Overview

No major athlete or team is complete without a sport and exercise scientist on their staff. Our course trains you to work in this fast-moving field. It's endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and meets the rigorous industry standards laid out in the four key disciplines of sport and exercise science – physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition. You'll work with professional athletes in our lab, securing real-world experience across a number of performance sport settings. This course starts with a foundation year that gives you the science skills you need to succeed.

Full description

I chose sport science because I have always had a love of sport and how the body works. It was great to tailor what you study to the subjects that interest you

Jessica

BSc (Hons) Sports Science

Sport and Exercise Science applies to all levels of exercise – from the general population to elite performance. It uses scientific principles and techniques to help educate and improve the quality of health and wellbeing of individuals, and enhance the performance of athletes and teams across an array of sports at national and international level.

Our course gives you the skills you need to work at the top level. You’ll explore the nature of human performance from health through to athletic excellence; how the human machine operates when engaged in sport and exercise, and how to interpret and evaluate its responses.

You’ll learn to work safely and ethically as a sport and exercise scientist within our Cambridge Centre for Sports and Exercise Science. You’ll develop key employability skills in a research setting, as well as gain effective practical skills that are in demand from top level clubs and sporting organisations.

In your final year you’ll have a unique opportunity to choose between a final year research project or you can choose to work and complete a project in industry and deliver on an organisation’s strategic priority, as a result potentially creating a service/product that helps them fulfil their needs.

The British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences Accreditation

You’ll get involved in a wide range of activities on this course, anything from strength and conditioning training through to testing VO2 max to see understand the limits of athlete human performance. You’ll benefit from experienced lecturers, including current athletes and practising professionals. Our team currently includes a Paralympian World Record holder, Scottish Women’s Rugby player and Judo champion, right through to those working behind the scenes such as sports analysts, psychologists and nutritionists (ie BASES Accredited Sport Scientists).

Our sport and exercise science laboratories will help you put what you’ve learnt into practice. They contain cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment – including a 3D motion capture suite, high speed treadmills, metabolic carts for the assessment of cardiorespiratory responses, force plates, hydrostatic weighing tank for assessing body composition, full haematology suites, an array of cycle and rowing ergometers, GPS systems for field work and eye-tracking glasses. You’ll also have access at any time to a wide range of sport and exercise science software packages.

In addition to all of this, we offer optional training opportunities to improve strength and conditioning coaching, be part of the exercise testing consultancy team and you’ll have the opportunity to join a number of sports clubs and societies as part of Active Anglia.

To top it all off, the Cambridge Centre for Sports and Exercise Sciences offer a range of activities (ie research seminars, consultancy, coach network groups) including an Excellence in Sports seminar series, where you’ll get to listen and learn from world leading guest speakers from the world of sport.

ARU scholarships

Help with the cost of study

Ranked 3rd for teaching quality and 4th for student experience

Good University Guide 2017

Performance & Exercise Testing Consultancy

Study Sports Science

Specialist sport facilities

June

Careers

Sports science graduates are increasingly in demand around the world. There are wide-ranging employment opportunities for introducing people to sport and exercise, to developing them as participants, and even helping take them to the top. As a sports scientist, you could work:

as an athlete-support scientist (with teams and national sports associations)
as an exercise consultant
as a performance analyst
in the health and fitness industry
as a clinical physiologist
in applied health and physical activity.

You could also continue your studies at a higher level, perhaps by doing a PGCE, which would allow you to teach. You might go on to train as a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, clinical exercise consultant or healthcare scientist in the NHS. Postgraduate degrees in sports science are also more and more popular as a route into doing research.

During the course, you’ll be encouraged to improve your employment prospects by making connections with industry. For example, you should consider becoming a student member of the British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES). You can then attend, and even present at, their student conferences. We also have links with a wide range of sporting organisations, including:

Living Sport (Cambridge and Peterborough Sports Development)
British Paralympic Association
British Cycling
British Judo Association
European College of Sports Medicine
American College of Sports Medicine
England & Wales Cricket Board.

We also have strong research and collaboration links with the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge; and the Department of Sport at the University of Montpellier, France.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a wide range of full-time and part-time postgraduate courses, including MSc Sport and Exercise Science.

Modules & assessment

Biology of Cells

In this module practical sessions on cellular respiration, osmosis and cell diversity will support your lectures. You will study the structure and function of cellular organelles, membranes and transport systems, in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In addition, cell metabolism - the biochemical processes undertaken in living organisms - is a key component of this module. You will also cover Cellular respiration of glucose and the role of mitochondria. The fundamental principle of biology, the ability to renew (cells) and reproduce, both sexually and asexually and the mechanisms of cell division, including mitosis and meiosis, will be also be covered.
Chemical Principles

This module provides an elementary introduction to chemical science for those with little or no prior experience of the subject. The study of materials and the undergoing chemical changes will be discussed. These principles will then be developed further by exploring the periodic table, chemical equations, calculating concentrations, quantitative chemical analysis such as colorimetry, chemical equilibria and organic chemistry. The practical component of the course will allow you to gain practice in some basic laboratory techniques based on the concepts covered in the lectures. In addition, tutorials will be held for students to practice questions further that arise from the relevant lectures. Laboratory experience and exposure will also equip students with required transferable skills. The focus will also be on good laboratory practice and sustainable approaches to chemistry.
Mathematics for Science

Foundation Maths for Science is a course that ensures students on the extended programmes for degrees in the departments of Life Sciences, Biomedical and Forensic Sciences, and Vision and Hearing Sciences have the necessary basic mathematical skills required for entry to level 4. By the end of this module, students will be able to carry out the basic mathematical manipulations and understand the relevant key concepts required in order to progress to their chosen degree course. Each mathematical concept is introduced by a lecture, in which examples of how to use and apply the concept are demonstrated. Students practise problems in a tutorial for each topic, using worksheets given out in advance of the sessions. The worksheets include problems applied to the various degree pathways to which the students will progress, to indicate the importance and applicability of mathematics to their future degrees. The subjects covered are a range of arithmetic skills, algebra, areas and volumes, trigonometry and basic statistics. In addition, there are sessions using Excel for manipulation of simple data sets using formulae and graphical presentation of the results. Students will be expected to apply the skills learnt in graphically presenting data to the other modules they are studying where applicable.
Physical Principles

This module provides an introduction to the principles and laws of physics which underpin all life sciences. No prior knowledge of physics is assumed, and the focus will be on those aspects which are specific to the requirements of students in their future pathways. The module will be taught with a mixture of lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory practicals. The module will encompass aspects such as how organisms move in relation to their environment, how they perceive their environment in terms of light and sound, how the physics of fluids and gasses affect the anatomy and physiology of organisms, how electricity is used to allow communication, and finally how radioactivity impacts on organisms, and the applications of physics in modern medicine The practical component of this module will allow the students to develop an understanding of how the theory they are taught in lectures is applied in practical situations. This module will allow the students to progress to their next level of study with a thorough grounding in aspects that are often considered to be challenging, but when understood, allow the students to appreciate fully how organisms interact with their environment, as determined by the fundamental laws of physics and chemistry.
Biomolecules

In this module you will focus on water and carbon and their central importance to biology. The composition, structure and function of the four groups of macromolecules - proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids - will be studied. A specific focus will be the mechanism of action of enzymes and factors such as pH and temperature that affect their function. The lectures will be complemented by practicals that build on the lecture material and teach a range of laboratory skills. The module will also focus on developing the academic skills required to be successful in higher education, particularly independent study, understanding the different forms of scientific writing (for example, practical reports and essays). Other skills taught will include finding reliable sources of information, citation and referencing and avoiding poor academic practice and plagiarism.
Physiology

Physiology is the science of body function and is related to the structure, or anatomy, or the organism. In this module the main organ and regulatory systems that work to enable the body to function and respond to change, whilst maintaining a constant internal environment, will be studied. Although this module will focus mainly on the human body as an example of a much studied organism, reference to other organisms will be made to illustrate particular principles or to contrast different systems and mechanisms. Laboratory-based practicals and workshops will be used to build on the knowledge gained from the lectures. The practical sessions will enable the development of a range of laboratory-based skills, which will include the recording of observational findings as well as experimental results.
Introduction to Sport Coaching & Psychology

This module will develop your awareness of the subject specialism area of Sport Sciences/Sport Coaching and PE. The first part of the module will focus upon Sport Coaching, with emphasis on the importance of the Coach, communication elements and how a Coach operates in the working environment. The latter part of the module will explore Sport and Exercise Psychology and the relevance of this within the context of coaching, sport science and health. You will take part in a practical in which data is collected via a questionnaire format to help you to identify with the data collecting process within the Sport context, and help you identify with academic publications understanding how data might be collected within the contexts of Sport Coaching and PE and Sport Science. Assessment will require you to analyse data and present this as a poster presentation.
Introduction to Exercise Science

This module aims to introduce you to key themes within exercise science providing a foundation for higher level study. You'll study the essentials of how exercise affects physiological responses of a performer, and be introduced to exercise testing and the principles of movement within the sphere of sport. The conceptual link between theory and practice within sports specific human performance settings will be emphasised. There will be the opportunity to secure the foundations of good laboratory practice and start the process of learning essential analytical techniques. This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop communication skills and lab safety and practical session management skills – essential skills for the sport and exercise science industry.

Anatomy and Physiology

You’ll explore the fundamental aspects of human anatomy and physiology in order to understand how the body responds and performs to physical activity. You’ll look at how the regulation of the human body to stress (exercise) relates to an intricate set of homeostatic events, enabling different systems to increase their overall physiological output to sustain effort. The structure and function of the main organ systems in the body; the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems will be examined and reviewed in relation to rest and in response to exercise. You’ll study and explore the content through lectures, seminars and laboratory based practical’s where the functional and homeostatic principles will be applied and examined under changing conditions. As well as providing you with subject specific knowledge, this module will enable you to develop a number of specific employability skills related to practical (laboratory) techniques and general skills related to data collection, data handling and data presentation.
Exercise Physiology and Nutrition

Energy is essential for the functioning of the body and is in strong demand during exercise. You’ll explore the biochemical processes involved in energy transfer (metabolism) and will examine the different energy production pathways under aerobic and anaerobic conditions – and extend this understanding to identify the continuum of energy supply and demand during differing modes of exercise. Additionally, the role and contribution of the various macro-nutrients as fuel for the metabolism will be discussed. Energy expenditure during rest and physical activity will also be investigated. As a result you’ll examine how oxygen consumption can give us a reliable insight into our energy expenditure and the different fuel and energy systems used. In this module you will learn through lectures, seminars and laboratory based practical’s where the physiological and metabolic principles will be applied and examined under both resting and exercise conditions. As well as providing you with subject specific knowledge, this module will enable you to develop a number of specific employability skills related to practical (laboratory) techniques and general skills related to data collection, data handling and data presentation.
Applied Sport Pedagogy

This module aims to develop your applied understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of coaching and teaching and will do this by practically applying the key theoretical the concepts that underpin contemporary coaching theory. The module explores the idea of enhancing athletes’ learning through adopting different approaches and relationships as a coach. These concepts will be taught to you using an integrated approach, examining how all of the components link together to achieve success in coaching. This module will help you develop key transferable and employable skills in communication, organisation and analysis of coaching practice, which will be assessed by a variety of coursework methods including a portfolio of reflections on practice and computer based assessments.
Organisation and Structure of Sport

Sport practitioners, at every level, operate within and around sport organisations, systems, and structures. This broader socio-political organisational environment enables and constrains how sports practitioners operate. Consequently it is important to appreciate this broader environment in order to understand your role within it and how to navigate it in the most efficient and effective manner. You’ll develop an understanding of how sport is organised and structured in the UK (and abroad), the dynamic and complex nature of the sport industry, and the role and influence of organisations and various governmental agencies (e.g. Sport England and UK Sport) in overseeing and delivering sport and physical activity.
Introduction to Human Movement

You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of human movement using a concept of qualitative movement diagnosis (QMD). QMD is an observational approach to analysing human movement, a key skill which is fundamental to all Sports Coaching, Sport Science, Health and Exercise and Physical Education practitioners. You will also study the types of motion a body can have, including the concepts of distance, speed and time and displacement, velocity and acceleration. These kinematic motion quantities will be explored practically and graphically. The importance of Newton's laws and the net external force to all movement will be explained, giving you an insight into how limb rotation can produce translational movement. The anatomical quantities of mass, weight and centre of mass will be investigated and the links drawn with the body's kinetic and potential energy. You will study and explore the content within the context of real sporting actions such as: standing, walking, running, jumping and throwing and by using the techniques of video analysis, experimental investigation and computer aided data analysis.
Research Methods for Sport and Exercise

Gain an introduction to the core skills required for research and study in sport science and sports coaching in a higher education environment. You’ll develop skills and attributes to initiate an understanding of the research process and stages associated with it and also an appreciation of different types of research. You'll develop an understanding of the different types of data that can be collected within your course area and you’ll develop a good awareness of the data analysis process, utilising different IT skills and IT programs. You’ll develop key employability skills throughout the module, for example, how to construct oral and written reports using appropriate formatting, language and citations.
Sport and Exercise Psychology

Understanding psychological aspects of sport and exercise is vital in enhancing, or inhibiting, sports performance and exercise participation. This could include pre-competition nerves, attention control, self-confidence and motivation. You’ll reflect upon your own experiences in relation to psychological factors and to consider psychological demands of different sports and levels of participation. You’ll use your classroom time to take part in discussion and analysis of specific key topic areas of sport and exercise psychology and take part in group and individual tasks.
Pedagogical Principles in Sport

In this module you’ll cover key theoretical and practical concepts that underpin contemporary coaching. By the end of the module you’ll have developed an appreciation of the coaching process including the ethical, pedagogical, managerial and behavioural components that enable good practice. You’ll investigate the roles, techniques, and planning skills of a good coach, the impact of their adherence to the professional code of conduct, their awareness of health and safety issues and their understanding of how a coaching session should progress. A crucial aspect of coaching is the ability to understand how individuals learn and acquire the knowledge and skills to perform. You’ll learn to identify different approaches to learning and what these mean for coaching practice and athletes’ development.

Applied Research Skills

Expanding on the knowledge and experience gained from the 'Research Methods for Sport and Exercise' module, you’ll continue to develop the knowledge-base and applied skills required to produce a substantive independent report supported by research and data interpretation. You’ll focus on two interrelated areas of study; applied data collection and interpretation with respect to the research process. These two areas will be delivered with recognition of the two paradigms of research, Quantitative and Qualitative, offering different, but complementary, opportunities to collect and evaluate coaching, health, and sports science data for a perspective or objective review of scientific evidence and applied practice. You’ll develop key employability skills related to research design and presentation in a safe environment, providing an opportunity to evaluate which research designs would best suit your intended final year project (Research project or Advanced Work Placement).
Practical Competencies in Biomechanics

Leading on from the Introduction to Human Movement and Anatomy and Physiology modules, you will advance your understanding of Biomechanics through developing an understanding of how to measure, record and analyse a sporting performer using a variety of approaches commonly used by biomechanists. You’ll develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the key competencies within the discipline of Biomechanics, following the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) ‘guidelines’ for biomechanics. Specifically, you’ll study and explore the context of real sporting actions such as: standing, walking, running, jumping and throwing and by using the techniques of video/motion analysis, experimental investigation and computer aided data analysis.
Physiological Profiling for Endurance

Aerobic physiology and functioning are the linchpins to all athletic and health-based activities. You’ll study the process of profiling aerobic endurance performance and health from a physiological and analytical perspective, looking at validity and reliability in test selection. You’ll consider the protocols and limitations associated with the assessment of maximum aerobic power (VO2max), while aerobic capacity will be addressed in the context of maximal lactate steady state, lactate minimum, individual anaerobic threshold, onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) and DMax and the ventilatory threshold. The relevance of performance economy as a diagnostic tool will be considered and projected to show how this simple concept of sub-maximal oxygen uptake can be used to establish the performance indicator termed velocity at VO2max. Consideration will be given to the dynamics of oxygen supply and utilisation at the onset of exercise through a reflection of oxygen uptake kinetics. These concepts will all be used to explore exercise intensity domains and how the role of critical power and the W’ can be used to provide an objective measure of an integrated response to exercise. Clinical skills will also be considered through the application of such techniques as ECG, thoracic impedance, respiratory flow loops and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Applied Research and Employability

This is your opportunity to build and test ideas for your final year research project or advanced work placement. Following on from applied experiences gained in previous modules, you’ll further develop the key competencies that support independent learning and exploration. You’ll create a research project proposal or a proposal for suitable work experience. In addition, you’ll evaluate the ethical and legal issues related to being an applied research or practitioner with Sport and Exercise Sciences.
Psychological Profiling for Sport

Many sports performers now employ sport psychologists in preparation for competition. Before an effective sport psychology intervention programme can be designed and delivered a process of athlete assessment, or profiling, must be undertaken. Here, you’ll build on previous modules and specifically focus on profiling/assessment methods and delivering interventions. You’ll learn the principles of assessing a sports performer from a psychological perspective and consider how the findings can be used to develop an intervention. You’ll cover performance issues, profiling tools and interventions, as well as the latest research and case study scenarios and real-life situations. Finally, you’ll profile an individual athlete on his or her psychological needs and develop and teach and intervention programme.

Strength and Conditioning

This role of the applied strength and conditioning (S&C) coach at all levels of sport has progressed in recent years and is now a fundamental role within the sport science support team. You’ll explore safe and effective S&C practice and develop an evidence based applied rationale for the role of S&C work in relation to different performance athletes. You will be introduced to the fundamental techniques and principles of athlete assessment, evaluation and consultation, considering these applied modes in conjunction with a recognition of the use of an athlete needs analysis. Although the generic term “S&C” is applied to this training domain you will address the wider implications in relation to the components of fitness: endurance, speed, strength, agility (or equivalent areas). You will also explore the rationale for approaches used in relation to training programme design which will be under-scored by the issues of physiological and anatomical adaptation.
Biomechanics: Analysis of Motion

We’ll further develop your understanding of force plates (gained in the Practical Competencies in Biomechanics module) used for data capture and analysis, and extend your understanding of motion analysis. You’ll focus on the initiation and development of motion in terms of both the internal forces produced by the musculoskeletal system and the external forces acting on the body. In order to understand human movement, you will explore the ground reaction force in depth. You will then see how the concepts of internal forces, the external net force and mass and acceleration are used to explain movement patterns. For this, you’ll appreciate the importance of torque, momentum and impulse and how to use these quantities to critically analyse a sporting action. The fundamental principles of gait analysis will also be explored in a theoretical and practical manner, providing you with sufficient experience to recognise differences in gait (and force) patterns between normal and pathological gaits. Throughout the module you will use force plates and motion analysis to investigate, analyse and appraise human movement.
Physiological Profiling for Strength and Power

The production of force and power across a range of motion, and in conjunction with the body dimensions, are crucial to both everyday living and athletic performance. You’ll study the process of profiling aerobic endurance performance and health from a physiological and analytical perspective, looking at validity and reliability in test selection. You’ll assess anaerobic power through such means as the Wingate cycle test and Margaria Stair test while anaerobic capacity will be evaluated in the context of accumulated oxygen deficit tests as well as lactate and constant load tests. The determination of strength will address measures of isometric, isotonic and isoinertial force production using conventional ‘gym-based’ approaches to more clinically relevant measures such as the Reactive Strength Index. These will be compared to the laboratory controlled assessment of strength (torque) using isokinetic dynamometry. Body composition will be considered through the use of both callipers and skinfold assessments through to hydro-densitometry. Flexibility and the determination of range of motion (ROM) will then be considered in the context of indirect measures such as Sit-and-Reach through to more applied approaches using flexometers and goniometers.
Perceptual Motor Skills

Athletes rely on a constant stream of information from the senses (e.g. vision, audio and proprioception) to execute the skills needed for successful sport performance. This module will initially focus on the processing and the perception of this sensory information. In addition we'll examine how athletes make decisions from this sensory information and how we execute and programme movement. You'll explore topics such as the visual system and get experience with using eye trackers to assess where people look in the environment when playing sport. Also, we'll discuss the influence of factors such as anxiety, expertise and expectancies on the perception of sensory information, anticipation and decision making. The second part of the module will focus on programming human movement, movement coordination and how we can measure performance in the execution of motor skills.
Nutrition for Health and Exercise

Explore the underlying importance of dietary intake to support both health and exercise-related demands. Using theoretical and evidence-based concepts you’ll consider the dietary macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins; including fluid intake) and micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and their role in overall human health, with reference to population-based normative guidelines. You’ll also explore the practical applications of dietary strategies to support increased metabolic demands (eg exercise). Methods of dietary assessment, body composition and energy expenditure will be considered in line with nutritional evaluation using problem-based scenarios. Specifically, you’ll undertake a basic dietary analysis of a selected case study, and, working in teams, evaluate and design a nutrition programme for a specific case pertinent to health and/ or exercise. You’ll develop key employability skills pertinent within this area including: working with clients, dietary evaluation, programme design, team work and reflective practice.

Physiological Basis of Training

Delve into the fascinating yet sometimes controversial domain of training science and explore the nature training programme design, athlete development and limitations to the success of the athlete. Explore what constitutes performance, examining the physiological and metabolic demands of sports, whilst addressing the principles of training application and design. Consideration will be given to the laws of training in the context of the developing athlete and how these are linked to the of one-factor and two-factor theories of super-compensation. Time will be devoted to the nature of fatigue both as a prerequisite to the training adaptation but also as a function of the training load examining the peripheral and central manifestations of this key training mechanism. Fatigue will also be explored in the context of recovery and methods of recovery. In the context of fatigue and training adaptation the role of cellular messengers such as PGC-1α and mTOR will be considered to show how an adaptation manifests. The notion of fatigue, training and recovery will lead into the evaluation of under-performance syndrome addressing both what this is as psychobiological construct but also how this can be both monitored and avoided. These elements will all be brought together to evaluate the programming of training using an array of approaches including linear and non-linear periodisation and block training models and how these programmes can either through the use of a taper lead to an athletic peak or through the application of undulating loads lead to a maintenance of performance.
Physiological Responses to Training

Critically evaluate the methods used in training and to reflect on the array of physiological, metabolic and biochemical adaptations that arise through reviewing aerobic and anaerobic endurance, strength, power, flexibility and speed. Within each of these domains the application of training approaches will be explored in the context of intensity, frequency and duration thus reflecting training loads. You’ll analyse how these approaches are associated with the developmental status of the athlete, phase of the training cycle and anticipated training outcome. Training adaptations will be critically evaluated reflecting on the in approaches used to both derive the data and conclusions that were drawn. Key adaptation responses to consider will include: myocardial, haematological, immunological, enzymatic, cellular, substrate, metabolite, neurological and muscular. Additionally training environments will be considered reflecting on the application and manifestation of key approaches such as: altitude, heat, pollution, menstruation, age and disability.
Research Project (Dissertation) or Advanced Work Placement

Choose to undertake a more traditional research project OR select an appropriate work related experience and focus your project on the needs of a specific organisation and their strategic goals. The final year Research Project will consist of an 8,000 word assignment and presentation of your findings and reflection of progression (1500 words). Alternatively, the Advanced Work Placement will require you to undertake an in-depth review of the literature linked to the industry contextualising the profession, creating a plan of work to follow considering the organisation’s needs, aims or objectives. You will also identify and reflect on specific professional standards, legal and/or health and safety requirements as required. Upon completion of the work experience, you’ll be required to critically reflect on their experience linking the academic research to the vocational learning experience, compiling a theoretically informed piece of data driven work (8,000 words) and additionally you will be required to present your initial experience findings reflecting on the progress that has been made. Both final year projects are supported by four 1 hour taught sessions where project management and development will be addressed.

Applied Biomechanics

Building on prior biomechanics modules you’ll now concentrate on the application of biomechanics to improve technique and reduce predisposition to injury for sport or clinical populations. You’ll learn how to successfully prescribe and/or deliver sport and exercise biomechanics interventions as a coach or sport scientist. During lectures and laboratory sessions you’ll develop the skills to undertake your own biomechanics intervention, testing on an external member and leading to a report which will document the intervention. You’ll be assessed via this report which will demonstrate the use of technology for quantifying technique and performance in the field, ability to identify and monitor key characteristic of technique associated with successful performance or injury. You’ll also critically evaluate the influence of an applied biomechanist in a coaching or clinical setting and learn about the needs and issues of different users.
Strength and Conditioning

This role of the applied strength and conditioning coach is continuing to grow in importance. You’ll begin within an in-depth exploration of the body’s anatomy and address the principles of muscle, joint, connective tissue interactions and how locate these through the process of palpation and recognition. With this knowledge you’ll then be able to address the mechanistic principles of strength and performance development. You’ll learn how to work in a safe and effective manner executing appropriate movement patterns in relation to the gross anatomical structures that need to be engaged. Supporting these principles, you’ll develop a scientifically applied rationale for the role of strength and conditioning work in different population groups and also consider how technology can enhance the practice of the professional. You’ll be introduced to the techniques and principles of athlete assessment, evaluation and consultation. You’ll constantly consider endurance, speed, flexibility, agility and power, as well as gaining an in-depth appreciation for the training principles and methodologies and exploring the physiological rationale for these approaches in relation to programme design. You’ll be jointly taught between our staff at Anglia Ruskin and an external strength and conditioning professionals.
Performance and Exercise Nutrition

Following on from your Nutrition for Health and Exercise module, you’ll explore contemporary applications of dietary practice for sports performance. You’ll be introduced to, and review, the importance of macro/micro-nutrition with a focus on sport and exercise. Using evidence-based research, the impact of nutrition for different sporting contexts will be explored. Lecture-based theoretical considerations will be merged alongside seminar workshops to develop practical protocols for key performance nutrition areas including: nutrition for enhanced strength and power; endurance-based nutrition; weight making sports and weight management; and recovery-based strategies. A central focus of this module includes current research-based awareness of selected ‘ergogenic’ aids, and practical implications for sports performance (e.g. creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine and sodium bicarbonate). Ultimately, you’ll develop a critical understanding of applied aspects of nutrition relevant to the demands of a chosen sport.
Theoretical Aspects of Biomechanics

We conclude the study of Biomechanics with a look at applied linear and angular kinematics and kinetics concepts, centre of mass calculation and the calculation of joint moments. It introduces another tool of the biomechanist: Automated motion analysis (CODAmotion). You’ll explore motion, (displacement, velocity, acceleration), force and momentum (the ground reaction force, the net force on the human, free-body diagrams and force vector diagrams), lever systems and the musculo-skeletal system, muscle contraction types and the production of force, the centre of mass, projectile science and work, energy and power. You’ll be expected to apply all the scientific and computing skills gained during the previous two years including; motion-analysis, force plate data analysis, scientific report writing, graphical and statistical analysis, vector analysis and mathematical problem solving. You’ll also develop an understanding of rotational motion concepts and use important terminology associated with topics such as the body and segmental planes and axes (the transverse, sagittal and frontal planes and the longitudinal, medio-lateral and antero-posterior axes). To explain how actions are created, the terminology for the six muscle roles will be needed (mover, antagonist, stabilizer etc) along with the muscle functional names (extensor and flexors etc), the types of muscle contraction (concentric, eccentric and isometric contractions) and the three ways a muscle can operate a lever system (isokinetic, isotonic and isometric).
Applied Sports Psychology

In this module we’ll specifically examine the psychological factors of successful performance and will address issues such as coach-athlete relationships, sport and exercise psychology interventions, coaching behaviour and burnout. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to successfully prescribe and deliver sport and exercise psychology interventions as a coach or sport scientist. We’ll examine and critique the latest research, and discuss the current knowledge in specific topic areas.
Exercise Medicine

You’ll review an in-depth study of the mechanisms by which physical activity (and reduction in sedentary behaviour) improves health and how it may be promoted. Expanding on Exercise Physiology, testing, research methods, and psychology skills gained in previous modules, you’ll apply this to the physiological and psychological aspects of health and disease. You’ll focus on the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and health. The role of exercise prescription will be analysed and discussed in detail showing how physical exertion can manifest itself in positive psychological, physiological, and metabolic adaptations. From this it will be possible to make recommendations in terms of the key factors required for a healthy lifestyle having learnt how to monitor free-living physical activity through accelerometery and surveys.
Contemporary Issues in Sport, Exercise and Performance Physiology

The advancement of knowledge, applications, technology and theories in the sport, exercise and performance psychology domain is rapidly increasing. You’ll therefore cover the most up-to-date topics discussed in national (e.g., BASES) and international (e.g., AASP, ISSP, FEPSAC) Sport and Exercise Psychology conferences. You’ll also consider the transfer and adaption of current and innovative research and technology from the general psychology domain. This is a great opportunity to be at the forefront on the sector whilst developing relevant transferable skills including problem solving, creativity, teamwork and thinking “outside of the box”.

Assessment

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to help you measure your progress. These include presentations, practical skills tests, scientific reports, case study critiques, online assessments and a research project.

Where you'll study

Your faculty

The Faculty of Science & Technology is one of the largest of five faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full- or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, to a BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science and technology fields. This is key to all of our futures.

Visit your faculty

Where can I study?

Cambridge

Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Explore our Cambridge campus

Fees & funding

Course fees

UK & EU students, 2018/19 (per year)

£9,250

International students, 2018/19 (per year)

£12,500

Fee information

For more information about tuition fees, including the UK Government's commitment to EU students, please see our UK/EU funding pages

Additional costs

Approximately £200 per annum (includes appropriate sports attire, professional development awards, visits to external industry sites and poster/project printing)

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your fees in the following ways.

Tuition fee loan

Most English undergraduates take out a tuition fee loan with Student Finance England. The fees are then paid directly to us. The amount you repay each month is linked to your salary and repayments start in April after you graduate.

How to apply for a tuition fee loan

Paying upfront

If you choose not to take out a loan you can pay your fees directly to us. There are two ways to do this: either pay in full, or through a three- or six-month instalment plan starting at registration.

How to pay your fees directly

Funding for UK & EU students

Most new undergraduate students can apply for government funding to support their studies and university life. This includes Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. There are additional grants available for specific groups of students, such as those with disabilities or dependants.

We also offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

From September 2018, EU students starting an undergraduate degree with us can access an £800 bursary.

Meanwhile, our £400 Books Plus scheme helps with the costs of study. There's no need to apply for this: if you're eligible you can simply collect a Books Plus card when you start your course.

Entry requirements

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Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@anglia.ac.uk for further information.

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