Programme Specification for Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
|
Final award |
BSc (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE, BSc |
|
UCAS code |
C600 |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Unit 25 - Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
May 2010 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
Applying the science of sporting performance.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The programme is open to any student who can demonstrate that she/he is capable of degree level study. Applicants should have the equivalent of 240 UCAS points. We also accept a relevant access course; a merit or distinction in an appropriate Advanced GNVQ or BTEC National Diploma. Other qualifications may be considered upon application. Students with relevant higher education qualifications may be eligible for advanced standing (that is exemption for elements of the programme).
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Sport & Exercise Science?
Falling within the Applied Sports Science Subject Area, along with our BSc (Hons) in Sports Development, Sports Coaching and Fitness & Health, our Sport & Exercise Science degree focuses in on the more pure scientific aspects of the enhancement of sporting performance, with the key areas of Physiology, Psychology and Biomechanics all being delivered.
The word ‘Applied’ in the Subject Area title is very much in evidence as the various modules of study are centred on practical applications to real people in the sporting world.
There are two entry points to Sport & Exercise Science, either direct into Year One of the Honours Degree Programme, or via the School of Health & Bioscience Extended Degree Programme, which offers an additional ‘access-type’ Foundation Year, before proceeding on to the Honours Programme. This Extended Degree is aimed at those candidates currently lacking the necessary Honours entry requirements, as well as those who need an extra year to develop their skills and confidence before commencing the Honours Programme.
Sport & Exercise Science at UEL
The ‘Applied’ nature of the programme means that there is a constant focus on ensuring that our students develop the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required to be attractive to potential employers at the end of the programme. The ways in which we achieve this are by;
- Developing broad-based, up-to-date subject knowledge
- Developing strong ‘people’ skills – e.g. communication/presentation skills
- Developing relevant skills – e.g. use of information & communication technologies, application of a range of analytical and performance-enhancing techniques
- Developing external contacts with people working in the industry to deliver presentations, provide ‘live’ case studies and to provide work placement opportunities
- Use of up-to-date, top quality equipment that would be used in a sports science environment
Programme structure
The Honours Programme is for 3 years and has both a full-time and a part-time mode of study available. The Extended Degree route takes 4 years and, again, may be studied either full- or part-time. On completion of the Foundation Year, students progress on to the First Year of the Honours Programme.
The First Year of the Honours Programme is common between Sport & Exercise Science and the three other Applied Sports Science Programmes. This allows students to make their final choice of programme at the end of that first year. It also allows students to acquire the basic grounding in a variety of programme ‘themes’ so that they can keep their options as open as possible in the second and third years.
The Second and Third Years of the Honours Programme are made up of a mixture of Core (i.e. Compulsory) and Optional Modules. The options can come from the full list of modules offered by the Programme Area, including those modules core to the other programmes.
Learning environment
The Programme Area as a whole seeks to use a wide range of teaching and learning methods so as to reflect the range of ways that different students learn. The methods used include;
- Work-Based Learning
- Coaching Practicals
- Case Studies/Problem Solving
- Student-led research activity
- Group work/discussions
- Information & Communication Technology applications
- Visits/Observations
- Guest Speakers
- Seminars
The facilities used include our Human Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratories, Newham Leisure Centre, as well as specialist facilities operated by partner organisations, such as the Docklands Water-sports Centre.
Assessment
If examinations are your least favourite thing then do not fear! Though we do use examinations as part of assessment they make up less than 20% of the total. To develop the range of skills we require in our graduates, we see it as essential to use a range of relevant, work-related assessment methods. These include;
- Laboratory Practicals
- Work Placements
- Presentations
- Report writing
- Information Technology applications
- Projects
- Case Studies
The range of assessment methods means that all students get the opportunity to show their existing strengths, whilst developing new ones.
To help everyone develop their confidence in the different assessment methods all of them are used during the First Year when the results do not count towards your final degree classification. The hard task is to ensure that you pass them all! Once into the Second Year, from then on all the assessments will contribute towards your final degree classification, with the greatest weighting attached to your Year Three results.
Work experience/placement opportunities
Whilst all students are encouraged from the start of the programme to take every opportunity to gain relevant work experience, whether a formal part of the programme or not, we have identified the need to support this even more.The Sport and Exercise Science programme includes Work Based Learning Modules as options at both levels two and three. In these students are able to gain substantial work experience as well as credits towards their degree.
Project work
The largest piece of work that students carry out on the programme is the final year Project. The topic for this is chosen by the student, in conjunction with the tutor, and is based on the student’s own, original piece of research.
In preparation for this there are a number of modules that include smaller scale project work, either on an individual or group basis. Some lead to written assessments and some to formal presentations, most allow for a high degree of student selection of the topic.
Added value
Though we cannot make any promises about getting a job at the end of the programme we know that we will have increased your employability significantly. Our focus not only on the subject knowledge but also the wider skills required in the work place means that you will have a great deal to offer a potential employer.
We will also make full use of our range of local partners to help set up opportunities for students to gain additional qualifications, such as National Governing Body coaching awards.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Physiology of Sport
- Fitness Assessment
- Sports Psychology
- Nutrition
- Sports Biomechanics
- Analysing & improving sporting performance
Then the answer is yes.
If you enjoy...
- Studying in an environment where you are a name and not just a number
- Being encouraged to express your point of view
- Learning from the experiences of your fellow students as well your lecturers
- Mixing with like-minded people from a range of backgrounds
- Being challenged to develop yourself further than you thought you could
- The support of a positive and encouraging staff team
Then the answer is yes.
If you want...
- A programme that combines class-based study with practical activity
- A programme that looks at the scientific analysis of what makes good sporting performance
- A programme that looks at the wide range of factors that can impact on people’s sporting performance
- A programme that develops your ability to produce and implement practical methods of increasing an individual’s sporting performance
- A programme that allows you to obtain work experience while you study
Then the answer is yes.
Your future career
Our Sport & Exercise Science programme has been running for a number of years now and graduates have been very successful in gaining employment or going on to further study in the following areas;
- Fitness Club management
- Personal Trainer
- Sports Coaching
- Physiotherapist Training
- Sports Development
- Community Physical Activity
- PE Teacher Training
- Sports-Specific talent development
The success of our students in the Sport and Fitness Industries means that a number of employers are now former students, providing greater recognition in the marketplace, particularly if you take all the opportunities for work experience that you are offered along the way.
How we support you
All students are allocated a personal tutor to whom individuals may turn with any problems/issues. In addition all module tutors offer additional support outside of the actual teaching periods.
Through the use of study skill modules in the First Year of the programme we aim to help all students make the step up to degree level. This module includes, amongst others, computer skills, report/essay writing, academic referencing, research, including use of the internet, and presentation skills. We also provide additional classes for those students who wish to dedicate more time and effort into developing their academic writing skills as fully as possible.
If any students require further support (e.g. due to dyslexia) then the systems are in place to ensure that the support is available.
Bonus factors
Sport & Exercise Science is a growing area both in terms of University study and employment opportunities, especially in the light of Government recognition of the need to develop the performance of our sports-people. Changes are happening fast in the industry and it is an exciting time to be involved. The nature of the programme at UEL and the skills, knowledge and industrial contacts of the staff mean that you will be right at the ‘cutting edge’ of those changes as they occur.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Scientifically analyse the factors influencing sporting performance.
- Develop programmes to enhance the performance of an individual in a sporting context.
- Implement effective scientific programmes for the improvement of sporting performance.
- Carry out accurate scientific studies into the performance of sporting skills
What will you learn?
All learning outcomes are covered in the programme’s single honours route and where Maj, J and/or Min is shown against a learning outcome, this confirms that the learning outcome is covered in the Major, Joint and/or Minor routes offered.
Knowledge
- Acquire an awareness of, and ability to use effectively, the range of scientific tools to analyse the key components of sporting performance.
- Maintain the currency and practical application of the learning experience.
Thinking skills
- Develop a clear ethos of scientific investigation in the furtherance of sporting achievement.
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Develop practical and transferable skills which will facilitate interaction and co-operation with a range of people and provide leadership in a range of practical activities.
- Develop a suitable level of practical competency to operate effectively within a sports science environment.
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Improve the ability to communicate effectively, by developing organisational, intellectual and conceptual skills
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or five years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year . An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
- University wide option - Select from a wide range of university wide options
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single, major, joint and minor routes for this programme
The Skills Modules listed in the Joint Route are Core, unless the equivalent Skills Modules are taken in your other combined subject.
| LEVEL | UEL Module Code | TITLE | SKILLS MODULES (Insert Y where appropriate) | CREDITS | STATUS SINGLE | STATUS MAJOR | STATUS JOINT | STATUS MINOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
SE1100 |
Physiological Aspects of Exercise & Sport |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
SE1101 |
Psychological Aspects of Exercise & Sport |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
SE1102 |
Professional & Personal Development |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
1 |
SE1103 |
Coaching Principles |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
1 |
SE1104 |
Development of Sport |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
1 |
SE1106 |
Management & Leadership in Exercise & Sport |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2106 |
Sports Development |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2102 |
Research Methods |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
2 |
SE2105 |
Sport and Leisure Management |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2110 |
Disability and Physical Activity |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2112 |
Talent Identification & the Development of Excellence |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2108 |
Social Psychology of Sport |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
2 |
SE2104 |
Analysis & Development of Performance |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
2 |
SE2051 |
Food and Nutrition |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2116 |
Work Based Learning |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2114 |
Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2113 |
Training Programmes for Sport and Exercise |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SE2100 |
Fitness Assessment |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
3 |
SE3100 |
Research Project |
Y |
40 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
3 |
SE3106 |
Exercise Rehabilitation |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SE3101 |
Exercise Physiology |
|
20 |
Core ** |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
3 |
SE3115 |
Applied Sports Psychology |
|
20 |
Core ** |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
3 |
SE3107 |
Stress Management |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SE3104 |
Policy Analysis in Sport and Leisure |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SE3116 |
Work Based Learning |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SE3105 |
The Role of the Coach |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SE3109 |
Young People and Physical Activity |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SE3111 |
Sport and Exercise Biomechanics |
|
20 |
Core ** |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
3 |
SE3110 |
Clinical Sports Nutrition |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
*The Skills Modules listed in the Joint Route are Core, unless the equivalent Skills Modules are taken in your other combined subject.
** Students must select two from the choice of three core modules
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
The Programme Area's teaching and learning philosophy is focused on developing independent critical thinkers who have the knowledge and skills to work in the sport and fitness industries. The emphasis is on students applying the theoretical and conceptual bases for physical activity to the real world. Opportunities are provided within the programme for students to apply their knowledge and students are also encouraged to draw on their own physical activity experiences, whether as a participant or as an instructor, to the programme material. A cyclic model of theory-to-practice-to-theory-to practice is actively encouraged.
A wide variety of teaching and learning methods and assessment strategies are used on the programmes. These include staff led lectures where student participation is encouraged, student led sessions and presentations, small group seminars and workshops, tutorials, laboratories, coaching sessions and research project work.
The Staff is pro-active in updating programmes to reflect current thinking and changes in government policy as it relates to physical activity and sport. The Staff is also innovative and committed to improving teaching and learning by exploring new methods and applying these where appropriate. The teaching team also prides itself on its accessibility to students, the support they provide both in terms of learning materials and pastoral care and the good rapport between staff and students. All members of the staff team are actively involved in developing research and other links with key agencies. Through these links visiting lecturers with specific expertise and a national profile are brought in to provide students with different perspectives on physical activity.
Assessment
To develop the range of skills we require in our graduates, we see it as essential to use a range of relevant, work-related assessment methods, as well as more traditional methods. These include;
- Laboratory Practicals
- Work Placements
- Presentations
- Report/essay writing
- Information Technology applications
- Projects
- Examinations in a variety of formats
- Case Studies
- Seminar Papers
- Group work
The range of assessment methods means that all students get the opportunity to show their existing strengths, whilst developing new ones. To help everyone develop their confidence in the different assessment methods we attempt to use as many of them during the First Year.
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Mid-semester module evaluations
- End of semester module evaluations
- Student representation on Programme Committees (meeting twice a year)
- Discussion pages accessible by all students and staff on UEL Plus (internal computer-based communication system)
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- regular information posting at module and programme levels on UEL Plus
- providing details on the programme notice-board
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Contact with former students
- Employers Panel
- Work-Based Learning Co-ordinator
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
