Applied Sport Studies

BA (Hons) Applied Sport Studies
Mode: full-time

You will focus to a large extent on the social sciences, with an emphasis on sociology, history, social psychology and philosophy.

You have the chance to graduate with a BA Honors degree. In stage one, you will be introduced to the wide range of subjects encompassed by sports studies.

During stages two and three, you will explore these subjects in more depth, within such exciting areas of study as exercise and health, sport, culture and technology, and issues in Olympic studies. There is some choice of areas of study during these stages, allowing you to tailor your degree to suit future career aspirations.

You will undertake a final-stage research project – either in the form of a dissertation, or a project based on your work experience. You will also have the option to arrange and undertake a four to six week work experience placement.

As a Sports Studies student, you will have access to state-of-the- art sporting facilities on campus and in the local area to support your studies. Staff within the department have expertise across key areas that inform the study of sport and ensure that you are kept informed of the latest developments.

Areas of Study include:

• Exercise and Health
• Research Methodologies
• Psychology in Sport
• Sociological Perspectives
• Historical Aspects of Sport Participation

Why choose this course?

• We are rated 12th in the UK for sport courses, according to the Guardian 2007
• A Sports Studies degree creates a solid foundation for a wide variety of career pathways in sport or physical education
• Opportunity to study, and to conduct research, in our new £8m state-of-the-art sports science laboratories and gymnasium facilities
• We are rated 14th in the UK for Sports courses according to the 2009 Guardian University Guide
• Broad-based, sports-orientated degree enabling you to pursue a vocationally appropriate route
• Staff have international reputations for quality of teaching and research

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates from the course have progressed into successful careers as health promotion specialists, exercise development officers, fitness consultants and football coaches.

Other career opportunities for graduates include jobs in sports development, sport marketing and sports-related product sales across a wide range of areas. A number of our students go on to complete a PGCE in physical education and become PE teachers.

Graduates with this degree are also well placed to undertake further study on Master’s and PhD courses, both in Bedford and abroad.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratories and individual tutorials. All students use the University’s Virtual Learning Environment to supplement and enhance the learning experience.

Assessment

Assessment on the course is through essays, presentations, seminar papers, group research and exams.