Would you like to use scientific principles to boost the performance of elite athletes? Or improve the health of the injured and elderly? This degree allows you to become a qualified practitioner in the fast-growing field of sport and exercise science.
At Kent, our lecturers have top-level experience in sports training, treatment of injuries and rehabilitation, and sport psychology. You work with our experts to gain a good mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Our community of clients ranges from Olympians and Paralympians to members of the public, including the elderly and frail.
You apply scientific principles to many aspects of sport, fitness and exercise. Topics include: anatomy, physiology, the principles of training, exercise prescription, sports nutrition and sports psychology.
Overall, this degree allows you to gain the skills you need to become a well-rounded practitioner in the field. In your final year, you can choose optional modules that allow you to specialise, perhaps with a particular career in mind.
You also have the option to gain extra professional experience by working on placement in the sports and leisure industry, or supporting ‘centre of excellence’ athletes.
We will be relocating the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences to the Canterbury campus from September 2021. If you are due to start your course in September 2020, the first year of your degree will be taught in Medway. This exciting move will allow us to provide enhanced facilities, study and social space for you as well as helping you become part of a broader academic community.
Our laboratories are based in the £11 million Medway Park development, a regional centre of sporting excellence. They include the latest equipment, such as our:
There is a thriving sports scene for students. Sports clubs at the Medway campus include athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, kickboxing, rowing, taekwondo, Thai boxing and volleyball, plus women’s netball and men’s futsal and rugby.
With our free shuttle bus, it’s also easy to join the sports clubs on the Canterbury campus. These include American football, archery, boxing, caving, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, cheerleading, fencing, floorball, golf, gymnastics, hockey, judo, karate, kendo, korfball, kung fu, lacrosse, mountaineering, sailing and windsurfing, skydiving, snooker and pool, snowsports, squash, swimming, surfing, tennis, trampolining, ultimate frisbee and women’s rugby.
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has links to many sporting bodies. It works with companies such as Science in Sport and Team Sky, and with organisations such as:
If you are already competing at county level or equivalent, you can apply for a sports scholarship from the University. One of our best-known graduates is Olympic gold medallist Susannah Townsend. During her time at Kent she had a sports scholarship and played for Canterbury Hockey Club (where she continues to play midfield).
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
Please note that meeting this typical offer/minimum requirement does not guarantee an offer being made.Please also see our general entry requirements.
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
BCC including grade B in an appropriate subject (eg Biology, Chemistry, Sport, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Mathematics, Applied Science)
Mathematics grade C
The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis.
If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
Distinction, Merit, Merit in a sport or science subject plus GCSE Mathematics grade C
34 points overall or 15 at HL including Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics, Sports, Exercise and Health Science 5 at HL or 6 at SL and Mathematics 4 at HL or SL.
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
However, please note that international fee-paying students cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
For more advice about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
This module provides students with an introduction to the basic principles of Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Students will explore the macronutrients and micronutrients and Fluid guidelines. A strong physiological understanding underpins much of the module content
Macronutrients: carbohydrate, protein and fat Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals, Fluid regulation, Thermoregulation and fluid guidelines, Competition nutrition.
The main aims of this module are to provide students with the knowledge and ability to explore and gain knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics. Students will learn to describe the structure and function of the major bones, joints, muscles and soft tissue structures of the lower limb, upper limb and trunk. Students will also be able to describe the basic movements of the body.
Students will cover the name, placement and movement of bones and muscles of the lower limb, upper limb and trunk.
The method of course delivery will include seminars and workshops and private study. Seminars will involve group discussion based on directed reading, workshops will involve practical group work where anatomical structures will be identified. The contact hours (made up by the seminars and workshops) in which the intended learning outcomes will be covered. The remainder of the time will be devoted to private study for reinforcement of knowledge. The seminars and workshops will use practical group work to help students locate, identify and observe the bony and muscular structures of the human body. Practical group work will be followed up in the directed study using reading and online resources
The module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of mechanical principles and their applications to sports performance and human movement in general. We will work by specifying a question about an aspect of sports performance, and then examining the mechanical principles that allow us to answer this question.
Indicative content includes:
• Definition and computation of kinematic quantities: position, displacement, velocity and acceleration.
• Vector and scalar quantities.
• Newton's Laws of linear motion.
• Impulse-change in momentum relationship.
• Projectile motion.
• Basic fluid mechanics.
• Searching and reading the biomechanics literature.
This is an introductory module where students will study the structure and function of the different physiological systems in the human body. The principles of the maintenance of homeostasis and the physiological adaptation of the body systems to exercise will also be covered.
This module provides students with an introduction to sport and exercise psychology. This includes the learning and performance process, as well as approaches and responses to various sport and exercise situations. Indicative content includes:
• Sport and Exercise Psychology in Action
• Motor Learning and Performance
• Feedback
• Attention and Concentration
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Motivation
• Self-Confidence and Self-Efficacy
• Arousal, Stress and Anxiety
• Group and Team Dynamics
This module looks at the systematic processes involved in testing fitness. Consideration is given to the evaluation of fitness in both the field and in the laboratory. A range of fitness tests for a variety of parameters of fitness are covered. Students are taught to consider the reliability and validity of the tests as well as the specificity of the test to the population they are working with.
A synopsis of topics included in this module are:
- Health screening
- Fitness assessment & evaluation
- Principles of sport & exercise training
This module will cover topics including, but not limited to: Introduction to referencing and plagiarism, Introduction to academic writing style, Introduction to history of science, Introduction to critical thinking, Introduction to research methods, Introduction to statistical concept and research ethics.
This module considers the nutritional needs of different types of sports people. Students will learn to apply sound nutritional guidance. Nutritional guidance is based on an understanding of the underpinning concepts and principles associated with sports performance and how applied nutrition can maintain and enhance performance.
The module explores the physiological response to exercise for a healthy adult. There is a focus on cardio-pulmonary & metabolic responses, which will be scrutinised in terms of differing exercises intensities and duration. The module will examine the key physiological factors that determine and thus limit exercise performance in humans, and will expose students to different methods of collecting, handling and processing exercise data.
The module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of human responses and adaptations to sport and exercise. Using a psychological approach, students acquire knowledge and understanding of sport and exercise performance and exercise adherence to promote health. Lectures and seminars provide forums for discussion and understanding of cognitions, affect and behaviour and the complex interactions between these. A key module aim is to provide an understanding of the application of theory to real 'applied' situations within sport and exercise settings.
Topics include:
Individual differences and personality
Attributions and perceived control
Exercise behaviour
Motivation
Emotions in sport
Attention and focus
Group dynamics
Leadership
Communication
Goal setting
Psychophysiology in sport and exercise
This module will provide students with a grounding in training theory and application, specifically looking at programme design and implementation in health and athletic performance. It includes: Principles of sport and exercise training; Training methodology; Programme design and organisation; Adaptations to training.
This module will cover the following topics:
Introduction to staff research areas in the CSS
The process of forming a research question and hypothesis
Writing an introduction
Writing a literature review
Writing a methodology
Writing a discussion
Justification of resources
Ethics in research
Writing clinics
Supervisor contact
Presentation of current dissertation projects
This module introduces students to the analysis techniques required for their dissertation module. The analysis techniques to be covered are as follows:
Independent and paired t-tests
Overview of Regression and Correlation
Qualitative analysis techniques
One way ANOVA
Factorial ANOVA
Repeated measures ANOVA
Non-parametric tests
This module is concerned with angular mechanics and the biomechanics of complex movements. Laboratory experimentation will provide the opportunity for students to develop practical skills in the use of a range of analysis equipment such as a force plate and computer-based motion analysis. A range of sport and exercise situations will be used to illustrate the mechanical principles considered. These could include kinematic analysis of walking; the kinetics of weight lifting; the computation of resultant joint moments and gait analysis.
Indicative content includes:
Definition and computation of angular kinematic quantities.
Newton's Laws in their angular formulation.
Methodology: motion analysis, force plates, anthropometry.
Interpretation of resultant joint moment profiles in gait analysis.
Basic material properties such as stress and strain and the relationship between these measures and injury.
Exercise prescription for the asymptomatic older adult
Physical activity and cardiovascular diseases
Physical activity and metabolic diseases
Physical activity and neurological impairment
Physical activity and orthopedic diseases
Physical activity and pulmonary diseases
Exercise in clinical rehabilitation settings
Exercise psychology
The module takes the form of an individual research study. There are taught lectures covering the management of a research project. The research projects are then conducted with the supervision of a tutor who will advise the student on issues such as methodology, analysis and presentation. It is the student's responsibility to organise, conduct, analyse and present the research as required. The research project may comprise an experimental laboratory based dissertation, or a systematic review of the literature.
The topic areas covered in this module build upon the knowledge gained in SPOR3480 Introduction to Fitness Testing & SPOR5700 Fitness Training Methods, which covers the fundamental aspects of exercise testing and prescription. Special populations are those groups of individuals that may need some adaptation or modification to an exercise prescription or programme, to take into consideration a limitation, whether that be physiological, biological or psychosocial. The emphasis is on promoting health, fitness and safety in exercise, as well as some consideration being given to performance environments.
A synopsis of indicative topics included in this module are:
Exercise, physical activity and health
Fitness assessment issues related to special population groups
Children and physical activity
Females and exercise issues
Exercise considerations for a sedentary population
Exercise and the older adult
Special exercise considerations and adaptations for special populations
Risks and benefits of exercise for special populations
Psychosocial issues & strategies for exercise/physical activity adherence
The module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the role of applied practice within sport and exercise psychology. A key module aim is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the applied sport and exercise psychology service delivery process. Students will explore how sport psychology practitioners initially approach intervention work; consider ethical and professional practice dilemmas; appraise and evaluate approaches to evidence-based evidence; design an intervention; and reflect on their practice. Students will be required to conduct a case study with a sport or exercise participant.
A synopsis of the indicative topics included in this module are:
Introduction to the module
Frameworks and approaches in sport psychology (including philosophy and models of practice)
Professional practice (ethical standards, considerations, and evidence-based practice)
Initial needs assessment (Intake, interview, and performance profiling)
Choosing and planning an intervention
Psychological skills and strategies
Reflective practice - Athletic injuries and psychology - Clinical psychology (eating disorders, burnout, and exercise addiction)
Working with special populations (youth athletes, older adults, and living with disability/chronic illness)
This module aims to increase the student's knowledge and understanding of the physiology governing sports performance. Contemporary training methods will be discussed. It also further develops the skills necessary to analyse and critically assess performance. Practical sessions will be conducted to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
The following indicative topics covered in this module are:
- Submaximal and maximal determinants of exercise performance
- Strength and power in athletic performance
- Processes of fatigue and implications for training
- Contemporary issues in training
- Monitoring training and recovery
In this module students will study and investigate the latest research in sports nutrition. This will provide the opportunity to critically analyse research evidence and practical nutritional strategies in sports nutrition. Students will study nutritional ergogenic aids and nutritional strategies suggested to improve performance. Students will conduct practical sessions in order to test some of the theories and strategies studied.
Individuals from a variety of populations take part in sport and exercise. This module takes an in-depth look at 'athletic populations' and factors that impact on performance. Students will critically analyse and discuss what types of exercise are optimal for different athletes and consider the risks and benefits associated with sport and exercise activities. Students will focus on some key issues related to sports performance, e.g. managing athlete with respiratory issues? What strategies could be used to minimise musculoskeletal injury in child athletes? Should pregnant females play sport?
The module utilises the expertise of staff within SSES, guest speakers and student contributions. Students will be encouraged to think about how they might work with athletes on an individual basis.
The module provides a structured opportunity to combine appropriate developmental work experience with academic study. The placement will provide the opportunity for students to develop appropriate vocational and applied academic knowledge. In order for the student to take this module they must secure a placement. The placement should be appropriate to the student's degree, experience and potential career aspirations. All placements will be subject to the module convenor's authorisation.
The 2020/21 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Full-time tuition fees for Home and EU undergraduates are £9,250.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
All Students who are part of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences will receive a complementary hoodie once they have started the course.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Teaching involves practical laboratory and sports-based sessions, lectures, small group seminars and private study. You will have a number of lectures and practical sessions and a series of seminars each week – depending on the optional modules you select. You may also be required to spend time developing your practical skills and experience in placement or event situations.
Methods of assessment vary depending on the module but predominantly involve coursework, observed assessment, practical tests and, where appropriate, clinical assessments. Some modules are assessed via written exams.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
The programme aims to:
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
You gain the intellectual skills to:
You gain subject-specific skills in the following areas:
You gain transferable skills in:
Sports Science at Kent scored 93% overall in The Complete University Guide 2021.
Over 95% of Sports Science graduates who responded to the most recent national survey of graduate destinations were in work or further study within six months (DLHE, 2017).
Our graduates have gone on to work in:
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has an excellent reputation and many links to professional bodies. This network is very useful to students when looking for employment.
The University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service which can give you advice on how to:
To help you to appeal to employers across a range of careers, you develop transferable skills in:
You can also enhance your degree studies by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.
Graduates may be able to apply for accreditation from the Register of Exercise Professionals and also have the option to take an exam for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health Fitness Instructor qualification.
This course page is for the 2020/21 academic year. Please visit the current online prospectus for a list of undergraduate courses we offer.
Enquire online for full-time study
Enquire online for part-time study
T: +44 (0)1227 768896
T: +44 (0)1227 823254
E: internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk
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