About the course
If your dream career involves training athletes to maximise their physical potential and improve their performance, then this innovative course is for you. What’s more, you’re taught by a team who have trained some of the best sportsmen and women in the world.
This degree gives you the skills you need to be a strength and conditioning coach while developing your understanding and experience of performance sport.
You learn from leading professionals in the field, who have worked wi
th elite England and GB sportsmen and women, and collaborated with the Rugby Football Union, Football Association and Amateur Athletic Association.
The course covers a wide range of disciplines including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and sport psychology as well as specific units in strength and conditioning and sport science.
Why choose this course?
- Benefit from our modern, high-tech facilities, including extensive sport-science laboratories and a purpose-built strength and conditioning suite
- Develop your employability through work-placement opportunities which could lead to internships with local professional clubs and the University’s Sports Scholarship Scheme
- We are one of the only degrees in the UK to offer the additional qualifications of gym instructor; personal trainer; working with people who have long-term conditions; strength and conditioning trainer; and graduate strength and conditioning coach. These qualifications are embedded into the course at no extra cost and endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- Completing the course also allows you to apply for professional accreditation with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA)
- Take the course over four years and include a fee-free year in industry (see below), gaining experience and making contacts for the future
- If you need a step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees entry to the undergraduate degree
Course Leader - Dr Laura Charalambous
I joined the University of Bedfordshire as a Biomechanics Lecturer in September 2013. I currently lead the undergraduate Biomechanics units. I am Course Coordinator of our MSc Strength and Conditioning. I supervise a number of postgraduate research students. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2015) and I hold the role of Chair of the Ethics Committee for the ISPAR Research Institute.
About the course
The Bedfordshire International Foundation Year (IFY) offers guaranteed progression* to a wide range of our undergraduate degrees, for those applicants who do not have the required qualifications or English language proficiency to join the first year of their chosen subject.
The IFY will help you improve your English language level, enhance your study and IT skills and increase your subject knowledge. This will help you succeed when you progress on to your main degree programme.
*subject to successful completion of the course
Why choose Bedfordshire International Foundation Year?
Unlike many university International Foundation programmes, The Bedfordshire IFY is delivered by the University of Bedfordshire and at the University of Bedfordshire. You will be a University of Bedfordshire student from day one.
The IFY offers guaranteed progression to over 75 bachelor’s degree programmes, via eight different pathways.
Each pathway is designed to accommodate students with a range of English language abilities from IELTS 4.5 upwards, and aims to take students up to IELTS 6.0 overall, or above, which is the requirement for undergraduate courses at the University of Bedfordshire.
The course also covers academic skills necessary to thrive in UK Higher Education and enables students to progress to their undergraduate degree, fully prepared and confident to face the challenges of a level 4 programme of study. Each pathway also offers a broadly subject-specific unit in the second semester, delivered by specialist staff from the relevant faculty, to offer you a programme specific to your subject area, as well as meeting your linguistic needs. In some cases, you may join an existing class for this session, further embedding you into university life.
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.
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.
Units
- Academic Writing Skills (SPO048-1) Compulsory
- Anatomy And Biomechanics (SPO049-1) Compulsory
- Applied Exercise Practice (SPO082-1) Compulsory
- Biomechanics For Sport And Exercise Science (SPO050-1) Compulsory
- Fundamentals Of Strength And Conditioning (SPO067-1) Compulsory
- Human Physiology (SPO084-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Research Methods (SPO052-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Sport And Exercise Psychology (SPO019-1) Compulsory
- Advanced Applied Exercise Practice (SPO092-2) Compulsory
- Applied Strength & Conditioning (SPO088-2) Compulsory
- Biomechanics (SPO032-2) Compulsory
- Dissertation Preparation (SPO095-2) Compulsory
- Motor Performance And Learning (SPO027-2) Compulsory
- Physiology Of Exercise And Adaptation (SPO098-2) Compulsory
- Professional Development And Employability (SPO053-2) Compulsory
- Research Methods For Sport, Exercise And Physical Activity (SPO099-2) Compulsory
- Advanced Strength And Conditioning (SPO062-3) Compulsory
- Dissertation For Sport Science And Physical Activity (SPO051-3) Compulsory
- Work Placement Project (SPO057-3) Compulsory
- Applied Biomechanics (SPO014-3) Optional
- Applied Exercise Physiology (SPO033-3) Optional
- Applied Sport And Exercise Psychology (SPO010-3) Optional
- Exercise & Fitness Testing For Clinical Populations (SPO085-3) Optional
- Sports Injuries (SPO013-3) Optional
A wide range of assessment formats will be used within this course, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) tests, open and closed book exams, laboratory reports, case studies, portfolios, practical exams and presentations. Level 4 will consist of more knowledge based assessments, including exams, essays and simple practical competencies. Level 5 will have a more critical approach, with an increase in the use of case studies, reports and reviews of information, while more advanced methods of practical competence will be assessed. At level 6 practical application of skills and knowledge gained at level 4 and 5 will be looked at through original research and athlete assessment creating data to be explored and analysed through reports and research dissertations, while high order practical competency (with problem solving) will be examined in line with governing body competencies, preparing students for potential accreditation and work opportunities. Teaching, learning and assessment are supported by the research and accreditation held by members of the course team. All team members are either Fellows or Senior Fellows of the HEA, while all Strength and Conditioning specific units are taught by UKSCA accredited coaches. This helps to keep general teaching and assessment methods up to date and inclusive and Strength and Conditioning practices in line with professional accrediting bodies. Unit specific knowledge is enhanced by the research profiles of unit co-coordinators. Peer reviewed journal publications in the area of Strength & Conditioning, including the effects of different preparation strategy's on performance, the relationships of physical capacities to performance and the effects of specific training interventions on performance have kept the unit content current and externally validated.
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.
We’re 4th for employability in the Guardian League Table 2023 because our courses get you a degree-level job.
Sports Science ranked 5th for Graduate Prospects in the 2023 Times / Good University Guide league table.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
- A levels in Sport Science or a natural science (preferred)
How will this course improve my career prospects?
The focus on performance enhancement in the course will qualify you for many careers in the exercise industry including sports coaching; strength and conditioning; sport science support; and sports development.
This course also opens up the route to our postgraduate courses, including our Strength and Conditioning MSc.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 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
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 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
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 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
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 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
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
School of Sport Science and Physical Activity facilities
The School of Sport Science and Physical Activity houses a multi-million pound, state of the art teaching and research sport sciences laboratory facility.
Facilities include six purpose-built British Association of Sport & Exercise Science (BASES) accredited sport and exercise science laboratories, a nutrition research kitchen, and two molecular and cellular physiology labs, which promote excellence in both teaching and research.
Sports Science Labs
Our specialist sports science labs give students a fantastic environment to develop their research skills and expertise, where a student can explore the biology of an elite athlete who could be performing simultaneously within the sports hall.
The state-of-the-art laboratories are purpose built for research and teaching in the fields of exercise and nutrition science. This includes specialised equipment and facilities for assessing human health risk and delivering exercise and diet interventions for health promotion.
Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre
Our Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre includes three clinical teaching spaces, a sports injury clinic, a rehabilitation room, a community exercise clinic and a private room for consultations and treatments.
Environmental chamber
Our environmental chamber is used for teaching, research and by top-class athletes in training for competition in different climates.
International standard sports arena
Our sports facilities include a gym, strength and conditioning suite, AstroTurf, grass pitches, outdoor basketball, tennis and netball courts, in addition to the International standard sports arena, which seats up to 400 spectators.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gyms offer a range of affordable membership options giving students exclusive use of a convenient campus-based fitness facility.
The Bedford gym facilitates state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smartphone compatibility as well as an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area. Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
