Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year)

Why choose this course?

This course is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to follow a career within a sports and exercise environment. It provides insight, understanding, and the necessary skills that are required to develop a range of ability athletes and teams, thereby examining sport and exercise from both performance and participative perspectives.

There are opportunities to engage with community and social enterprise activities, allowing students to gain experience and develop vocational skills.

The programme has five strands running through it;

• Sport Physiology

• Sport Psychology

• Performance Analysis / Biomechanics

• Strength and Conditioning

• Research Skills

The programme looks to provide a solid base for students wishing to follow careers in this exciting area, as well as facilitate pathways into postgraduate study.

You can also study this course as a 3-year programme (without a foundation year).

Key Course Features:

• The programme has additional, free of charge, integrated qualifications embedded within it: Level 2 Gym Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, Level 3 Exercise Referral, Hudl Sportscode Scripting Levels 1 & 2.

• The programme is endorsed by the British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

• Study in a British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited laboratory, allowing for appropriate physiological testing along with much, much more. Read the full story on this BASES accreditation.

• The programme is taught by lecturers from a wide range of backgrounds who are experienced, applied practitioners (from sports psychologists to analysts, physiologists and coaches) and researchers within the fields of sport and exercise.

• Applied learning is essential to our vision. This means that learning is not limited to lecture halls and seminar rooms instead we choose to expose students to more practical, applied and hands-on work. Students will carry out fieldwork and engage in ‘real-world’ work experiences.

• Our range of external partners from sports clubs to Public Health Wales means that students will have lots of opportunities to gain practical experience alongside their studies, including work-related modules that provide students with valuable contacts and experience before they enter the world of work. This greatly enhances student employability.

• Access to excellent facilities including Colliers Park training ground.

• We have an excellent support and personal tutor system to ensure students are supported throughout their studies.

• Our partnership with Rugby League’s Widnes Vikings will provide you with the opportunity to access real-world learning experiences within an elite sporting environment and benefit from a wealth of professional knowledge.

-*This course is part of a subject area rated 1st in the UK for teaching satisfaction in the Sports Science subject league tables, The Guardian University Guide 2024.

A feature of the course will be the practical application of theory to applied environments, to develop links with the sport and exercise industry at all levels from community to elite levels.

The content of the degree course will draw on key sports science principles, through three specific disciplines: Sport Physiology, Sport Psychology and Biomechanics / Performance Analysis.

LEVEL 3 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
The Foundation Year is an integrated year where you will study core modules with a broad range of students from across the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, giving you access to different perspectives and networking opportunities.

The modules will equip you with key skills needed for Higher Education and beyond. They will give you the chance to explore your subject area and available careers, allowing you to adapt your reading and assessments to be relevant to your degree pathway.

Alongside teaching from the broader faculty staff, you will be able to meet with staff and other students from your main degree pathway and get involved with events and opportunities that they are running.

• Study Skills for Success
• Resilience in Higher Education and Beyond
• A Day in the Life
• Life and Work in the Welsh Context

The optional modules are:

• Welsh for First Time Learners
• Professional Communication in the Workplace
• Maths and Experimental Design

LEVEL 4 (YEAR 2)
In this year students are introduced to all the elements associated with sports science. Students gain an understanding of the link from theory to practice across a range of disciplines including psychology, physiology, performance analysis and Strength and Conditioning. You will have 36 hours of contact time per module.

MODULES

• Human Behaviour in Sport
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
• Mechanisms to explain human movement
• Academic Discovery within the Sports Sciences
• Fitness and Conditioning for Sport
• Introduction to Nutrition

There are a variety of assessments across the foundation year – presentations, portfolios, electronic scrapbooking, and learning logs are just some.

LEVEL 5 (YEAR 3)
Students in this year are encouraged to personalise their learning to a sport or sports of their choice. Students establish a strong understanding of the link between theory and practice whilst developing vocationally relevant skills. You will have 30 hours of contact time per module. Opportunities exist to obtain externally recognised qualifications at this level, at no extra cost; Level 2 Gym Instructor, Hudl Sportscode Scripting Level 1.

MODULES

• Applying Principles of Sport Psychology
• Physiological Responses to Training and Testing
• Effective Movement in the Applied World
• Academic Discovery - Building Strong Research Ideas
• Fitness and Conditioning Methods in Practice.
• Applied Practice Placement

LEVEL 6 (YEAR 4)
In the final year, students explore an interest in one or more performance disciplines. This specialism enables students to develop both personal and professional skills essential for employment in a sports-related industry. You will have 24 hours of contact time per module. Opportunities exist to obtain externally recognised qualifications at this level, at no extra cost; Level 3 Exercise Referral, Level 3 Personal Trainer & Hudl Sportscode Scripting Level 2.

MODULES

• Applied Sport and Performance Psychology
• Exercise Prescription and Referral for Clinical Populations
• Analysing Performance for Improvement
• Independent Discovery
• Applied Professional Practice in Fitness and Conditioning
• Physiology in Extreme Environments

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Teaching & Assessment

A wide range of assessment methods will be used to test your knowledge and understanding. This includes essays, portfolios, practical sessions, reports, presentations, online discussions, case study evaluations and exams. You will be assessed on your ability to describe, explain and analyse sport science concepts, use specialist video software, undertake lab-based work and conduct independent research.

You will be expected to complete a dissertation as part of your final assessment.

Teaching and Learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.