Sport & Exercise Science FdSc
Why choose this course?
Our Sport & Exercise Science FdSc, taught jointly with Richmond upon Thames College (RUTC), offers a blend of human exercise theory and sport performance with an emphasis on practical experience in the workplace.
You will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the biomechanical analysis of human movement and sporting activity. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury.
You will also study human behaviour in the exercise environment. You'll look at the relationship between exercise and health and wellbeing, and how exercise could improve mental health. You will investigate how applied sport psychology can enhance sport training and performance. You'll learn how to evaluate and make informed judgements about the psychological factors that affect sports performance.
You'll experience using and working with the latest equipment and analysis techniques and graduate with potential for a wide range of careers and further study options.
We were ranked at 2nd in the UK for sport science in the Guardian University League Tables 2020.
| Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years full time | C604 | 2019 2020 |
| 4 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2019 2020 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road and Richmond upon Thames College |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- At least 25 per cent of the course has practical or simulated work-based learning. There are opportunities for work placements at a number of amateur and professional clubs.
- Once you complete this FdSc, you'll be eligible to top-up to a full BSc (Hons) by completing Year 3 of the Sport Science course.
- Facilities include high-specification physiology and biomechanics laboratories, playing fields, a fitness centre and an environmental chamber.
What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
You will learn the fundamental theories of sports performance and human exercise, practical competencies and how to apply your academic knowledge.
The course reflects the multidimensional nature of sport performance and exercise, exploring anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and exercise psychology. The course enables you to develop your coaching philosophy and style based on your specific interests and specialisms.
You will gain in-depth knowledge of industry-standard analysis tools used to aid sports and exercise analysis and performance.
There are opportunities for work-based learning at a number of local amateur and professional clubs.
Year 1
Year 2
Final year
Core modules
Sport and Exercise Psychology 1
30 credits
This level four module is a core module in all Sports & Exercise Science undergraduate courses. The module seeks to introduce fundamental psychological constructs and how they impact upon our understanding of human behaviour and learning in sport and exercise environments. Such constructs include personality, motivation, anxiety, stress as well as the learning and performance process. These topics will be introduced within lectures, further examined within seminar, workshop and practical sessions, and supplemented with additional online material.
Functional Anatomy and Exercise Physiology
30 credits
This is a core module in the Sport and Exercise Sciences field. The module is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of functional anatomy and physiology, particularly the skeletal, neural, muscular, metabolic, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The focus will be on the understanding of the biomechanics of movement and the physiological adjustments in response to the demands of sport and exercise.
Study and Work Based Skills for Sport and Exercise Science
30 credits
This module aims to introduce the skills required for undergraduate study and future employment in the sports industry. The key and transferable skills for effective study are developed so that all students, irrespective of previous qualifications are adequately equipped to undertake learning and assessments. Alongside this there is also a focus on development of employability skills and practices. As part of an in depth exploration of an industry role of their choice students will be given opportunity to develop their career goals and assess their suitability for employment through reflection and a needs analysis in relation to their own professional development. As part of their journey into employment students will prepare for their work based placement module at level 5.
Exercise and Fitness Prescription
30 credits
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of exercise prescription in a professional setting. This will include client assessment and gym based testing and programme construction. It will also develop the knowledge derived from functional anatomy and exercise physiology and apply this in a practical setting. This will enable students to prescribe programmes for athletes from various sporting backgrounds with a variety of goals using complimentary training methods.
Core modules
Industry Based Professional Development
30 credits
With the aim of developing industry employability this module will equip students with the skills to undertake both a personalised work placement and to perform an industry based professional development project. Dependent on personal circumstance in terms of current employment, qualifications, experience and career aspirations students will then pursue one of these avenues. Prior to commencing the activity learners will seek approval for the proposed activity by developing and presenting a rationale and justification. Students will build upon the employability skills developed during the study of LS4800 and will focus on higher order skill application when working with clients and performing a role in the sports industry. Students will further develop their skills as a reflective practitioner alongside the application of underpinning knowledge.
Sport Therapy & Injury Management
30 credits
This module is designed to give the knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage the safe and effective treatment of common sports injuries. The module will provide an understanding of the mechanism of injury and explore treatment methods including sports massage techniques and their effects. In addition, students will consider the factors that influence the healing and repair process of human tissues. Students will gain competence in client consultation and assessment, including postural and movement analysis. This will enable them to apply clinical reasoning in the planning and application of appropriate sports therapy treatments to meet the needs of the athlete.
Analysis in Sport and Exercise
30 credits
This module is a core module in the Sports Science and Sports Analysis and Coaching fields. The module introduces technical and tactical analysis of sport performance. The technical aspect introduces the key mathematical and physical concepts underlying the biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise and provides students with an appreciation of how the application of biomechanics may be used to explain and enhance sporting and exercise movements, with practical analytical experience. The tactical aspect provides an appreciation of the application of notational analysis to enhance the coaching process. Students gain experience in various hand notation systems as well as using a computer based system.
Core modules
Industry Based Professional Development
30 credits
With the aim of developing industry employability this module will equip students with the skills to undertake both a personalised work placement and to perform an industry based professional development project. Dependent on personal circumstance in terms of current employment, qualifications, experience and career aspirations students will then pursue one of these avenues. Prior to commencing the activity learners will seek approval for the proposed activity by developing and presenting a rationale and justification. Students will build upon the employability skills developed during the study of LS4800 and will focus on higher order skill application when working with clients and performing a role in the sports industry. Students will further develop their skills as a reflective practitioner alongside the application of underpinning knowledge.
Sport Therapy & Injury Management
30 credits
This module is designed to give the knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage the safe and effective treatment of common sports injuries. The module will provide an understanding of the mechanism of injury and explore treatment methods including sports massage techniques and their effects. In addition, students will consider the factors that influence the healing and repair process of human tissues. Students will gain competence in client consultation and assessment, including postural and movement analysis. This will enable them to apply clinical reasoning in the planning and application of appropriate sports therapy treatments to meet the needs of the athlete.
Analysis in Sport and Exercise
30 credits
This module is a core module in the Sports Science and Sports Analysis and Coaching fields. The module introduces technical and tactical analysis of sport performance. The technical aspect introduces the key mathematical and physical concepts underlying the biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise and provides students with an appreciation of how the application of biomechanics may be used to explain and enhance sporting and exercise movements, with practical analytical experience. The tactical aspect provides an appreciation of the application of notational analysis to enhance the coaching process. Students gain experience in various hand notation systems as well as using a computer based system.
Optional modules
Sport and Exercise Psychology 2
30 credits
This is a core module in Sport Science and Exercise, Nutrition & Health degree pathways, and offered as an option on the Sports Analysis & Coaching degree pathway. The module seeks to enable students to further understand the psychological influences on human behaviour in sport and exercise environments. These topics will be introduced within lectures, further examined within seminar, workshop and practical sessions, and supplemented with additional online material.
Health and Exercise Physiology
30 credits
This is a core module in Sport Science, Exercise, Nutrition & Health and Biological Sciences (Human Biology) degree pathways, and offered as an option on the Sports Analysis & Coaching. This module covers the acute and chronic physiological changes induced by exercise and an understanding of cardio-respiratory health. This module will develop the students' application of exercise physiology to performance. The module will also enable students to apply the role of exercise and physical activity as a prescription therapy to clinical diseases. This module will further develop the student understanding by equipping them with the scientific skills to monitor and assess health, fitness and performance.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is through lectures, supported by smaller group tutorials, seminars and practical laboratory sessions.
Assessment includes continuous assessment, such as essays, laboratory reports, presentations, thesis and exam.
Who teaches this course?
The course is delivered between Kingston University (Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing) and our partner institute Richmond upon Thames College.
Staff in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up to date education possible.
Staff will use their experience and professional networks to hone your skills and shape you into the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates.
Course fees and funding
Facilities
Extensive facilities include:
- access to high-specification physiology and biomechanics laboratories;
- playing fields;
- a fitness centre; and
- an environmental chamber.
- Staff are involved with athletes and sports squads at the highest level.
- Supportive staff help you to reach your full potential.
How we work with external organisations
Our staff are actively engaged in research, presenting at international conferences and publishing in high-quality scientific journals. This means that you can be sure your course is being kept up-to-date and delivered by experts in the field.
Staff consultancy services can also give you the chance to observe sport science laboratory assessments of world-class athletes. We provide physiological, biomechanical and psychological support to a variety of athletes and squads including:
- the Great Britain Olympic Canoe and Kayak Team;
- Fulham Football Club; and
- Thames Turbo Triathlon Club.
After you graduate
You will graduate from this course with specific skills and knowledge related to sport and end exercise, as well as useful interpersonal and transferable skills for the work environment.
At least 25 per cent of the course has practical or simulated work-based learning, comprising 120 hours on a work placement. This emphasis on work-based learning allows you to reflect upon research, and your own experience of working in an applied setting, to improve your employability.
Employment opportunities include sport-, recreation- and health-related fitness roles in the private and public sectors, along with sport management and development. There are increasing opportunities for sport scientists to work with athletes or conduct research, and many of our graduates pursue careers in education.
On successful completion of the FdSc, you will be eligible to top-up to a full BSc(Hons) by completing the third year of the Sport Science course.
Work placement year
When studying second year module LS5800 Industry Based Professional Development there is an expectation* that all students will complete 120 hours of work placement and this will contribute to the module assessment as well as personal development. There are an extensive range of opportunities both within the public and private sector and employers range from individual to large group companies.
Placements performed include those related to health advisory, PE and sport lecturer, school teacher, sports coach, personal trainer, fitness instructor, sports massage and sports science support roles including those related to nutrition, notational analysis, physiology, biomechanics and psychology.
*Dependent on an individual's employment status, career ambitions and prior experience some students may have the opportunity to perform the work based professional development project as an alternative to work placement.
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
