Sport Science (Coaching) BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

There are ever-increasing opportunities in sport analysis and coaching. On this practical course, you'll develop coaching skills as well as studying the science behind effective coaching, performance, leadership and sports analysis.

Modules cover psychology, motivation, human physiology, anatomy, biomechanics and notational analysis. A project or dissertation on a selected topic will develop your independent learning skills.

Please note: this course does not offer specific professional coaching qualifications but provides the scientific knowledge to achieve qualification up to United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) Level 3/4.

Apply for this course

Attendance	UCAS code/apply	Year of entry
3 years full time	CX6C	2021
4 years full time including sandwich year	CX61	2021
4 years full time including foundation year	CX6D	2021
6 years part time	Apply direct to the University	2021

Please note this course was previously called Sports Analysis and Coaching BSc(Hons).

Location

Penrhyn Road

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2020 entry

If you are planning to join this course in September 2020, please view the information about changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2020/21 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2020/21. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas course page.

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).
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
This course received 100% overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2018 and 2019).

What our students say

Sport Science students Louise and Tom talk about their experience studying at Kingston University.

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.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3/4

Year 1 introduces the theory and practice of effective coaching and leadership. You will take part in a practical-based coaching module, exploring the theories that underpin coaching and leadership roles in sport and exercise. You will learn to understand sport as an academic subject. Other modules cover key concepts in sport and exercise psychology, such as motivation and personality. There are also modules regarding human physiology and an introduction to anatomy and biomechanics. In addition, you will be introduced to the essential principles of scientific investigation.

Core modules

Essentials for Sport and Exercise Science

30 credits

This module provides an essential introduction to the skills required for undergraduate study and scientific research and to understand the principles of qualitative and quantitative experimental research and elementary data analysis. The skills developed in this module will begin to formulate the foundation to later research methods modules and the final year project or dissertation module.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Manage time to become effective independent learners.
Demonstrate and reflect on a range of academic key and transferable skills required for effective learning, including but not limited to oral presentations, written reports essays and demonstrate an awareness of feedback.
Locate contemporary research publications both in text and electronic format and reference them appropriately.
Understand the terminology and basic concepts of research in the field of sport and exercise science.
Identify appropriate methods of experimental research in sport and exercise sciences.
Conduct and interpret the results of statistical tests.

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.

The Science and Practice of Coaching

30 credits

This module is a core module for students studying Sport Science; Sport Science (Coaching) and the Foundation degree in Sport Coaching. It introduces theories related to coaching and leadership roles in sport and exercise, and it aims to create environments where students can develop their own practical competencies in related coaching and leadership skills. It also aims to provide students with the experiential basis necessary for them to appreciate and understand sport as an academic subject.

Year 2 introduces areas such as notational analysis in sport. There are further practical modules in sport analysis, and you will study physiology and psychology in more detail. You will be introduced to contemporary issues in sport coaching and gain a deeper understanding of sport and exercise psychology. Finally, you will study research methods in physical activity, preparing you for the Year 3 research project.

Core modules

Research Methods in Exercise Science

30 credits

This is a core module in all Sport & Exercise Science undergraduate courses. The module's focus is on the approaches to research design, data collection techniques and appropriate analyses to make accurate interpretations. It further investigates quantitative and qualitative research methods introduced at Level 4 and introduces students to more advanced techniques. The module provides an essential introduction to research ethics and the ethical approval procedures that are required when using human participants for research. Skills developed in this module will form the foundation of the final year project module. This module also provides an overview of how to recognise and develop key and transferable skills to enhance employability through relevant professional development and research experience.

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.

Sport Coaching Theory

30 credits

This module seeks to highlight the importance of examining sport and sport coaching from a sociological and cultural perspective, and to introduce key concepts of sociological and cultural studies and their relationship to sport. The module will also examine theories, methodologies and technologies associated with sport coaching and contemporary issues that are emerging within the sport and coaching environments.

On successful completion of the module,you will be able to:

Discuss how social and cultural factors may affect sporting participation and coaching.
Describe how an appreciation of key sociological and cultural perspectives of sport can be applied to sports participation and coaching.
Understand how social, cultural and political factors influence sports participation and coaching and the organisation of sport, globally and in the UK.
Discuss the emergence and significance of conflicting developments by research and the sport industry.
Identify and provide an overview of a contemporary issue in sport participation and coaching.
Demonstrate the key skills of communication (group discussions, reading, selecting, extracting and collating information from appropriate sources, make a presentation, produce written materials), numeric skills (collect primary and secondary data, design a suitable recording format for data collection, evaluation of numerical data, perform basic calculations on amount and sizes, scales and proportions, using statistics where appropriate), ICT (search for, retrieve and store information using ICT resources and, develop independent learning skills).

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.

Final year offers further experience through the Coaching Practice module. You will develop analytical skills by studying advanced notational analysis, and you will extend your knowledge of sport physiology or sport psychology and/or biomechanics (depending on your preference and focus for coaching).All final year students are required to develop their independent learning skills by carrying out a project/dissertation on a selected topic in coaching and sport analysis.

Core modules

Applied Notational Analysis

30 credits

This module lies within the field of Sport and Exercise Science. It is a core module for students on the Sport Analysis and Coaching degree and an optional module for students on the Sport Science degree. The module develops skills gained at level five in LS5015 Analysis in Sport and Exercise and further enhances the role of notational analysis within sport. The module sees a much greater emphasis placed on the applied application on notational analysis and how this supports the coaching cycle within a variety of sports. Students are required to conduct computerised notational investigations to gain insight into performance.

Coaching Practice

30 credits

This module builds on the previous practical and theoretical understanding with the aim to develop coaching experience whilst being more attuned and critically aware of the theory of sport science and best practice in coaching. In addition, the module focuses on enhancing existing knowledge and ability to critically develop long and short-term coaching strategies to aid in holistic athletic development.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to provide safe and competent coaching.
Coach specific aspects of a training programme or session by applying theoretical knowledge to practical delivery.
Plan and prepare coaching sessions that enable the coach to identify talented athletes, improve technical skills and that improve the athlete's physical conditioning by the use of the principles of long-term athlete development and the periodisation of training.
Identify and critically evaluate the structural components of a coaching programme in relation to sport science disciplines.
Demonstrate the key skills of communication (group discussions, reading, selecting, extracting and collating information from appropriate sources, make a presentation, produce written materials), numeric skills (collect primary and secondary data, design a suitable recording format for data collection, evaluation numerical data, perform basic calculations on amount and sizes, scales and proportions, using statistics where appropriate, ICT (search for, retrieve and store information using ICT resources and, develop independent learning skills).

Sports and Exercise Science Project

credits

This module builds upon skills gained in Essentials for Sport and Exercise Science and Research Methods in Exercise Science. The module involves a significant piece of original and independent research carried out through the year. A requirement will be to utilise Sport Analysis and Coaching knowledge and identify a selected field of study, plan and undertake some form of data collection which will culminate in the writing of a scientific project and the delivery of an oral presentation. This module also provides opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate a critical understanding of the key transferable skills that have emerged from the final year of study to enhance employability/readiness for work through personal and professional development and research experience.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Devise and write a concise plan of a proposed research project, paying due consideration to health and safety regulations and ethics, if required.
Undertake original research and compare the outcomes with the current understanding.
Write a structured and lucid report of the work carried out that is appropriately analytical and critical.
Evaluate and communicate complex information both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate key skills of creative thinking, problem solving, communication (produce written reports; oral presentation; incorporate tables, charts and diagrams in documents; collate information), numeracy (collect and analyse data), ICT (to obtain information; present written reports and oral presentation), and opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate a critical understanding of the key transferable skills that have emerged from the final year of study that will enhance their employability through personal and professional development and research experience.

Optional modules

Extreme Environments and Ergogenic Aids

30 credits

This is a core module in Sports Science pathway, and an optional module in the Sports Analysis and Coaching, Exercise, Nutrition and Health and Biological Sciences (Human Biology) pathways. This module provides coverage of the environmental influences that impact on humans when exercising or competing in sport. The physiological reactions to discrete environmental stresses are described and methods of acclimatisation or coping are explained. This module also examines nutritional supplementation and prohibited methods to enhance physical performance, including a focus on current regulation and policies and the attitudes, values and behaviours that may precipitate doping and the consequences of doping in sport.

Applied Sport Psychology

30 credits

This module furthers the understanding of the application of psychology to sport, including the role of the sport psychologist, and the types of skills used by these professionals with individual athletes and teams. Building upon the existing knowledge of psychological theory previously gained and applying this knowledge to case studies and stories of professional athletes. The module aims to develop an understanding of the frameworks used by sport psychologists working in the field, as well as having the opportunity to apply these skills through role play. This module will develop critical understanding of sport psychology through the evaluation of interventions to promote athletic performance.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Effectively and critically apply psychological theory to the sport domain
Demonstrate an understanding of the applied sport psychology process: from needs analysis to intervention and evaluation, with a high level of autonomy and in an evidence based fashion
Demonstrate a developed critical understanding of the moral and ethical issues when working with performers in the area of sport psychology
Demonstrate key skills of communication (group discussions; making a presentation; reading, selecting, extracting, and collating information from appropriate sources; produce written materials), numeracy (data collection; recording data, evaluating data performing calculations), ICT (produce a document that incorporates and combines different types of information; search for, retrieve, and store information using ICT resources), teamwork, and develop independent learning skills.

Biomechanics of Sport Performance and Injury

30 credits

This module provides a critical, theoretical and practical understanding of applied techniques used in the biomechanical analysis of human movement and sporting activity to identify how the application of biomechanics may be used to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury. The module also provides critical awareness of the mechanisms, prevention, assessment and treatment of injury associated with sport participation.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Apply knowledge and practical experience of the techniques used for recording and analysing sporting movements.
Critically evaluate how applied biomechanics can improve sporting performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Demonstrate a developed critical awareness of differing approaches to movement analysis.
Demonstrate a developed critical awareness of differing approaches and methodologies related to injury assessment and rehabilitation.
Demonstrate key skills of communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork and develop independent skills.

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.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2021

UCAS tariff points: 96 for BSc (Hons); 32 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

A-levels (or equivalent) to include a minimum of a grade C in either PE, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology or Chemistry A2 subject. General Studies not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science or Applied Science or Applied Biology with grades MMM.

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).

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in Sport and Exercise Science or Sport Science which has been passed with 96 UCAS points.

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

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 final assignments. 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 3

Year 1

Scheduled teaching: 332 hours
Guided independent study: 868 hours

Year 2

Scheduled teaching: 200 hours
Placement: 100 hours
Guided independent study: 600 hours

Year 3

Scheduled teaching: 150 hours
Placement: 50 hours
Guided independent study: 700 hours

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1

Coursework: 60%
Practical: 25%
Exams: 15%

Year 2

Coursework: 44%
Practical: 24%
Exams: 32%

Year 3

Coursework: 67%
Practical: 33%

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 attracts 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 taught at the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing. Faculty staff 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 nextgeneration 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

Course leader

Mr Simon Loftus

Dr Hannah Jayne Moir

Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere

Professor Andrea Petroczi

Dr Elizabeth Pummell

Dr Michelle Richards

Dr Owen Spendiff

Dr Nicola Swann

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), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2021/22 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK students)	£9,250*
International	Year 1 (2021/22): £15,000 Year 2 (2022/23): £15,400 Year 3 (2023/24): £15,800

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is 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.

* If your course involves a foundation year, the fee for that year for Home (UK) students will be £9,250 in 2021/22. The fees shown above apply for year 1 of the degree from 2021/22 onwards (fees may rise in line with inflation for future academic years). 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), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2020/21 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK and EU students)	£9,250*
International	Year 1 (2020/21): £14,600 Year 2 (2021/22): £15,000 Year 3 (2022/23): £15,450

* If your course involves a foundation year, the fee for that year for home and EU students will be £9,250 in 2020/21. The fees shown above apply for year 1 of the degree from 2020/21 onwards (fees may rise in line with inflation for future academic years). 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.

Text books

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

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment.

Exercise physiology lab facilities

We have a number of ergometers (eg treadmill, cycle, rowing kayak) for analysing sports-specific performance. Sophisticated equipment allows us to measure the physiological responses to exercise, such as.

oxygen consumption;
fat oxidation;
heart rate;
blood pressure; and
haematological responses.

Practical work helps you develop your understanding of exercise physiology and your practical skills. The high specification equipment ensures a high quality of research and allows staff to provide support services to top-class athletes from a range of sports.

Biomechanics lab facilities

A large laboratory provides space for teaching, research and consultancy activities. We can sophisticatedly analyse sports movements and skills thanks to:

force platforms fitted in the floor;
a six-camera motion analysis system;
an isokinetic dynamometer; and
electromyography.

Two smaller labs provide space for specific activities, such as gait analysis, assessment of muscle function and data analysis. The Library offers:

subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area;
online database subscriptions; and
a growing selection of resource materials.

Endorsement

This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

After you graduate

You'll be ready to develop a career in sport development and coaching-related roles in both public and private sectors. There are opportunities to work with athletes in national and international competitions, as well as in grassroots sport.

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

How you can work in industry during your course

Why take a placement?

Work placements:

provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career;
improve your chances of graduating with a higher grade degree;
enhance your CV;
lead to a graduate job;
enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid); and
help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..."Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (eg a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

For further information please contact the placements team by telephone 020 8417 2969 or email secplace@kingston.ac.uk.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based placement employers	Construction-based placement roles
RG Group Multiplex Costain Willmott Dixon Fluor	Assistant site manager Assistant trades package manager Assistant logistics manager Health and safety officer Construction engineer
Science-based placement employers	Science-based placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser GSK Drug Control Centre Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd Various local and international hospitals	Bioanalytical sciences Lab assistant Pharmacy assistant Sports coach
Engineering-based placement employers	Engineering-based placement roles
Airbus BAM Nuttall Nissan Bosch Wozair	Analysis of aircraft structure Construction resources specialist Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based placement employers	Computing and IS-based placement roles
Disney Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe IBM McKinsey Intel	Database co-ordinator Software developer Website developer App developer

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Changes detailed here are for students who will be starting the course in September 2020.

Course information (changes for 2020 entry)

Composition of the course

We do not anticipate making any changes to the composition of the course, i.e. number of modules or credits in a year, as a result of the pandemic.

In order to safeguard our students' health and safety and to minimise the risk of disruption to their studies, the University has postponed all Study Abroad programmes for outgoing students in the first teaching block of 2020/21. The University will review this decision before the second teaching block and will take into account relevant government advice at that time.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Modules

We do not anticipate making any changes to module titles and summaries or to the availability of modules as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed, e.g. re-sequencing those modules that can be delivered more effectively under the current restrictions with those which would be more difficult to deliver, such as practical modules and placements.

If the current pandemic situation continues into the next academic year and beyond, the University may be unable to offer suitable placements which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will provide students with appropriate alternative options and ensure that support will be available to them so that they are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2020 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a result of the pandemic. However, the range of accepted alternatives have increased as has the way in which we select students, which now includes virtual interviews and online portfolios.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a result of the pandemic. However, in response to the pandemic, we now accept a much broader list of English language exams for entry to the course; the level of these exams remain the same.

Teaching (changes for 2020 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

Due to the current pandemic the course's teaching and learning activities will be delivered through both online and on-campus methods (blended learning) in 2020/21. In order to provide all students with a comparable on-campus experience, the University has committed to ensuring that all courses provide at least 30% of their teaching and learning activities on-campus.

While physical distancing measures remain in place, you will receive your learning and teaching via a blend of on-campus and on-line activities. Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you will still be able to engage with your course in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, support will be available to consider what options are open to you.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the current pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced the University will aim to deliver the course fully online. This may require some additional changes being made to planned teaching and learning activities, including assessments. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised significantly, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered appropriately. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

In the event that the current social distancing restrictions are fully lifted and the University is able to resume normal delivery of teaching and learning activities, courses will assess whether it is in the students' interest to resume normal delivery. In some cases it may be better to continue and complete modules under the planned blended delivery mode.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours will not be made as a result of the pandemic. However, it is possible that some adjustments might be made at module level, e.g. a few more scheduled activities, in order to help ensure student engagement with blended learning.

Any changes made to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

'Scheduled teaching' includes teaching that is online either live or recorded / on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. up to December 2020) should be available by the end of August. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2021) will not be available until the autumn. 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 9pm. To accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing, we will need to maximise the time available for teaching. This means, we may have to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

On-campus teaching may involve smaller class sizes in line with social distance requirements.

Assessment (changes for 2020 entry)

Changes can be made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area. Due to the current restrictions in place, i.e. social distancing, it is anticipated that many formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be replaced with alternative assessments which can be completed online. These changes will be considered and approved through the University's processes to ensure that student assessments will be able to demonstrate they have achieved the expected learning outcomes. The approval process will also assess whether the change impacts the status of any professional body accreditation the course benefits from.

Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Staff (changes for 2020 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

As a result of the social distancing restrictions in place, on-campus teaching activities may need to be split into smaller groups which may require the support of teaching assistants and student mentors, who will be managed by experienced staff.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2020 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2020/21.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As a result of the blended delivery of courses in 2020/21, where a significant proportion of the teaching will be done online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities will be restricted due to social distancing requirements.

The University is considering how best to provide support to students who do not have access to suitable hardware and software requirements and access to the internet. Identifying students who require this type of support is an important milestone for the University in our journey to ensure equity of access while we continue to deliver our blended approach. Information about the support that will be available will be provided to students during the induction period.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2020/21. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2020/21.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2020 entry)

Placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead as planned. However, to ensure students are able to gain maximum value from these activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year, or to a different year when current restrictions have been lifted. We acknowledge that this year it may be more difficult for students to secure appropriate placements. In those situations, students will be guided and supported through the various options that will be available to them, including switching courses or interrupting their studies until a time when they can complete their placement.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through the University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered. Students will be advised of any changes that may become necessary and appropriate support will be available to guide them through the various options that may be available to them.

In the interest of the health and wellbeing of our students, the University will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are made before students are sent on a placement.

Courses which require placements or field trips to be completed in order to pass relevant modules will have contingency plans in place in the event that a placement or field trip cannot be completed due to another lockdown or more stringent social distancing measures.

Voluntary placements or field trips may be rescheduled, or, as a last resort, cancelled if it becomes difficult to deliver them and doing so is in the interest of the health and safety of our staff and students.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2020 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Accreditation

During the pandemic, the University has been working closely with all its associated professional bodies to establish where flexibility/changes can be applied without undermining their professional standards. This will ensure that any changes made to courses which have professional, statutory or regulatory body (PSRB) accreditation do not negatively impact the accreditation status.

In the very exceptional circumstance that professional bodies do not agree with changes proposed, it may be necessary to defer relevant modules until those modules can be delivered as required. Students will be informed of this during the induction period and appropriately supported so that they can consider all options available to them.

Additional (changes for 2020 entry)

International students

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.

Students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities

The University will ensure students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities are able to effectively engage with their studies remotely. For certain courses, an inability to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities may not be in the students' best interests, as it may impede their chances of succeeding in the course or lead to them receiving a poor learning experience. In such cases, students will be advised and guided through the various options available to them, such as deferring their studies until they can engage fully with the course.

Key information set

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