Sport & Exercise Science FdSc

Why choose this course?

How does sport psychology enhance training and performance? How do we use biomechanics to reduce the risk of injury? How can exercise improve mental health?

This practical two-year course studies human behaviour in the environment of exercise. You'll use the latest equipment and analysis techniques to explore anatomy, physiology, biomechanics exercise psychology and links between exercise and wellbeing.

You'll be able to develop your coaching philosophy and style based on your specific interests. Your knowledge of psychology will help you make decisions that improve sport training and performance.

Apply for this course in Clearing
Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
2 years full time C604 2020 (Clearing)
2021
4 years part time Apply direct to the University 2020 (Clearing)
2021
Location Penrhyn Road and Richmond upon Thames College
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston was ranked at number one in England and second in the UK for sport science (Guardian University League Tables 2020)
  • At least 25 per cent of this 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.

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

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2020, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2021 entry only.

Typical offer 2020

  • 80 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
  • A-levels to include Sport OR Science A2 at C or above in either PE (Physical Education), Sport Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science or Psychology, Sport Psychology. General Studies not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science or Applied Science or Applied Biology or Sport with grades MMP.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects grades A*-C including Mathematics and English Language (or comparable numeric score under the newly reformed GCSE grading).

Entry requirements 2021

UCAS tariff points: 80

A-levels (or equivalent) in Physical Education, Sport Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology or Sport Psychology at grade C or above.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative qualifications such as an Access Course in Sport and Exercise Science or Sport Science which has been passed with 80 UCAS points.

Applications from those that have undertaken a Science foundation year will also be considered.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

A Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) clearance may be required dependant on the nature of the placement that is undertaken as part of the programme's core delivery.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

 

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.

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of teaching and learning

Year 1

Year 2

Year 1
  • Scheduled teaching: 300 hours
  • Guided independent study: 900 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled teaching: 210 hours
  • Guided independent study: 690 hours

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 1
  • Coursework: 55%
  • Practical: 15%
  • Exams: 30%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 20%
  • Practical: 40%
  • Exams: 40%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 10 students and lecture sizes are normally 10­-65­.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

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.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr James Brouner

Dr James Brouner

Course leader

Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere

Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere

Course fees and funding

2021/22 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a ‘Home' (UK) or ‘International' student. In 2021/22 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £7,800*
International £14,600

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2020/21 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a ‘Home' (UK or EU) or ‘International' student. In 2020/21 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK and EU students) £7,800*
International £14,200

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home/EU tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme..

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies for 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting in 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

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

This course can lead to opportunities in the private and public sectors, along with sport management and development. Increasingly, sport scientists work with athletes or conduct research. Many graduates pursue careers in education.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements. 

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

 

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.  

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include: 

  • placements; 

  • working or studying abroad; 

  • volunteering; 

  • peer mentoring roles; and  

  • internship opportunities within and outside the University. 

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10 per cent discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

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).