PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
This Programme Specification is correct as of the date indicated; however, minor amendments may
be made throughout the year and will be incorporated in the annual updating process.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
Programme Title
BSc Sport and Exercise Science
Awarding Body
Buckinghamshire New University
Teaching Institution
Buckinghamshire New University
Faculty
Design, Media & Management
School
Applied Management & Law
Name of Final Award
Bachelor of Science with Honours, BSc (Hons)
NQF/FHEQ Level of Qualification
Level 6: Bachelor's degree with honours
QAA Benchmark Statement(s)
Hospitality, Sport, Leisure and Tourism (HSLT), QAA
(2008)
UCAS Code
C600
Course Code(s)
BS1SES1
Mode and Length of Study
3 years Full-time
Number of Intakes
1 intake per year every September
Regime of Delivery
Attendance
Language of Study
English
Details of Accreditation
Endorsed by BASES
Publication Date
01 September 2014
Potential Student Profile / Criteria for Admission:
What the award is about and who the programme is aimed at:
Individuals who have current experience or interest in the field of sport, exercise and health and
fitness and have the ability to study and produce work expected at undergraduate level. This will be
guided by the institution’s standard entry requirements for undergraduate programmes. Although we
anticipate most students will come directly from education the course may also attract mature
students, who have an interest in the above areas or relevant work experience and wish to develop
their knowledge and expertise further. For these reasons, the entry criteria have to be flexible, realistic
and recognise a range of previous qualifications and experience.
It is anticipated that a significant proportion of applications will come from students currently studying
the BTEC sports courses and the department is working with students and teachers from these
courses to better understand and respond to their knowledge and skills.
This programme is designed to:
Provide an inclusive, current and versatile curriculum of study, which reflects the needs of
both the sport industry and the modern graduate
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
-
‘Open doors’ for students with public and private sector through engagement with sport
industry partners
Provide academic, professional and personal support for all students
Why students should choose this award:
According to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), Choosing an
undergraduate
course
guide
(available
from:
http://www.bases.org.uk/Choosing-anUndergraduate-Course), prospective students should choose this award because:
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It covers all the three aspects of science - physiology, biomechanics and psychology as well
as interdisciplinary approaches
The course is in the process of gaining endorsement by BASES. BASES assures the
appropriateness of the curriculum, resources and opportunities that undergraduate courses
offer for training sport and exercise scientists. See Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme
(BUES)
The course has a strong practical element that will help to ensure hands-on experience in the
methods used by sport and exercise scientists. The practical element is delivered in the
Human Performance Laboratory that is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The
laboratory abides by the BASES Code of Conduct.
Two staff are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
Most staff are involved in active research and community projects. Involvement in these
projects will allow students the opportunity to gain experiences and skills beyond the formal
curriculum.
The department submitted in the last research assessment exercise and received a rating 3*
awarded in 2001 by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The programme has a strong employability focus to enable students to develop a range of
capabilities during their course. Links with industry partners are critical to this. The University
has established partnerships with organisations such as the English Institute of Sport, NHS,
Bucks Sport, community clubs, and fitness organisations to ensure that industry links are built
into the course to enhance the student experience and to promote ‘hands-on’, experiential
learning.
There are several opportunities that students can take advantage of and add value to their
degree. These include coaching qualifications, internships, and ‘real life -working with a client’
assignments.
The course has in-built REPS qualifications that the students can gain alongside their normal
studies. These include Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Exercise Referral.
Opportunities available for students after completion of the award:
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Graduates can make use of the Careers and Employment Service of the University for a year
following graduation.
Graduates can progress to vocationally relevant employment in the sport and fitness and
health industry working as coaches, personal trainers, gym instructors, sport science
consultants, strength and conditioning coaches, or leading NHS exercise and health initiatives
and fitness and wellness programmes in the community organised by the local councils
across the UK.
Graduates can also progress to postgraduate study and enrol on the MSc Health
Rehabilitation and Exercise programme at Buckinghamshire New University, enrol on to a
PhD programme in sport and exercise science or complete a PGCE at another institution.
Expected knowledge and skills that the entrant will have on entry to the programme:
All potential students should have a qualification at level 3 (BTEC or equivalent), to demonstrate the
ability to study in the academic environment. Entry requirements for this programme will be guided by
the University’s standard entry requirements for undergraduate programmes.
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES,
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
LEARNING,
Programme Aims
The main educational aims of the programme are to:
 To enable students to adopt a creative approach to working in the sport industry based on a
sound practical knowledge base and positive practical skills
 To develop the students’ critical knowledge of sport and exercise science and the transferrable
skills that may advantage them in their future careers
 To enhance the confidence of students to become critical, autonomous thinkers and learners
 To prepare students for employment or for postgraduate study by equipping them with an
appropriate range of professional and academic skills and capabilities
 To develop fundamental skills necessary for progression to other professional qualifications (i.e.
UKSCA, REPS, BASES Accredited Sport Scientist).
Programme Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to:
1. Critically analyse fundamental physiology, psychology and biomechanics concepts i.e. the
three sub-disciplines of sport science
2. Analyse principles relating to exercise science and health promotion
3. Critically evaluate and apply physiological, psychological and/or biomechanical principles
4. Apply and justify methods of enquiry relating to collection, analysis and interpretation of
information through conducting an independent piece of research i.e. dissertation focussing on
one or more sports science sub-disciplines.
B. Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to:
1. Exercise critical thinking, analysis and synthesis skills
2. Apply self-reflection and criticality
3. Use problem solving and decision making skills
4. Apply independent and self-managed learning
C. Practical Skills
On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to:
1. Exercise information acquisition skills
2. Use and manage information and communications technology appropriate to the professional
context
3. Apply numeracy and quantitative skills
4. Work independently and as part of a team
D. Key/Transferable Skills
On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to:
1. Apply problem solving and decision making skills including in complex and unpredictable
contexts
2. Work independently and as part of a team
3. Communicate ideas to a wider audience either orally or in written form
4. Manage their own learning and engage in self-reflection
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
Module Code
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
analysis
and
&
Decision
Self-managed
Working with Others
&
Solving
Independent
Learning
Problem
Making
Numeracy & Quantitative Skills
Information & Communications
Technology (ICT)
Communication Skills: Written
Communication Skills: Oral
Self-reflection and Criticality
Critical thinking,
synthesis
Information Acquisition
Table 1: Programme Skills Matrix – Assessment
SL423
SL417
SL418
SL419
SL420
SL421
SL422
SL520
SL525
SL526
SL528
SL529
SL530
SL531
SL532
SL533
SL615
SL620
SL624
SL625
SL626
SL627
SL628
SL629
4
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Methods to achieve the Programme
Learning Outcomes
The learning, teaching and assessment methods on the BSc Sport and Exercise Science programme
have been devised according the HLST (2008) benchmarks. A suitable range of different types of
learning opportunities and different approaches for the assessment of learning achieved should
normally have been included. Learning and teaching methods will include lectures, workshops and
seminars, group and individual tutorials, laboratory practicals, case-studies, field studies, working in
small group and independent study and research.
All modules have been designed to incorporate a practical element to reflect the vocational nature of
the programme. The mode of delivery of all modules includes formal lectures followed by seminars or
practical sessions. During the lectures students will be introduced to core concepts with examples
drawn from sport and exercise science contexts. Students will have the opportunity to apply
knowledge gained in the lectures into a practical setting through the use of specially designed
exercises during seminars and practical sessions in the Human Performance Laboratory, the Exercise
Facility or in the field. Practical sessions have been designed to allow students to gain ‘hands on’
experience of using equipment, testing procedures and field-based assessments.
Lectures will be predominantly led by the lecturer, but students will be given ample opportunity to ask
questions, expand on theoretical concepts and clarify issues. Seminars or practical sessions will be
student-focused, whereby the students will be given instructions on how to solve problems and will
have to make use of their communication, teamwork and time management skills to complete the
given tasks within an allocated time. During seminar or practical sessions the students will be
encouraged to work in groups and assist each other in the development of their learning skills,
whereas the lecturer will provide supervision and instruction on the activity where needed.
At the start of each module, students will be provided with a module programme (containing lecture
and seminar topics and assessment hand-in dates), which will include the learning outcomes for the
module and a reading list. During lectures and seminar sessions, students will be directed to relevant
readings from their reading list and other supplementary material provided by the lecturer.
A wide variety of assessments will be used to assess taught material which takes account of the
different assessment preferences among students (i.e. some students prefer essays to exams) and
will carry appropriate assessment weighting. These assessments will include essays, laboratory or
field reports, presentations, practical exams, time-constrained assessments (TCAs), short-answer and
essay type exams, portfolios, lab manuals, lab and case study reports and reflective written
assignments. There will be no formal written examinations at Level 1 in order to allow students to
adjust gradually to higher education assessment regimes. Students will have the opportunity to
access a variety of electronic resources including journal articles, on-line books, internet sources and
also material from the library. Students will be expected to use academic sources more extensively in
their second and third year compared to their first year where allowances will be made in regards to
referencing to allow students to adjust to scientific writing.
Student learning will be supported via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). All lecture and
seminar/practical material will be placed on the VLE by the module lecturers with useful tips for
assessment completion and revision for exams. Students will also have the opportunity to view any
announcements about forthcoming workshops, conferences and guest lectures on the VLE and use
this resource to communicate discussion points to the lecturer and their peers.
Guest lectures will be organised throughout the year with speakers from the sport and exercise
industry including sports scientists, coaches, fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches,
personal trainers, NHS health promotion officers, medical doctors with specialism in diabetes and
pathology. These guest lectures will be open to students from all years of the programme. Visits and
field trips will be scheduled to introduce students to ‘real’ working environments. There will be
opportunities to attend regional or national conferences and public lectures organised by the
University.
Students will have the opportunity to develop and practise their skills in a ‘real’ working environment
relevant to sports science as part of a module in their third year where they have to work with a client
and apply their knowledge in one or more areas of sports science (physiology, psychology or
biomechanics). Existing links with sport governing bodies in the area will also provide opportunities for
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
part-time work or work during the holidays to provide the students with relevant work experience
during their studies.
Level 6 students will be encouraged to present their final year projects at the BASES Student
Conference, and expenses for this conference will be subsidised by the Departmental budget. This
experience is expected to add value to the student experience and add kudos to the reputation of the
University and the department of Sport Management.
Work-Based / Placement Learning
Not applicable
SECTION C: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE(S) AND MATRIX MAPPING
Table 2: Programme Structure Table
Mode of Study
Full-time attendance
Credit Value
UK
ECTS
Written Exam %
Credit Value
Module Title
180 credits
Assessment
Regime
Status in Award
([C]ore / [O]ptional)
QCF/FHEQ Level
Course Stage / Year
360 credits
Semester Taught
BS1SES1
Practical %
Course Code
Coursework %
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Module Code
Course Title
Level 4
SL423
Professional and Academic Skills for
Sport
4
1
C
15
SL417
Bioenergetics of Human Movement
4
1
C
15
30
SL418
Functional
Anatomy
Kinanthropometry
4
1
C
15
60
SL419
Foundations of Exercise Physiology
4
1
C
15
50
SL420
Data Analysis in Sport and Exercise
4
1
C
15
SL421
Foundations of Biomechanics
4
1
C
15
SL422
Foundations of Sport and Exercise
Psychology
4
1
C
30
100
SB
SL520
Research in Sport and Exercise
5
2
C
15
100
S2
SL525
Applied Exercise Physiology
5
2
C
15
50
S1
SL526
Cognition and Emotion in Sport and
Exercise Psychology
5
2
C
15
SL528
Sports Nutrition
5
2
C
15
and
100
40
S1
30
S1
40
S1
50
S2
100
S2
100
S2
Level 5
50
30
50
50
70
S1
S1
6
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
SL529
Biomechanics and Kinesiology
5
2
C
15
SL530
Exercise Prescription and Instruction
5
2
C
15
50
50
S2
SL531
Performance Analysis
5
2
O
15
75
25
S2
SL532
Applied
Sport
Psychology
5
2
O
15
100
SL533
Applied Strength and Conditioning
5
2
O
15
60
SL615
Contemporary Coaching Issues
6
3
O
15
100
S1
SL620
Research Dissertation
6
3
C
30
100
SB
SL624
Working with a Client
6
3
C
30
50
SL625
Professional
Employability
6
3
O
15
100
SL626
Professional Issues
Exercise Psychology
6
3
O
15
30
SL627
Sports Injury and Rehabilitation
6
3
O
15
SL628
Applied Performance Analysis
5
2
O
15
SL629
Exercise Referral
6
3
O
15
and
Performance
30
70
S1
S2
40
S2
Level 6
Development
in
Sport
and
and
50
SB
S2
70
S2
40
S1
60
40
S1
80
20
S2
60
Table 3: Mapping of Programme Outcomes to Modules
Programme
Outcome
Level 4
(Code)
Level 5
(Code)
Level 6
(Code)
Level 7
(Code)
Level 8
(Code)
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1
SL419
SL525
SL621
A2
SL422
SL530
SL629
A3
SL418
SL528
SL626
A4
SL420
SL421
SL520
SL531
SL620
B. Intellectual / Cognitive Skills
B1
SL417
SL528
SL620
B2
SL423
SL532
SL624
B3
SL420
SL525
SL629
B4
SL423
SL526
SL626
C1
SL422
SL533
SL624
C2
SL420
SL528
SL628
C3
SL419
SL532
SL620
C4
SL417
SL526
SL626
C. Practical Skills
D. Key / Transferable Skills
D1
SL419
SL531
SL627
D2
SL417
SL526
SL624
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
Programme
Outcome
Level 4
(Code)
Level 5
(Code)
Level 6
(Code)
D3
SL422
SL533
SL626
D4
SL423
SL530
SL620
Level 7
(Code)
Level 8
(Code)
SECTION D: CONTACT HOURS
Note: Hours are worked on the basis of full-time study. 1 Academic Credit is equated to 10 notional
learning hours. A full-time undergraduate student will normally study 120 credits in an academic year
which is therefore equated to 1200 notional hours. A full time postgraduate student will normally study
180 credits in an academic year which equates to 1800 hours. Module Descriptors provide detailed
breakdowns of the categories given below.
Table 4: Breakdown of Contact Hours
Add up module hours or use KIS and supply the KIS for validation
Year of course
Scheduled
Guided
Placement
Learning
and Independent
Study Abroad
Teaching
Study
Activities
/
Total
Year One
314 (26%)
886 (74%)
1200
Year Two
328 (27%)
872 (73%)
1200
Year Three
301 (25%)
899 (75%)
1200
Total
943
2657
3600
SECTION E: ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
This programme conforms to the approved University procedures as detailed on the University
website
The calculation of this award will be as follows:
Level 4 marks are not included in the calculations for the final award. Level 5 contributes 1/3 of marks
and Level 6 contributes 2/3 of marks towards the degree classification.
The following modules may not be condoned:
SL620 Research Dissertation
This programme will be covered by the following University regulations: University Academic
Framework and Assessment Regulations
© 2014 Buckinghamshire New University
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management
APPENDIX: OTHER AWARDS AVAILABLE
The following Exit Awards are available on this programme:
 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
 Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
 Bachelor of Science (Ordinary degree)
Exit Award Programme Learning Outcomes
Certificate of Higher Education
On successful completion of a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), a graduate will be able to:
 Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of physiology, psychology and biomechanics concepts
i.e. the three sub-disciplines of sport science
 Analyse principles relating to exercise science and health promotion
 Apply numeracy and quantitative skills to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements
in accordance with basic theories and concepts of sport and exercise science
 Work independently and as part of a team
A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) will be awarded to a student who has completed the
programme learning outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of 120 credits at
Level 4. The following modules will count towards achievement of this award:
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SL422 Foundations of Sport & Exercise Psychology (30 credits)
SL417 Bioenergetics of Human Movement (15 credits)
SL423 Professional & Academic Skills for Sport (15 credits)
SL418 Functional Anatomy & Kinanthropometry (15 credits)
SL419 Foundations of Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
SL420 Data Analysis in Sport & Exercise (15 credits)
SL421 Foundations of Biomechanics (15 credits)
Diploma of Higher Education
On successful completion of a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), a graduate will be able to:
 Apply physiological, psychological and/or biomechanical principles
 Apply and justify methods of enquiry relating to collection, analysis and interpretation of
information
 Use and manage information and communications technology appropriate to the professional
sport and exercise science context
 Communicate ideas to a wider audience either orally or in written form
 Use problem solving and decision making skills applied to sport and exercise science contexts
A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) will be awarded to a student who has completed the
programme learning outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of a combined total
of 240 Credits comprising 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 Credits at Level 5. All modules at Level 4
and the following modules at Level 5 will count towards achievement of this award:
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SL528 Sport Nutrition (15 credits)
SL525 Applied Exercise Psychology (15 credits)
SL526 Cognition & Emotion in Sport & Exercise Psychology (15 credits)
SL529 Biomechanics & Kinesiology (15 credits)
SL530 Exercise Prescription & Instruction (15 credits)
SL520 Research in Sport & Exercise (15 credits)
PLUS two out of three of the following optional 15 credit modules
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SL531 Performance Analysis
SL532 Applied Sport & Performance Psychology
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management

SL533 Applied Strength & Conditioning
Ordinary degree
On successful completion of a Bachelor of Science (Ordinary degree), a graduate will be able to:
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Critically evaluate physiological, psychological and/or biomechanical principles
Exercise information acquisition, critical thinking, analysis and synthesis skills
Apply problem solving and decision making skills including in complex and unpredictable sport
and exercise science contexts
Apply independent and self-managed learning
Communicate ideas to a wider audience either orally or in written form
Apply and justify methods of enquiry relating to collection, analysis and interpretation of
information through conducting an independent project with an athlete or athletic team or
physically active person
An Ordinary degree will be awarded to a student who has completed the programme learning
outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of a combined total of 300 Credits
comprising 120 credits at Level 4, 120 Credits at Level 5, and 60 Credits at Level 6. All modules at
Levels 4 and 5 and the following modules at Level 6 will count towards achievement of this award:

SL624 Working with a Client (30 credits)
PLUS two of the following optional 15 credit modules
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SL626 Professional Practice Issues in Sport & Exercise Psychology
SL628 Applied Performance Analysis
SL627 Sport Injury & Rehabilitation
SL615 Contemporary Coaching Issues
SL629 Exercise Referral
SL625 Professional Development & Employability
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Design, Media & Management