Sport Science & Physical Activity

We have an exceptional reputation for our sport courses and offer you a wide range of industry relevant degrees, taught by worldleading academics. Our facilities include a state-of-the-art teaching and research sport sciences lab facility, a national standard sport arena providing multiple teaching spaces and a hosting venue for national level indoor team sport competitions and a fully equipped modern fitness suite.

Careers

Courses are delivered with your employability in mind. Career- focused teaching methods prepare you for the world of work, as well as opportunities to undertake work experience placements, and to get involved in research projects. You also have the chance to gain recognised professional qualifications including Level II Gym Instructor, Personal Training Certificate and Exercise Referral Instructor while you study.

Q&A

Dr Andrew Mitchell

Head of Sport Science & Physical Activity

What opportunities do Sport Science & Physical Activity students get at Bedfordshire that they may not find elsewhere?

Students will have the opportunity to carry out testing of external clients in our Human Performance Centre based in our state-ofthe-art sport and exercise science laboratories, provide treatments for scholarship athletes and sports teams in our sports injury and rehabilitation centre and work with members of the public with conditions such as diabetes and obesity in our community exercise clinic.

Did you know?

At Bedfordshire you can benefit from our on-site Sports Therapy Clinic, where you will be assessed and treated by one of our Sports Therapy students, providing them with vital practical experience within a clinical environment.

Courses

Applied Personal Training & Specialist Exercise Instruction (top-up) BSc (Hons) 174 Applied Sport & Physical Education (top-up) BSc (Hons) 175 Applied Sport Science & Coaching (top-up) BSc (Hons) 175 Clinical Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) 176 Football Business BA (Hons) 177 Football Coaching BA (Hons) 178 Football Science BSc (Hons) 179 Football Studies BA (Hons) 179 Health, Nutrition & Exercise BSc (Hons) 180 International Sport Development BSc (Hons) 181 Sport & Exercise Science BSc (Hons) 182 Sport & Physical Education BA/BSc (Hons) 183 Sport Science & Coaching BSc (Hons) 184 Sport Science & Personal Training BSc (Hons) 185 Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation BSc (Hons) 186 Strength & Conditioning BSc (Hons) 187

Related foundation degrees: Have You Also Considered...?

Food & Nutrition Science BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)

195

117

146 149

For more information on any of the courses visit: beds.ac.uk/courses For up-to-date information on part-time study options see: beds.ac.uk/parttime

Sport Science & Physical Activity

Applied Personal Training & Specialist Exercise Instruction (top-up) BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C603  September  Bedford campus  1 year full-time (options available: part-time)  UK/EU/International students  Relevant Foundation degree or HND – see website for more information

You will gain a deeper understanding of sport science and personal training, as well as relevant experience through work placements or internships at sports organisations, schools and within a personal training environment, preparing you for a successful career. By linking closely to your previous studies and work experience this course provides seamless progression to university level study with the added benefit of a targeted initial induction and a week-long summer school to help support your academic development.

Key features

• Study key areas of sport science including pedagogy and sports performance as well as research methods and employability units • Learn from our team of experts in fitness, personal training and strength and conditioning • Develop your personal training skills and build partnerships with local sports clubs and teams • Gain a sound training, skills, and knowledge of sport science together with the transferrable skills needed for a range of careers

Career opportunities

Recent graduates have pursued careers in sports performance, fitness consultation, nutrition and PR. Emphasis on research also gives students a solid base for postgraduate study.

Areas of study may include:

• Exercise for clinical populations • Psychology of physical activity • Research methods and research design • Fitness qualification

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C609  September  Bedford campus  1 year full-time (options available: part-time)  UK/EU/International students  Relevant Foundation degree or HND – see website for more information

You will gain a deeper understanding of sport science and physical education, as well as relevant experience through work placements or internships at sports organisations, schools, and within a physical education, preparing you for a successful career. By linking closely to your previous studies and work experience this course provides seamless progression to university level study with the added benefit of a targeted initial induction and a week-long summer school to help support your academic development.

Key features

• Benefit from specialist teaching laboratories and sports facilities, as well as world-class teaching from a team with research expertise in environmental physiology, health and metabolism and movement within the sports science field • Build your employability through relevant work placements or internships at sports organisations, schools and within a personal training environment • Learn from our team of experts in fitness, personal training and strength and conditioning

Career opportunities

Recent graduates have pursued careers in physical education and sport development. Other career opportunities have been in health and fitness, coaching and primary education sectors.

Areas of study may include:

• Critical sport pedagogy • Applied project • Physical activity and health • Research methods and research design • Applied sport and exercise psychology

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C610  September  Bedford campus  1 year full-time (options available: part-time)  UK/EU/International students  Relevant Foundation degree or HND – see website for more information

You will gain a deeper understanding of sport science and coaching, as well as relevant experience through work placements or internships at sports organisations, schools and within a coaching environment, preparing you for a successful career. By linking closely to your previous studies and work experience this course provides seamless progression to university level study with the added benefit of a targeted initial induction and a week-long summer school to help support your academic development.

Key features

• Learn from our team of experts in fitness, personal training and strength • Gain sound training, skills, and knowledge of sport science coaching together with the transferrable skills needed for a range of careers • Study key areas of sport science and coaching including coaching for performance, sports physiology, and psychology • Build your employability through relevant work placements and internships at sports organisations, schools, and within a coaching environment where you can also carry out a research project

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can find employment as a sports coach, sport development officer, or some may choose to gain further qualifications to fulfil a teaching career.

Areas of study may include:

• Coaching for performance • Applied coaching project • Applied sport and exercise psychology • Research methods and research design

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C616 With Professional Practice Year: C618 With Foundation Year: C618  September  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points. 1 A2 or equivalent in a sport/science subject.

DBS check. Emergency First Aid and Work (1 day)

This course aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to progress onto a career as a Graduate Clinical Exercise Therapist (GCET) who will be able to register at Level 3 with the Register of Exercise Professionals, the independent public register which recognises the qualifications and expertise of health- enhancing coaches and therapists in the UK. Throughout the course you will apply your knowledge and skills while completing a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement in a range of different environments while benefiting from guidance from both practicing therapists, coaches and injury rehabilitation professionals as well as academic staff.

Key features

• Develop your knowledge and skills focused around special populations, injury rehabilitation, and current concepts in training to improve health and fitness • Fitness qualifications that have been endorsed by Skills Active are embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) L2 and 3 • You will be assessed through a variety of methods including written reports, practical assessments, viva presentations and independent research projects

Career opportunities

Yoe can expect to enter graduate level employment within the field of health, fitness, sports, and exercise medicine including exercise referral and injury rehabilitation. The course also embeds wider transferable skills allowing graduates the option of achieving employment in the wider market at a similar level in private (health clubs, clinics, referral schemes) or public NHS) employment.

Areas of study may include:

• Human anatomy and physiology • Sport massage and manual therapies • Gym instruction and corrective exercise • Clinical exercise for special populations

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C660 With Professional Practice Year: C661 With Foundation Year: C66F  September, February  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

70 per cent of all football fans worldwide are now watching the English game. Never has it been more necessary to prepare well-rounded graduates for entry into football related professions and industries. This course prepares you to work in a range of football related health, education, and social settings through increased participation in football setting placements. The impact of the Premier League and Football League clubs goes beyond the obvious economic impact and encompasses investment in facilities. Community programmes supported by the Premier League in schools and deprived areas has reached a significant scale. The rapid growth of the football sector has created opportunities to become a sports professional in an expanding, borderless industry.

Key features

• Learn from top-class professionals within the field including lecturers, working with governing bodies such as the FA, UEFA and FIFA, and a variety of individuals from specific professional football teams • Benefit from work experience placements linked to elite and sub-elite football and within the University of Bedfordshire Football Academy, as well as off-site coaching opportunities at local schools

Career opportunities

Career paths include football and sport development, football and sport coaching, and specialised posts in the leisure, sport, and recreation industries.

Areas of study may include:

• Football development • Contemporary issues in football • Sports marketing • Managing elite sport • Football finance

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C670 With Professional Practice Year: C671 With Foundation Year: C67F  September, February  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

This course offers you a broad overview of the football industry, while allowing you to focus on a specific area. Following a common first year, you can choose to specialise in one of the following areas: football’s business environment; football development or football coaching. You will conduct a detailed study of the sports industry sector as a whole. If you aspire to become a qualified football coach, the programme will give you the opportunity to gain recognised awards, such as the FA Coaching Level 1 and 2. You will study how the impact of the Premier League and Football League clubs goes beyond the economic impact and you will explore how community programmes supported by the Premier League in schools and disadvantaged areas has reached a significant scale and the impact of this.

Key features

• Benefit from work experience placements linked to elite and sub-elite football and within the University of Bedfordshire Football Academy, as well as off-site coaching opportunities at local schools • Experience the practical application of concepts in industry-related scenarios and realistic simulations

Career opportunities

Career paths include football and sport development, football and sport coaching, and specialised posts in the leisure, sport, and recreation industries.

Areas of study may include:

• Performance analysis • Player identification and development • Football in the community • Psychology for football coaches • Coaching alternative versions of football • Football development

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C690 With Professional Practice Year: C691 With Foundation Year: C69F  September, February  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

If you want to work with footballers to help them optimise their game in training and competition, this unique and innovative course offers you the theory, practice and experience you need to kick-off an exciting career. You will gain experience in elite and sub-elite football and your study will include nutrition as well as specialist modules in strength and conditioning, recovery and training load, talent identification and development and performance analysis.

Key features

• Develop your skills and employment prospects through off-site coaching and football science support opportunities at local schools and clubs • A fitness qualification that have been endorsed by Skills Active is embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) Level 2 • Gain connections in the football industry through links with UK-based professional football teams Luton Town FC, MK Dons FC and Peterborough

United as well as international-based professional teams in Norway (FK Bodø/Glimt), Estonia (FC Flora, Viimsi MRJK) and Spain (Girona FC)

Career opportunities

Explore a huge number of career opportunities as a sports professional in a rapidly expanding industry. Add recognised professional accreditations to your future degree qualification including FA coaching awards and accreditation from the Register of Exercise professionals (REPs).

Areas of study may include:

• Exercise physiology • Talent identification and development • Sport and exercise psychology • Strength and conditioning • Performance analysis • Football coaching

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: NXF1 With Professional Practice Year: NXF2 With Foundation Year: C6FY  September  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

If you are interested in football and keen to work in a related area this course offers you an overview of football from business, coaching and development angles, as well as a detailed study of the sport industry. It covers football administration, social issues in football and coaching (with a chance to gain coaching awards), as well as broader areas of sport. There are opportunities to volunteer with local football associations, helping you to build your CV and employability skills.

Key features

• Multidisciplinary course, involving the study of football science, management, and social studies • Learn through a combination of lectures/seminars, field trips and practical experience – including on-site event management operations

Career opportunities

Career paths include football and sport development, football and sport coaching, and specialised posts in the leisure, sport, and recreation industries.

Areas of study may include:

• Introduction to football • The business of football • Football and the modern media • Developing coaching study and skills • Sport education • Sport development • Sport management • Sociology of sport

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: BC46 With Professional Practice Year: BC47 With Foundation Year: CCFY  September  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 96-120 points – see website for more information

Health improvement practitioners increasingly need to understand the impact of nutrition and exercise on health, fitness and disease. This course offers a scientific basis for health promotion and covers nutrition, exercise physiology and exercise prescription, behavioural change and health psychology, and research skills. The course offers you accreditation opportunities as well as strong NHS and community health links. Study nutrition and exercise for different stages of life, prevention and treatment of disease and gain skills in working with different patient and client groups.

Key features

• Study areas include how nutrition and exercise contribute to the prevention and management of disease, health psychology and behaviour change, communication skills for healthcare professionals, research and investigative skills • This course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Upon completion you will be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the AfN • A fitness qualification that has been endorsed by Skills Active is embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) Level 2 • Benefit from employer links with the NHS and local community health programmes, which keep the course relevant to current practice

Career opportunities

Opportunities include the food or fitness industries, the NHS, or on a self- employed basis as a personal trainer, lifestyle adviser, and/or nutritionist.

Areas of study may include:

• Applied nutrition • Exercise physiology and exercise prescription • Behavioural change and psychology • Lifecycle nutrition • Introduction to health psychology and counselling • Physical activity and health • Nutrient metabolism

Ashleigh Jaye Howard

Health, Nutrition & Exercise BSc (Hons)

“The facilities here are amazing. For my course we spend a lot of time in the labs and there are so many fabulous facilities for us including an ultrasound machine and environment rooms where we can change the temperature for different types of testing. The computers and library facilities are great too.”

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C635 With Professional Practice Year: C637 With Foundation Year: C636  September, February  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 112-120 points – see website for more information

The rapid expansion of international sport and the increasing positive contribution of sport to international development has created exciting new career opportunities worldwide. This course aims to nurture your talents and give you an understanding of contemporary issues in sport from a global perspective. You will explore a range of key skills to enable you to work for international sport and sport initiatives in international development for both public and commercial sectors.

Key features

• This course reflects key issues and rapid changes within the sporting industry and prepares you with good and up-to-date knowledge of the ever-changing world of global sport • Benefit from guest talks from professionals currently working in industry • You will be taught by experienced staff who have researched and published in the areas of sport development and international sport, to name a few

Career opportunities

Following completion of the course you could pursue careers in areas such as: professional sports clubs; national and international governing bodies of sport; sport development within national-based and international-based organisations and locations; sport administrations; sport marketing and PR; event management; and sport/leisure/fitness club management.

Areas of study may include:

• International sports industry • Sport for international development • International sport governance and policies • Sport and the media • Gender, sexuality and sport • Sport, diversity and social justice: race and class

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C600 With Professional Practice Year: C605 With Foundation Year: C07F  September  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 112-120 points – see website for more information

Study and become part of a world-leading research team, focusing on the scientific study of sport and exercise performance in labs offering you research opportunities and skills development rare to the UK. After gaining a broad knowledge of the core scientific areas of sport and exercise science, you will use specialised equipment including online gas analysis machines, an environmental chamber, light gates, and echocardiography, amongst others, building your knowledge.

Key features

• Explore your area of interest with a final year research project of your choosing • High-performance environment that combines scientific knowledge and sports performance • A fitness qualification that has been endorsed by Skills Active is embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) Level 2 • Gain employability skills with specific, industry-proven guidance and participation in the latest world-leading sports science research • This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

Career opportunities

Recent graduates have pursued careers in fitness consultation, nutrition and PE. Other career opportunities include sports performance, health, and fitness, coaching and sports development. The emphasis on research also gives students a solid base for postgraduate study.

Areas of study may include:

• Psychology of sport and exercise • Applied biomechanics • Physiology of human performance • Sports injuries • Environmental physiology • Applied sport and exercise psychology • Social psychology of sport

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C601 or C607 With Professional Practice Year: C606 or C608 With Foundation Year: C12F or C09F  September, February  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 112-120 points – see website for more information

Study with one of the country’s most established sport and physical education providers, with staff working at the cutting-edge of innovative teaching and learning practices and pedagogical research. Combine theory of teaching with practical activities, examine motivation and psychology of sport and learn lab-based skills to understand human performance. In addition, you will develop research and analytical skills for your final year professional study enabling you to investigate a key area that informs your future practices. The unique ability to choose a BA or BSc route will also offer you the chance to specialise in an area of interest. You will have opportunities for relevant work experience throughout, and an extended placement in year three.

Key features

• Gain an understanding of teaching and coaching that is transferable to multiple contexts • A fitness qualification that has been endorsed by Skills Active is embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) Level 2 • Examine the practical pedagogical application of psychological and physiological research

Career opportunities

Recent graduates have pursued careers in physical education and sport development. Other career opportunities have been in health and fitness, coaching, and primary education sectors.

Areas of study may include:

• Physical education and sport pedagogy • Psychology of sport and exercise • Introduction to sport sociology • Foundations in public health • Foundations in sports psychology • Socio-cultural analysis of sport and physical activity

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: CX61 With Professional Practice Year: CX62 With Foundation Year: C13F  September  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

Coaching is a great way to express your passion for sport. Great Britain is now seen as a leading competitor in world sport and there are increasing opportunities to make a career out of coaching – there has never been a better time to become a coach. This course offers you the opportunity to specialise in the academic study of sports coaching, gaining the qualifications and practical skills to be a successful coach. It combines a thorough understanding of sport and exercise science with knowledge of the range of roles and contexts within which a coach works. Theoretical, vocational, and practical elements are included to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of sport science, which underpins coaching practice.

Key features

• This course is accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise

Science (BASES) • A fitness qualification that has been endorsed by Skills Active is embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) Level 2 • Links with sports partners offering practical coaching experience at all levels • Learn from internationally recognised staff in the fields of science, exercise, and sport • High-performance environment that combines scientific knowledge and sports performance

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can find employment as a sports coach, exercise/fitness instructor, sports development officer or GP referral co-ordinator.

Areas of study may include:

• Psychology of sport and exercise • Physiology and applied anatomy • Socio-cultural aspects of sport coaching • Research methods • Coaching study, skills, and practice • Work experience to refine coaching skills

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C613 With Professional Practice Year: C614 With Foundation Year: C0FY  September, February  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information

This course combines the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of a sport science degree with the added bonus of fitness qualifications so you can enter the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at Level 3. Your first year covers broad knowledge of core scientific areas of sport and exercise science and includes the gym instructor qualification. Year two introduces you to online gas analysis machines, environmental chamber, light gates, and echocardiography and includes the personal trainer qualification. In your final year, use your acquired theory and practical skills for your research project, and gain the exercise referral instructor qualification.

Key features

• Focuses on the scientific study of sport and exercise • Fitness qualifications that have been endorsed by Skills Active are embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) L2 & 3 • Gain excellent links with employers in the fitness industry • This course is accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES)

Career opportunities

Recent graduates have pursued careers in sports performance, fitness consultation, nutrition and PE. Emphasis on research also gives students a solid base for postgraduate study.

Areas of study may include:

• Psychology of sport and exercise • Applied biomechanics • Physiology of human performance • Anatomy and biomechanics • Foundations in sport psychology • Exercise principles and practice

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: C630  September  Bedford campus  3 years full-time  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 112-120 points. 1 A2 in a sport/science subject. DBS check.

Emergency First Aid at Work (1 Day) – see website for more information

This course will be delivered through class, clinical and field settings, utilising a variety of advanced equipment. There is a focus on developing practical skills while applying theory to underpin clinical reasoning. This focus is reflected in the course assessment strategy which challenges students in a range of scenarios linked to the role of a Graduate Sports Rehabilitator. Students may be working with professional athletes, members of the public and University staff, as well as fellow students to improve quality of life and return to normal physical function. Implementation of acquired skills will benefit students personally and professionally, in addition to providing a valuable service to the community.

Key features

• Course content covers a wide range of knowledge and skills focused around injury rehabilitation, performance training, injury assessment, management and rehabilitation • A fitness qualification that has been endorsed by Skills Active is embedded into the course, allowing you to enter onto the Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) Level 2 • Students complete a minimum of 400 hours of work-based learning during the course across a variety of settings from elite professional sports teams to private clinics and independent practitioners

Career opportunities

Following completion of this course graduates can expect to enter the field of health and fitness. This course also embeds wider transferable skills allowing graduates the option of achieving employment in the wider market at a similar level.

Areas of study may include:

• Manual therapies • Psychology of injury • Gym instruction and corrective exercise • Normal anatomical structure and function • Sports massage • Physiology for training • Advanced manual therapies • Sports injury assessment and management

Key facts

UCAS Course Code: 4J56 With Professional Practice Year: C602 With Foundation Year: H1FY  September, February  Bedford campus  3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year  UK/EU/International students  UCAS Tariff 96-120 points – see website for more information

This innovative course is for those excited by training athletes to maximise physical potential and improve performance. Gain practical and theoretical skills necessary to be a strength and conditioning coach while developing your experience in performance sport. Study anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, the specifics of strength and conditioning and sport science. Gain work experience through internships with our links with various local and national organisations.

Key features

• A unique opportunity to gain practical skills and Register of Exercise

Professionals (REPs) qualifications as part of the course • Develop your employability skills through work placement opportunities • Learn from top-class professionals in the field, who have worked with elite England and GB performers and collaborated with the RFU,

FA and AAA, training some of the best sports people in the world

Career opportunities

This course will provide you with the practical and theoretical skills necessary to be a strength and conditioning coach. In addition, it provides career pathways into personal training and the health and fitness industry as well as general sport and exercise science careers.

Areas of study may include:

• Anatomy and biomechanics • Physiology of exercise and adaptation • Motor performance and learning • Exercise and fitness testing for clinical populations • Sports injuries