Sport and Exercise Science

The Sport and Exercise industry is a dynamic and fast-growing industry within the UK with a vast amount of employment opportunities available. A Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Sport and Exercise Science is a logical step towards a position within the industry and a chance to top up onto a BSc in Sport Science at a local university. This suits learners who want a cheaper alternative to university, with dedicated small class sizes and one-to-one support while working towards a degree.

The course will comprise the following Level 4 units:-

•Nutrition (Core, 15 credits): This unit aims to equip the student with the knowledge, skills and competencies to understand the nutritional composition of food and the effects of nutritional choices on the health of a person. Students will gain knowledge of the importance of eating a balanced diet and the dangers associated with the consumption of a poor diet.
• Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Psychology (Core, 15 credits): The aims of this unit are to illustrate how psychological concepts underpin involvement in sport and exercise and to demonstrate their impact on human behaviour. Students will explore the innate characteristics which are seen as the basis for sport and exercise behaviour. Students will also develop an appreciation of how the social environment within which sport and exercise takes place influences the outcome of their participation.
• Anatomy & Physiology (Core, 15 credits): This unit is designed for students wanting to gain knowledge of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and understanding how movement is produced. Students interested in careers such as personal training, physical education teaching, occupational therapy, coaching, exercise prescription and performance analysis would find this a key unit in informing their practice.
• Professional Skills (Core, 15 credits): The aim of this unit is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques necessary to carry out Sport and Exercise Science-related research. Research in Sport and Exercise Science has global significance and is essential in influencing the development of high-quality participation and performance and, fundamentally, promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals all over the world.
•Training, Fitness, Testing (Optional, 15 credits): Understanding the principles of training is particularly important for many practitioners, including sports therapists working with sports performers in the later stages of rehabilitation, and sport and exercise scientists working with performers trying to peak for competition.
• Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Health (Optional, 15 credits): Within this unit, students will explore the relationship between lifestyle, health and wellbeing and will investigate current physical activity guidelines and reasons for physical inactivity in different target groups. Students will also explore behaviour change strategies that can be used to help individuals develop a healthier lifestyle.
• Technology in Sport (Optional, 15 credits): The aim of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the impact technology has on sport and the ways in which it supports the athletes’ performance developments. Students will engage in researching the impact of technological equipment, facility development, performance-enhancing tools and testing equipment used within sports.
• Injury Prevention (Optional, 15 credits): The aim of this unit is to provide students with an insight into the sports therapy and conditioning sector. Students will be provided with an opportunity to consider different injuries and the implementation of prevention techniques. Throughout the unit, students will consider the identification of different injuries while linking this to the theory of the pain gate cycle and the effects that injuries can inflict on the nervous system.
• Sports Massage (Optional, 15 credits): The aim of this unit is to provide students with an insight into the sport therapy and rehabilitation sector. This unit delivers both the theoretical and practical knowledge that is required for students to progress onto a sports massage therapist role once an additional massage qualification is obtained.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS