BSc Honours Sport and Exercise Science Degree

Overview & facilities

Middlesex is number 1 for sport employability in the UK (2010, Unistats) and we are committed to ensuring our courses remain as relevant to employers as possible. Because of this, we have recently developed our main BSc Sport and Exercise Science programme.

During the course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific methods in the sport and exercise science arena, including knowledge on:

• Human structure and function with reference to exercise performance, health or movement
• The psychology of working with those in sport
• Nutritional needs of the physically active
• The basic effects of pharmacological agents on exercise performance, disease and health
• Techniques and procedures used to assess physical fitness and well-being

You will also need to gain 150 hours of practical experience across two placements – this industry experience will set you aside from other sport graduates when you are looking for employment after graduation.

As well as the straight BSc Sport and Exercise Science course, we offer two other pathways:
BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Teaching and Coaching Sport)
BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Sports Performance)

Students across all three of these programmes take a common first year, with the opportunity to specialise in year three or continue with the straight honours course. You can apply directly to these specialist pathways now, or choose at the end of your second year.

Facilities

• Teaching at the Human Performance Lab with opportunity to use equipment where top athletes are also assessed
• Human Performance Lab is staffed by a qualified team of researchers and academics, and has links with sporting organisations
• Health & Injury clinic which supports student learning and athletes
• Our London Sport Institute focuses on research and consultancy (from optimising Sports Performance to Physical Activity and Health issues)

Content & modules

This programme is suitable for those wishing to purse a career in the broad area of sport, health, exercise and physical activity.

We offer a Practical learning integrated with a strong theoretical base.

This programme will be based at our flagship Hendon campus from September 2008.

Modules

• Year 1

  Fundamentals of Anatomy and Human Movement (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of clinical and functional anatomy. Exploration of the microscopic and macroscopic structure of nerves, muscles, joints, bone and provides a fundamental platform upon which to build understanding of applied biomechanics and human movement.

  Fundamentals of Health and Fitness (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The sport rehabilitator or sport trainer will need to be aware of the benefits and adverse consequences of physical activity. S/he will also need to be aware of the role of physical activity in the development and maintenance of health, fitness and in optimising sports performance. The future professional role of a trainer may involve caring for a range of individuals, from the elite athlete through to special populations using exercise as a clinical intervention. The module aims to provide an introduction to core concepts developed later in the program, stimulate an interest in current issues in athletic health care and encourage the development of appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress.

  Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of the module is to highlight and introduce the fundamental key scientific concepts and principles, across the three main sports science disciplines of physiology, psychology, and biomechanics.

  Professional Skills Development and Work Experience (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide an introduction to the core concepts developed including communication, teamwork, numeracy skills, use of information technology and the development of a personal development portfolio later in the programme and encourage the development of appropriate administrator s, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress.

• Year 2

  Applied Physiology and Biomechanics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to enable students to understand the physiological basis of human movement from the cortex to skeletal muscle. To understand the mechanical basis of human movement from Newton s laws to the kinematics and kinetics of sport, exercise, and rehabilitation. To understand the chronic physiological adaptations to sport, exercise and rehabilitation. To understand the principles of measurement in muscle, vascular and cardiopulmonary physiology. To understand the principles of measurement in the kinetics and kinematics of human movement.

  Applied Sport Exercise Science Research Methods (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To introduce students of health and social care related subjects to the process of health and social care research. It is a professional requirement for those working in health and social care related disciplines to underpin their knowledge with research and evidence-based practice. Professionals need to be able to access research findings, and through an understanding of the research process and methodology, be able to critique research and apply this knowledge to practice. The aim of this module is to develop the students awareness the research process and to equip them with the skills required in the subject area appropriate to their target award and to offer some preparation for the final year project/dissertation.

  Applied Sports and Exercise Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module integrates psychology theory with sport and exercise to explore how performance can be optimised. The first part of the module focuses on psychological and personal factors that affect performance, physical activity, exercise and sporting achievements. The module then progresses on to psychological skills training and the development of a sport psychology framework, focusing on specific techniques that can improve performance. The module provides the individual with a theoretical understanding of factors that underpin working with athletes and exercisers through practical exercises as well as psychological sport and exercise tests. The later part of the module provides an understanding for those working in sport, exercise, and rehabilitation on how psychological and socio-cultural issues impact on recovery from injury and illness and explores the importance of lifestyle management in working with those recovering from injury.

• Year 3

  Advanced Sport and Exercise Science (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of the module is to highlight and introduce the advanced key scientific Principles and contemporary topics, across the three main sports science disciplines of physiology, psychology and biomechanics.

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to synthesise learning from the students undergraduate programme providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity; an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest on which they wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. They will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period if independent study.

  Interdisciplinary Sports Science (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce additional advanced sport science concepts, from each discipline. Examine analyse their role in optimising sports performance in a field setting as well as how they may practically influence the coaching process. Demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of how the theoretical principles of biomechanics, physiology and psychology apply to and impact on the coaching process and performance of four unique sports disciplines. This module will enable students to experience and apply appropriate interdisciplinary tools and procedures in working with the athlete

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We noramlly make offers on a minimum of 220 tariff points science based A levels, BTEC or Access / Advanced Progression Diplomas at Equivalent to the above. GCSE C in Maths, English Language and Science subjects

Please apply via UCAS
UCAS code BSc-SES C615

Apply now

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Graduates can gain employment in 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. On graduation, students can continue with their professional studies taking British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) training programmes to qualify in three years as accredited sports and exercise scientist. Suitable graduates can study to become physiotherapists or sports rehabilitators. Membership in BASES is recommended to students.  Career opportunities and postgraduate programmes in sport are advertised on their web site www.bases.org

Graduate Employment prospects

Latest survey figures show that six months after graduating:

• 87% of Middlesex BSc Sport and Exercise Science graduates were in employment or further study 
• 13% were listed as 'other', and assumed to be unemployed or doing something else, such as travelling  

(Based on data from Economics respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education Survey)

Examples of the types of jobs that graduates from the class of 2009-10 are doing include:

Rehab advisor, Lifestyle coach, Sports Manager, Sports Coach.