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Summary:
Applying via UCAS ?
Course Code: CX62
Applying via UCAS ?
Course Code: CX61
Applying via UCAS ?
Course Code: C13F
Why choose the School of Sport Science and Physical Activity
Our partnership with Luton Town Football Club offers excellent career development opportunities and work experience for students studying on sports-related courses
We’re 4th for employability in the Guardian League Table 2023 because our courses get you a degree-level job
Our students say our courses, teaching and support are a winning combination, that’s why we are 54th out of 122 for Sport in the Guardian University Guide 2023.
Our Sports Science courses ranked 5th for Graduate Prospects in the 2023 Times / Good University Guide league table.
Gain professional qualifications alongside your degree
BASES accreditation on several courses
About the course
Coaching is a great way to express your passion for sport and - with Great Britain now a leading competitor in world sports - there has never been a better time to work in the field. This course gives you the understanding and skills you need to follow a career as a coach.
The course combines a thorough understanding of sport and exercise science with knowledge of the range of roles and settings within which a coach works. The combination of theoretical vocational and practical elements helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of the sport science that underpins coaching practice.
The course is accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) and as we are a Higher Education Partner of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) it is also closely aligned to the relevant professional standards you need to follow a career in the sports sector.
Why choose this course?
- Study a challenging and enjoyable course which prepares you for employment – 90% of our students are in work or study six months after finishing
- Learn in a high-performance environment that combines scientific knowledge with sports performance
- Explore coaching with internationally recognised staff in the fields of science exercise and sport who draw on their experience in organisations such as The Football Association and Sport England
- Benefit from up-to-the-minute facilities including six BASES-accredited sport and exercise science laboratories; our Human Performance Centre; two molecular and cellular physiology labs; and a sports therapy and rehabilitation centre with a sports injury clinic
- Enhance your profile through the use of industry-leading technology such as Analysis Pro and Catapult GPS equipment
- Take up opportunities for placements with our official partners Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC and other sporting organisations
- You have the chance to specialise with optional study routes in your second and third years
- There is the opportunity to undertake a fee-free one-year sandwich placement in industry (see below)
- If you need to step up into higher education start with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees you a place on the degree course
with Professional Practice Year
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
with Foundation Year
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Course Leader - David Pears
I have worked at the University of Bedfordshire since 2006 and am currently a senior lecturer in the faculty of Education and Sport at the University of Bedfordshire with responsibility for coordinating all academic study of coaching and player and match analysis.
Course Leader - David Pears
I have worked at the University of Bedfordshire since 2006 and am currently a senior lecturer in the faculty of Education and Sport at the University of Bedfordshire with responsibility for coordinating all academic study of coaching and player and match analysis.
Course Leader - David Pears
I have worked at the University of Bedfordshire since 2006 and am currently a senior lecturer in the faculty of Education and Sport at the University of Bedfordshire with responsibility for coordinating all academic study of coaching and player and match analysis.
What will you study?
Introduction To Sport And Exercise Psychology
This unit introduces a range of major themes from sport & exercise psychology that have had a significant impact on the development of the growing body of knowledge which informs this domain. There is opportunity to consider a diverse range of research informed approaches that contribute to this multi-faceted discipline and explore its position in sport science and applied practice.
A significant amount of study time is devoted to exploring and clarifying how different theories and principles guide both understanding and practice in sport contexts. The unit recognises that sport and exercise psychology contributes to performance enhancement and athlete well-being, influencing many areas of practice. There will be opportunity to consider your own development as a practitioner by reflecting on a range of key psychological issues. This unit provides the foundation for future study of this area.
Principles Of Nutrition
This unit examines the scientific basis of nutrition for human biological systems and develops understanding of nutritional requirements.
The unit aims to develop your understanding of what nutrients are and the nature and metabolic demand for these nutrients, how the human body converts macronutrients to useful forms of energy, and metabolism and energy balance within the human body. It is underpinned by published research on nutrition and metabolism
Anatomy And Biomechanics
This unit aims to:
- Develop knowledge of the principles of human movement and the role of human anatomy in sport and exercise science
- Develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of sport and exercise biomechanics, underpinned by research in the discipline.
- Introduce the application of sports biomechanics to sports science practice, coaching, strength and conditioning, personal training and research.
Biomechanics For Sport And Exercise Science
This unit aims to:
- Develop knowledge of the principles of human movement and biomechanics
- Introduce the application of sports biomechanics to sports science practice and research
- Develop understanding of how principles of human movement, anatomy and biomechanics are integrated to allow musculoskeletal analyses of movements
Introduction To Research Methods
This unit introduces you to quantitative and qualitative research, consequently serving as a foundation stone for either the BA or BSc research methods units at Level 5. The knowledge and skills gained are essential for successful degree study. The research concepts and skills in this unit apply to each of the disciplines encountered on the Sport and Physical Education degree programme.
It introduces the concept of research methodologies and overviews basic quantitative and qualitative paradigms, research designs, data collection methods, sampling, analysis and validity/trustworthiness. You will also consider the overlaps between these approaches. Overall, the unit aims to:
Provide an introduction to the concept of methodological approaches to research and basic qualitative methods
Provide an overview of basic quantitative research methods
Introduce students to designing and undertaking research projects that apply to contemporary issues in sport and physical education disciplines
Fundamentals Of Strength And Conditioning
To introduce the theoretical and practical understanding of the fundamental principles supporting strength and conditioning in relation to optimising sports performance.
This unit is supported by strength and conditioning research published in a range of peer reviewed journals by staff in the ISPAR research institute. The units content is also supported by core competencies and published information provided by the UK Strength & Conditioning Association which has been written by ISPAR staff.
Developing The Coaching Environment And Practice
This unit seeks to
a) introduce you to the theory and application of how to develop a positive learning environment that enables the performer to develop fundamental physical and technical skills,
b) help you to develop your practical coaching skills in relation to the design and delivery of practice to meet the needs of their performers.
Human Physiology
This unit aims to answer the questions:
Physiologically how do the fundamental systems of the human body respond at rest?
How does the human body adapt to exercise?
The unit serves as an introduction to the structure of the physiological systems and major organs of the body and rest and in relation to physical activity. Students will research the topics of interest through relevant and recent literature introduced in lectures and seminars to form the basis of written assignments.
Social Psychology Of Sport
This unit builds upon the foundations developed in the Level 4 Sport Psychology unit. The unit employs social-psychological theories, principles and concepts to understand behaviour in a variety of sport and physical activity contexts. Throughout the unit, the link between theory and practice is emphasised. The implications of the material for coaching, teaching, programme development and your own sport participation will be explored.
The unit aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding based on relevant research in the following areas...
the social psychological factors influencing participation and performance in sport
group dynamics models and principles and their application to a variety of sport and activity contexts
the role of sport and physical activity in the psycho-social development of participants
the development and application of strategies to promote positive experiences for participants
Motor Performance And Learning
This unit is focused on understanding an important aspect of human behaviour in sport and physical activity - motor performance and learning. It explores the area of motor performance and the looks at how sports skills are executed using theories of movement control. Also, it considers the factors that influence performance such as maturity and stress. Of significant value to a wide variety of sports practitioners is an understanding of learning processes. A number of learning theories are explored and the area of motor learning is applied to practical sports and physical activity instruction settings. As the unit considers aspects of human behaviour then some of the content and study time is focused on reflection and analysis of your individual behaviour as a performer, coach, teacher or sport practitioner. The unit is informed by recent research in the areas of skill performance and learning including applied research from teaching, coaching and rehabilitation settings.
Biomechanics
This unit aims to:
Develop knowledge and understanding based on relevant research into the biomechanical principles underpinning sports performance and injury prevention.
Develop the skills required to undertake biomechanical measurement and assessment techniques in sports science practice, personal training, strength and conditioning, coaching and research settings.
Performance Analysis (Player And Match)
This unit aims to build on an understanding of the fundamentals of performance analysis (player and match) within sport. The unit will focus on the practical application of a range of analysis techniques for use with performers and coaches and the ability to provide appropriate feedback from the findings.
The unit also aims to encourage individual and group creativity and critical thinking and collaborative learning in a community of practice
Coaching: Developing The Performer
This unit aims to develop understanding and application of key coaching concepts relating to the long term development of performers. You will undertake at least 30 hours of placement activity, building on your employability and undertaking work at an appropriate level.
You will be expected to deliver coaching sessions in a manner that is above current National Occupational Standards for coaching at level 1 (working towards or meeting level 2).
Coaching For Development
This unit aims to develop understanding and application of key coaching concepts relating to the long term development of performers.
Dissertation Preparation
The unit is fundamental to help develop the skills necessary for reading and understanding research and you will specifically design and complete a comprehensive dissertation proposal with accompanying ethical documentation. Key research areas will be discussed and students will be encouraged to read a range of peer reviewed research articles in the area they are writing a proposal in.
Physiology Of Exercise And Adaptation
This unit seeks to use both current and relevant research within all lectures and laboratory based practical sessions. This unit has been designed to answer the following questions:
- What are the current factors that influence sport and exercise performance
- How does the human body respond and adapt to different types of exercise?
- What are the current training methods associated with improved exercise performance and what happens when training leads to a decrease in performance?
Research Methods For Sport, Exercise And Physical Activity
This unit will expand upon the knowledge of the basic qualitative and quantitative methods and analysis covered during the Introduction to Research Methods unit at level 4. During this unit you will examine and conduct research using a range of methods of data collection and analysis within the field of sport, exercise and physical activity. The unit is fundamental to help continue develop the skills necessary for reading and understanding research.
Professional Practice Year (Sport Science And Physical Activity)
This unit aims to provide appropriate work experience based learning and experience in the responsibilities of the work place. This unit will allow students to develop their professional and transferable skills in the work place and will assess individuals reflection based on key models of reflective literature and examination of professional behaviours.
Applied Sport And Exercise Psychology
The unit explores how sport and exercise psychology can be utilised to enhance performance in a range of physical activity contexts. Drawing upon psychological skill training (PST) and other interventions, the unit will provide a comprehensive insight into how practitioners can use a variety of techniques in their work with athletes. The unit will combine the growing body of research informed knowledge from empirical evidence with established and novel applied techniques.
Sports Injuries
The unit will address the following:
· The epidemiology and aetiology of injuries sustained in sport, exercise and physical activity, including the extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors associated with them.
· The principles of rehabilitation and exercise therapy in the early, intermediate, late and pre-discharge stages of recovery from injuries sustained in a sports and exercise environment.
Commonly used procedures in orthopaedic surgery for the treatment of sports injuries and the effects of inactivity and immobilisation on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems.
The unit draws on a range of sports injury research include the work of the unit co-ordinator and members of the University's Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR)
Applied Biomechanics
This unit aims to:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of how research informed assessment of biomechanics underpins sports performance and injury prevention strategies.
- Develop the skills required to undertake biomechanical analyses of performers and make recommendations based on these analyses and previous research.
- Demonstrate to students the role of a biomechanist as a consultant dealing with performers.
Applied Exercise Physiology
During both lectures and seminars you will seek to utilise current and relevant research to answer the following questions:
- What are the current measures of exercise performance and what affects these measures?
- How can we assure reliability and validity of measurements when in the applied setting?
- What are the current issues associated with applied physiology?
Dissertation For Sport Science And Physical Activity
This unit is a structured independent study which involves selecting a topic that is approved by an appropriate staff member of the School of Sport Science and Physical Activity who will subsequently become your supervisor. You will conduct an in-depth scientific study of that topic. The topic chosen should be one that is of interest to you and is also deemed to be an important topic within the field of Sport Science and Physical Activity. You will be expected to engage in considerable independent scholarly activity, building upon the initial topic and reading material discussed with your supervisor. The topic chosen should relate to some aspect of the content and issues within an appropriate discipline, and should examine a limited area in depth rather than attempt any wide-ranging generalised investigation. You will be required to meet your supervisor on a regular basis to discuss your progress. You will be required to complete ethical documentation before you start your data collection. This will be reviewed by the Undergraduate School Ethics Committee via specific meetings throughout the unit.
Work Placement Project
This unit aims to enhance student awareness of the vocational opportunities available in their chosen subject discipline and the associated desirable skills alongside opportunity for project development in a specific topic related to the work experience. Students will develop reflective practice, critical evaluation and work-based competencies as well as undertaking a project requiring data analysis. In order to achieve this, students are expected to find and maintain a suitable work placement for a minimum of 60 hours. The placement project topic chosen should relate to some aspect of the content and issues within an appropriate discipline, and should examine a limited area in depth rather than attempt any wide-ranging generalised investigation. You will be required to meet your supervisor on a regular basis to discuss your progress. You will be required to complete ethical documentation before you start your data collection. This will be reviewed by the Undergraduate School Ethics Committee via specific meetings throughout the unit.
Performance Coaching
This unit firstly seeks to enable students to understand the distinctions between coaching for participation, development and performance. It then aims to enable the student to understand and apply current key concepts and practices in performance sport coaching. Lastly, it aims to develop the student’s ability to practically apply this knowledge.
Coaching In Context
Coaching is not restricted to a laboratory situation, but rather involves complex interactions between people, organisations and institutions that may or may not have congruent interests. These interests, especially when they are competing can lead to situations that challenge the individuals concerned. Coaching is a dynamic process that must be contextualised to give a fuller understanding of coaching behaviour.
This unit aims to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the context and environment in which coaching occurs in the UK. It is underpinned by research in the area of sport sociology and incorporates work undertaken by the University's staff.
Work Experience For Sport Science And Coaching
This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience within a suitable sport science and/or coaching environment. It will provide an invaluable opportunity for students to understand the cultural or employment context of their academic discipline and to enhance awareness of skills that are required in such applied or vocational settings. Other benefits include improving their work experience portfolios to support their subsequent pursuit of employment or promotion, enhanced communication skills, and networking opportunities.
Studying Sport In Higher Education
This is a subject specific unit that builds on the knowledge and understanding that students gained in semester one of their foundation year. The unit is focused on developing students’ skills and applied knowledge relevant to their future degree study of sport. During this unit students will gain knowledge and understanding of sport in a higher education environment through exploring a range of topics and activities reflecting the variety of sport degrees within the University. The students will produce assessment work that demonstrates the development of sport specific knowledge and academic skills that are applicable in a higher education environment. This unit aims to extend students’ confidence to explore new research topics and themes relating to studying sport in higher education.
Individuals In Society (Sport)
This unit has been designed to enable you to develop your understanding of some of the core intellectual themes and issues that you will encounter as part of your degree study within the Faculty of Education and Sport.
Within the unit you will be studying aspects of current Government policy and consider how it is influencing sport, health and wellbeing. To support this you will be introduced to aspects of sociological and psychological thinking. You will use this knowledge of the underpinning theories and concepts that relate to: you as an individual; the society in which you live; the subject area that you will be focussing on during your degree.
The unit content serves the combined purposes of developing knowledge and understanding that will form the foundation for your degree studies; developing the ability to apply theory to real world examples while becoming familiar with some of the issues, skills and techniques that you will meet in your degree studies.
Studying For He (Sport)
In this unit you will be introduced to what academic study in Higher Education involves both generally and related to studying specific subjects. You will be given opportunities to develop the skills, attitudes, confidence and strategies to help you succeed in the course meeting the entry requirements for university study.
You will be supported in identifying where you have scope to develop skills and abilities using planning for your on-going personal development, through exploring what works best for you. Tutors will guide you towards the options best suited for the subject area you are hoping to study in your degree.
As you go through the year you will notice that you will be able to link the learning that you do in this unit with other parts of the course and apply the learning to the assessments you will be doing.
Examining Research (Sport)
This unit applies subject knowledge and critical thinking that you have developed during the course. It will give you the opportunity to think about what research is and how different people in your subject area develop the research process. You will examine some research that has been done in relation to a subject that you will be studying on your degree. This is your chance to analyse what the researchers have done and assess its strengths and weaknesses
You will learn about the process of developing a small scale research project from the point of view of students and staff who have experience of doing it. You will get the opportunity to think about the advantages and disadvantages of some of the most commonly used research tools by looking at how others have used them.
As this is an introduction before you get the opportunity to study research design and methods in more depth, the aim is to give you the opportunity to look at a variety of examples to develop an informed understanding of different approaches.
The project that you produce will demonstrate the development and application of your subject knowledge through using the academic skills that you have gained in the other units of the course. This will give you the confidence to know that you will be able to develop your skills and in future participate in work of this kind on your degree studies.
How will you be assessed?
The strategies adopted for learning and teaching in BSc (Hons) Sport Science and Coaching reflect the diverse nature of the subject. The course employs practical activities in the lab and field lead lectures seminar discussions workshops on-line activities and individual and small group tutorials. Practical sessions or discussion seminars will enable you to apply theories taught during lectures and gain a deeper understanding of their use and contexts. Laboratory work and computer-based learning activities will provide opportunities to practise and develop research skills and techniques in preparation for conducting your own research and facilitate your understanding of research-based literature. You will examine case studies and receive invited lectures from professionals in the field to learn from their expertise and reflect upon how your learning can be transferred into real life workplace settings.
Throughout the degree small group sessions require you to engage in problem-solving exercises and analytical discussions with your peers. You will learn to locate, evaluate and synthesise information from a variety of sources and be given opportunities to learn practise and develop communication and presentation skills including a topic specifically designed to develop professional skills used by healthcare professionals.
Careers
You will be well placed to take up careers with a range of organisations in the public private and not-for-profit sectors. For example:
- professional sports clubs
- national sporting associations governing bodies and other sporting agencies
- private health and fitness clubs; spas; and public sports and recreation facilities
- local authorities
- schools further education and higher education institutions
- the health sector including the NHS
Graduates from this course have gone on to work for NGBs professional sports teams and other organisations as coaches and performance analysts.
You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level. The University of Bedfordshire offers a range of relevant Master’s including our MA Physical Education and Sport (Pedagogy).
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK 2024/25
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Merit Scholarship
We offer a Merit Scholarship to UK students, worth £2,400* over three academic years, which is awarded to those who can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, through scoring 120 UCAS tariff points or more.
Bedfordshire Bursary
If you aren’t eligible for the Merit Scholarship, this Bursary is there to help UK students with aspects of student living such as course costs. The Bursary will give you £1,000* over three academic years, or £1,300* if you are taking your course over four academic years (including those with a Foundation Year).
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £15,500 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK 2024/25
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Merit Scholarship
We offer a Merit Scholarship to UK students, worth £2,400* over three academic years, which is awarded to those who can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, through scoring 120 UCAS tariff points or more.
Bedfordshire Bursary
If you aren’t eligible for the Merit Scholarship, this Bursary is there to help UK students with aspects of student living such as course costs. The Bursary will give you £1,000* over three academic years, or £1,300* if you are taking your course over four academic years (including those with a Foundation Year).
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £15,500 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK 2024/25
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Merit Scholarship
We offer a Merit Scholarship to UK students, worth £2,400* over three academic years, which is awarded to those who can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, through scoring 120 UCAS tariff points or more.
Bedfordshire Bursary
If you aren’t eligible for the Merit Scholarship, this Bursary is there to help UK students with aspects of student living such as course costs. The Bursary will give you £1,000* over three academic years, or £1,300* if you are taking your course over four academic years (including those with a Foundation Year).
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £15,500 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
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