BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science (Full Time)

On this course you will learn how to maximise human performance through sport and exercise science.

Course overview

The BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Science degree at Southampton Solent University provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific theory, research and practice underpinning participation and performance in sport and exercise.

You will develop a detailed knowledge of physiological, psychological and biomechanical theories, and how these can be used to enhance human performance - from elite athletes to those with special conditions.

You will gain hands-on experience with a variety of clients including testing high performance athletes, those with certain medical conditions and the general public using field and laboratory-based equipment, and critically analysing and interpreting their data. You will design and deliver individual and sport-specific intervention programmes in coaching, gym and laboratory settings.

You can gain National Governing Body and industry awards as an integral part of the course and your studies will prepare you for British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES) professional accreditation. The degree will also give you entry to Level 2 of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) at the end of your first year, and an option to attain REPs Level 3 at the end of your second year.

Industrial focus

We have excellent links with local and national sport and exercise organisations and clubs. They provide part-time work and internships, and contribute to the content and delivery of the programme. The guest lecturer series includes international sport scientists, athletes and coaches.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:                                

• Principles of Health, Fitness and Nutrition
• Introduction to Physiology of Exercise
• Introduction to Sports Psychology
• Introduction to Biomechanics
• Gym Training
• Industry Practice and Research.

Year 2

Five core units and one option unit: 

• Application of Fitness Testing and Training
• Applied Techniques in Sports Psychology
• Applied Principles of Biomechanics
• Research Methods for Sport and exercise
• Advanced Training Principles.

Options:

• Applied Techniques in Performance Analysis
• Sports Massage
• Work Based Learning
• Diet and Nutrition.

Year 3

Project/dissertation

Three units from the following:

• Professional Practice in Physiology
• Professional Practice in Sports Psychology
• Professional Practice in Biomechanics
• Sports Science Support.

One option:

• Sports Conditioning
• Injury Prevention and Management
• Complementary Therapies for Sport
• Professional Practice in Sports Performance Analysis
• Sports Nutrition and Performance
• Physical Education
• High Performance Coaching. 

Why choose this course?

• Opportunities to undertake a wide range of National Governing Body awards.
• Opportunities to work with real life athletes and clients.
• Access to world class sport science laboratories.
• Guest lecturer series to include international sport scientists, athletes and coaches.

Assessment

A combination of written coursework (for example, case studies, presentations, projects), practical sessions, viva voce and examinations.

REPs fees

Please note that this course is subject to an additional compulsory fee of £300 in the first year for professional body (REPs) qualifications.

Key career skills

Presentation, project management, communication, IT and numeracy. 

Projects/work experience

Recent projects include an evaluation of Southampton’s GP referral scheme Active Options, with follow-up monitoring of interventions using the sport science laboratories.

Our students have had placements with AFC Bournemouth (physiology, performance analysis and psychology), Southampton FC (strength and conditioning, physiology and performance analysis) and Reed’s School High Performance Academy. Students also help staff in the preparation and testing of elite athletes, for example GB Wheelchair Rugby, Salisbury Triathletes and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme.

We take a selection of students to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science student national conference to present their third year dissertations.

Those wishing to pursue teaching careers can support teachers delivering National Curriculum physical education through school placements and out of school hours sports provision.

Student profile

James Steele

“I really enjoy being able to work in research and with external clients, using the on-site sports laboratories and this looks great on my CV. I've been given the opportunity to work with world class athletes as part of my course, giving me the chance to apply what I have learned in lectures and through further reading.

“This year, we have worked with an Ironman Triathlete and with a Paralympic wheelchair rugby player who represents Great Britain and hopes to complete in London 2012. I'm not aware of any other sport science course in the country that offers the opportunity to work with such athletes at undergraduate level.

"The course is very hands-on, as its name would suggest. Pretty much everything you read about or hear about in lectures you will have the opportunity to try out and learn how it works in an applied situation. Most interesting on the practical side has been performing maximal testing - it's been fascinating to see how far people are able to push their limits. Things such as VO2 max testing require a great deal of knowledge and competency, and it's extremely rewarding when they go well.”

Sports kit

If you are a BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science, or Sport Coaching student starting in September 2011, you are required to purchase sport kit prior to starting your degree that is mandatory to wear during all academic sessions and during any external activity where you represent the University. You can purchase the kit from the clothing company Kukri Sports via their website|. When ordering, do not forget to enter the promotion code to obtain your 15% discount. They will deliver the kit to the University during the week beginning the 26 September 2011 (your welcome week) as long as you order before the deadline of 16 September 2011. In order to ensure your size is available we advise you to order as soon as possible.

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