BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise & Physical Activity (Full Time)

This broad and stimulating degree will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required to pursue a rewarding career in the health sector or fitness industry.

Course overview

The BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise and Physical Activity degree at Southampton Solent University has been designed to investigate the science that underpins the health, exercise and physical activity behaviour of individuals and population groups, and develop skills that will enhance your employability.

The course provides you with the industry recognised qualifications needed to work in the health and fitness industry, whilst also developing the skills and knowledge needed to design and deliver exercise and activity programmes to a diverse range of clients in a variety of settings to improve their health and fitness. Facilities are excellent, and you will make use of our fully equipped teaching gym and centre for Health, Exercise and Sport Science. You will also gain valuable practical work experience in a community health intervention aimed at encouraging individuals and communities to adopt more healthy and active lifestyles. This will be underpinned by exploring global, national and local strategies, policies and initiatives that encourage physical activity. 

By the end of this stimulating course you will have gained a thorough understanding of the relationships between health, fitness, exercise and physical activity, including the psychological and environmental determinants of exercise behaviour. You will also have the skills necessary to apply your knowledge in a career dedicated to improving the health of a wide variety of people.

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Industrial focus

Students will gain entry to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) as well as undertaking a period of work placement that will provide a valuable opportunity to put theory into practice and enhancing employment potential.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Client Appraisal and Assessment
• Gym Training
• Industry Practice and Research
• Introduction to Physiology of Exercise
• Introduction to Exercise Psychology
• Principles of Health, Fitness and Nutrition.

Year 2

Five core units and one option unit:

• Physical Activity and Public Health Interventions
• Exercise Programming for Older Adults
• Research Methods for Sport and Exercise
• Exercise Psychology (Behaviour Change)
• Work-based Professional Studies OR Community Volunteering: Personal Values in Action.

Options:

• Advanced Training Principles
• Group Exercise
• Sports Massage
• Diet and Nutrition
• Curriculum Plus (excluding Work-based Learning).

Year 3

Four core units and two option units:

• Health Psychology
• Exercise Programming for Medically Referred and Disabled Clients
• Project (two units).

Options:

• Exercise Management for Advanced Medical Conditions
• Management and Delivery of Physical Activity Schemes (Exercise Referral)
• Professional Skills
• Sport Development
• Stress Management
• Sports Nutrition and Performance
• Physical Education
• Curriculum Plus (excluding Work-based Learning).

Why choose this course?

• Endorsed by SkillsActive and approved by the Register of Exercise Professionals.
• Gain specialist skills working with clients with a range of medical conditions will enhance your employment prospects.
• Use our extensive and newly built sport science laboratories, including state of the art dedicated teaching gym.

Assessment

Written assignments, practical simulations, in-course tests, case studies, reflective portfolios, group work, reports, presentations and exams.

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

Creative thinking, presentation, project management, visual communication, evaluation and problem solving.

Projects/work experience

You will undertake a six week placement at the end of the first year or a period of community volunteering in your second year. Wherever possible, you will work with real life clients; for example, older adults and medically referred patients. You can also participate in staff projects; a recent example is the running and evaluation of an exercise referral scheme.

Student profile

Anna Kristensen

“This is a broad and diverse subject that can be applied to many areas of fitness. The course content is varied which keeps it interesting. Southampton Solent University was a great choice as it offered the course I wanted in a great location - Southampton is situated on the south coast of England and is close to London. The University itself has two big campuses filled with students. My time here has been very interesting and lots of fun. Once I have completed my degree I hope to continue my studies and then try to become a self-employed Fitness and Nutrition consultant.

“When I was young I was always playing sports and keeping active, but my interest in the field really began when I gained employment in a local gym. I started as a receptionist and personal assistant, but I soon progressed on to the role of fitness trainer and group instructor. This climb up the ladder really fuelled my interest in health, fitness and nutrition. Afterwards, I worked as a tour guide before embarking on a course in Sports and Marketing in my native Denmark. Unfortunately, I found it wasn’t for me so began looking into alternatives in the UK and America.”

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