The physiological, behavioural, social, cultural and nutritional perspectives of health enhancing physical activity for the general population.
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.
In addition it undertakes formal periodic 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.
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 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:
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.
In this section
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.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
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.
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:
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 (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
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) by Advanced 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 2021-2022.
Enjoy student life in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
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Our facilities in Magee cater for many sports ranging from archery to volleyball, and are open to students and members of the public all year round.
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At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
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Derry ~ Londonderry campus offers an intimate learning environment.
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.
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Year: 1
Status: C
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, traditional lectures and tutorials. Assessment is by a combination of coursework and examination.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is for students undertaking the BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Exercise and Health. It examines relevant topics to maintain a quality approach to current areas of health concern. This module will challenge the students to explore the concepts of health and wellbeing and the wider societal influences. It provides a springboard for discussion and reflection of current challenges associated with issues of wellbeing, health and physical activity. This module augments the study undertaken in other modules, in particular Introduction to Psychology and Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Wellbeing. This trio of modules will facilitate the synchronization of knowledge gained by the comprehension of health related issues. Assessment is by Coursework.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module introduces the students to the social sciences of sport and to the key skills required of a social scientist taking a more detached approach to how sports practice and society interrelate in different societies around the world.
Year: 1
Status: C
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.
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.
Year: 1
Status: C
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.
Year: 2
Status: C
This theory-based learning module is designed to facilitate opportunities for students to examine sport and physical activity within the context of public health.
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.
Year: 2
Status: C
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 pathophysiology of the human body during conditions of exercise stress.
Year: 2
Status: C
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.
Year: 2
Status: C
This work-based learning module is designed to facilitate opportunities for students to plan, deliver and evaluate a physical activity programme. It will require that the students reflect on their experience on a weekly basis through a reflective journal and design their own physical activity intervention
Year: 2
Status: C
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.
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.
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: 4
Status: C
This level 6 module is an optional module for students undertaking BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Exercise and Health. The aim is to assist them in recognising the needs of people with long term illness to enable them to live fulfilling lives from diagnosis to end of life across all parts of service delivery. The module will challenge the student to explore strategies to facilitate participation in physical activity and exercise among those individuals with a long-term health condition.
Year: 4
Status: C
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.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module examines the influence of psychological factors in understanding the link between physical activity and public health across different settings and populations. It provides a critical understanding of the development of scientific consensus to date and identifies areas in need of further research.
Year: 4
Status: C
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.
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.
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.
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.
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CCC to include grade C in one subject from Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, PE, Psychology, Sports Studies, Double Award Science, Life and Health Science
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
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.
CCCCC to include a Grade C in one of Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physical Education, Psychology, Sports Studies or Double Award Applied Science
DDD to include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physical Education, Psychology, Sports Studies or Double Award Applied Science
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 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 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 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.
A satisfactory AccessNI criminal record check will be required.
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.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
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.
The course offers an optional one-year work placement with the opportunity to obtain a Diploma in Professional Practice.
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
The AccessNI criminal record check currently costs £s;33-50.
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.
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:
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.
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"
