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

This module offers you a comprehensive understanding of the essential academic skills necessary for successfully completing their undergraduate degree. You will gain insight into the core theoretical frameworks underpinning research methods and academic writing, demonstrating proficiency in data collection and analysis, literature review, sourcing academic resources, and understanding the components of research, including strengths and weaknesses.

By applying broader educational principles, you will have the opportunity to cultivate innovative skills that foster a lifelong ability to solve problems both individually and collaboratively. These skills are instrumental in promoting inclusive socio-economic development, sustaining communities, and promoting the fundamental concepts of equity, health, and wellbeing. 

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 practice-led approach to 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 whilst taking a keen interest in your own health and well-being

This module aims to introduce key theoretical scientific concepts for sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology. You will use problem-solving skills to apply this knowledge to fundamental practical scenarios and develop practice-led learning and co-leadership while working with participants. Content will cover core principles of human movement, health and wellbeing and athletic performance, and how to measure these topics in a specialist lab environment. You will also cover basic sport psychology ideas and practices. 

This module provides a broad understanding of learning theories, performance analysis and coaching styles in a variety of sporting situations. You 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. You will understand how to analyse performance through video and data analysis skills. You will work effectively on complex coaching sessions both individually and collaboratively as a group to enhance their interpersonal communication and leadership skills. 

This module will provide you with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis and psychological concepts and practical skills to work as an applied practitioner. Learning to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis and psychological skills can be utilised in sport and exercise. You will learn the roles and responsibilities of the performance analyst and sport psychologist, developing and adapting interpersonal and communication skills to a range of sporting scenarios and audiences. 

To provide detailed knowledge of key biomechanical and physiological theories and concepts that can affect sport and exercise. You will explore the mechanical basis of human movement and develop their understanding of the chronic physiological adaptations that occur during sport and exercise. You will interact effectively within a team through physiological and biomechanical laboratory and field-based measurements to interpret and analyse your findings through a scientific report. 

This module will provide you with the skills to analyse a range of academic information, comparing alternative methods and techniques. This will involve collecting and synthesising this information to inform a subject specific research question. You will have knowledge of well-established research methods and concepts evidenced by the awareness of inconsistencies, gaps, and limitations within literature. 

This module will develop and extend students’ knowledge and understanding when delivering a range of inclusive physical activities and game-based sports at Key Stages 1-4. You will create an extensive provision of physical activities including teaching and coaching materials that examines as well as encourages progression and development. You 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. You will demonstrate their ability to problem-solve via practice-led approaches and adaptability within a constraints-based coaching session.

A sport science placement year, also known as a sandwich year, is a valuable opportunity for you to gain practical work experience between your second and final year of a sport science degree. This year-long placement allows you to:

• Apply academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, bridging the gap between theory and practice
• Build industry insight and gain a deeper understanding of various organizations and sectors, enhancing their grasp of the professional landscape
• Develop professional skills through company training programs, networking opportunities, and confidence-building experiences
• Gain relevant experience that can significantly boost their future job applications, and potentially secure a graduate job offer

Additionally, a placement year can provide you with a clearer career direction, help you establish valuable industry contacts, and improve your employability by demonstrating your commitment and capability to prospective employers.

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 in an inclusive environment. 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 problem-solve, analyse and apply new techniques and tactics.

This module aims to develop understanding of monitoring athlete performance and physical and mental wellbeing. You will learn how to use nutrition to optimise athlete performance and health, including investigating current nutrition practices and providing nutrition plans. You will apply monitoring techniques, including training load, GPS, readiness to train, overtraining and tapering. You will study the psychology of injury and burnout, as well as other mental health issues found in athletes. This module aims to provide you with key graduate skills required by the workplace. 

This module aims to cultivate your capacity to effectively apply the comprehensive knowledge and skills acquired autonomously through previous learning within a professional practice setting. You will engage in reflective practices, evaluating your working methods and embracing a problem-solving approach to practice and workplace challenges. A mandatory placement module will prompt you to take personal responsibility to pursue short-term (minimum 50 hours) work experiences in relevant Sport and Exercise Science and Sport Rehabilitation environments, overseen by a suitably qualified practitioner, as determined by the module leader. Placement suitability and supervision are determined by the program leader, while placement availability depends on collaborating organisations. 

Additionally, support mechanisms are in place to facilitate the acquisition of essential employment opportunities and required skills throughout the application. 

This module aims to synthesise existing learning from your undergraduate programme, providing an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity; requiring you to use an inquiry-based approach, and develop research skills learned in Level 5 Research Methods. You will select a topic relevant to your degree on which you wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. You will judge the reliability, validity and significance of the evidence to support conclusions and/or recommendations. 

You will be studying at our new West Stand facility at StoneX Stadium, home of the Saracens rugby team, London.

You can use a free regular shuttle bus service to get to StoneX park from our Hendon campus.

You will have 12 hours of seminars, practical and lab sessions per week.

Independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Teaching vs independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

This course is endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES). CASES membership provides you with access to the largest network of sport and exercise science professionals in the UK, extensive professional development opportunities and resources.

Your learning will be assessed regularly by the following methods. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking. The table below is a good guide.

We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.

The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.

There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.

Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.