Sport Science BSc (Hons)
Why choose this course?
This course scored 100 per cent for student satisfaction in the 2015 and 2016 National Student Survey (NSS) course ranking.
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
Guardian University Guide
We are ranked number 1 in London and number 2 in the UK (out of 76) for Sport Science in the Guardian University League Tables 2020.
The course has a strong emphasis on practical learning. Our specialist exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories will give you experience of using the latest equipment and analysis techniques. You will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the biomechanical analysis of human movement and sporting activity. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury.
You will also study human behaviour in the exercise environment. You'll look at the relationship between exercise and health and wellbeing, and how exercise could improve mental health. You will investigate how applied sport psychology can enhance sport training and performance. You'll learn how to evaluate and make informed judgements about the psychological factors that affect sports performance.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | C600 | 2019 2020 |
| 4 years full time including sandwich year | C601 | 2019 2020 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | C608 | 2019 2020 |
| 6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2019 2020 |
| Joint honours: see course combinations for UCAS codes | ||
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course received 100 per cent overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2018).
- Kingston was ranked at number one in London and fifth in the UK for sport science (Guardian University League Tables, 2019).
- Our specialist exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories will give you experience of using the latest equipment and analysis techniques.
Sport Science at Kingston
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
Optional sandwich year
Year 3/4
Year 1 introduces human anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sport and exercise psychology. You will examine the theory and practice of effective coaching and will have the opportunity to develop your coaching and leadership skills. In a practice-based module you will explore the practical application of theories of coaching and leadership in sport and exercise. A further module teaches you 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 (single honours only)
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 extends your knowledge of physiology, and examines the effects of exercise on a range of physiological systems. It equips you with the scientific skills to monitor and assess health, fitness and performance. You will develop your understanding of sport and exercise psychology and will cover topics in biomechanics, nutrition and analysis in sport and exercise. A module in research methods will prepare you for your 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.
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.
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
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.
If you choose to take the four-year sandwich route of this degree, you will undertake one year of industry-related work experience.
Final year enables you to focus your degree on your areas of interest. A core module in extreme environments and ergogenic aids examines applied physiological responses to exercise and performance conditions. In addition, there is the option of covering sport injuries, which will provide essential knowledge of injury assessment and rehabilitation. All final year students undertake a project/dissertation on a selected topic.
Core modules
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. To produce a plan and undertake some form of data collection which will culminate in the writing of a scientific project and oral presentation.
On successful completion of the module, students 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.
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 Notational Analysis
30 credits
This module develops previous skills gained 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. Computerised notational investigations to gain insight into performance will be required.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Discuss the role of notational analysis in the coaching process, alongside current trends within the field.
- Develop computerised notational systems for sport analysis.
- Explain and describe computerised data collection systems in notational analysis and critically evaluate their application.
- Critically evaluate the research area and understand the current developments within notational analysis research.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the statistical measures and their application in notational research.
- Demonstrate the key skills of communication (read, select, extract and collate information; produce a written report incorporating tables, charts, graphs and diagrams), numeracy (collection of data; design recording formats; perform basic calculations), ICT (presentation of data: production of written report, search for and retrieve information), teamwork (data collection with others) and independent learning.
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).
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. To produce a plan and undertake some form of data collection which will culminate in the writing of a scientific project and oral presentation.
On successful completion of the module, students 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.
Optional modules
Exercise and Health Psychology OR Applied Sport Psychology
30 credits
Exercise and Health Psychology
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.
Applied Sport Psychology
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.
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.
You can choose to study Sport Science on its own or in combination with Business. In the latter, you will study Business modules alongside your Sport Science modules.
If you choose to take the four-year sandwich route of this degree, you will undertake one year of industry-related work experience.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry.
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.
Course combinations
What else you can study with this subject
You can study this course as a joint honours degree by combining it with one of the following subjects. Read more about how joint honours work, including the difference between major/minor and half field combinations.
- Sport Science with Business
- View more information
-
- Type of combination: Sport Science major field
- UCAS code: C6N1
- Course duration: 4 years including sandwich year
- Year of entry: 2019 and 2020
- Sport Science with Business
- View more information
-
- Type of combination: Sport Science major field
- UCAS code: C6NC
- Course duration: 3 years full time
- Year of entry: 2019 and 2020
This course is also available for part-time attendance (course duration six years), please apply direct to the University
- Sport Science with Business
- View more information
-
- Type of combination: Sport Science major field
- UCAS code: C6ND
- Course duration: 4 years including foundation year
- Year of entry: 2019 and 2020
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 (eg essays, laboratory reports, presentations), thesis and exam.
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 next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates.
Course fees and funding
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 anumber of ergometers (eg treadmill, cycle, rowing kayak) for analysing sports-specific performance. Sophisticated equipment allows us tomeasure 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)
What our students say
After you graduate
You will graduate with specific skills and knowledge related to sport and exercise, as well as useful interpersonal and transferable skills.
Employment opportunities include sport-, recreation- and health-related fitness roles in the private and public sectors, along with sport management and development. There are increasing opportunities for sport scientists to work with athletes or conduct research, and many of our graduates pursue careers in education.
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; and
- 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); 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.
- 81% placement students and 34% non-placement students got a first or 2.1 (Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics, 2008).
- 100% of placement students during 2008 recommend doing a placement (Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics, 2008).
- Many employers offer a graduate job to their successful placement students.
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 |
| 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).
