Sport and Exercise Sciences with optional placement year
BSc (Hons)

About this course

About

This programme allows you to use a scientific approach to analyse performance in sport and exercise and to develop academic and professional skills which you can use to find employment in this expanding field. Science subjects studied include physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition.

• The course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES): for the period 2014-2019
• 90% of the course team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• 1 member of staff has a University's Distinguished Teaching Award Fellowship
• 8 members of the course team were included in the submission for the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Overall, 65% of our research was rated as world leading and internationally excellent reflecting our emphasis on research selectivity and quality.
• Several members of staff have received funding for teaching & learning related initiatives. Examples include HEIF awards, FDTL Awards, Fusion project, CIES, Invest NI and Play board developments
• The course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES): for the period 2014-2019
• 90% of the course team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• 1 member of staff has a University's Distinguished Teaching Award Fellowship
• 8 members of the course team were included in the submission for the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Overall, 65% of our research was rated as world leading and internationally excellent reflecting our emphasis on research selectivity and quality.
• Several members of staff have received funding for teaching & learning related initiatives. Examples include HEIF awards, FDTL Awards, Fusion project, CIES, Invest NI and Play board developments.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Find out more about placement awards

Attendance

Students should be available to attend lectures, seminars and practical classes as timetabled, during weekdays. The programme duration is three years or four years including optional placement year.

Start dates

• September 2021

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching and learning occur in larger and small groups in which the emphasis is placed on a welcoming environment that promotes student responsibility, empowerment and confidence. The emphasis on a welcoming environment can be seen in the interaction that occurs between students, and between staff and students, in large group/lecture environments such as interactive discussions promoting dialogue, the use of various media and online technologies and the use of real-life problem-based tasks/scenarios to promote interdependent learning. We also promote the experience of interdependent learning in small group environments through peer teaching and coaching, oral and poster presentations. The assessment methods employed within the course are directly underpinned by the course team's awareness of the kinds of knowledge and skills which graduates need in the vocational and professional practice of sport.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Sports Applications

Year: 1

Status: C

The purpose of this module is introduce the students a range of the disciplinary and practical areas of study and to extend their thinking about sport and fitness both practically and theorectically adn with a specific focus on developing understanding of gender issues/bias in sport

Foundations for Future Success

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will assist first-year students to prepare for success in their university studies and success in the planning of their future careers.

Principles of Coaching, Teaching and Instructing

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will introduce students to the best practice principles of teaching, instructing, coaching in relevant contexts. It will involve the examination of basic theory into basic coaching/teaching practice and the optional acquisition of formal sports/fitness coaching qualifications at UKCC level 1 or equivalent.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Year: 1

Status: C

Through a series of lectures and tutor-led seminar sessions, students will understand the theoretical and practical importance of sport and exercise psychology to enhancing performance.

Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

Year: 1

Status: C

The module provides students with a foundation of anatomy and physiology that is relevant to higher level study within physiology and other related interdisciplinary subjects within sport and exercise science. In addition, the module seeks to establish basic measurement, evaluation and writing skills that are pertinent to discipline.

Basic Biomechanics

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides key introductory knowledge and practical experiences in the basic biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise motion and equips the student to apply theoretical knowledge to the basic understanding of performance.

Year two

Sport & Exercise Psychology

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides students with a grounding in the theoretical constructs underlying contemporary issues in the domain of sport and exercise psychology. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate competing theoretical accounts of psychological phenomenon. They also gain an understanding of the measurement of different concepts and constructs. ?

Research Methods and Statistics

Year: 2

Status: C

This module is designed to introduce both the practical and conceptual understanding of research methodologies within sport, exercise and leisure research.

Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise

Year: 2

Status: C

Through a series of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will understand the theoretical and practical considerations associated with analysing a human movement and/or a sporting skill. Completion of this module will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and tools to analyse and evaluate a movement skill.

Physiology of Sport and Exercise

Year: 2

Status: C

This module considers the acute and chronic responses and adaptations of exercise on the physiological systems. The effects of nutrition on sport and exercise performance will also be discussed. Practical experience of the use of contemporary sport and exercise physiological techniques is also provided. The knowledge and skills obtained from this module will be pertinent for related sport, exercise and health modules chosen in final year.

Sports Development

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides students with theoretical knowledge of the sports industry as well as case study examples and guest lectures to allow the students to appreciate the management of sports development work in practice.

Strength and Conditioning

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides students with the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities to physically prepare athletes to meet the demands of competitive sport. A special emphasis is placed on the development of the student's practical proficiency.

Motor Learning and Performance

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

Through a series of lectures and tutor-led practical sessions, students will be able to critically reflect on the theoretical and practical importance of motor learning and performance. Students will also develop experience delivering a movement skills programme to their peers.

Applied Coaching Principles

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

Through a series of lectures, workshops, tutor-led and participant led practical sessions students will develop a clear understanding of the essential components of the coaching process in addition, develop competence in planning, implementing and evaluating effective coaching sessions.

Physical Education: Theory and Practice

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module introduces the student to the factors and policies which impact the design and delivery of physical education in schools at home and aborad and theories that underpin effective learning and teaching in key stages 1 and 2 and 3. Students are given the opportunity to discuss and apply theory to practice in practical teaching scenarios in seminars, workshops and micro teaches/practicals.

Performance Analysis

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module will provide students with a basic understanding of the concepts underlying notational analysis systems .It will also provide practical skills to help them provide analysis that can be applied to a practical coaching and service provider environment to enhance the coaching process.

Sports Management

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module develops some of the main concepts relating to resources management in the Sport and Leisure setting introduced in Year 1, as part of the Sports Policy and Planning module. In the sport and leisure industry, the manager must be have an appreciation of the different resources, human, financial and plant, at his/her disposal and how best to manage them in order to maximise their expense. A review of the theories and concepts present in resource management will enable the student to gain an underpinning knowledge of this subject area and thus equip he/she to make informed decisions within the workplace. This module provides students with a strong grounding in the area of Sports resource and facilities management, enabling students to progress with knowledge and confidence to undertake an Industrial Placement or alternatively advance directly to a final year module entitled Sports Strategic Management.

Year three

Diploma in Professional Practice (International) (DPP/DPPI)

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

Structured work experience helps students to appreciate the discipline and demands of the workplace and consolidate knowledge and skills acquired during the first two years of the course. The work placement also provides the opportunity for the development of personal attributes to enhance a student's employability.

Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS)

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

In this module, students may undertake a study programme in a university abroad to develop their academic, professional, cultural awareness, global mobility, personal capabilities and future employability.

Year four

Research project: sport and exercise sciences

Year: 4

Status: C

This module will provide knowledge, practical opportunities and research skills in the undertaking of an independent piece of research in the sport and exercise sciences.

Sports Strategic Management

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module explores the background, principles and practices of the strategic management process, which sports and leisure organisations employ to ensure competitive advantage over their competitors. The module is designed to ensure the students gain the underpinning knowledge and competencies to become potential managers in the fastest growing global industry of the 21st Century.

Exercise Metabolism

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will provide an overview to an exciting new area of exercise science, and will provide the student with an opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body during conditions of exercise stress.

Applications in Sports Biomechanics

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will use a mix of formal lectures and practical workshops to introduce advanced biomechanical principles and methods commonly utilised in sports biomechanics. This module draws upon the student's previous knowledge and skills to ensure an holistic approach to collecting accurate data with the view to thoroughly assess human movement patterns.

Advanced Sports Development

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is primarily concerned with investigating the evolution of sports development and examining the many different strands of the profession. The module will also highlight the role of government and key agencies in the formulation of policy and strategies that impact upon the sports development domain and seek to develop key vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

Advanced Physical Education and School Sport

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will involve students in the critical appraisal of recent research and educational policy and initiatives and their impact on the subject area of physical education and school sport and its effective delivery in the school context.

Applied Sport Psychology and Contemporary Issues

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of theory, research and practice in the field of applied sport psychology. Students will develop an understanding of the sport psychology consultancy process and ethical principles and guidelines relevant to working in the field. This module takes students beyond understanding what is done in 'Applied Sport Psychology' to understanding how sport psychology service is delivered.

Physical Activity, Exercise and Health

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

Society is faced with an inexorable rise in chronic disease development, often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and physical inactivity. This module equips students with a critical understanding of the role of exercise in the prevention of such diseases, by exploring the underlying physiological mechanisms, and the importance of health promotion in target populations.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module considers the relationship between nutrition and exercise performance. The module provides the student with the opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body and how appropriate nutritional practices can be effective for exercise performance and overall health and wellbeing.

Applied Performance Analysis

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will provide students with an in-depth knowledge and the practical skills required to evaluate the impact of performance analysis theories, principles and concepts on sporting performance and how these can be applied to a coaching, teaching and service provider environment.

Athlete and Performance Monitoring

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will explore the link between research- and science-based concepts of athlete monitoring with practical strategies to use with athletes and clients.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

The A Level requirement for this course is AAB to include a grade A from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Sports Studies, Sport Science & Leisure Industry, Double Award Life & Health Sciences (AB) or Double Award Applied Science (grade AB).

Applied General Qualifications

Overall BTEC Level 3 QCF award profile D*DD in a sport or science based BTEC

OR

BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma with DDD

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard (provided subject requirements are met). Examples of combinations include:

A levels with BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma or BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate.

A level with BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.

For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in Contact details

Irish Leaving Certificate

136 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of four subjects at Higher Level and one subject at Ordinary Level. Higher Level subjects must include two of the following subjects at Grade H2: Physical Education, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Physics & Chemistry. The overall profile must also incude English and Mathematics at H6 Higher Level or O4 Ordinary Level.

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades ABBBC to include a grade A from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, PE, Physics, Sport Studies, Double Award Applied Science or Sport Science and Leisure Industry.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades BBC to include a grade B from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, PE, Physics, Sport Studies, Double Award Applied Science or Sport Science and Leisure Industry.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall Access profile pass with an overall mark of 73% to include 73% in each level three module. To include two level three modules from the following: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Psychology or Sport Studies. NICATS Maths (25 credits) or Maths 1 and 2 or GCSE grade C Maths is also required.

GCSE

GCSE Profile to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science at grade C/4. Essential/Key Skills in Application of Number is not regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Sport Science, Coaching & Fitness (previously known as the Foundation Degree in Sport, Exercise & Fitness) with an overall mark of 65% in level 5 modules allows advanced entry to Year 2 to be considered.

Applicants should note that, as they will be engaged in 'regulated activity' involving children or vulnerable adults as part of their course, there is a compulsory, legal requirement to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from AccessNI. The cost for this is payable by the applicant and is currently £33. More information on Enhanced Disclosures may be accessed by http://www.accessni.gov.uk

In addition to the AccessNI check, all candidates are required to undergo a health screening check undertaken by their own doctor.

HND (science/sport related) entry requirement:

Pass HND with overall Distinction to include 90 distinctions in level 5 credits/units

HNC (science/sport related) entry requirement:

Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 120 distinctions in level 4/5 credits/units

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of the different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met). Examples of acceptable combinations include:

2 A Levels and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate

OCR National Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate

2 A Levels and Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma

A Level and BTEC National Diploma

For further information regarding combination offer requirements, please contact Faculty Office staff on T: +44 (0)28 9036 6098 or E: facljn@ulster.ac.uk

Exemptions and transferability

Foundation Degree in Sport, Exercise and Fitness (Sports Science pathway); pass at commendation level (65% in level 5 modules) allows advanced entry application to year 2 to be considered. This collaborative provision is only offered at the following colleges: Northern Regional College (NRC), South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Southern Regional College (SRC) and North West Regional College (NWRC).

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Irish Football Association (IFA)
• Performa Sports
• Sports Institute Northern Ireland
• STATSports
• Ulster GAA
• Ulster Rugby

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Fitness Instructor
• PE Teacher
• Performance Analyst
• Self-Employed Business Owner (Sport)
• Sports Coach
• Sports Scientist Professional
• Strength & Conditioning Coach

Career options

Career Destination Statistics indicate a significant number of sports graduates go on to study the PGCE in Physical Education, while a further 5 – 10% pursue other postgraduate qualifications both at Ulster University and at other institutions in the UK and abroad. A growing number of graduates gain employment in the leisure industry, with a significant proportion of each cohort embarking on careers in areas unrelated to sport. The extensive placement programme allows the course team to remain in touch with the needs of employers. Students completing this programme would be equipped to undertake postgraduate study on a growing number of taught MSc's in the sport and exercise sciences. Opportunities for MPhil/DPhil level studies may be available for those who demonstrate the requisite abilities.

Work placement / study abroad

The School of Sport continues to work towards developing its industrial placement programme due to the recognised value of offering students such an experience. Increasing numbers of students on this undergraduate programme have chosen to spend a placement year between their second and final year, leading to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) or a Diploma in Academic Studies (DIAS). Currently around 75% of students undertake such placements. However, we have chosen to keep placement optional as we take cognisance of the fact that many of our students gain employability skills and work experience in their paid or voluntary part- time work, or in the case of our mature students, prior to entering their course.

Professional recognition

British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES)

Recognised by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for the purposes of endorsement by the BASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (BUES).

Apply

Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS

Start dates

• September 2021

Contact

Course Director: Mr Lee Rooney

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6579

E: l.rooney@ulster.ac.uk

Admissions Contact: Philippa Bell

T: +44 (0)28 9036 8047

E: p.bell@ulster.ac.uk

Admissions Service

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6309

E: admissionsjn@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
• School of Sport

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.

Testimonials

School of Sport Graduate Profiles & Testimonials:

Stephanie Ingram: Performance Nutritionist Ulster Rugby

Brendan Connor: National Strength & Conditioning Coach Cricket Ireland

Carol Duffy: Teacher of Physical Education

Lisa Costley: Strength & Conditioning Sports Institute Northern Ireland

Ryan Dennison: Assistant Performance Analyst Ulster Rugby

Chris Hagan: Senior GPS & Analyst Ulster Rugby

Blaine McKenna: Football Coach & Coach Educator China Football Club

Ciara Campbell: Senior Associate PwC

Helen Kerr: Business Development WOMEN’STEC

Peter Weir: Teacher of Physical Education

Ruth Neill: PhD Researcher