Sport, Physical Activity and Health with optional placement year - BSc (Hons)

2024/25 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Life and Health Sciences

School:

School of Sport

Campus:

Derry~Londonderry campus

UCAS code:

CB69
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2024

With this degree you could become:

  • Health service
  • Recreation and leisure facilities
  • Sport and recreation manager
  • Teaching
  • Local councils
  • Health Promotion

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Department of Education
  • Local councils
  • National Health Service
  • Private healthcare
  • Sport National Governing Bodies

Overview

The physiological, behavioural, social, cultural and nutritional perspectives of health enhancing physical activity for the general population.

Summary

It is becoming increasingly recognised that physical activity and exercise have a positive influence on health and wellbeing and that the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles in the community has substantial social and economic benefits. This course has been designed by the School of Sport to produce highly educated professionals with the knowledge and skills to organise and provide for the policy, planning, development, management and delivery of sport, physical activity and health initiatives.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

The serious public health problems associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes are well publicised. Physical inactivity is a contributory factor to 17 chronic disease conditions and the World Health Organisation (WHO) figures have shown that a lack of regular activity results in 3.2 million deaths worldwide, making it the fourth leading cause of global mortality.

Regular physical activity and exercise result in a number of well-established physical, psychological and social health benefits. Despite this, physical activity levels in Northern Ireland and Great Britain remain low with less than 40% of the population currently meeting government guidelines with particular population groups undertaking dangerously low levels of daily physical activity.

This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of both the science underpinning and methods employed, to promote health enhancing sport and physical activity. You will undertake study in the physiological, behavioural, social, cultural and nutritional perspectives that impact upon sport, physical activity and health at individual and societal levels. Upon graduation you will possess a wide range of knowledge and skills that will enable you to work as a professional, bringing about an increase in people’s physical activity whilst reducing their sedentary behaviour.

The course offers small group teaching, hands-on experience in our dedicated Exercise Laboratory and a one-year work placement with the opportunity to obtain a Diploma in Professional Practice.

The University regularly 'refreshes' courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible. In addition it undertakes formal peridoic review of courses in a process called revalidation to ensure that they continue to meet standards, and are current and relevant. This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

You should be available to attend lectures, seminars and practical classes as timetabled, during weekdays.

The course runs over three years (four years with optional placement).

120 credit points per year – 60 credits in Semester 1 and 60 credits in Semester 2.

Start dates

  • September 2024

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The practices of the School of Sport around teaching, learning and assessment are directly informed and underpinned by Ulster’s Teaching and Learning Strategy and the Principles of Assessment and Feedback.

The Sport, Physical Activity and Health programme delivers a wide range of learning experiences that will enable students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in multi-disciplinary and vocational areas of sport, exercise, physical education, sports coaching and teaching, sports psychology, anatomy and physiology, and research and academic skills. In doing so, this programmes draws clear links between theory and practice by encouraging students to apply their experience and expertise to real-life case studies, scenarios and problems in different sport and health related contexts.

The assessment methods employed in the programme are directly underpinned by Ulster’s Principles of Assessment and Feedback for Learning. Modules are assessed by a combination of essays, practical assessments, portfolios, oral presentations and lab reports. All coursework assessments have been designed with professional, vocational and/or practical relevance in mind.

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:

Teaching, learning and assessment

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:

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, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses 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. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. 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 assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.

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, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. 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. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.

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.

Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) 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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - 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 2022-2023.

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

Foundations for Future Success

Year: 1

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

Introduction to Coaching Practice

Year: 1

This module will introduce students to the best practice principles of coaching in relevant contexts. It will involve the application of basic theory into a practical context.

Introduction to Physical Activity and Health

Year: 1

This module provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding on the importance of physical activity for health and an awareness of the physical activity guidelines across the population, and how to monitor physical activity behaviours.

Anatomy and Health-Related Physiology

Year: 1

This module provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology which will form the foundations for further study on the effects of exercise and physical activity on humans. It will be offered through a combination of web-based learning, seminars, practicals and traditional lectures. Assessment is by coursework.

Introduction to Sport, Exercise, and Physical Activity Psychology

Year: 1

This module provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of sport, exercise and physical activity psychology, which will form the foundations for further study on behaviour change and physical activity and mental health. The module is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars and practical classes, with assessment done via coursework

Lifestyle behaviours for Health

Year: 1

This module will provide students with knowledge on the interplay between health behaviours and how these contribute to health and wellbeing.

Year two

Principles of Exercise Physiology

Year: 2

The module builds upon student's foundational knowledge 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.

Applied Fundamentals of Movement Skills

Year: 2

Through a series of lectures, workshops and practical sessions, students will develop both the skills and understanding required to structure and deliver coaching sessions designed to develop FOM skills.

Sport, Physical Activity and Public Health

Year: 2

This theory-based learning module is designed to facilitate opportunities for students to examine sport and physical activity within the context of public health.

Behaviour Change Theory for Physical Activity

Year: 2

This module focuses on the design, planning, and delivering a physical activity intervention guided with behaviour change theory.

Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity

Year: 2

Students will develop their understanding of the fundamental principles of nutrition including nutrient requirements, dietary recommendations, and the functions of selected vitamins and minerals. You'll understand the extent to which the general population and those in sport are following dietary recommendations & meeting their nutrient requirements.

Research Methods and Professional Practice

Year: 2

This module is designed to introduce both the practical and conceptual understanding of research methodologies within sport, physical activity and health research.

Year three

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

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)

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: Physical Activity, Exercise and Health

Year: 4

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

Physical Activity and Contemporary Health Issues

Year: 4

There are many aspects to consider when trying to increase physical activity within various sections of society and also within different settings. This module will equip students with a critical understanding of the current contemporary issues which impact physical activity as well as how physical activity promotion can be optimised in target populations.

Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will provide an overview to an exciting area of exercise science and will provide the student with an opportunity to further develop an understanding of pathophysiology of the human body and application of evidence informed interventions to enhance or maintain health or physical function in clinical populations.

Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides a contemporary analysis of the role of physical activity in mental health promotion, and examines sporting factors related to mental health. A combination of practical, lecture and seminar formats will be geared towards assessment for learning which provides the student with an opportunity to further develop an understanding of physical activity in mental health promotion, using evidence-informed approaches.

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

CCC to include grade C in one subject from Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, PE, Psychology, Sports Studies, Double Award Science, Life and Health Science

Applied General Qualifications

BTEC must in a Science or Sports related discipline.

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DMM

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MMM

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MM plus A Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of other BTEC/OCR and A Levels. These and other entry equivalences can be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

Irish Leaving Certificate

96 UCAS Tariff Points to include 4 subjects at Higher level and 1 at Ordinary Level. The overall profile must include English at minimum Grade H6/O4.

Course Specific Subject requirements:
This course also requires you to achieve H3 in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physical Education or Physics. If Maths is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6/O4 in addition to one of the subjects above.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

CCCCC to include a Grade C in one of Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physical Education, Psychology, Sports Studies or Double Award Applied Science

Scottish Advanced Highers

DDD to include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physical Education, Psychology, Sports Studies or Double Award Applied Science

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate (Diploma) with a minimum 24 points with 12 points at the higher level

Above to include higher or subsidiary level in Maths, English and a science subject at Grade 4 or above

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Access must in a Science or Sports related discipline

Overall profile of 55% to include 55% in one Level 3 Science module. Must also include 20 credit level 2 Maths module, passed at 40% or successful completion of the NICATS Maths as part of pre-2021 Access Diploma. (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

GCSE Profile to include Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths and a Science subject

Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy/Application of Number will NOTbe accepted as an alternative to GCSE Maths

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.

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

Additional Entry Requirements

Acceptable alternative qualifications include:

HNC (Science/Sport related) (120 credits): Overall Merit with Distinctions in 45 level 4 credits.

HND (Science/Sport related) (120 credits): Overall Merit with Distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits.

Ulster Foundation Degree (Science/Sport related) with an overall average of 40% in level 5 modules.

All successful candidates are required to complete a Health Check before starting the course.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Department of Education
  • Local councils
  • National Health Service
  • Private healthcare
  • Sport National Governing Bodies

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Health service
  • Recreation and leisure facilities
  • Sport and recreation manager
  • Teaching
  • Local councils
  • Health Promotion

Career options

The course has been developed in response to industry needs and professional bodies have had considerable input into its content and delivery. The main objective would be working to bring about an increase in people’s physical activity, reduce their sedentary behaviour and thus working towards improving health status. The course will also help to develop a wide range of knowledge and transferable skills that will enable you to work as a professional in your chosen career and is particularly unique in that there are a range of modules from different disciplines.

Career opportunities can be in a wide variety of areas, such as: health promotion, physical activity coordination, workplace health and fitness, exercise referral, health-based intervention design and delivery, postgraduate research, community projects and teaching. On completion of the course, it will be possible to pursue accreditation with the British Psychological Society through a post graduate conversion course in psychology. Students may also pursue a career in teaching through a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, or advance to further study within the University or elsewhere.

Work placement / study abroad

The course offers an optional one-year work placement with the opportunity to obtain a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2024

Fees and funding

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£4,750.00

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees

£9,250.00

International Fees

£16,320.00

Additional mandatory costs

Students are required to purchase 2 items from suppliers. Normally around £80

If you wish to purchase the full kit the cost is around £175.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Disclaimer

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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

Current and past students have indicated the following benefits of the course

"Good range of modules with a great teaching team"

"Good location with a great university course"

"Small classes which help with engagement"

"Interesting modules and helpful lecturers"