Fundamentals of High Performance Sport provides an overview of the multidisciplinary nature of high performance sport. The module enables you to investigate the relationships between physiology, biomechanics and psychology in a performance-driven sports setting. You will evaluate the role of a sports scientist in the optimisation of performance and develop the practical skills required to work with a range of athletes and sports. You will work individually and in groups to develop your ability to present information in an oral and written format. Furthermore, you will develop the ability to conduct pre-conditioning strategies and fitness assessments.

Fundamentals of Physical Activity, Exercise and Health examines the relationships that exist between physical activity, exercise and health. You will become familiar with the current physical activity guidelines for both adults and children and develop a fundamental understanding of the role that physical activity and exercise has in the promotion of physical and mental well-being. The module takes a multidisciplinary approach in investigating the way in which lifestyle choices impact on health and will have particular relevance for those who wish to work in the health and fitness industry, health promotion, or clinical exercise sciences. You will develop the practical skills required in order to promote physical activity and the safe and effective instruction of various physical activity and exercise modes.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Biomechanics provides an introduction to biomechanics in the context of sport and exercise sciences. The ultimate aim of sport and exercise biomechanics is to improve sports performance, enhance the effectiveness of strength and conditioning exercise, and prevent sport- and exercise-related injury. Biomechanics is, in fact, a multidisciplinary science that encompasses elements of anatomy, kinesiology, mechanics, physics, and some mathematics. The module covers the underpinning skills, biomechanics tools, sports biomechanics, exercise biomechanics,  injury prevention and applied biomechanics. You will obtain hands-on experience in anatomy and kinesiology, video analysis and force plate analysis for the evaluation of technique in sport and exercise, and the measurement of the loads and forces that lead to musculoskeletal injury. The module will also refine your scientific writing skills.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Physiology and Nutrition introduces you to the essential concepts of exercise physiology and nutrition and their application in sports and exercise. The module provides you with a knowledge of both the structure and function of the various physiological systems and the manner in which nutrition plays a part in maintaining homeostasis. The exploration of these theoretical concepts will be supplemented by additional laboratory sessions which will assess physiological function at rest and during various modes and intensities of exercise.  The data collected will be utilised to develop competencies within the laboratory and enable you to undertake appropriate analysis.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology equips you with knowledge of the key concepts and theories of sport and exercise psychology. The module includes an overview of fundamental psychological theories and perspectives, personality and motivational theory, and emotions in sport and exercise. You will also be introduced to basic measurement tools and methods.

Investigating Sport and Exercise Sciences covers the key skills required to investigate issues within the sport and exercise sciences. The module addresses the use of online databases in order to search for published literature and familiarises you with the Harvard referencing system and the scientific style of writing.  You will also learn how to review scientific literature and develop the essential skills required for investigating sport and exercise sciences, for example presentation skills, reflective practice and employability skills. An initiation to statistics theory is provided that includes types of data, normal distribution and statistical significance. Statistical analyses encompass preparation of descriptive graphs and tables and basic tests for relationships and differences using statistical packages for the social sciences (SPSS) software. Qualitative methods of research and data collection will also be explored.

Research Methods provides the opportunity to develop the research skills necessary for producing a dissertation, progressing to postgraduate study, and preparing for many jobs in the sport and physical activity sector. You will develop skills in critically evaluating scientific literature, developing research questions, planning and designing meaningful and valid qualitative and quantitative research, and analysing data. Research ethics for human participants are also covered.

Sport and Exercise Biomechanics furthers your understanding and application of the study of human movement. Biomechanics tools that enable quantitative kinetic analysis of sporting techniques are used in laboratory sessions, while the module also highlights the potential for biomechanical analysis to be taken into the competitive or training environment.  The essence of the module is embedded in performance enhancement and injury prevention, providing you with a vocational appreciation of biomechanics in sport and exercise. Analysis is conducted through the application of theoretical mechanical principles pertaining to kinetic derivatives of force, with interpretation applied across a range of sporting case studies. You will begin to develop a sport-specific appreciation of biomechanical analysis through independent study of a self-selected movement.

Sport and Exercise Physiology develops your knowledge and understanding of physiological factors and their application to both sport and exercise. The module requires you to examine the acute and chronic physiological responses to sport and exercise. You will be encouraged to examine various modes and intensities of exercise including submaximal, maximal, supramaximal and intermittent activities. The aim is to develop your skills and competencies within a laboratory setting and therefore enhance your ability to monitor and evaluate physiological responses of clients and athletes.

Sport and Exercise Psychology provides a theoretical understanding of contemporary sport and exercise psychology. The module is centred on three key themes. These are the psychological processes of sport participation, the psychological processes associated with exercise participation, and the psychological processes influencing the learning and performance of movement skills. Key components of the module include the understanding and evaluation of psychological theory and empirical evidence, as well as gaining practical experience of laboratory and/or field-based activities within the discipline. The module will be of direct relevance if you wish to gain an insightful understanding of the underpinning psychological theories and concepts in both sport and exercise settings.

Scientific Principles of Exercise and Health develops your understanding of contemporary issues in health and disease. The module examines the role that physical activity, exercise and lifestyle intervention strategies play in the treatment and prevention of disease as well as the promotion of health. The role, format and impact of lifestyle referral schemes on functional health status will also be evaluated.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition provides you with the opportunity to become familiar with the concepts related to sport and exercise nutrition. You will develop your knowledge of all major aspects of nutrition as it relates to the sport and exercise domain. This will include the manner in which nutrition plays a part in maintaining homeostasis and how nutrition impacts on sport and exercise performance. The exploration of theoretical concepts will be supplemented by additional laboratory sessions, which will assess the effects of nutrition on a range of physiological functions at rest and during various modes and intensities of exercise.  The data collected will be utilised to develop competencies within the laboratory while the subsequent analysis will allow for the effective interpretation of your findings.

Training Methods for High Performance Sport provides a multidisciplinary approach to the enhancement of sports performance through the application of strength and conditioning training principles, scientific evidence, contemporary theoretical constructs and training periodisation. The module enables you to assess the demands of a variety of sports performance settings, apply contemporary training principles, and implement training programmes and periodised plans.

Dissertation allows you to engage in an in-depth independent research project, specialising your focus on a relevant area of interest.

Professional Practice and Work Placement enables you to obtain ‘real life’ experience of working with placement providers to enhance your awareness and understanding of the needs of employers and the standards of professional bodies. In addition to completing 80 hours on placement, you will be encouraged to provide an analysis and critical appraisal of your work-related experience. The work placement will be informed by academic knowledge which will enhance your competencies and awareness of professional practice.

Applied Clinical Exercise Physiology provides the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in exercise physiology and to apply your knowledge and skills to clinical populations. You will develop the ability to critically interpret results from exercise and non-exercise tests commonly used in clinical settings, design exercise programmes for clinical populations based on a critical evaluation of relevant scientific literature, critically evaluate the impact of prescription drugs on exercise testing, and critically evaluate the role of safety and ethics in clinical exercise testing and prescription.

Applied Exercise Biomechanics enhances your knowledge of theoretical approaches in biomechanics, with emphasis on independent research and advanced methodological procedures. The module applies theoretical concepts of biomechanics to the analysis of strength and conditioning training exercises. The application of statics and dynamics helps estimate internal loads in the musculoskeletal system, including compressive stress, muscle forces, joint reaction forces and joint movements which may lead either to adaptation of biological tissues or to acute or chronic injury through inappropriate exercise activity. Muscle function is assessed objectively through the application of isokinetic dynamometry and surface electromyography which permit isolating weak muscle groups. The module will assist in the development of effective conditioning programmes and the design of exercise equipment.

Applied Exercise Psychology offers you the opportunity to study the practical application of  theories in exercise and health psychology. You will review, consolidate, extend and apply your knowledge of exercise and health psychology theory. Levels of intervention will be addressed and you will investigate matching strategy and theory to appropriate populations. You will also critically evaluate the empirical evidence demonstrating the psychological consequences of exercise and physical activity behaviours.

Applied Skill Acquisition in Sport recognises that the way in which complex movements are acquired and coordinated, how skills can be made robust under pressure, and how experts and novices differ in their cognitive-perceptual skills has been the object of research for nearly a century. This module will explore the theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence concerning how the brain controls movements and consider how this knowledge can be applied in the optimisation of movement skills and expertise development. You will gain an understanding of the contemporary issues in, and approaches to influence, both the control and learning of human movement, with a specific focus on applying this knowledge in real-world environments.

Applied Sport and Environmental Physiology evaluates the role and relevance of sports physiology in an applied performance setting. The module will examine the performer in the context of different environmental conditions and critically evaluate  key physiological limitations to performance. You will be encouraged to examine how a sports scientist applies various contemporary interventions and monitors the effectiveness of these in a laboratory and field setting.

Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition offers you the opportunity to study the role and relevance of sport and exercise nutrition in a more focused and applied manner. The module will focus on the use of nutritional strategies in both acute and chronic scenarios to maximise adaptation to training, as well as before, during and after sport and exercise events. The module will examine the importance of individualising nutritional strategies for specific clients/athletes. The module will enable you to critically evaluate these factors and discuss how the use of the most effective nutritional strategy can influence sport and exercise performance.

Applied Sports Biomechanics enhances your data collection, analysis and interpretation skills in order to develop the expertise required to undertake a holistic analysis of sports performance, with implications for performance enhancement and injury prevention.  The case-study of a sporting technique (selected from a range of data analysis sets) provides the opportunity to combine kinematic and kinetic analyses towards an appreciation of inter-segmental loading.  The module provides a contemporary appreciation of the vocational application of sports biomechanics and the myriad of data collection tools available to the sports biomechanist.

Applied Sports Psychology provides you with the opportunity to study the application of the discipline of sport psychology. You will review, consolidate, extend and apply your knowledge of sport psychology theory through a problem-based learning approach. The module will examine human behaviour in the sporting environment and focus upon the application of psychological skills training (PST) intervention strategies to maximise sporting performance.

Advanced Research Project enables you to engage in an in-depth advanced research project specialising your focus on a relevant area of interest. The project will be written-up in the form of a journal article based on the styles and conventions of an international peer-reviewed journal. You may also have the opportunity to disseminate your findings to external audiences.  This might provide the opportunity to engage with academics, practitioners, and/or other representatives of relevant organisations in the field.

Critical Issues in Research provides you with the knowledge and skills to complete a research based project at Master’s level. You will engage with the essential considerations of research design, developing the competencies and skills specifically relating to your research project, for example in data collection, analysis and interpretation. You will gain a detailed understanding of the application of research to sport and exercise settings, systematically evaluate dominant methodologies and their application in research, and comprehensively review and evaluate the research literature in a chosen area of study.

Advanced Professional Practice in Sport and Exercise Science provides an opportunity to draw together key aspects of professional and applied practice  to achieve a synthesis of learning. Consolidating your knowledge, understanding and practical competencies, the module offers a concerted period of professional experience within a sport and exercise environment. You will apply and evaluate theoretical concepts in applied and vocational settings, increase your awareness of work-based culture and enhance your employability.

Critical Issues in Strength and Conditioning involves the critical analysis and application of contemporary practices in strength and conditioning research. The module will explore the need for different strength and conditioning approaches and programmes, depending on athletes’ needs. This will include the issues of strength and conditioning training for young athletes, senior athletes, and those with particular physical (dis)abilities. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the empirical foundations of contemporary training methods, systematically design an original planned training programme in a selected sport, and enhance your overall understanding of performance assessment in sport.

Mental Health Awareness for Community Sports Participants and Practitioners will develop your awareness of mental health and illness among community sports participants and practitioners and examine how mental health can be understood in community sport settings. In particular, the module explores the ways in which groups including coaches, volunteers, staff members, managers and other community sport providers can effectively address the mental health needs of sport participants for whom they are responsible, whether in sports programmes or other areas of organisational life. The module reflects upon the opportunities and challenges of promoting positive mental health in community sports organisations, in addition to the workplace setting more broadly, and discusses the role of mentoring, education and peer leadership in developing mental health awareness among those who seek to promote mental health in community sport organisations and settings.

Mental Health Awareness for Performance Sport Athletes and Practitioners will develop your awareness of mental health and illness among performance sport athletes (throughout their careers and post-sport lives) and practitioners. The module will consider how mental health can be understood in performance sport settings and explore the ways in which groups including coaches, welfare officers, performance and support staff, and managers can effectively address the mental health needs of the performance sport athletes for whom they are responsible. Whether in performance settings or other areas of lifestyle management, the module reflects upon the opportunities and challenges of promoting positive mental health in performance sports organisations, as well as in the workplace setting more broadly. The role of mentoring, education and peer leadership in developing mental health awareness among athletes and other performance sports workers will also be discussed.

SPT2220 Research Methods (20 credits) replaces SPT2437 Researching Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) as a compulsory module in Year 2.

SPT3221 Professional Practice and Work Placement (20 credits) replaces SPT3441 Professional Practice in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) as a compulsory module in Year 3.

The programme is now endorsed by BASES, the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.