Programme Specifications

With Integrated Year in Industry

Events, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism

August 2024

The degree is designed to increase the student’s understanding of the core disciplines of the Sport and Exercise Sciences via an increasingly integrated programme of study. Students will study modules in the subject areas of physiology, psychology and biomechanics. They will develop understanding of research methods and the ability to apply this to new and interesting topics areas. Students will also undertake modules which encourage personal and professional development.

Subject specific skills

The degree aims to develop subject specific skills through the many student-centred activities such as projects, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials. Laboratory classes feature extensively, with students working in groups of four or five. Students will become skilled in using scientific equipment for sophisticated fitness testing and motion analysis. All modules are designed to develop independence in the appropriate application and use of the equipment.

Generic and graduate skills

Key skills are integrated into all our modules. These will develop the students’ ability to give presentations and speak confidently, to analyse data and produce reports, develop creativity, to write clearly and with substance, to research and analyse information, to solve problems and to work productively with others.

Throughout the three years, students will receive special sessions on developing employability skills such as writing a consultancy report, case study analysis, data collection, IT skills, effective communication strategies, job search strategies, interview techniques, and corporate culture.

Students will develop a strong scientific, analytical mind along with team-working skills, meaning that graduates are well-placed to enter a wide range of general careers. The skills acquired in sport and exercise science degrees are highly valued by employers and will enable a wide range of career choices for students developing the health sector as a viable career path.

Additionally, the aim of the four-year version of this degree will be to develop graduate level skills, related to the industry.

To provide students with a knowledge and critical understanding of the key academic constituencies, which comprise the sport and exercise sciences: biomechanics, physiology and psychology, along with a base of appreciation of relevant aspects of the under-pinning sciences of physics, chemistry and biology.

A1 Demonstrate knowledge of the disciplines, and of the inter-disciplinary relationships, that underpin human structure and function.

A2 Provide a critical appreciation of the relationship between sport and exercise activities in a range of groups in various settings.

A3 Evaluate responses to Sport and Exercise to monitor, analysis, diagnose and prescribe action to enhance health and performance.

A4 Demonstrate advanced level knowledge and understanding of theories and principles in selected areas within Sport and Exercise Science.

A5 Display an awareness of current government policy on disease prevention and the relevance of exercise.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

During their integrated year in industry students will embed themselves within a working environment, allowing for the development of a range of transferable and life skills commensurate with the above. Furthermore, students on this scheme will have the potential to utilise the knowledge and skills associated with other outcomes developed in years 1 and 2. This will be in part dependent on the nature of the organisation in which their position is based.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

Students on the integrated industrial year will be required to register for the module BRS0060. During the integrated Year in Industry, students will be required to submit an Introductory Report (worth 30% of the Industrial Year mark) on the organization that they are working for, its structure, aims and operation; and a Workplace investigation, to investigate a technical aspect of the work that they are doing (worth 40% of the Industrial Year mark). Finally, there will be an AU staff assessment of the final student self-evaluation and employer’s report. These will be marked in order to assess the student’s achievement of learning outcome 10.1 above as well as the other learning outcomes of their scheme.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

B1 Appropriately evaluate sources of information

B2 Construct critical reviews on a range of topics based on a range of information sources

B3 Solve problems of a numerical and logical nature

B4 Demonstrate experience of working in a professional environment.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

C1 Demonstrate the practical skills and techniques required to monitor and evaluate participants in health and performance contexts

C2 Demonstrate an awareness of health and safety, risk assessment and ethical considerations

C3 Applying principles, methods, approaches, concepts, skills and/or theories appropriate to the relevant biological sciences scheme in a professional context, as well as understanding the challenges of working in a professional environment.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

D1 Acquire skills in research and data analysis.

D2 Deploy mathematical and statistical concepts, processes and tools, such as the manipulation of equations and graphical and statistical analysis, to solve problems or evaluate data.

D3 Develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

D4 Develop a thorough grounding in information technology skills and use appropriate databases, computational techniques and tools to aid further understanding of and insight into biological processes.

D5 Demonstrate the ability to work independently.

D6 Demonstrate time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.

D7 Develop the ability to express ideas and communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms, selecting appropriate content, media and methods for the audience, purpose and subject.

D8 Demonstrate self-motivation and self-reliance.

D9 Collaborate and work successfully and inclusively in a group environment, contributing positively and flexibly to team outputs.

D10 Demonstrate professionalism and an understanding of commercial pressures.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.