Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) with Foundation Year BSc

This Foundation Year in Sport is offered as an entry route to a Sport and Exercise Science degree for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study. It will help you gain the skills you need to study for a Sports degree such as written and oral communication skills, mathematical topics and concepts, and scientific concepts, principles and practical skills. This degree is broad in scope, allowing you to study the full range of sports and exercise sciences and gain an expert knowledge and understanding of scientific methods from sports psychology to the study of the human form.

Overview

Our strength and conditioning course is the ideal route into the booming sports industry. We'll equip you with the specialist skillset, self-discipline, hands-on experience and valuable industry contacts to help you find success. You’ll follow in the footsteps of graduates who have won Olympic medals and are now making an impact for organisations including Nike and Brentford FC.

Guided by tutors who are active sports professionals, you’ll gain an expert understanding of sport and exercise theory. You’ll also complete 50 hours of work placements each year. Here, you’ll learn what it takes to push athletes to their peak potential and develop strength and conditioning programmes for sportspeople who are at the top of their profession.

Course content

You will study the full spectrum of sport and exercise science theory, including the methods of enhancing sports performance, the scientific methods of enquiry and a knowledge of the human response to exercise. A large part of your studies will be practice-based at our Allianz Park site and you will take part in 150 hours of clinical practice throughout your degree (50 hours per year).

This course offers a broad programme of study, preparing you for a range of sport and exercise science careers working with both sports teams and elite athletes, as well as with people across all levels of fitness, including young people and the elderly.

What will you gain?

As well as the gaining an in-depth understanding of the scientific methods of training and performance, necessary to becoming a successful Strength and Conditioning Specialist, you will also have a detailed understanding of:

• Human structure and function with reference to exercise performance, health or movement
• The psychology of working with those in sport
• Techniques and procedures used to assess physical fitness and well-being
• Research methods and processes in relation to exercise and health
• Nutritional needs of the physically active and professional sportspeople
• Techniques and procedures used to assess physical fitness and well-being.

Careers

Upon graduating, you could find yourself working in 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 also career opportunities in teaching and research.

Previous sports graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of roles such as academy performance analyst, personal trainer, fitness instructor, athlete, graduate management trainee, or analysis specialist in prestigious organisations including:

• Nike
• Brentford FC
• KX Gym
• Manor Health & Leisure
• Willesden Sports Centre.