UDSSPEDU - BSc Sports Science and Physical Education

Knowledge and understanding of Sports science and Physical education is developed through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and laboratory based sessions, and through the guided use of student centred learning activities such as problem solving exercises, case studies, directed reading and e-learning. Level 4 provides a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding in all disciplines of sports science including psychology, human physiology and anatomy with the addition of specific PE workshops and practicals. The focus of the level 5 programme is application of knowledge and in particular the science behind effective teaching and learning in sport. At level 6 emphasis is placed on advanced and applied aspects of sports performance and physical education. This level includes specific school based experience.

Opportunities to explore the ethical dimensions of the discipline are available at all levels.

The teaching and learning strategies applied in the BSc aim to teach students to:

• further stimulate the student’s interest in and develop skills within sports science and physical education
• provide an appropriate intellectual challenge at BSc level
• apply knowledge of scientific and psychological concepts
• promote the student’s self management of the learning process with a view to future continued professional development

Teaching and learning strategies are determined by:

• student feedback from individual lectures, seminars and practical sessions.
• student RPA
• observation and assessment of students learning styles

Students are encouraged by modules teams to:

• be actively involved in and critically reflective on their learning
• work to deadlines and balance conflicting pressures
• develop academic and scientific literacy skills through formative assessment
• review, evaluate and reflect on their own and others work
• work co-operatively with staff and peers

The North campus library has recently undergone a successful refurbishment offering specialised group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. Open areas have also been provided on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge at Benwell Road. All these areas have comfortable seating and access to IT and wireless facilities. Utilisation of the University’s VLE, WebLearn has become an invaluable tool with which to disseminate information and to support and assess student learning. In addition students will be using facilities provided within the Universities New Science Centre, which include state of the art physiology laboratories; therapy treatment rooms; and, the expansive sports hall.

The principal aim for all awards in this pathway is to educate students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to their full potential at graduate level. The development of potential is viewed as comprising both subject-specific knowledge, as well as a range of transferable skills. The course is designed for those students considering entering the teaching profession. Students study a range of modules considering learning and teaching alongside the main sports science disciplines. Modules such as Practical Delivery in Sport & Physical Education, Inclusive Education and Contemporary Issue in PE provide the foundations for the Physical Education component. Successful graduates will receive an automatic interview for the PGCE Physical Education (Secondary) at London Met. Excellent links with local schools allow all students to experience an education-based placement as part of their course.

The course furthermore aims to develop students' ability to work independently, in proposing and developing solutions to problems in a systematic and effective manner, and in communicating confidently and clearly both in writing and verbally. It enables the demonstration of the graduate attributes of self-awareness; performance in a variety of idioms and contexts; and ethical and creative considerations.

Students will be encouraged to engage meaningfully with personal development planning (PDP) through the curriculum, to enable them to reflect on, plan and review their own personal and academic skills. PDP will enable students to develop well supported claims to achievements and be able to articulate these to others and the University will enable students to recognise and record their achievements.

The course learning outcomes listed below have been developed in-line with the Level 6 descriptors for Bachelor’s degree with honours as stated in the QAA’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)

1. Knowledge and understanding:
On completing the course, students will:
1.1 Have a thorough and systematic knowledge of the various scientific topics studied
1.2 Have a high level of understanding of current research evidence on which knowledge of the principle areas of sports science and physical education are founded

On completing the course students will be able to:
1.3 Apply scientific and pedagogical knowledge in practical settings
1.4 Execute and critically evaluate research relevant to the areas of sports science and physical education
1.5 Facilitate the enhancement of performance through teaching or coaching

2. Cognitive intellectual skills:
On completing the course the student will be able to:
2.1 Understand and develop clear and logical arguments in support or criticism of scientific assertions and theories, incorporating literature-base evidence
2.2 Make informed judgements when exploring research questions
2.3 Show fluency with appropriate quantitative and numerical skills, involving relevant mathematical and statistical methods
2.4 Demonstrate academic, pedagogical and scientific literacy at graduate level

3. Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice:
On completing the course the student will be able to:
3.1 Communicate, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and scholarly manner
3.2 Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including active involvement in learning, exercise of initiative and judgement, use of appropriate resources and technology including IT, the ability to work both independently and with others, and the capacity for self-awareness and self-reflection
3.3 Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication and self-discipline
3.4 Understand ethical and other professional issues involved in practice as a sports or exercise scientist, coach and teacher

4. Subject-specific practical skills:
On completing the course the student will be able to:
4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of practical skills relating to work as a sports scientists and teacher of physical education
4.2 Critically evaluate the principles and limitations of scientific measurement
4.3 Propose appropriate methodologies for a variety of measurements in sports and exercise science
4.4 Facilitate the enhancement of sporting performance through effective teaching

1.1 Have a thorough and systematic knowledge of the various scientific topics
studied:

All modules

1.2 Have a high level of understanding of current research evidence on which knowledge of the principle areas of sports science and physical education are founded:

All modules

1.3 Apply scientific and pedagogical knowledge in practical settings:

Essential Principles n Sports Science
Practical Sport Experience
Principles of Effective Coaching & Teaching
Curriculum Development in Physical Education
Advanced Coaching Theory and Practice

1.4 Execute and critically evaluate research relevant to the areas of sports science and
physical education:

Sports Science Research Methods
Sports Science & Therapy Dissertation

1.5 Facilitate the enhancement of performance through teaching or coaching:

Practical Sport Experience
Principles of Effective Coaching & Teaching
Curriculum Development in Physical Education
Advanced Coaching Theory and Practice

2.1 Understand and develop clear and logical arguments in support or criticism of scientific assertions and theories, incorporating literaturebase evidence Sociological Issues in Sport:

All level 6 modules

2.2 Make informed judgements when exploring research questions:

All modules

2.3 Show fluency with appropriate quantitative and numerical skills, involving relevant
mathematical and statistical methods:

Science, Research & Application

Sports Science Research Methods

2.4 Demonstrate academic, pedagogical and scientific literacy at graduate level:

All modules

3.1 Communicate, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and scholarly manner:

All modules

3.2 Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including active involvement in learning,
exercise of initiative and judgement, use of appropriate resources and technology including IT, the ability to work both independently and with others, and the capacity for self-awareness and self-reflection:

All modules

3.3 Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including
communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication and self-discipline

3.4 Understand ethical and other professional issues involved in practice as a sports or
exercise scientist, coach and teacher:

Sports Science Research Methods
Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation
Principles of Effective Coaching and Teaching
Curriculum Development in Physical Education
Advanced Coaching Theory and Practice

4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of practical skills relating to work as a sports scientists and teacher of physical education:

Essential Principles in Sports Science
Sports Anatomy and Physiology
Practical Sport Experience

4.2 Critically evaluate the principles and limitations of scientific measurement
science:

Sports Anatomy and Physiology
Practical Sport Experience
Science, Research and Application
Sports Physiology
Applied Sports Physiology

4.3 Propose appropriate methodologies for a variety of measurements in sports and exercise science:

Sports Science Research Methods
Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation

4.4 Facilitate the enhancement of sporting performance through effective teaching:

Practical Sport Experience
Principles of Effective Coaching and Teaching
Curriculum Development in Physical Education
Advanced Coaching Theory and Practice

The Benchmark Statement for ‘Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism’ were used

A variety of assessment methods will be used including unseen and seen written examinations, essays, literature searches/reviews, practical reports/demonstrations, oral presentations and oral examinations. With the exception of written examinations, most assessments have both formative and summative roles. Additional non-assessed formative assessments will be used. The final year project provides the opportunity for an extended piece of formal scientific writing.

A compulsory Work Placement or Business module is taken in the third year, giving students the opportunity to gain specific work or business experience in the specific areas of coaching or teaching, as well as in the more generic areas of sports science and psychology.

In addition to the above extended school based work experience in the final year as part of module ST6003.

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

CertHE : ST4001, ST4002, ST4003, ST4004

DipHE: ST4001, ST4002, ST4003, ST4004+ (core modules at Level 5)

BSc (Hons): ST4001, ST4002, ST4003, ST4004+ (core modules at Level 5) + (core modules at Level 6)

Provided as part of the designated employability modules at each level.

The Faculty will develop its own employability Web pages on which will be provided model CVs, covering letters, graduation statements, job adverts, job descriptions and person specifications for use by PAAs and students. A number of employer and alumni led career events will be organised by the Faculty and each Cluster Group.

The Sports Science and Physical Education degree has been carefully designed in collaboration with the Education department to ensure that graduates are better placed to secure a future in the PE teaching profession.

You’ll develop a sound understanding of physical education and child development meaning you'll be well equipped to pursue a career in sports education. Final year modules are specifically geared towards employability and success in the job market.

This course will also give you general scientific training which can be applied to a number of science or sports-based careers, as well as preparing you for further study in areas such as sports therapy. Previous graduates have gone on to find work with organisations such as AFC Wimbledon.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent i.e Key Skills Level 3 etc)
• 200 or more UCAS points from two or more A levels, including Biology, PE, Human Biology, Biology, Sports Science or Sports Studies at grade C or above (or equivalent, eg Applied Science A level Double Award at grade CC, or BTEC Extended Diploma in a sports subject with MMM)

Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.