Your guide to sport and exercise
Welcome to the School of Sport and Exercise Contents 2 Welcome from Anita Navin – Head of School of Sport and Exercise 4
What’s your sports profile?
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Becca Sangwin’s experience
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Ryan Edwards’ experience
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What is Sport Malawi?
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Getting connected
10 Work with the professionals 12 Scholarships 14 Our first-class facilities 20 Our undergraduate courses 22 Jack Reed’s experience 23 Postgraduate, the next level 24 Julie Anne Lacroix’s experience 25 Get active 26 Get competitive 26 Book an open day
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Our School of Sport and Exercise is where you will build the skills, make the connections and gain real experience to help you fulfil your future plan and become the graduate you want to be.
£9m
96%
recently invested in our Oxstalls campus, including a brand new internationalstandard sports arena, 3G pitches and cricket pavilion
of our research is of international quality (REF 2014)
The Leader Dr Anita Navin Head of School of Sport and Exercise Has coached netball to an international level Commentator for Sky Sports Co-founder of the Severn Stars netball team Connections with many sporting bodies including UK Coaching and the International Netball Federation “Our international-standard sports facilities now offer an ideal platform for performers, coaches and officials to achieve their ambitions. Our sporting connections include: Rugby Football Union, The FA, GB Ice Hockey, England Netball, British Rowing and British Equestrian, to name a few. You could find yourself supporting top flight sports academies (such as Bristol Rovers, Severn Stars Netball and Forest Green Rovers), or supporting key community participation and wellbeing projects.”
We have over 30 #TeamGlos teams representing the university at national and competition level
Our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences degree is among the small number of courses nationally to be BASES endorsed, and our Sports Coaching degree is endorsed by Skills Active (UK Coaching)
Our Oxstalls campus is home to the professional VNSL netball team, the Severn Stars
To provide work experience opportunities for our students, we’re linked to over 40 community and performance clubs and nearly 50 education providers We are a recognised Netball World Cup pre-competition training location Our students have worked with touring international teams and Olympians 3
What’s your sports profile? Do you enjoy supporting others to achieve great things, prefer problem solving or feel inspired to organise sporting events?
The Leader
The sports and exercise industry offers a range of exciting careers, but how do you decide which opportunities you should explore? We’ve done the hard work for you!
Becca Sangwin BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences
At glos.ac.uk/findout you can discover more about your sports profile and where your future may lie. Based on your answers, we’ll show you which courses closely match your profile. You can find out more about our courses on the following pages and see how our students are working towards their own career goals.
Take the sports profile quiz on our website glos.ac.uk/findout
The Educator Passionate Encouraging Mentor
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The Leader Inspiring Decisive Empathetic
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The Analyst Strategist Problem-solver Research-driven
The Motivator Analytical Tactical Influencer
“In addition to studying Sport and Exercise Sciences, I am a sports scholar for hockey and captain of the women’s first team. Away from university I help coach at a kids’ hockey camp.
The Fixer Supportive Vigilant Dedicated
The Researcher Investigative Methodical Curious
“Through the scholarship we learn about things like the psychology behind performance and this has not only helped me improve as a player, it’s also made me a more confident captain and a better coach. This has definitely made a difference in terms of results on the pitch.
“Through the course I got to do a placement with Forest Green Rovers, a professional football team – not many people can say on their CV that they’ve worked with professional athletes before even graduating! I’ve also just started working on a project where we are supporting NHS physios running pain management sessions for the public – again this is great experience and it’s all thanks to the university.”
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The Motivator Ryan Edwards BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences “Alongside my degree I work as a personal trainer at the university’s gym, where my clients include other students and members of the public. “The theory that I am learning on my course transfers really well to my work – for example we study nutrition and I am able to use this knowledge to develop plans for my clients. “Away from work and studying I compete as a powerlifter. What I have learned as part of my degree has helped me with my own progression as an athlete, so the theory really does work in practice!”
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What is Sport Malawi? The Educator This award-winning project is a partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and agencies within sport, education and development in Malawi, southeast Africa. For the past eight years, university staff and students have undertaken a four-week expedition to deliver workshops and coaching sessions with the aim of improving the wellbeing of local people. sportmalawi.com
Caleb Thomas BSc Sports Development and Coaching “The placement modules on my degree were crucial in helping me prepare for Malawi. I was excited to return this year to lead the sport education workshops – it was a new challenge but I got plenty of support from my lecturers.” 7
Getting connected Pre-match research, pitch-side support and post-match reports – our tutors have connections at the highest levels of the sports world to help you gain vital experience before you graduate.
The Fixer Kate Cady Academic Course Leader: MSc Sports Therapy Runs a sports therapy clinic Worked with GB Ice Hockey “I worked as a Graduate Sports Therapist at David Beckham’s UNICEF Match for Children at Old Trafford in 2015, where I looked after some great players – Ronaldinho, Patrick Kluivert, Robert Pires, Edwin van der Sar and Luis Figo, a FIFA World Player of the Year. This came about because I seized an opportunity; you should never say no. Our Sports Therapy students have taken up the chance to work hands-on with the Tonga rugby team, Malawi Olympic team and the professional netball team, the Severn Stars, to name a few.”
Kate’s Tip
“It’s possible to get into professional sport but you have to go out and seize opportunities. You should never say no!” 8 glos.ac.uk |
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The Analyst
The Researcher
Mark De Ste Croix Professor of Paediatric Sport and Exercise
Simon Fryer Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology
Works with bodies such as FIFA and UEFA, as well as the English Football Association, Barcelona FC, Athletic Club Bilbao and the England Cricket Board
PhD Exercise Physiology Founding member of the International Rock Climbing Research Association
“We’ve been working with Athletic Club Bilbao for a number of years; last year they approached us to look at an increase in injuries in their youth academy players so we went for a week to do testing. We’ve also started a project with the England Cricket Board looking at back injuries in youth fast bowlers. For every project we’ll always put forward as many students as we can so they get a practical taste of the professional world.”
Mark’s Tip
“Getting experience in an academy setting is a good stepping stone as you can progress to working at first team level.”
“I have a particular interest in cardiovascular physiology associated with the detrimental effects of sedentary behaviours and how physical activity can help to moderate these negative effects. I also have an interest in rock climbing and the impact of blood flow and oxygen changes in high level rock climbers. Now that climbing is an Olympic sport, research into the performance of rock climbers has become very important. This has led to me advising national climbing teams and some Team Redbull athletes ahead of Tokyo 2020.”
Simon’s Tip
“Find something that you are interested in and keep asking questions about it. You never know where those questions may take you!” 9
Work with the professionals The Severn Stars at the University of Gloucestershire Co-founded by Dr Anita Navin, Head of the School of Sport and Exercise, the Severn Stars is one of the newest teams to play in the Vitality Netball Superleague. Based at the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Worcester, there is also a development programme for future stars of the netball court, from age seven upwards.
severnstars.co.uk @severnstars SevernStarsNetball
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The Leader Sam Cook Head Coach for the Severn Stars Pathway 16 international caps “The Severn Stars pathway is a programme being delivered in collaboration with England Netball and programmes at King’s School Worcester, Hartpury College, Millfield School, Wycliffe College, Wrekin College, Headington School Oxford, Birmingham Metropolitan College and Clifton College Bristol. “It’s helping us to nurture future talent and extend opportunities for high level performance training to the next generation of netball stars. As a former England senior international and having experienced the performance pathway, I’m in a great position to share these experiences with young players coming into the sport.”
The Fixer Rhianne Groom BSc Sports Therapy Completed an internship with the Severn Stars “As an intern I attended the Severn Stars’ weekly training sessions, helping with activation work and sitting pitch-side. I also attended their games and worked alongside their physiotherapist. As one of six sports therapists selected, it was an amazing opportunity for me. Working in professional sport made me realise that I can really do this; I can go out and achieve whatever I want to!” 11
Scholarships As one of only 33 Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme providers in England, we are officially recognised by Sport England for our ability to develop talent. Our scholarship programme covers three disciplines to help talented individuals achieve their sporting goals: • athlete • official/referee • coach Through these programmes we will help you make the most of our excellent facilities which include a strength and conditioning suite, physiology labs, fitness gym and biomechanics lab. Alongside this you will be able to access expert support from a range of staff.
Football Association Women’s High Performance Centres We were recently selected as one of the Football Association Women’s High Performance Football Centres. As the only centre in the South West, we’re leading the way in developing coaches in women’s football, and we provide the highest quality coaching, sports science, sports medicine and scholarship opportunities.
To find out more about our scholarship opportunities email us at sportscholarships@glos.ac.uk
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The Analyst Christophe Ridley Former Leicester Tigers Academy Squad; signed a professional contract aged 16 Left professional rugby due to a shoulder injury and began a foundation degree at the University of Gloucestershire; joined the Referee Scholarship Scheme; moved on to the BSc Sports Coaching Now one of nine professional referees in the Rugby Football Union
The biggest game in my referee career? “I think it’s all relative to where you are in your development. My first local rugby game was a big game because there’s no way to practice what we do – it’s all about learning on the job. More recently, I’ve refereed my first international (between Romania and USA), and I regularly officiate in the Gallagher Premiership.
Going pro
Making my degree and my scholarship work together “I found that the learning flows between the two. For example, I had to present my dissertation in front of a group but as a Referee Scholar we were always practising our presenting skills. At every game at every level, the referee has to go into the changing room to present to 22 people, so developing these skills was a really important part of the programme.
Being a referee “Refereeing is not seen as the attractive side of sport but it has taken me all over the world – I have been to Hong Kong, Dubai, Russia, Georgia, Japan and many other places. You have the same emotional experiences as a referee as you do as a player: I get the same butterflies that I did when I was playing the game.”
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Strength to strength We have just invested ÂŁ9million in transforming our Oxstalls campus. Take your game to the next level in our brand new international-standard sports arena. This exceptional facility includes seating for 1250 people, enabling us to host major events. Our new international-standard 3G pitches sit within the same complex, along with dedicated pitches for football and rugby, and a new cricket pavilion.
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Sports therapy clinics Treat elite athletes and work in one of our weekly sports therapy clinics. Become qualified in the very latest technologies. Our dedicated sport therapy suites give you the practical experience and skills you need to start your career in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Investigate Put your learning into practice in our professional-standard sports therapy clinics and our state-ofthe-art sport and exercise science laboratories.
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Strength and conditioning suite Using the most advanced strength and conditioning facilities, you’ll be in the optimal environment to learn how to coach elite level athletes and enhance their performance capabilities. Our facilities allow for highly accurate diagnostics to be run on any athlete’s strength and explosive capabilities, prior to conducting a training programme for them. Photo: Cheltenham Town Football Club using our strength and conditioning suite
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Our sport and exercise laboratories Our specialist teaching and research laboratories will enhance your learning. You will apply your knowledge and skills when working with both professional sports teams and in clinical settings, on issues such as cardiac rehabilitation.
Biomechanics lab
Respiratory lab
To be successful at sport – whether coaching, playing or treating – you need to understand the mechanics of movement. Our specialist staff and equipment will help you to determine indicators of sports performance, such as gait and joint strength, as well as allow you to work in a clinical setting, on medical conditions such as strokes.
As the name suggests, when using this laboratory and its equipment you’ll investigate respiratory physiology in athletes and diseased populations. You’ll work with our inspirational staff to become highly skilled in areas such as determining VO2 kinetics of athletes. You may also work as a sport scientist to professional, national and international football clubs, such as Forest Green Rovers and Athletic Club Bilbao.
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Physiology lab How do you ensure athletes reach peak performance? It could be by working with them in one of our laboratories dedicated to sport and exercise physiology. Previously, our students have worked with our world leading researchers on projects such as the Bristol Rovers Fans 4 Life project, which aims to tackle the global physical inactivity crisis.
Environmental lab Using our environmental chamber, you could be screening athletes for exerciseinduced asthma, or training them for the Olympics or even the desert marathon – Marathon des Sables.
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What’s your route to success? From foundation learning to full honours degrees, we have the right path for you to become the sports professional you want to be.
Undergraduate courses Applied Sport and Exercise Studies Level 6 top-up Top up your sports foundation degree or HND to a full honours degree through this one-year course
Exercise, Fitness and Health Foundation Degree (FdSc)
Go straight into industry, or top up to a degree Learn in state-of-the-art laboratories Qualify as a personal trainer or fitness instructor alongside your degree
Physical Education BSc (Hons) Learn through school placements Undertake additional coaching qualifications Ideal platform for progression to PGCE
Physical Education and Coaching BSc (Hons) Gain experience in schools and sports clubs Learn from coaching in the community placements Work with professionals to develop school sport
Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc (Hons) Assess athletes in purpose-built labs Tailor your degree to your science interest Learn from practising professionals
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Sport Business Management BA (Hons) Undertake a year-long placement Choose modules to develop your business management skills Gain industry insight on field trips
Sports Business and Coaching BSc (Hons)
Combine an understanding of the sports sector with key business skills Taught by experienced sports and business professionals Links with local and national sports clubs and partners
Sports Coaching BSc (Hons)
Taught by national and respected coaches Work with professional sports teams Become an expert in performance coaching Endorsed by Skills Active (UK Coaching)
Sports Journalism BA (Hons) Developed with BBC Sport and talkSPORT Accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) Opportunity to practise skills, pitch-side, at live matches
Sports Strength and Conditioning BSc (Hons) Endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Gain experience with professional sports teams Learn in a dedicated strength and conditioning suite
Sports Therapy BSc (Hons)
Work with touring international teams as well as our own netball superleague team Treat clients in our in-house sports therapy clinic Accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists
Discover more about all our sports courses at glos.ac.uk Come and talk to us at our next open day glos.ac.uk/open 21
The Educator Jack Reed BSc Physical Education and Coaching Road Cycling Scholar “My placement with a disability cycling initiative in Gloucester has broadened my horizons, an opportunity that I never thought I would find and one that I look forward to every week. “I’m also a scholar for road cycling, and I have been nothing but impressed with the university’s approach to elite sport.”
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Take your studies to the next level Postgraduate courses The university offers several postgraduate courses allowing you to progress your studies. We have courses for those coming straight from their first degree as well as professional practice courses which are aimed at current professionals already working in a sports setting. This means you’ll be joining a dynamic and varied community with lots of experience and knowledge to share.
Taught degrees
MA Professional Practice in Physical Education and School Sport MSc Professional Practice in Sports Coaching MSc Sports Performance Analysis* MSc Sports Strength and Conditioning MSc Sports Therapy
Research degrees MSc by Research / MRes / PhD Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences MA or MSc by Research / MRes / PhD Sport Leadership, Education and Society DSE Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise *Subject to validation
Discover more about all our sports courses at glos.ac.uk Come and talk to us at our next open day glos.ac.uk/open 23
The Fixer Julie Anne Lacroix MSc Sports Therapy “The sports facilities are as good as anything I’ve seen in the real world – they’ve got really high standard professional equipment. Everything you learn in the classroom, you then use after you graduate. I’ve learned skills that I now use in my work with Aston Villa ladies.”
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Get active Get fit. Get active. Get up and go! Whatever course you are studying, whatever your current ability level, you can get active at the University of Gloucestershire. Sport for all With more than 100 clubs and societies to choose from, there really is something for everyone; from boxing to baseball; from dance to dodgeball! Playing sport for fun is not only a great way to get fit, it’s also a great way to meet new people.
Discover more at yourstudentsunion.com/go
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Get competitive
Excel
If there’s a sport you really love to play, why not represent the university in the national British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league and events?
Britain’s most successful Winter Olympian, Lizzy Yarnold OBE, graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a BSc in Geography and Sport and Exercise Sciences. She first received a university sports scholarship in 2007 as an athlete, but took up skeleton while studying here. Lizzy received an Honorary Doctorate from the university in 2014.
Sport is in our DNA and we have over 30 clubs you can get involved with at a competitive level, from American football to weightlifting. Many of our students tell us that playing competitive sport is one of the highlights of their time with us. The annual Varsity series against the University of Worcester is one of the top events in our sporting calendar – we are reigning Varsity champions.
Find out more about playing sport competitively at yourstudentsunion.com/sport
Lizzy recently returned to the university as a guest speaker and said: “It has been a few years since I received my Honorary Doctorate so I am delighted to now be returning to the University of Gloucestershire, which holds many special memories for me.”
Want to find out more? Book onto an open day glos.ac.uk/open
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Get in touch The School of Sport and Exercise, Oxstalls Campus, Oxstalls Lane, Gloucester GL2 9HW 03330 141414 | enquiries@glos.ac.uk uniofglos glos.ac.uk |
Every effort is made to ensure that the information presented in this guide is correct and up to date. However, due to the period between the publication of this guide and enrolment, circumstances may change due to factors beyond our reasonable control and therefore it may sometimes be necessary to vary the terms or content of the courses or services described in this guide. We will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and services in accordance with the descriptions provided in this guide and to ensure that any changes to this guide are kept to a minimum. For the full terms and conditions please visit glos.ac.uk/disclaimer