access to the brand new £23 million redevelopment project of the West Stand, offering state-of-the-art facilities as a top educational and high-performance centre for teaching and research excellence. With some of the most advanced equipment in the UK, you will be able to utilise the new specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs, plus much more.

What you will gain

Upon completion of the course, you’ll be armed with a range of knowledge including coaching, physical education, sports psychology and more. You’ll learn how to assess fitness, well-being and nutrition to enhance performance of an individual or team.

We have 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers.

What you will learn

This course emphasises a scientific approach to supporting athletes to perform at their peak while reducing the risk of injury.

You'll learn how to plan and prepare physical education and coaching sessions in line with national minimum expected standards and strengthen your confidence in implementing a range of teaching, learning and coaching styles.

You'll have the opportunity to explore coaching roles and responsibilities which are essential in successfully leading and supporting people to improve sports performance. You'll also develop an in-depth understanding of physiological, psychological and biomechanical theories, and how they can be used to assist performance enhancement.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Expert teaching staff
    91% of students were positive about the quality of teaching on their course – National Student Survey 2023
  • Build career-enhancing connections
    We collaborate with sports teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Saracens Rugby, fostering valuable industry connections for students to develop alongside their studies
  • State-of-the-art facilities
    Specialised spaces, simulations suites and labs all at the Stone X stadium partnered with Saracens Rugby Club as well state-of-the-art facilities at the Hendon campus

Study at our world-class facilities: The London Sports Institute


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This is a three or four year degree, depending on an optional industry placement year. It can also be studied part-time over six years. The work placement year takes place between the second and third years of the degree. Your full-time study years are structured like this:

Year 1

This aims to teach you fundamental sport and exercise science knowledge. You'll achieve this through gaining a range of specialised practical and laboratory skills, underpinning the ability to plan, develop and implement solutions to a variety of sporting problems.

Year 2

The aim of this year is to build on core theories and examine your ability to apply knowledge in a variety of practical tasks. An emphasis on research skills will support critical thinking and formulate an individual research project.

Year 3

You'll work collaboratively with peers, industry professionals and athletes to apply advanced sport & exercise science principles. To be effective, you'll have to critically review literature independently, applying best practice to holistically improve sporting performance.

The opportunity to gain industry-specific work placements during this year will develop skills needed in the professional domain.

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Fundamentals of Research Methods in Sport & Exercise Science (15 credits)

      This module will provide a broad understanding and the fundamental knowledge of the key academic skills required for you to successfully complete your undergraduate degree. You will know the underlying core and theoretical frameworks for research methods and academic writing by demonstrating your understanding of data collection and analysis, literature, sourcing literature, the components of research and by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

    • Fundamentals of Physical Education and Sports Coaching (15 credits)

      This module provides a broad understanding of learning theories and coaching styles in a variety of sporting situations. Students will know the underlying theoretical concepts of how to plan, deliver, evaluate and modify coaching sessions, whilst understanding the national curriculum and the differences between the pedagogy at various key stages. Students will work effectively on complex coaching sessions both individually and as a group to enhance their interpersonal and communications skills.

    • Fundamentals of Training Principles in Sport and Exercise (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to introduce the underlying theoretical frameworks of health and fitness, to provide you with the confidence and practical skills to deliver effective training sessions.

      You will develop your coaching knowledge through a variety of topics, ranging from the benefits and risks of physical activity, the development and maintenance of health, fitness, and understand how to optimise and monitor sports performance.

      The theoretical sessions will support you to undertake complex and routine practical performance tasks, orientated around developing effective coaching skills, both on an individual and group basis.

    • Movement Analysis (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with a broad knowledge of anatomy to develop an understanding of the principals of movement.

      You will explore the function of the skeletal system and identify the joints range of movement and type structuring the human skeleton. This will provide a platform to understanding how bones interact with muscles in order to produce primary movement at joints.

      You can then utilise the knowledge gained and apply this to advancing your coaching skills across a wide range of sports

    • Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      To introduce and apply key scientific concepts and principles across the three main sports science disciplines of physiology, psychology and biomechanics. Students will gain a broad understanding of human movement, physiological mechanisms that underpin these movements and core psychological concepts that affect health and sporting performance. Students will learn how to work effectively in a team by carrying out practical investigations in all three sport and exercise disciplines.

    • Made in Middlesex Expansion Module (Cognitive Me) (15 credits)

      This module is aimed at transforming the personal and professional outcomes of undergraduate students at Middlesex University. By working in partnership within and beyond sporting disciplines, learners will be challenged to transfer skills and harness free-thinking knowledge from a range of inter-related sectors. Utilising multi-department collaboration, students will harness expansive information from experts within Support and Wellbeing, Employability, Learning Enhancement and the Students Union through a practice-oriented educational environment. Through applying broader educational principles, students will have new opportunities to develop innovative skills that inspire a life-long aptitude for individually and co-operatively solving problems within inclusive socio-economic development, the sustainability of communities and the underlying concepts of equity, health and wellbeing.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Made in Middlesex Expansion Module (Associative Me) (15 Credits)

      This module builds on the personal and professional outcomes of undergraduate students that were secured at level 4. By continuing to work beyond sporting disciplines, learners will be challenged to provide opinions and back this up with reasoning and evidence throughout a range of inter-related sectors. Utilising multi-department collaboration, students will appraise, assess and critique the information from subject experts within Support and Wellbeing, Employability, Learning Enhancement and the Students Union.

      Through comparing broader educational principles, students will further develop innovative skills that inspire a life-long aptitude for individually and co-operatively solving problems within inclusive socio-economic development, the sustainability of communities and the underlying concepts of equity, health and wellbeing.

    • Applied Physical Education and Coaching (30 credits)

      This module will develop and extend students’ knowledge and understanding when delivering a range of physical activities and sports at Key Stages 1-4.

      Students will create an extensive provision of physical activities including teaching and coaching materials that examines as well as encouraging progression and development.

      Students will analyse and develop physical skills from its fundamentals through to more complex and advanced forms whilst understanding National Physical Education and coaching standards, systems and guidelines required.

    • Applied Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      To provide detailed knowledge of key biomechanical, physiological and psychological theories and concepts that can affect sport and exercise.

      You will explore the mechanical basis of human movement, develop your understanding of the chronic physiological adaptations to sport and exercise and learn how to optimise performance through psychological techniques.

      You will interact effectively within a team to gather data and be required to interpret and analyse your findings in the form of a scientific report.

    • Applied Performance Analysis (15 credits)

      This module will provide you with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis concepts and practical skills to prepare you for work in an applied performance analysis environment.

      Learning to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis can be utilised in sport.

      You will learn the roles and responsibilities of the performance analyst developing and adapting interpersonal and communication skills to a range of sporting scenarios and audiences.

    • Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition (15 credits)

      The aim of this module is to provide detailed knowledge of key concepts and theories of sport and exercise nutrition that can influence sporting performance.

      You will explore the physiological and biochemical basis of sport and exercise nutrition and develop your understanding of applied strategies to enable an adaptation in sporting performance.

    • Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition (15 credits)

      The aim of this module is to provide detailed knowledge of key concepts and theories of sport and exercise nutrition that can influence sporting performance.

      You will explore the physiological and biochemical basis of sport and exercise nutrition and develop your understanding of applied strategies to enable an adaptation in sporting performance.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Dissertation (15 credits)

      This module aims to synthesise existing learning from the students' undergraduate programme, providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity; requiring students to use an inquiry-based approach, for the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic relevant to their degree on which they wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. Students will judge the reliability, validity and significance of the evidence to support conclusions and/or recommendations.

    • Advanced Physical Education and Coaching (30 credits)

      This module takes a systematic approach to the key concepts of effective PE teaching and sports coaching by exposing the students to the notions of coaching philosophy and effectiveness, whilst also addressing the complex issues around the development of the young athlete. This module will further the level of understanding for several key curriculum-based sports from a practical setting that will give students the opportunity to analyse and apply new techniques and tactics.

    • Work Based Practice (30 credits)

      This module develops the student’s ability to apply the in-depth knowledge and skills gained from prior learning in relation to a professional practice environment. Students will be required to reflect and evaluate their working practice and be able to adopt a problem-solving approach to practice and a working environment. Sport & Exercise Pathway only There is a compulsory placement module where students will be encouraged to seek short term (minimum of 400 hours) of work experience in a suitable Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation environment; this should be supervised by a suitably qualified practitioner (certified and registered/insured with a professional body; Sports Rehabilitator, Sports Therapist, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Sports Medicine doctor, or equivalent, dictated by the programme leader).

    • Advanced Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      This module develops advanced sport science concepts in an interdisciplinary method. Students will examine and analyse their role in optimising sports performance and/or health in a field setting.

      Students must demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of how the theoretical principles of coaching, biomechanics, physiology, psychology and strength and conditioning can be integrated and applied to working with a client in the field.

      This module will enable students to experience and apply appropriate interdisciplinary knowledge, tools and procedures in working with both elite athletes and general populations.

To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching) BSc Honours (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Assessment and feedback

Facilities

Our sport and exercise science facilities are based nearby to our Hendon campus in StoneX Stadium, offering unique access to elite athletes and coaches.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

A Middlesex student trains another student on weights

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching) support your career?

While this is the ideal degree for those wanting to work as sports coaches or teachers, the full spectrum of sports science careers will be open to you, including health and fitness club management, fitness consultancy, weight management, health promotion, personal fitness training, corporate health advice, sports or physical activity development, medical sales, and the armed forces. There are career opportunities in teaching and research.

Graduate job roles

Previous graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of roles such as Graduate Teaching Assistant, Tutor, PE Teacher, Supply Teacher, School Games Organiser, Manager, Sports Coach and Fitness Instructor

Graduate employers

Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:

  • Teaching Personnel
  • Middlesex University
  • London Metropolitan University
  • Twyford CofE School
  • Nightingale Academy
  • Lee Valley School
  • Box Clubber
  • Willesden Sports Centre.

Further study

Upon graduation, you can continue with your professional studies by taking the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) training programmes to qualify as an accredited sport and exercise scientist. You could also study to become a physiotherapist or sports rehabilitator. Successful graduates also have an enhanced opportunity to gain a place on our highly competitive PGCE programmes.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money 2023 and a top 10 university for producing CEOs (Novuana, 2023).

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

Placements and work experience will give you excellent opportunities to gain hands-on and real-life experience. You'll complete 150 hours of clinical practice throughout your degree (50 hours per year).

You'll receive help and support in identifying a suitable placement as well as with applications if required. Placement opportunities exist in areas such as sports clubs, university sports clubs, local sports development projects, charities, fitness centres and schools.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Our specialist employability service will help you find placement opportunities.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

  • Hannah Newman

    Sport and Exercise Science BSc graduate

    When applying for university, I knew that I wanted to be in London. Middlesex has a great reputation as one of the best in the city for sport, so I was drawn to it from the start. I've enjoyed all aspects of the course in particular the progressive process of the three years of learning, seeing how all the different parts of years one and two have come together and culminated in the extended writing and research projects of year three.

    My undergraduate degree with Middlesex has provided me with a sound sporting background to take forward and I would definitely recommend this course at Middlesex, especially as the great facilities will be well complemented next year by the expansion to StoneX Stadium.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Sport and Exercise Science BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: C615

Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: CQ00

Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: C604

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