Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Activity & Health)

Overview

Learn how to support athletes in maximising their performance with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise programme.

This programme focuses on the science behind high-performance sport and physical activity for the promotion of health.

The teaching on the programme is research-led and promotes both health and performance elements of sport and exercise science.

Hosting the only BASES*-accredited lab in Scotland, UWS can offer lab-based and practical tuition. Assessments are a key feature of this programme and will develop your hands-on skills and sport and exercise knowledge.

Students in their final year of study will have a wide range of optional modules to select from which best suit their interests and career ambitions. A dedicated Physical Activity & Health pathway is available to 4th year students who wish to take a focused set of modules specific to that field of study.

*The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science

Programme highlights

• You’ll develop knowledge, skills and expertise in biomechanics, physiology, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology.
• You’ll be encouraged to utilise the newly equipped laboratories:
o Human Health and Performance
o Cardiovascular Imaging
o Sport and Exercise Science
o Extreme Environments
o Exercise and Health Biochemistry
o Sport Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
o Biomechanics
• This programme is offered at the state-of-the-art Lanarkshire Campus with elements also delivered at the Emirates Arena, a world-class sports facility built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
• In years 2 and 3 you’ll undertake a work placement with a relevant employer. UWS have excellent existing links with a number of clubs and organisations, and encourage you to identify organisations that you are interested in working with.
• Teaching staff are committed to providing a supportive learning environment and a flexible approach to study.
• Throughout your studies, you will undertake various modules which will allow you to achieve CIMSPA* Professional Standards including Gym Instructor and Working with Inactive People.

• The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

Careers

This programme will prepare you for a successful career in sport and exercise science. Graduates have gone on to work in a broad range of roles, including:

• Sport scientists
• Performance analysts
• Strength and conditioning coaches
• Sport nutritionists / biomechanists / physiologists / psychologists
• Healthcare workers
• Research scientists
• Primary and secondary teachers
• Sport coaches
• Active schools coordinators
• Sport development officers
• Personal trainers

Many graduates have gone on to complete postgraduate study, including Masters programmes and postgraduate diplomas in order to become qualified as Physical Education teachers.

As a sport and exercise scientist you could:

• Work alongside sports coaches to assess and improve athletes’ performance
• Work with doctors to help people improve athletes’ health through physical activity
• Work with hospitals and primary care trusts in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion to take part in research projects or contribute to the design and production of sports equipment
• A number of graduates are successful in applying for further postgraduate study such as taught Masters (MSc) courses or research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD) in sport, exercise or health areas

Year 1

In Year 1 you will develop a basic understanding of Sport Development, Sport Coaching and Sport and Exercise Science. Subjects include: Introduction to Sport Coaching, Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise and Introduction to Sport Science.

Year 2

In Year 2 you will develop your understanding of specific areas of sport and exercise science. Subjects include: Principles of Sport and Exercise Physiology, Skill Acquisition and Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
Year 3

In Year 3 you will study The Psychology of Sport, Sport Research and Evaluation, Being a Sport Professional, Physiological Adaptations to Exercise and Sport Conditioning and Biomechanics. Optional modules include Measurements in Sport and Exercise or Physical Activity in Health.

Year 4

• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science core module is Sport Exercise Dissertation. Optional modules include (but are not limited to) The Female Athlete, Exercise in Extreme Environments, International Field Trip and Applied Sport Psychology.

• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science (Physical Activity & Health) core modules include Sport Exercise Dissertation, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Exercise Referral in Special Populations, Interventions in Sport and Physical Activity and Mental Health, Sport and Physical Activity. Optional modules include Adaptive and Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity or Applied Sport Psychology.

This degree will be taught through a combination of learning methods including tutor-led lectures, tutorials and seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops and exercises in a simulated work environment, small group teaching and group project work. Independent, online and peer-to-peer learning is an important element of this course.

Our Sport and Exercise Science degree uses a variety of assessment methods. The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect:

// group and individual work
// multiple-choice exams
// reflective practice reports
// essays
// case study deconstruction
// practical examination
// research production
// individual and group oral presentations
// individual and group poster presentations
// laboratory reports