Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Nutrition

There are few things more fundamental to life than food and water. This module provides the building blocks for basic understanding of the Science of Nutrition. Students will be introduced to the concepts of energy supply and energy expenditure, learn about the different nutrients, and trained in how to assess dietary intake and nutritional adequacy, as well as body size and body composition.

Module leader Dr Vasiliki Iatridi says: “Studying Nutrition was one of the best decisions I've ever made: in the Introduction to Nutrition module it's my turn to convey that enthusiasm to our future Nutritionists and Health Care Professionals and provide them with the fundamentals to value the principles of Nutrition Science during their studies and later careers.”

• Psychology of Food

This module aims to introduce the concept of food choice and identify the range of factors that affect food choice. The module will explore: theories and models of food choice; psychology of drinking behaviour; biological and learning influences on food choice; societal influences on food choice; changing behavioural patterns with reference to food consumption.

Module lead Dr Shelly Coe says: “This is one of my favourite modules to teach and the students really like it too, especially the case study assignment which allows them to design a recovery plan using behaviour change techniques for an individual. I have always enjoyed the psychological aspect of why we eat what we do, and Psychology of Food develops students' understanding of just that, whether from a biological or physiological point of view or at a societal level.”

• Professional Skills in Sport and Coaching Science

Learn about the social competencies required for a professional role in sport and coaching sciences. You’ll also find out about your range of career opportunities that will be open to you.

You will reflect on your current skills and knowledge, and you’ll also have opportunities to develop the competencies needed to become a successful sport professional. You’ll be able to identify future professional development opportunities while developing an evidence based approach to enhancing your employability.

• Physiology for Human Movement

On this module you’ll study the structures of bodies and the way structures and bodies function. You’ll gain a detailed theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology in relation to the human body. Building your skills so you’ll be able to apply theoretical principles to practical situations and investigate how the body responds to exercise.

• Introduction to the Psychology of Sport and Exercise

This module introduces you to fundamental psychological concepts, theories and research for you to consider ways in which they can be applied to sport. You’ll study key areas to give you a broad understanding of issues relating to:

 motivation
 goal setting
 self regulation
 attribution
 personality
 and behaviour in competitive sport contexts.

You’ll develop a contemporary theoretical overview, so you better understand the basis of future application, and enhance the practice of sport. Also you will take part in practicals to investigate and evaluate these applications in related settings to further build your understanding and apply what you’ve learnt on the module.

• Fitness and Assessment

You’ll develop your basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of physical fitness and health. You’ll also learn to accurately assess certain fitness parameters in both sporting and health settings.

Then using your knowledge and understanding by identifying the main fitness parameters required to optimally perform in certain sports. You’ll also be able to compile an appropriate battery of fitness tests to assess the chosen fitness parameters. By the end of the module you’ll be equipped with the skills to plan and design exercise sessions based on the client's fitness goals.

• Anatomy for Sport and Exercise

This is your introduction to human anatomy. You’ll focus on the musculoskeletal system, and also examine human movement. Then you’ll analyse the full range of movement, looking at the muscle groups that are required for movement.
On this module you’ll develop your knowledge and learning of specific muscle groups and also gain a deep understanding of the human musculoskeletal system. Which you’ll be able to apply to sport and exercise.

• Health Promotion and Behaviour Change

Study the concept and the practical application of health promotion. You will explore the models of health behaviour and the science of behavioural change.
You’ll gain a foundational knowledge base that surrounds the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The knowledge you gain will help you prepare for future learning in your subsequent modules.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Enhancing Physical Activity Across the Lifespan
In this module you will explore the benefits, barriers and facilitators to increasing the physical activity of the nation; from children through adolescence, pre and post-natal, and the older adult.

• Motivating Health Behaviour

In this module you will examine a variety of approaches to motivate behavioural change, with the aim of improving human health by addressing nutrition, exercise and other relevant factors in post-industrialised nations.
• Determinants of Health

This module explores the bio-socio-economic factors that influence or impact the health of a population.

• Physical Activity and Health

This module focuses on the ways in which physical inactivity impacts on cardiometabolic health.

• Research Methods for Sport and Health Sciences

This module aims to develop your knowledge of research methods and concepts. You will explore aspects pertaining to the design, analysis and interpretation of research, as well as ethical considerations fundamental to the research process.

• Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations

In this module you will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the area of exercise prescription and training in clinical populations.

• Applied Human Nutrition

A detailed study of the features and problems of nutrition-related disease in the UK, Europe and other prosperous countries and communities.

Optional modules

Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism

This module will focus on sources of metabolic energy and other nutrients required by human metabolism. This includes their sources in food, the UK diet, and the consequences of sub-optimal intake or excess.

Principles of Training

This module aims to provide you with the key knowledge and skills needed to write and deliver individualised or group training programmes.

Work Experience 1

This optional work experience module will run con-currently with the other modules in the semester and will not require you to take time out of your studies. There will be no additional fees to these opportunities beyond normal tuition fees. They will be organised and facilitated by the department, however, students may be able to organise their own experience with approval by the work experience module lead.

Independent Study 1

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Project/Dissertation

This module allows you to pursue a sustained critical inquiry of your choosing, within the fields of sport and exercise science, physical education, health and nutrition.

• Clinical Populations and Rehabilitation

This module aims to advance your knowledge and practical skills in delivering evidence based training and rehabilitation for the prevention and management of prevalent long term health conditions.

• Public Health Policy

This module investigates current Public Health policy and the impact on national health.

Optional modules

Strength and Conditioning

The aim of this module is to develop practical and theoretical knowledge in the area of strength and conditioning, including evidence-based practice, rehabilitation and working with special populations.

Energy Regulation and Obesity

In this module you will study the factors influencing human energy regulation and the development and treatment of obesity.

Clinical Nutrition

This module focuses on the study of nutrition theory and practice within a clinical setting. It takes a 'process' approach to clinical nutrition and outlines the general principles and processes that underlie most clinical cases.
Emerging Technology in Exercise and Health

This module aims to help you identify strengths and weaknesses of emerging, industry specific technology. You will process and critically analyse their data and relevantly apply and use it within various fields of expertise.

Work Experience 2

This optional work experience module will run con-currently with the other modules in the semester and will not require you to take time out of your studies. There will be no additional fees to these opportunities beyond normal tuition fees. They will be organised and facilitated by the department, however, students may be able to organise their own experience with approval by the work experience module lead.

Independent Study 2