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Sport and Exercise Science (Full-time) (BSc Hons)

Carmarthen
3 Years Full-time
96 UCAS Points

Our BSc Sport and Exercise Science programme equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the fields of sport, health, and fitness. You will learn how to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The COVID pandemic has shown us just how important personal health and well-being are, increasing the need for experts in sport and exercise science.

In this course, you will develop essential problem-solving, analytical, and independent research skills. You will also become a lifelong learner and a reflective practitioner, ready to adapt to new challenges in the field.

A key focus of the programme is vocational relevance. We encourage you to gain extra experience and qualifications to support your career goals while you study. You will have the chance to earn external vocational qualifications like gym instructor, personal training, and first aid. Many modules include hands-on experience working with clients in a professional setting, making you more attractive to employers.

You will also have opportunities to gain experience in health assessment and exercise prescription activities that address real-world problems. You will learn to manage your own learning activities and coordinate tasks effectively. One of the programme’s strengths is its emphasis on working with clients to develop both vocational skills and professional skills alongside your theoretical knowledge.

The practical experience you gain through the course will include fitness instruction and personal training. This will enhance your employability skills and prepare you for a range of careers in the sport and exercise science sector. You will engage in exercise prescription activities and learn how to apply your knowledge to real-life situations, helping you to stand out in the job market.

Overall, our programme aims to develop graduates who can make significant contributions to health and wellbeing. With a focus on practical and vocational training, we prepare you to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in sport and exercise science. By the end of the course, you will have the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience needed to succeed in this exciting and rewarding industry.

Course details

Start date:
ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ modes:
  • On-campus
  • Full-time
Language:
  • English
  • Bilingual
Institution code:
T80
UCAS code:
125L
Course length:
3 Years Full-time
Entry requirements:
96 UCAS Points

Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year

Why choose this course?

01
The Complete University Guide ranks sports science at the ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ (UWTSD) as 8th in the UK for student satisfaction, with 95% of students being satisfied with their experiences according to the National Student Survey.
02
Opportunity to become registered on the CIMSPA Exercise and Fitness Directory.
03
Opportunities to work alongside Academy of Sport staff delivering coaching sessions, strength and conditioning session and fitness testing.
04
Use of dedicated fitness training facilities and exercise science laboratories.
05
Lecturing staff are also based on the Carmarthen campus and are easily accessible for tutorials to support all aspects of study. A very active Student Union provides an extensive array sport and leisure activities as well as supporting your social needs.
06
Opportunities to work with clients in real-life situations.

What you will learn

Our philosophy emphasises a balance between theory and practical application, fostering independent learning and reflective practice. We aim to develop your knowledge, skills, and professional experience to ensure you are well-prepared for a career in sport and exercise science.

Year 1

In the first year, you will build a solid foundation in Sport and Exercise Science. Modules such as  nutrition for health and personal training, will help you understand the basic principles of human movement and the science behind sports performance and exercise.

Alongside learning the theory of anatomy, physiology, psychology and nutrition, students can achieve level 2 Gym Instructor and level 3 Personal Trainer awards. This allows students to start to gain part-time employment within the sport and fitness sector alongside their studies, as well as more hands-on practical work placements. 

Year 2

The second year focuses on advancing your knowledge and skills in sport and exercise performance. You will study core subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. You will also delve deeper into areas like exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and research methods. You will also gain practical experience through laboratory-based activities and begin working with clients, enhancing your vocational skills and professional skills. Research skills are developed along with the ability to create a professional profile, both online and interpersonally.

Year 3 

In the final year, you will refine your expertise and specialise in areas of interest. You will engage in advanced topics such as exercise prescription, health assessment, and performance analysis. A significant component involves independent research project, allowing you to apply your learning to real-world problems and prepare for your future career.

Compulsory

Kinesiology

(10 credits)

Introduction to Soft Tissue Skills

(20 credits)

Introduction to Chronic Disease

(10 credits)

Introduction to Exercise Psychology

(10 credits)

Introduction to Human Nutrition

(10 credits)

Introduction to Human Physiology

(20 credits)

Introduction to Sport Psychology

(10 credits)

Exercise Training (Gym Instructor)

(10 credits)

Exercise Training (Personal Trainer)

(10 credits)

Academic Skills (Sport, Health and Outdoor Education)

(10 credits)

Compulsory

Research in Health, Exercise and Physical Education

(20 credits)

Exercise Physiology

(20 credits)

Professional Development in Sport and Health

(20 credits)

Psychology of Physical Activity Behaviour

(10 credits)

Biomechanics of Performance and Injury

(20 credits)

Sport Psychology

(10 credits)

Compulsory

Advanced Exercise Physiology

(20 credits)

Nutrition for Sport and Exercise

(20 credits)

Independent Project (Sport, Health and Outdoor Education)

(40 credits)

Exercise and Nutrition for Specific Populations

(20 credits)

Optional

Work Placement in Sport and Health

(20 credits)

Advanced Teaching and Coaching in Physical Activity

(20 credits)

Course Disclaimer

  • The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

    You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.

testimonial

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Further information

  • Students would normally be expected to achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS points, focusing on science-based subjects and/or physical education. Mature students without sufficient UCAS points will be considered on merit through an interview process.

    96 UCAS Tariff Points  

    e.g. A-levels: CCC, BTEC: MMM, IB: 30  

    The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    ³Ò°ä³§·¡²õ  

    GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Alternative entry routes  

    If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider:  

    • ‘with Foundation Year’. This route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) of supported study. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    • Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). This is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of the three year, full-time bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

     Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Admissions Advice and Support  

    We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    English language requirements  

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. 

    Visa and funding requirements  

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

  • The degree is predominantly assessed through a combination of coursework and practical examination. Students will also develop an extensive portfolio of professional practice and case study evidence.

  • Students will be required to purchase university tracksuit and training tops which are required in practical sessions and when working with external groups.

    Students wishing to achieve additional, vocational qualification may incur additional charges for these courses.

  • Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.  

    If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. 

    We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.  

    Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities 

    There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Opportunities to Learn Welsh 

    We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • 90% of our graduates in this subject area are employed or in full-time further study within 6 months of graduating. in general, degrees in sport and exercise science prepare graduates for careers such as:

    • Academic research
    • Coaching and advising recreational athletes (eg triathlon, running, cycling)
    • NHS clinical exercise physiologist
    • Personal trainer
    • Sport scientist (working with professional sports teams, governing bodies, etc)
    • Strength and conditioning coach
    • Teaching
    • Youth sport