Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons) *
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
Our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science course will equip you with the skills to become a practitioner in the sport and exercise industry, either helping athletes to achieve their potential or working with members of the public to achieve their goals....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South / Alexander Stadium
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Overview
Our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science course will equip you with the skills to become a practitioner in the sport and exercise industry, either helping athletes to achieve their potential or working with members of the public to achieve their goals.
Why choose a foundation year course?
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with a Foundation Year course has been specifically designed to support your transition to degree-level study in Sport. As a student, you will undertake a foundation year situated at level 3 study, which has been designed as a prelude to your chosen degree course, providing opportunities for you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding. Your learning journey through your foundation year will provide a secure platform on which you can build throughout your academic career in higher education.
As part of the foundation year, you will explore and develop number of essential academic, interpersonal and professional skills that will help you succeed in your future degree level studies.
On successful completion of your foundation year, you are guaranteed to progress on to the first year of the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree. If you are interested in progressing on to one of our other Sport degrees, this will be subject to space available on those courses and on meeting the relevant entry requirements, which may include passing an interview.
What's covered in this course?
The course explores the science of sport and exercise, considering how disciplines such as physiology, psychology, nutrition, and biomechanics can be applied in the context of sports performance, physical activity, health and wellbeing. You will study a range of discipline specific and multi-disciplinary modules, equipping you with a diverse range of perspectives that will enrich your learning and enhance your career opportunities.
It won’t just be about sport - you'll be looking at different aspects of health and people at opposite ends of the health spectrum. Sport and exercise is a large and expanding global industry and levels of fitness and participation in physical activity are significant issues on the political agenda. Therefore, you’ll be trained to respond to the challenges facing society today, by exploring how the profession and its disciplines encourage and support greater physical activity.
Endorsed by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science, the professional body for sport and exercise science, our practice-led course is full of relevant, fresh information and insight that you can take into the work environment in order to make a positive contribution to modern society.
Why Choose Us?
- There will be live projects to work on, as well as optional work-based learning experience, enabling you to gain first-hand experience and build your knowledge.
- Our sports students split their time between our campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. State-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources include physiology labs and a sports therapy suite.
- You'll receive talks from guest lecturers who work within the sector and can provide relevant, up-to-date advice.
- There will be the opportunity to engage in international exchanges, as well as trips and visits that will aid your course.
- Work will be both practical and lab-based, giving you the best of both experiences; supporting your development to work out in the sporting environment, in fitness settings, or conducting lab-based research.
Similar Courses
Open Days
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Next Open Day: March 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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| GCSE | GCSE English Language or Literature, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | English Language or Literature, Maths and Science at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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International Baccalaureate: Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall. |
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Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 6, with no subtest below 5.5. If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTS must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement |
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Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £13,980 in 2023/24
Guidance for UK/EU students
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
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Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
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Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.
These professional skills are transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but throughout your continued education and employment. By engaging with this module, we have set out clearly what we expect of you at foundation and undergraduate level, and will equip you with the confidence, competence and capacity to utilise resources to be able to meet expectations in this environment.
An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own learning and the way in which you have applied your knowledge, skill and understanding to any academic context in which you have engaged to date. Communicating effectively through a variety of academic conventions is a key skill for any student and this will be a feature of this module.
This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will reflect on your own and others values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.
This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice.
Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act. The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.
The module will give you the opportunity to discuss debate and reflect upon how challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity may present themselves. Using problem and inquiry based learning you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss ways of working which can help to minimise discrimination in your own practice. The module will be made up of lead lectures, taught sessions, group work and individual study.
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study.
The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.
A significant proportion of the module is based around negotiation with academic facilitators to identify extended areas of study and opportunities that are possible to enhance your towards completion of the study.
An appreciation of the principles of Human Biology plays a central role in the understanding of the workings of the human body. This module is organised into three distinct phases from fundamental principles, to physiological processes, and then disruption of the interplay of such systems in human disorders. This understanding provides a solid foundation for the subsequent study in a range of disciplines from healthcare, allied healthcare, and other disciplines requiring an understanding of human biology. The topics covered will also be underpinned by practical activities. Pre- and post-session activities will help to develop your key transferable skills such as being able to reflect and ask probing questions as well as being able to think independently. Development of these skills will ensure a growth in maturity and boost your confidence which will lead to unlocking your learning potential.
This module will consider the complex nature of sport, and how the disciplines associated with the scientific study of sport can interact to enhance knowledge and problem solving. Problems will be considered from across the range of sport, physical activity and exercise disciplines with demonstrations of how research can be enhanced through inter/multi-disciplinary investigation.
The initial stages of this module will include an introduction to the four BSc courses that are run by the department. These are, Sport and Exercise Nutrition; Physical Education and School Sport; Sports Therapy and Sport and Exercise Science.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module covers the process of research and enquiry in the discipline of sports and exercise science, nutrition, sports therapy, and PE and School Sport. It provides guidance on how to interpret scientific literature, so that you can find relevant sources of information for a study or an assessment, gain an understanding of different sources of information and consider how knowledge is generated.
This module aims to explore the wide-ranging activities of practitioners working in the sport and exercise science industry to enable you to appreciate the inter-disciplinary nature of professional practice. You will be introduced to the skills and knowledge required to work within the disciplines of physiology, nutrition, psychology and biomechanics, and how practitioners from these areas can work collaboratively to solve a variety of problems related to sports performance, exercise and health.
This module aims to provide you with the underpinning knowledge of various physiological systems in the human body, and key training principles, which relate to sport and exercise. You will be introduced to the concept of the body working as multiple interrelated physiological ‘systems’.
The primary purpose of this module is to introduce the mechanical principles that govern human movement and thus equip students not only with the ability to observe and measure human movement (i.e. to describe movement), but also to begin to understand the mechanisms by which human movement is controlled and effected (i.e. to explore why we move the way that we do).
This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the core practical competencies required in sport and exercise nutrition. You will consider a vast array of nutrition-related measurements including: energy balance (intake and expenditure); anthropometrical assessments; body composition, methods of assessing dietary intake; and both physiological and biochemical markers of nutritional status.
This module provides an introduction to human anatomy, relating to structures, properties and functions of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscle, in relation to the mechanical principles, which govern human movement.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module aims to provide an insight into the strategies that can be used to analyse and quantify sports performance in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and match-play decisions. Specific focus is placed upon the process of conducting a comprehensive needs analysis of a sport including tactics, techniques, and bioenergetics.
In this module, you will learn how manipulation of both physiology and nutrition can impact aspects of health, exercise and sports performance. You will gain extensive knowledge on how the human body tolerates and adapts to a physiological stressor both acutely and chronically.
This module is a key part of the BSc Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Therapy, Sport and Exercise Nutrition, and PE and School Sport Programmes in that it is studied in preparation for your Level 6 Final Year Project. Information and activities on more complex inferential statistics will be presented building on from your level 4 research module.
This module aims to develop your knowledge of the most common psychological processes in sport and exercise and will help you recognise situations where psychological frameworks may be useful in sport and exercise.
Within this module you will learn about a range of pedagogical practices which bring about high quality PE lessons where school children are physically active for sustainable periods of time. You will identify the key principles of high-quality teaching practice and relate these to practical experiences of teaching PE and sport.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
This module provides you with the opportunity to design and carry out a substantive piece of independent research which is focused on an area of interest related to your programme of study. This in-depth, self-managed study will encourage you to examine a critical issue from your sector or discipline.
This module aims to develop the skills required to coach and evaluate training methods in strength and conditioning. You will examine contemporary training theories and successfully apply the principles when coaching athletes.
Exercise Referral constitutes a specific and formalised initiative whereby an individual with one or more health conditions is referred to an exercise/ physical activity programme. A practitioner within this role requires a wide range of skills and competencies to ensure exercise/ physical activity is safely and effectively implemented to aid in the rehabilitation and management of health conditions.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules for SEMESTER A.
In this module you will build upon your knowledge acquired in level 5 Sport and Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. This will include applying both theoretical and practical knowledge on how different environments affect human physiology in reference to both sports performance and health. In particular, this module considers the human capability to exercise in, tolerate, and adapt to, the conditions encountered in various environments. There will be a special focus on how hypoxic training methods can be used to enhance training adaptations. Some of the environments covered include hypoxic, hot, cold, and humid conditions.
This module will consider the link between nutrition and training & competition for sports performance. You will be able to empirically study the effect of nutritional strategies on sports performance across a range of performance types (e.g., strength & power, team, endurance). The efficacy of the nutritional strategies will be examined in relation to findings of previous studies.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the understanding and key concepts of working in a high performance sporting environment from a coaching perspective. The primary objectives are to ensure students recognise the holistic nature of high performance sport (i.e., how the coach connects with staff in other disciplines such as Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Performance Analysis, Psychology, and Nutrition), and are capable of delivering progressive coaching sessions in relation to a sport-specific performance plan. This is an advanced module into high performance sports coaching, which further develops knowledge and practical skills gained through The Coaching Process and Applied Pedagogy in Sports Coaching and Physical Education.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete a further 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules for SEMESTER B.
This optional applied module will enhance your interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of sport science or exercise science. The module aims to develop some of the skills you will require to work in a sport and exercise setting. You will undertake a 12 week ‘case-study’ where you will provide advice and support to an athlete, team or health-based client. The case study aims to allow you to critically analyse a sport or individual, and interpret and synthesize data so it can be communicated in a way that is understandable to a coach, client or practitioner. You will also have the opportunity to develop essential communication skills.
This module aims to further develop your understanding of the psychological aspects of development and progress in sport. The module also explores the various ways this topic is researched. The underlying aim of the module is to contribute to your development as a more thoughtful and effective sport scientist. It will equip you with a range of strategies and tools for investigating the psychological aspects of athletic development.
This module will consider the link between nutrition, exercise and health. You will study the effect of nutritional and lifestyle choices on the development of both acute and chronic disease. Importantly, you will also consider the efficacy of nutritional and behaviour change strategies to help prevent and manage these, with reference to contemporary research and practice.
Download course specification
Download nowCourse structure for BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
You can choose from a range of discipline-specific and multi-disciplinary modules, equipping you with a diverse range of perspectives that will enrich your learning and enhance your career development.
The sport and exercise science degree course has been co-designed with employers, ensuring you receive up-to-date and useful information, and you’ll also have the opportunity to engage in work-based placements, applying theory to practice and enhancing your employability prospects. There will also be live industry case studies as part of the core assessment diet.
All of our sport courses will provide additional, employability based qualifications at the same time as your course, building your knowledge and improving your prospects. For this course, you could gain REPS fitness qualifications, providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a personal trainer.
The modules involved will cover the core disciplinary areas required – physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition.
You'll have the option of taking a sandwich year between Year 2 and Year 3 of study.
Employability
Enhance your employability skills
Sport and Exercise Science covers a wide range of roles, sectors and challenges, giving you a wide range of career options upon graduating. Placements and live case studies, provided by existing sports teams and organisations, will increase your job prospects.
Placements
Our partnerships with Warwickshire Cricket Club and Sport Birmingham will provide you with the opportunity to undertake valuable work placements. You'll be able to gain first-hand experience, assisting with fitness testing, lab-based research and exercise regimes.
Sport Birmingham works with sports coaches and staff, so you’ll be working alongside trained professionals who can impart advice and guidance. You could also undertake placements with professional sports teams, organisations and education facilities.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Teaching for our Sports courses is split between our £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. Our cutting-edge facilities for sports students include a state-of-the-art sport and exercise lab, sports therapy suite, biomechanics lab and physiology labs.
The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University is investing an additional £5m to develop space in the East and West stands as a home for our students.
Our staff
Julie Davis
Foundation Year Lecturer
Julie joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2018 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year programme. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, she worked at a number of local FE and HE institutions where she developed and delivered a range of Early Years and Education programmes.
More about JulieJessica Lowe
Foundation Year Lecturer
Jessica joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2019 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year Programme. Her role is to lead and develop modules to support students on their journey on the Foundation Year Programme. Prior to joining BCU, she has worked in a FE and HE institution teaching students on a range of courses in Early Years...
More about Jessica