Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDSPEXSC - BSc Sport and Exercise Science

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Human Sciences
Subject Area Health Sciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

This multidisciplinary modular course comprises three levels of which the first concentrates on developing foundation knowledge in the principal areas of Sport and Exercise Science and also the areas of biology and chemistry on which the discipline relies. The subsequent two levels follow the different elements of Sport and Exercise Science in increasing depth, and include choice of subjects studied. Particular emphasis is given to Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics and Movement studies, and Psychology. An important component of the final level is the research project, which accounts for 25% of the total credits. The modules include an integrated programme of practical work in the laboratory, sports hall and field, designed to develop skills useful in subsequent sports-related employment. The course also includes a core module focussing on the skills to start a sport related business.
Labs (Physiology and Biomechanics), large sports hall, gym and specifically designed teaching rooms provide the students with appropriate facilities for their studies.
Final year students will apply their knowledge and gain employment related experience during the Level 6 Work Placement module (ST6W61) or Business developments in Health Sciences module (ST6053). They will further be involved in the testing and data communication to visiting athletes in the Exercise Physiology module (ST6014).

Knowledge and understanding of the discipline of Sport and Exercise Science is developed through an integrated programme of teacher-led lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory based practical sessions, as well as through the guided use of student-centred learning activities: problem solving exercises, case studies, directed reading and e-learning.
• Level 4 provides a foundation of general subjects underpinning the Sport and Exercise Sciences including biochemistry, cell biology, physiology and numerical skills, as well as including introductory material to the various branches of this multi-disciplinary subject.
• Level 5 includes focuses on the study of selected areas of sport and exercise science, including biomechanics, exercise physiology and sport psychology and includes the study of research methods.
• Level 6, emphasises advanced and applied aspects of these same areas, with concentration on practical applications and employment related skills as well as the completion of a (Dissertation) research project in a subject area chosen by the student.

Blended learning opportunities are centred around the University’s VLE but also include specialised software such as that used for demonstrating and learning musculoskeletal anatomy, virtual practicals in exercise physiology, and dedicated software for the recording and analysis of physiological and biomechanical data.

The Holloway road campus offers specialised group study areas in the Library as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals, e-journals and online learning resources. There are numerous quiet study areas available throughout the ground and first floors of the Tower building and in the green lounge in the adjacent Benwell Road site and in the courtyard providing comfortable seating, IT and wireless facilities with Wifi access throughout the campus.

Utilisation of the University’s VLE 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 Science Centre, which include state of the art physiology laboratories, environmental chamber, high altitude units, large sports hall and training gym.

Course aims

The principal aim in this pathway is to educate students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to their full potential at graduate level. This potential is the ability to enter relevant industry sectors with the fundamental skills required by these employers. Potential comprises the acquisition and application of subject-specific knowledge, as well as a range of transferable skills. The course has some degree of emphasis on those parts of the subject directly-linked in the natural sciences. This gives rise to substantial components of physiology, anatomy, metabolism and biomechanics. There is also coverage of sport psychology and some attention to sports sociology. Both performance and health related aspects are incorporated in all areas covered. The course furthermore aims to develop students' ability to
• work both independently and in collaboration
• develop solutions to problems in a systematic and effective manner
• communicate confidently and clearly in both written and verbal form
• deploy generic work-related skills including time-management and prioritisation of tasks

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 recognise, record and communicate their achievements to others.

Course learning outcomes

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.

1. knowledge and understanding:
On completing the course, students will:
1.1. Have a thorough systematic knowledge of the various scientific topics studied
1.2. Show an ability to apply knowledge in practical settings involving Sport and Exercise
1.3. Have the capacity to execute and critically evaluate research relevant to the Sport and Exercise Sciences

2. cognitive intellectual skills:
On completing the course, students will:
2.1. Be able to understand and develop coherent arguments in support or criticism of scientific assertions and theories, incorporating literature-based evidence
2.2. Demonstrate a general ability to organise and apply knowledge in a logical and systematic manner appropriate to the purpose or question in hand
2.3. Show fluency with appropriate quantitative and numerical skills, involving relevant mathematical and statistical methods
2.4. Demonstrate academic and scientific literacy at a graduate level

3. transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice:
On completing the course, students will:
3.1. Have the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and lively manner
3.2. Demonstrate a range of other key 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. Understand ethical and other professional issues involved in practice as a Sport and Exercise scientist
3.4. Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication, organisation,
work ethic and self-discipline


4. subject-specific practical skills:
On completing the course, students will:
4.1. Demonstrate an understanding of practical skills relating to Sport and Exercise Science, including competence in collecting data from a range of test equipment and from psychological inventories, and in implementing appropriate interventions.
4.2. Be aware of the principles of scientific measurement, including the appropriate expression of results, and the distinction between analogue and digital information
4.3. Propose appropriate methodologies for a variety of measurements in the Sport and Exercise Sciences

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Level 4

ST4008 Foundations of Sport Psychology and Coaching LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2


ST4009 Human Anatomy and Biomechanics LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2


ST4010 Human Physiology and Training Principles LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2


ST4011 Sports Research Skills LO 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2

Level 5

ST5002 Psychological Factors in Sport: Individuals and Teams LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1


ST5003 Biomechanics and Control of Human Movement LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2


ST5006 Exercise Physiology LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3


ST5060 Sports Science Research Methods LO 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3


ST5054 Practical Delivery in Coaching and Teaching LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2


ST5057 Contemporary Issues in Sport LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2

Level 6


ST6P01 Sport Science and Therapy Dissertation LO 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.3


ST6014 Applied Clinical and Exercise Physiology LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3


ST6002 Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1


ST6054 Advanced Biomechanics LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3


ST6053 Business Developments in Health Sciences LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4


ST6W61 Sport Science Work Placement LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4

Principle QAA benchmark statements

There is currently no Benchmark Statement for
BSc Sports and Exercise Science however, the Benchmark Statement for ‘Events, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism’ were used.
Of the study areas specified as characterising sports - related programmes, the present course focuses principally on 6.17 and 6.18. There is also some coverage of 6.19 and 6.20.

Assessment strategy

A variety of assessment methods will be used including unseen and seen written and
practical examinations, essays, literature searches/reviews, practical reports, 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. All assessed components adhere to the Universities feedback guidelines.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

Level 6 students will work with visiting athletes in the lab environment to gain experience with testing procedures and communication skills. Business Developments in Health Studies is a new work – related - learning optional module available in addition to the Work placement module.

Modules required for interim awards

CertHE: Core modules at Level 4
DipHE: Core modules at Level 4 + core modules at Level 5
BSc (Hons): Core modules at Level 4 + core modules at Level 5 + core modules at Level 6

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

The course encourages student interaction and contribution by developing their 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.
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. In addition, there is continuous
reflection on clinical practice within the final year work placement module.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Students’ attention is drawn to the professional organisation BASES, and the resources it offers to students. All laboratory work is undertaken to the published standards of BASES.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Employment opportunities for graduates in Sport and Exercise Science are diverse.
Currently, many of our graduates work with sports clubs/ teams either individually or as part of a multi - disciplinary science and medical team. Private sector employment is offered by health and fitness organisations, including those operating in healthcare leisure and fitness centres. Larger private companies and hotels, frequently offer sports and leisure facilities 'in house' and Sport and Exercise Scientists to oversee the facilities. Additional vocational training with the NHS now makes employment as a Clinical Scientist possible.

Career opportunities

This degree will prepare you for a career in the scientific or commercial worlds, with many students choosing to work in the fitness industry. You'll receive general scientific training that will enable you to take on a wide variety of roles. Previous graduates have gone into careers such as sports therapy at AFC Wimbledon and holistic training at Educogym. Others have continued on to a PGCE, enabling them to work in education.

Entry requirements

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

  • two A levels with minimum grades BB including biology, PE, human biology, sports science or sports studies (or 80 or more UCAS points from an equivalent qualification)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Sports Science Extended Degree.

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.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2016/17 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 13 Sep 2016 Last validation date 13 Sep 2016  
Sources of funding
JACS codes C600 (Sport and Exercise Science): 100%
Route code SPEXSC

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST4008 Foundations of Sport Psychology and Coaching Core 30        
ST4009 Human Anatomy and Biomechanics Core 30        
ST4010 Human Physiology and Training Principles Core 30        
ST4011 Sports Research Skills Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST5002 Psychological Factors in Sport: Individuals and... Core 30        
ST5003 Biomechanics and Control of Human Movement Core 30        
ST5006 Exercise Physiology Core 30        
ST5060 Sports Science Research Methods Core 15        
ST5054 Practical Delivery in Coaching and Teaching Option 15        
ST5057 Contemporary Issues in Sport Option 15        

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST6002 Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete Core 30        
ST6014 Applied Clinical and Exercise Physiology Core 30        
ST6054 Advanced Biomechanics Core 15        
ST6P01 Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation Core 30        
ST6053 Business Developments in Health Sciences Option 15        
ST6W61 Sports Science Work Placement Option 15