Sport & Exercise Science

About the course

The course has been rated Excellent by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Class sizes are small, ensuring you receive excellent support from teaching staff who are professionals with extensive experience of working within the sport and coaching professions.

All modules are delivered through a combination of teaching and directed and independent study. Knowledge, skills and understanding are developed through a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory and field-based practical work.

The department has good laboratory and class facilities and the university is close to the excellent sport and exercise facilities at the Bolton Arena.

Some members of the teaching staff are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) which is the professional body for the sector and is the lead organisation for research and consultancy in the field.

What you will learn

There is a strong practical and vocational emphasis to the course which will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to support a career in the field of sports, health and fitness.

You will examine the science of sport and exercise in particular in terms of physiology, psychology and biomechanics.

In your final year you will be encouraged to develop your own case studies and live projects ensuring you have a sound practical and applied basis to your knowledge of this field.

The vocational emphasis of this programme facilitates the development of a range of personal and transferable skills which are applicable to a wide range of career areas. These include critical thinking, problem solving, communication, information technology skills and teamwork.

What you will study

Level 1
Level 1 introduces the fundamental principles and theories that underpin the physiological, psychological and biomechanical aspects of sport and exercise performance.

Level 2
Level 2 further develops this knowledge and understanding in an applied vocational context.

Level 3
Level 3 focuses on the application of knowledge and skills through case studies, live projects and work with real clients. You are required to complete a Level 3 dissertation and core modules in Applied Interdisciplinary Practice and Work Experience.

The remainder of the programme is made up of optional modules.

We encourage our Level 2 and 3 students to take part in the Student Associates Scheme. This paid work experience placement allows you to gain classroom experience in a school and decide if you are interested in teaching. It can also form the basis of your work experience module at Level 3. It's particularly valuable if you are thinking of studying towards a PGCE after you graduate and will strengthen your application.

Special features

• You will be encouraged to work on real projects and this will be supported wherever possible through collaborations with, for example, the sport and exercise industry and community projects.

• Throughout your studies there is an emphasis on the development of vocational, personal and transferable skills that are important for future employment and lifelong learning.

• You will have opportunities to gain applied experience within the university’s vibrant sports culture, volunteering programme and links with community sports programmes.

Careers and professional development

Typically graduates can expect to gain employment in sport or exercise science support, fitness assessment and consultation, corporate fitness, exercise referral, sports development, postgraduate study and research. A popular career choice is to go onto postgraduate teacher training to become a PE teacher. Some of our graduates go into non-subject specific careers, such as the emergency or armed services, leisure management and sales.

You will also have opportunities to carry out paid and voluntary work experience during the programme as part of the university’s wider associate student and volunteering schemes.

Professional recognition

This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the professional body representing the sport and exercise sectors. This endorsement is an assurance that the course provides opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills considered essential for entry into the sport and exercise profession.

Mode of attendance: Full-time