BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Summary 2012/13

• Obtain a qualification endorsed by BASES - The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences - and gain an edge in the job market;
• Discover the science behind sport and exercise and how to devise your own training programmes;
• Help improve the nation's health and fitness - from the sporting elite to everyday keep fit.

This programme gives you the opportunity to explore the sciences that underpin sports performance, principally sport and exercise biomechanics, sport and exercise physiology and sport and exercise psychology.

Through this study you will develop knowledge and understanding of how physical performance can be improved and how people can realise their sporting potential.

2012 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall, preferably to include PE or Sports Studies and a Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Details

Who is this course for?

This degree is designed for people who want to understand the science behind sport, and want to help people at all levels get the most from sport and physical activity.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will develop the knowledge and skills to work with elite athletes or within the health and fitness industry providing sport and exercise science support. The course also offers the vocational skills you need to work in the field of sport and also gives you transferable skills that many employers are looking for. You will not only gain a valuable degree but also a clear career plan and the knowledge and skills to help you achieve your goals.

What will I study?

Year 1 will give you a solid grounding in the disciplines relating to sport and exercise science. You will also receive an introduction to the two vocational pathways within this degree, these being Applied Sports Science and Exercise and Health, one of which you will continue to study in years 2 and 3.

In the second and third year as stated above you will follow your chosen specialised pathways which have been designed with a specific career focus in mind.

Year 2 Applied Sports Science students focus on elite sports performance whilst Exercise and Health students focus on the link between exercise and health status. Both pathways will help develop knowledge and understanding of an appropriate range of fitness tests, design of appropriate fitness programmes and strategies to help enhance performance and adherence of their specialist audience.

Year 3 compulsory modules give you a more focused approach to the sport and exercise sciences and offer the opportunity to specialise within a chosen discipline should you so wish. You will also complete a dissertation.

How will I study?

The degree takes a hands-on approach, with practical experience in our purpose-built and well-equipped biomechanics, physiology and psychology laboratories. You will also have lectures, small group seminars, tutorials, workshops, taught practical sessions and ICT based learning. For each module you will have a detailed booklet that tells you what sessions are about, what to read, how you will be assessed and coursework guidance.

Placement

In the final year of your degree you will be provided with the opportunity to gain experience of professional practice in sport and exercise science. This will be in an applied sport and exercise science setting directly related to your chosen pathway.

Who will be teaching me?

The Sport and Exercise Science team are highly experienced and enthusiastic with a real commitment to teaching sport and exercise sciences. As a team we are dynamic, friendly and supportive of individual student's needs. Staff are also actively involved in research and consultancy projects that influence the development of sport and exercise science and directly feed into your degree.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through essays, projects and lab reports, critical analysis of papers, poster presentations, delivering practical workshop sessions and independent research. We use formal examinations from time to time but they never account for more than 60% of the marks for any module.

What are my career prospects?

A range of career opportunities exist within the health and fitness industry such as personal trainers, fitness and health consultants, GP referral scheme and physical activity programme coordinators. You could also work in applied sports sciences, national governing bodies of sport, or the British Olympic Association. In addition, universities and commercial ventures increasingly want specialised sports science support and performance managers.

A number of graduates progress onto postgraduate study to specialise further in areas such as sports injury or rehabilitation.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Those with relevant study through either a professional body, or appropriate academic course, can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an open event.

If you do not have the required Mathematics GCSE, you can sit an Edge Hill equivalency test to gain the equivalent qualification.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask about this course, please contact:

• Dr Evelyn Carnegie, Head of Department
• Tel: 01695 584483
• Email: jonesmi@edgehill.ac.uk

Or

• Graham Smith, Admissions Tutor for sport-related degrees
• Tel: 01695 584694
• Email: smithg@edgehill.ac.uk
• Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.