Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching) BSc

Overview

The sports coach has a diverse role, working with elite athletes, guiding teams of young people, or working with community groups to assist the health of the local population. Someone interested in this role will enjoy working with people of all ages, shapes and sizes to develop their physical and mental health, assisting them in reaching their physical peak – physical education and coaching is what you dream of.

Course content

At the heart of this course lies the scientific approach to supporting athletes to perform at their peak, while reducing the risk of injury. Alongside this, you will learn how to plan and prepare physical education and coaching sessions in line with national minimum expected standards and strengthen your confidence in implementing a range of teaching, learning and coaching styles. You will explore coaching roles and responsibilities which are essential in successfully leading and supporting people to improve sports performance. You will also develop an in-depth understanding of physiological, psychological and biomechanical theories, and how they can be used to assist performance enhancement.

What will you gain?

You will graduate, armed with the knowledge and understanding of sports psychology and how to work effectively with sports people. You will have the techniques and procedures required to assess physical fitness and well-being and be able to assess the nutritional needs of the physically active and professional athletes. You will know the basic effects of pharmacological agents on exercise performance, disease and health, and understand the research methods and processes which have particular relevance to exercise and health.

Assessment

You will be assessed through exams, projects and your learning portfolio and logbook, as well as written assignments, including laboratory reports and case study analyses, presentations and supervisor reports. As well as getting feedback on your work from other students, you will be asked to evaluate your own work.

Careers

While this is the ideal degree for those wanting to work as sports coaches or teachers, the full spectrum of sports science careers will be open to you, including health and fitness club management, fitness consultancy, weight management, health promotion, personal fitness training, corporate health advice, sports or physical activity development, medical sales, and the armed forces. There are career opportunities in teaching and research.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of roles such as Graduate Teaching Assistant, Tutor, PE Teacher, Supply Teacher, School Games Organiser, Manager, Sports Coach and Fitness Instructor in organisations including:

• Teaching Personnel
• Middlesex University
• London Metropolitan University
• Twyford CofE School
• Nightingale Academy
• Lee Valley School
• Box Clubber
• Willesden Sports Centre.