Overview
This course is designed to enable you to help people to achieve their potential by applying scientific principles to the way the body functions during sport and exercise.
The multi-disciplinary and applied nature of this degree aims to prepare you for a career in sport or exercise, including scientific support, exercise training, health promotion and rehabilitation.
In the first two years of this course your learning is underpinned by the three key pillars of exercise physiology, psychology and biomechanics, reflecting developments within the industry. You will have the opportunity to learn how the healthy human body works during exercise, how the body responds to training, as well as how sport and physical activity promote health. In the final year there is an independent research project as well as the opportunity to specialise in an area of Sport and Exercise Science.
This course is currently endorsed by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and has been mapped against their accreditation framework, which covers practical ability in laboratory techniques, reflective practice, theoretical basis of the physiology and psychology of sports and exercise.
Sport and Exercise Science has been taught at Coventry University for almost 20 years and Coventry University is ranked 13th for research quality in this area (Sport Science) in the Complete University Guide 2020.
Haroon Mota is a Sport and Exercise Science graduate he shares his experiences since he graduated.
See the facilities available in our brand new Alison Gingell Building.
This course is currently being reviewed to ensure you are taught the latest developments in the field of Sport and Exercise Science. The content of this page reflects the 2020/2021 version of this course and will be subject to change. The 2021 content will be updated in the next academic year and we will notify applicants and students of such as soon as possible.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is endorsed by the following bodies:
The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences
This course is currently accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). The University’s accreditation with BASES shall be up for renewal in September 2021. Whilst the University hopes and anticipates that any renewal would be successful, if the renewal were to be unsuccessful, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Our Facilities
Sports Therapy Clinic
The Sports Therapy Clinic is run by final year Sports Therapy students under the supervision of qualified staff with second year students providing a supervised massage clinic twice a week..
Strength and Conditioning Suite
Our multi-purpose suite is equipped with multiple Olympic lifting platforms, a 20m gait analysis track, an anti-gravity treadmill and even a 3D motion capture system!
Ambulance
Our facilities include a mock ambulance, which students can use as part of their studies, to help simulate the patient journey. This gives students the opportunity to learn in situations that mirror real life scenarios.
What our students say...
The course had some brilliant opportunities to get hands-on experience in the labs and to apply what I learnt in different environments.
Course information
The political and health sector focus on health and fitness has heightened the demand for sport and exercise scientists and performance consultants.
On this course, you will have the opportunity to learn how the healthy human body works during exercise, how to prevent or rehabilitate following injury, as well as how sport and physical activity promote health.
Our aim is to effectively prepare you for professional employment, your learning is underpinned by the three key pillars of exercise physiology, psychology and biomechanics, reflecting developments within the industry. For example, we consider the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and exercise in extreme conditions.
The programme has been mapped against the British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accreditation framework, which covers practical ability in laboratory techniques, reflective practice, theoretical basis of the physiology and psychology of sports and exercise.
Course Specification
Download PDF (278kb)
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We are ranked as the 13th best University in the United Kingdom - Guardian University Guide 2019
In more detail...
Preparing you for a variety of graduate level careers in industry, professional sport, health and education, this degree aims to provide you with a strong scientific understanding of human physiology, psychology, anatomy, biomechanics and biochemistry.
Based in the state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building, you can take full advantage of our cutting-edge facilities, including indoor running track and extensive exercise science laboratories.
You’ll be taught by staff with a broad range of academic and professional experience, many of whom have worked with a range of health initiatives, professional athletes and clubs. We also work closely with a range of National Health Service (NHS) clinical services, such as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and local authority healthy living initiatives.
Our strong employer links include local professional sports teams and National Health Service (NHS) clinical services, such as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and local authority healthy living initiatives, which increases your employment opportunities.
We recognise that to be an effective sport and exercise scientist, you first need to be an effective communicator. Alongside an appreciation of the physiological, psychological and biomechanical factors influencing human performance, our course will help you develop effective listening, verbal and non-verbal communications skills through first-hand experience of situations directly related to applied sport and exercise science.
This is a hands-on course with a range of approaches to teaching including problem-based learning, case studies and laboratory classes, which blend scientific rigour with practical and professional experience and knowledge. We aim to develop your expertise and practical ability to prescribe exercise programmes, then evaluate and monitor their effectiveness on the human body.
- Expert guest lecturers, which in the past included public health, obesity and sport performance specialists.
- Field trips, which in the past have included visits to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwick metabolic lab (additional costs may apply and subject to availability).
- Learn about the latest issues relating to the theory and practice of sport and exercise science through case studies and exposure to the applied environment.
- We have experts in sport and exercise psychology, physiology, exercise and health, strength and conditioning, biomechanics and nutrition, many conducting ongoing research and consultancy.
- Strong track record for graduate employability - 95% of graduates from this course in work or continuing their studies six months after graduation (DLHE 2016/17)
- Access to industry-standard software, including those for assessing dietary analysis and energy expenditure and specialist equipment, including fat suits, an environmental chamber and a range of ergometers and metabolic carts.
- Currently endorsed by and meets the level of understanding and competencies required by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the sector’s leading professional body, which can enable you to apply for accreditation following a period of supervised experience as a sport and exercise scientist.
Your main study themes are:
- Exercise Physiology: Exploring physiological adaptations and responses (acute and chronic) as a result of strength training, applied sport and exercise science, examining exercise in different populations, together with use of appropriate physiological assessment techniques.
- Biomechanics: The biomechanical factors influencing sports performance and associated activities, as well as appropriate biomechanical assessment techniques.
- Sport and Exercise Psychology: Psychological factors influencing sport and exercise performance, the use of psychological strategies to enhance and/or explain sport and exercise performance
The course is available as a three or four-year course, with the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field (which may be subject to additional costs, application processes, availability and meeting any applicable visa requirements).
A variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and practical skills sessions to develop experimental/practical techniques and the ability to make accurate observations and assess errors. This includes performance and fitness testing, body composition assessment and physical activity monitoring.
A series of workshops will be delivered as part of this course during the first year of study with the aim of developing your scientific writing, research and laboratory skills. In laboratory sessions, you will learn key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling, reporting and broader scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics.
Throughout the course, you will receive insight from the latest research and input from current practitioners.
In addition, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, tests, essays, formal examinations, group work, presentations/posters and practical or project work.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:
- Aspects of human physiological systems, their control during exercise, their limitations on sports performance and their changes with training.
- The biomechanical principles involved in the execution of skills and equipment usage in sporting activities.
- The psychological factors associated with the acquisition of skills, sport performance and exercise participation.
- The biochemical factors that limit performance during exercise, changes that occur with training and the nutritional factors that affect sport performance and training.
- The design, implementation and evaluation of the processes and outcomes of fitness and coaching programmes and interventions.
- The positive role of exercise and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of disease. Health problems caused by activity, including overtraining and injuries
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate the key skills of a sport and exercise scientist: reflective practice; evidence based practice; interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary practice; generic and specialised practical skills; health and safety (eg. good laboratory practice) and ethical considerations.
- Research, critique and present scientific information to scientific and other recipients.
- Demonstrate problem solving and apply scientific information.
- Design and implement scientific investigations, including data collection, analysis and interpretation.
During the course you will experience a higher level of supervised teaching and practical hours in year 1, decreasing each year as you develop and become more self-guided and independent in preparation for roles after graduation.
In a typical teaching week in your first year, you will have up to 11 ‘contact’ hours of study This generally breaks down as:
- 3 hours of lead lectures
- 2 hours of practical sessions per week
- 6 hours of tutorials/workshops
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 18 hours of self-directed study each week e.g. working on course assignments.
Our international placement degree option allows a full-year work placement, which can be taken abroad, or you can undertake a study year abroad. The University runs several specific schemes to allow you periods of overseas study or work experience and the University offers multiple grants to enable such visits.*A number of students in our School have been successful in securing places on these schemes for example in Spain, France, Canada and the US.
The department has research links with Canada, Brazil and Australia, and students can progress to postgraduate study with these collaborators. Teaching staff also ensure that they bring their internationally rated research expertise into their teaching.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement, study abroad or work experience opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
Studying at Coventry University has provided me with so much more than I imagined. From exciting course content to excellent facilities, brilliant placement opportunities, and inspiring and supportive lecturers, Sport and Exercise Science was definitely the right course for me!
If you haven't met the entry requirements, you may still be able to progress onto a degree by studying a foundation course.
What our students say...
The course had some brilliant opportunities to get hands-on experience in the labs and to apply what I learnt in different environments.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.As well as covering UK field trips, key materials and laser print, the fees for this course also include:
- Sport and Exercise Science clothing
- Student membership of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for final year students
- Disclosure and Barring Service (formally CRB Disclosure) for those undertaking placements with children
- Free copy of SPSS statistics software
The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Any optional training course and assessment fee to gain Coaching and Gym Instructor qualifications
- This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Reduced course fees for EU students
The UK Government has confirmed that EU students who are starting their course in September 2021 and onwards will be classified as an international student. To support our EU community who are affected by this change, Coventry University are providing an EU Member State Transition Bursary.
Students ordinarily domiciled in an EU Member State who prior to the 2021/22 academic intake qualified for UK fees (home fee status), are eligible for the EU Member State Transition Bursary. This will bring fee levels for those students across the Group into line with those of UK students for courses starting in the 2021/22 academic year.
Review more details on our EU Member State Transition Award/Bursary page.
What our students say...
The course had some brilliant opportunities to get hands-on experience in the labs and to apply what I learnt in different environments.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career. They can also help you to find suitable work placements and give you advice on how to get the most out of them.
In addition to developing your skills and experience through the course you will also be provided with opportunities including completing a work placement or completing a summer internship*. Both activities allow you to demonstrate to potential employers that you can apply your skills and knowledge. The university can help you to find suitable work placements and give you advice on how to get the most out of them.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement, study abroad or work experience opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
95%
of graduates are in work or further study 6 months after graduation
DLHE 2016/17
Where our graduates work
Some of our graduates have gone on to work with specific sports teams including Coventry City FC and British Cycling.
The leisure industry is a major employer in the UK and many of our students go into managerial and service delivery roles in leisure and health centres, as well as teaching and research.
Graduates who are more interested in the medical and health applications of exercise science can go on to work within cardiac and other rehabilitation teams within the NHS, or with local councils within sports development or exercise for health schemes.
Our graduates earn an average salary of £20,000 six months after the course (DLHE 2014/15)
What our students say
I have had so many opportunities to gain valuable experience and improve as a person, including a trip to Lithuania and a vast quantity of volunteering in schools, delivering interventions looking to improve physical activity levels in children. The most important experience has been my sandwich placement year, which has not only equipped me with the necessary experience and skills for the future but has also developed me on a personal level. I have connected with people in my field of interest and beyond from across the globe and I cannot thank the sports science staff at Coventry University enough for their support and guidance throughout my journey so far here, they have been incredible.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
Admission to this course is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and a successful interview. Find out about the application process.
