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

Carmarthen
6 Years Part-time
96 UCAS Points

The part-time BSc Sport and Exercise Science programme provides you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in the growing fields of sport, fitness, and health. The importance of physical well-being has never been clearer, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened the need for professionals who understand how exercise and lifestyle choices impact health.

This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in sport and exercise science while offering flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments. Over the course of your studies, you will gain a deep understanding of how exercise influences the body, improve your ability to assess health and fitness, and learn how to create effective exercise programmes tailored to individuals’ needs. You will also focus on public health issues, learning how to communicate the importance of exercise and healthy living to a wider audience.

One of the key strengths of this programme is its focus on developing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You will have the chance to work directly with clients in real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience in fitness instruction, personal training, and health assessments. These experiences not only enhance your learning but also make you more competitive in the job market.


Additionally, you can earn external qualifications such as a gym instructor or personal trainer certification during your studies. These qualifications allow you to broaden your expertise and open up further career opportunities. The programme places a strong emphasis on vocational relevance, meaning that the skills you develop are directly applicable to the types of roles you may seek after graduation.

As a part-time student, you will benefit from a flexible approach to learning that fits around your life. You will still receive the same high-quality education as full-time students, with the opportunity to build your skills gradually. This format allows you to develop professionally while gaining the qualifications and experience needed to enter the sector with confidence.

Throughout the course, you will engage in independent research, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are vital skills for any career in sport and exercise science. The programme also encourages you to reflect on your own practice, ensuring that you are always learning and growing as a professional.

By the end of the programme, you will have developed a wide range of skills that are highly valued in the sport and exercise sector. Whether you choose to work in fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation, or coaching, this degree will prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in an exciting and rewarding industry.

Course details

Start date:
ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ modes:
  • On-campus
  • Part-time
Language:
  • English
  • Bilingual
UCAS code:
Course length:
6 Years Part-time
Entry requirements:
96 UCAS Points

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

Accredited:
The Society of Sports Therapists logo

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.

In the first and second 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

Compulsory

Learning in the Digital Era

(20 credits)

Introduction to Health and Exercise Psychology

(20 credits)

Human Physiology and Fitness

(20 credits)

Compulsory

Personal Training

(20 credits)

Nutrition for Health

(20 credits)

Kinesiology

(10 credits)

The third and fourth years 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.

Compulsory

Exercise Physiology

(20 credits)

Biomechanical Assessment of Performance and Injury

(20 credits)

Research in Health, Exercise and Physical Education

(20 credits)

Compulsory

Nutrition for Sport and Exercise

(20 credits)

Sport and Exercise Psychology

(20 credits)

Developing your Professional Profile (Placement)

(20 credits)

In the fifth and 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

Advanced Exercise Physiology

(20 credits)

Evidence Based Practice in Exercise Science

(20 credits)

Optional 

Coaching Pedagogy

(20 credits)

Exercise and Specific Populations

(20 credits)

Compulsory

Independent Project

(40 credits)

Optional 

Professional Practice in Sport and Exercise

(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