Combine your passion for Sport and Exercise with Health in this exciting degree programme at Kent. You are taught by lecturers with vast experience in sports training, treatment of injuries and rehabilitation, and sport psychology and also benefit from fantastic facilities and sporting opportunities on our Canterbury campus.
We have a strong focus on your career, and you work with our experts to gain a good mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, developing a range of highly valuable laboratory and clinical skills. You also benefit from our expert in-house careers advice, ensuring you are well-placed to enter a professional career in Sport, Exercise and Health.
At Kent, our cutting-edge research helps shape our curriculum and we ensure that you get a variety of skills, knowledge and experience. Our academics have experience working with a range fields and clients ranging from Olympians and Paralympians to members of the public, including the elderly and frail.
In your first year, you study a variety of disciplines and gain a solid grounding in key subjects. Our modules cover all aspects of sport and exercise science including nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, sport psychology, movement and biomechanics with a focus on health related study.
In your second and final years, you choose optional modules that reflect your interests. You also conduct your own research project in the final year, choosing from specialist options that may include, physical activity interventions, exercise rehabilitation for clinical populations or contemporary issues in nutrition.
As part of your degree, you have the opportunity to promote your own event, and look at the issues involved in encouraging the public to become more physically active. You also have the option to gain valuable professional experience by working on placement in the sports and leisure industry, or supporting exercise rehabilitation in a community project.
This degree is available as a four-year programme with a year in industry. For more information, please see Sport and Exercise for Health with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons).
Our laboratories are based in the Chipperfield Building in the Canterbury campus. They include the latest equipment, such as our:
Our environmental chamber, which can recreate the atmosphere in the Brazilian jungle or at the top of Everest, is based on the Medway campus.
There is a thriving sports scene for students at the Canterbury campus. Team Kent, funded by the Students' Union, run more than 60 different clubs including; athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, cheerleading, lacrosse, caving, taekwondo, rowing, hockey, football, rugby, equestrian, korfball, table tennis, judo and volleyball, plus ultimate frisbee.
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has links to many sporting bodies. It has worked with companies such as Science in Sport and Team Sky, and with organisations such as:
If you are competing at the equivalent of county level or higher you can apply for a sports scholarship from the University. The amount to be offered will be determined by the University Sports Scholarship Committee and each case is considered on its own merit. For more information please go to the Sports Scholarships page.
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 facilities for the course are great. The sports labs are really well equipped – we do lots of practical work there, and there are clinics and gyms with amazing specialist equipment.
Olyvia Geohagen - Sport and Exercise for Health BSc
Please also see our general entry requirements.
BCC including grade B in an appropriate subject (eg Biology, Chemistry, Sport, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, 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.
Pass all components of the University of Kent International Foundation Programme with a 60% overall average including 60% in Fundamentals of Human Biology and 60% in Life Sciences plus 50% in LZ013 Maths and Statistics.
Please contact the School for more information at study-sports@kent.ac.uk.
International students should visit our International Student website for further specific information. International fee-paying students who require a Student visa cannot study part-time due to visa restrictions.
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
If you need to improve your English language standard as a condition of your offer, you can attend one of our pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes before starting your degree programme. 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.
Students will cover the biomechanics of movement, movement patterns of the lower limb, upper limb and trunk; bones and surface markings of the lower limb, upper limb and spine; joints of the lower limb, upper limb and spine; muscles (origin, insertion and actions) of the lower limb, upper limb and trunk; soft tissue structures of the lower limb, upper limb and trunk; and nerves of the lower limb, upper limb and trunk.
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.
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 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 module aims to provide students with knowledge of the foundations in research methods in sport sciences. Students will explore different data collection methods in sport sciences and how that information is presented and communicated appropriately. Research and academic study skills will be developed throughout the module.
Students take both compulsory modules and then select a total of 60 credits (30 credits of which must be at level 5) from a list of optional modules offered by the School.
This module introduces students to the analysis techniques required for their dissertation module, as well as how to develop a research idea into a formal study proposal.
The module starts by considering the multi-dimensional nature of health to broaden student’s understanding of the many factors – individual or environmental - that could contribute to personal experience of health & what that means to different members of the population. Key aspects of Sport and Exercise promotion are considered, culminating in students completing a sport or exercise promotion event of their own as part of the assessment for the module. Whilst there is an emphasis on theoretical issues in the module, students are encouraged to apply these principles to the various aspects of sport and exercise promotion practice.
This module will enable students to interpret the pathophysiology of a range of sports injuries by mechanism of injury, anatomical region and tissue type. The module develops the students' ability to relate the mechanism of injury to the pathology of sports injuries. Students will also be required to understand the risk factors associated with sports injuries.
This module will enable students to acquire an understanding of sports massage, in order to practically demonstrate a range of sports massage skills effectively and safely. The module also develops the students' ability to record and review their own sports massage sessions with clients.
Content will include all skills required in order to carry out a full body sports massage. Basic sports massage strokes such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and frictions will be included. These strokes will be applied on the back, shoulders, gluteals, legs, feet, arms, hands, chest, neck and abdomen. Underpinning knowledge will include record keeping, professional ethics and code of practice, as well as health and safety regulations.
The topicareas covered in this module build upon the knowledge gained in SS348Introduction to Fitness Testing & SS570 Fitness Training Methods, whichcovers the fundamental aspects of exercise testing and prescription. Specialpopulations are those groups of individuals that may need some adaptation ormodification to an exercise prescription or programme, to take intoconsideration a limitation, whether that be physiological, biological or psychosocial.The emphasis is on promoting health, fitness and safety in exercise, as well assome consideration being given to performance environments.
Leadership in the context of sport and exercise is becoming increasingly recognised as providing the ‘spark’ that drives successful sport organisations. In this module, students will become more aware of styles of leadership and types of communication used in the sporting context.
Thismodule takes basic nutrition to the next level in an applied manner. Thedifferent needs of different sports persons are considered. Students will gain criticalknowledge of common nutrition data collection and analysis methods.A synopsis of topics included in this module are:- Elements of Digestion, absorption and energy metabolism- Nutrition requirements for different sports and different types ofindividuals- Changing body mass and related issues- Nutritional Strategies- Nutrition data collection and analysis.
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 aimsto provide students with knowledge and understanding of human responses andadaptations to sport and exercise. Using a psychological approach, studentsacquire knowledge and understanding of sport and exercise performance andexercise adherence to promote health. Lectures and seminars provide forums fordiscussion and understanding of cognitions, affect and behaviour and thecomplex interactions between these. A key module aim is to provide anunderstanding of the application of theory to real ‘applied’ situations withinsport and exercise settings.
Students take both compulsory modules and then select a total of 45 credits (at least 30 credits of which must be at level 6) from a list of optional modules offered by the School.
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.
This module will cover:
- Exercise prescription for the asymptomatic older adult
- Physical activity & cardiovascular diseases
- Physical activity & metabolic diseases
- Physical activity & neurological impairment
- Physical activity & orthopaedic diseases
- Physical activity & pulmonary diseases
- Exercise in cardiac rehabilitation
- Exercise psychology
Themodule aims to provide students with more advanced knowledge and understandingof human responses and adaptations to sport and exercise environments. Using apsychological approach, students are offered the forum for discussion andunderstanding of cognitions, affect and behaviour and the complex interactionsbetween these in the various scenarios that present within a sport or exercisesetting. A key module aim is to provide an understanding of the psychologicalapproaches within real ‘applied’ situations within sport and exercise settings.
Soft Tissue Techniques will enable students to pursue inquiry into the treatment of selected soft tissue injuries, using a variety of soft tissue techniques. This module develops the students’ ability to use critical analysis and clinical reasoning skills in the application of soft tissue techniques. Students will be required to analyse current issues in the use of soft tissue techniques within the field of Sport and Exercise Therapy.
In this module students will study and investigate the latestcutting edge research in sports nutrition. This will provide the opportunity tocritically analyse contemporary evidence, research and practical nutritionalpractices in sports nutrition. Students will study nutritional ergogenic aidsand nutritional strategies suggested to improve performance. Students willconduct practical sessions in order to test some of the theories and strategiesstudied.
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.
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 2021/22 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
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.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Search scholarshipsKent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of A*AA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The programme involves lectures, small group seminars and private study. In addition, you are expected to design, lead and take part in practical sports sessions. You have several lectures or practical sessions and a series of seminars each week. You are also required to spend additional time developing your skills and knowledge in real-life situations.
The first half of Stage 1 is largely assessed by coursework and observed assessments. In the second half of Stage 1, some modules have written examinations in addition to coursework and practical assessments. During Stages 2 and 3, the form of assessment varies from 100% coursework to a combination of examination and coursework.
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 intellectual skills in the following:
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).
You graduate with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience. In addition, you also develop the key transferable skills sought by employers, such as:
This means that our graduates are well equipped for careers across a range of fields and have gone on to work in sports science support for elite athletes, professional sports teams, teaching and in the NHS for physical activity, exercise referral or health promotion.
You can read their stories, and find out about the range of support and extra opportunities available to further your career potential.
Graduates may be eligible to apply for Register of Exercise Professionals accreditation. They may also be eligible to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health and Fitness Specialist qualification.
This course page is for the 2021/22 academic year. Please visit the current online prospectus for a list of undergraduate courses we offer.
T: +44 (0)1227 823254
E: internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk
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