Sport Science BSc (Hons)
Why choose this course?
Are you passionate about sport and exercise? Would you enjoy a career where you worked to improve people's sporting performance, fitness and health? There are increasing opportunities for sports scientists to work with athletes or conduct research.
This hands-on course studies the science that underpins sports participation and how the body's performance can be improved, with built-in industry-recognised qualifications. Topics include anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, physiology and psychology. You'll learn to monitor and assess health, fitness and performance.
You'll be able to tailor your studies to your own interests and career goals.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | C600 | 2023 2024 |
| 4 years full time including sandwich year | C601 | 2023 2024 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | C608 | 2023 2024 |
| 6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2023 2024 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
- You will gain the CIMSPA Coaching Assistant qualification after successfully completing your first year.
- You'll have access to sophisticated equipment to measure athlete responses to exercise and analyse sports movements and skills.
Sport Science at Kingston
Sport Science students Louise and Tom talk about their experience studying at Kingston University:
What you will study
If you choose to take the four-year sandwich route of this degree, you will undertake one year of industry-related work experience.
Sport Science BSc (Hons)
Year 1 (Core modules)
Essentials for Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
30 credits
This module provides an essential introduction to the skills required for undergraduate study and scientific research. It enables students to understand the principles of qualitative and quantitative experimental research. It will introduce and employ statistical techniques for the analysis of sport science and nutrition data. 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.
Sport and Exercise Psychology 1
30 credits
This module introduces 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 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 introduces theories related to coaching and leadership roles in sport and exercise. The module aims to create the environment where the individual develops their own practical competencies in related coaching and leadership skills. In addition, the module aims to provide the experiential basis necessary to appreciate and understand sport as an academic subject.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of coaching, group management, and leadership theories.
- Explain and discuss how theories of group coaching, management, and leadership can be applied to practical sport and exercise settings.
- Demonstrate an understanding of structural, technical and tactical aspects of selected sports.
- Develop practical coaching experience from assistant/observer to lead coach in a variety of sport and levels.
- Lead a short session on warm up/cool down or technical, tactical skills related to a sport.
- Demonstrate the key skills of creative thinking, problem solving, communication (group discussions; presentation; reading, selecting, extracting, and collating information from appropriate sources; produce written materials; incorporate images in documents including tables, charts, and diagrams), ICT (produce a document that incorporates and combines different types of information), teamwork (working with others), and develop independent learning skills.
Year 2 (Core modules)
Analysis in Sport and Exercise
30 credits
This module introduces students to the technical and tactical analysis of sport performance. For the tactical aspects, 'performance analysis' elements focus on the notational analysis techniques used to explore impactful metrics that aid in enhancing performance and informing the coaching cycle. For the technical aspects, ‘biomechanical analysis' elements explore the key mathematical and physical concepts underpinning the analysis of human movement in sport and exercise. Both of these aspects aim to provide students with an appreciation of how application of analytical data may be used to: a) explain and enhance sporting performance or b) reduce the risk of injury.
Health and Exercise Physiology
30 credits
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.
Sport and Exercise Psychology 2
30 credits
This 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.
Research Methods in Exercise Science
30 credits
This 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.
Year 3 (Core modules)
Extreme Environments and Ergogenic Aids
30 credits
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.
Sport and Exercise Science Project
30 credits
This module is to measure academic independence in utilising the skills previously learned in Essentials for Sport and Exercise and Research Methods in Exercise Science where a significant piece of original and independent research is undertaken throughout the third year.
Year 3 (Optional modules)
Applied Notational Analysis
30 credits
This 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.
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.
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.
Exercise and Health Psychology
30 credits
This module covers the adoption and maintenance of physical activity/exercise and health behaviours. The module is intended to develop critical understanding of theories of behaviour prediction and evaluate research surrounding the benefits of physical activity/exercise for psychological health and well-being. In addition, the module develops understanding through the evaluation of interventions to promote physical activity and mental health.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Evaluate the benefits of exercise for psychological health and wellbeing.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of determinants of health behaviour.
- Develop an advanced critical understanding of exercise and health behaviour theories and their application.
- 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), 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.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
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.
Future Skills
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory experience with access to high-specification physiology and biomechanics laboratories.
Assessment includes continuous assessment (e.g. essays, laboratory reports, presentations), thesis and exam.
Who teaches this course?
This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.
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.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that 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, access to shared 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.
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, such as treadmill, cycle and 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
- 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.
We have two specialist environmental chambers that can adjust heat/humidity levels and simulate altitude environments.
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
- 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
- a growing selection of resource materials.
Endorsements
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and CIMSPA.
British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
CIMSPA
What our students say
After you graduate
There are opportunities in sports management, recreation and health and fitness in the private and public sectors.
What our graduates say
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
- Thames Turbo Triathlon Club.
Work placement year
How you can work in industry during your course
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)
- 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 (e.g. 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.
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 coordinator Software developer Website developer App developer |
| Mathematics-based placement employers | Mathematics-based placement roles |
| Lloyds Banking Group AXA Allianz PAU Education, Spain |
Analyst Investment solutions Research analyst Accounts assistant |
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).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
