Choosing your degree subject and university is a big decision. We’re sure you have lots of questions about everything from the social life to what modules you’ll study. To help you find out more about our courses, we’ve brought together answers to some of the questions we get asked most often. For anything that isn’t covered, or if you would like more detail, why not come along to an Open Day and ask us in person?
Are there placement opportunities?
We have built a range of placement opportunities with clubs such as, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Sport Birmingham, City of Birmingham Swimming Club, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Moseley Rugby Club and Elmhurst Ballet School. These valuable work experience placements will offer you first-hand experience in your chosen field. Placement experiences enable you to work alongside trained professionals who can share their advice and guidance.
Do you have any partnerships with sports clubs and organisations?
We have partnerships with a range of local sports organisations, including Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Kidderminster Harriers Football Club and Sport Birmingham. Find out more about our Partnerships.
Is the course practical?
The BCU Sport courses consist of a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical study, and you’ll be supported throughout by a personal tutor. Right from the start you will 'learn by doing'.
Can I take a sandwich year?
Yes, after year two you can take a sandwich year before your final year.
Can I undertake a placement abroad?
Our HELS Go Abroad scheme gives you the opportunity to apply for a travel scholarship and take part in exchange programmes or carry out exciting work placements overseas. Find out more about the scheme here: HELS Go Abroad.
How often will I be on campus?
This depends on your timetable and varies between modules, but you can typically expect to be on campus two to three times per week. There are plenty of independent activities to complete as part of your course when you are not on campus.
Can I get involved in playing sports while studying at BCU?
The University has a wide variety of sports for you to get involved in during your time here, either recreationally or competitively.
How will I be assessed?
We use many forms of assessment to allow students with different learning styles the opportunity to excel while also to preparing them for assessment they will face in their careers. Assessment methods include written assignments, formal examinations, presentations, video production, poster presentations and coursework portfolios. BCU provides extensive support for those students who feel less confident with certain assessments or who would benefit from some hints and tips to excel. Our staff are always here to help and make sure that all students receive a personalised experience.
Course-specific Questions:
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Is the course endorsed?
Yes, it is endorsed by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science, the professional body for sport and exercise science.
How is the course structured?
Work is both practical and lab-based, giving you the best of both experiences. We will support your development and prepare you to work in the sporting environment, in fitness settings, or in lab-based research.
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
What other opportunities does the course offer?
You will have scheduled time in each year of your course to work in the on-campus sports therapy injury clinic under the guidance of experienced teaching staff. You will also work pitch-side as the appointed first aider with the university sports teams.
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education
Will I do a placement as part of the course?
Yes, there are two, year-long placements that take place in the second and third year (level 5 and 6). You can choose whether you would like to go into a school or a sports coaching environment to build professional skills and experience in coaching and teaching, by observing, planning and delivering sessions. Some students have been offered jobs on completion of the course based upon their performance while on placement.
How many hours will I be in university?
Modules vary; Sports Coaching & PE specific modules are structured as two hours in lectures learning the theory followed by two hours in practical sessions applying that theory. This is known as scheduled learning activities. Students are also expected to follow directed learning, which is placement work and online activities through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). We also expect students to undertake private study, which will generally be preparation for assessments.
What other facilities do students on the course use?
Sports Coaching & PE students also attend sessions at the Doug Ellis Sports Centre, which is 4.9 miles from City South Campus and easily accessible by private or public transport. Students who join one of the BCU sports teams will also use The Pavilion which is 1.5 miles from the Doug Ellis Sports Centre.
What other opportunities does the course offer?
Many of the modules that we deliver are practical to allow students to apply their knowledge within a safe environment. During these practical sessions, we invite schools onto campus so that our students can plan and deliver sessions to young people.
What can I do with this degree?
There are a number of pathways that you could follow upon completion of the degree. One option is teaching, for which you will need to complete a PGCE, which you can choose to do at BCU. For those who want to go into coaching, the course sets you up for the transition to this field or onto a more specific Master’s course. You may also choose to go into a career outside of sport.
Student life in Birmingham
Join us at Birmingham City University and you will be studying right in the heart of a forward-looking and vibrant city with plenty to see and not far from City South campus. Whether you’re moving to Birmingham or you’re a Brummie at heart, there’s so much to student life here to explore.
