MSci (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Why study this subject?

Sport and Exercise Science is made up of three core disciplines: Physiology, Biomechanics, and Psychology.

Sport and exercise scientists are in increasing demand, particularly given the drive of professional athletes to maximise their potential and the efforts of health officials to encourage participation in exercise and physical activity.

An integrated sport and exercise science masters is a great way to specialise for a variety of careers in the sports industry, where you can work with children, athletes, the general public or sports teams and organisations.

This is an exciting and growing field within the sports industry and offers an exciting way to get involved not only in sport and exercise science but also elite sport and professional sports in general.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

On our course, you’ll learn in state-of-the-art facilities and develop a critical understanding of the principles underpinning sport and exercise science and how to analyse and evaluate performance needs.

You’ll design and deliver training interventions with the goal of improving health and wellbeing, optimise performance and minimise the risk of injury. You’ll leave us being confident in working with people at all levels of ability, from recreational exerciser to elite athlete.

We’ve designed our course so that when you leave BNU, you will have understood in depth the foundations of sport and exercise science, as well as gained the opportunity to apply your new knowledge and skills in professional environments, supporting professional athletes currently at the top of their game.

This focus on employability, applying theory to practice, getting involved with the day-to-day activities of a sport and exercise science professional, learning from and growing together with a community of students, focusing on your personal and professional goals and working collaboratively with professional lecturers is what makes BNU such a unique place to study this subject.

What facilities can I use?

As part of your studies, you’ll use The Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre, a professional and inspiring multi million pound facility for our sport courses and it contains industry standard equipment which is a part of your degree.

You’ll have the opportunity to blend academic study with use of our state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory. Equipped with a range of equipment for testing and measuring the human body, as well as testing theories of your own, it contains the equipment that is essential to understanding sport and exercise science.

In addition to this facility you have access to the Sports and Wellbeing Clinic which is a sports therapy clinic within the University and offers various treatments to students and members of the public, including injury rehabilitation, massages, therapy and body analysis.

Thanks to our investment into these facilities, we can provide the equipment and facilities that are needed to fully develop your skills to the highest level. You will be able to realise your full potential within the timeframe of your course.

In addition, our library is open 24/7 and packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, scientific research, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.

What will I study?

Our course aims to provide a balanced programme of study that equips you with industry knowledge and experience, and developes your scientific and academic knowledge, as well help you gain crucial transferable skills such as teamwork and communication.

As part of this course you will gain an understanding in psychology, physiology, biomechanics, these disciplines underpin sports science, you will also have the opportunity to gain a Level 2 fitness industry related qualifications alongside their main degree programme.

Throughout the four years of study you are encouraged to form relationships with external partners at the local, regional, national and international level, to build networks in the longer term and essential knowledge and experience. The final year of study will focus on modules where you will obtain large amounts of applied practice with external clients, with the additional option of a placement module.

You will gain understanding of key scientific theories from across the different sub-disciplines of sport and exercise science. Within this, you will consider the function of various biological systems impacting human health and performance, while undertaking related discussion and exercises in seminars and workshops.

Practical sessions will introduce you to fitness tests or provide kinaesthetic learning opportunities. Theories you were taught in the classroom can be demonstrated in the form of practical experiments.

In the final year of study, you will focus on the application of what it means to be a sport and exercise scientist within performance sport, working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

How will I be taught and assessed?

On this course there is a varied diet of assessment, it is predominantly based on coursework and practical assessments and, where possible, is designed to mirror ‘real world’ sport and exercise science activities, such as designing, implementing, and evaluating training programmes and health-based initiatives, assessing athletic performance, critiquing scientific and methodological processes, and reflecting on practice.

All modules will include feedback opportunities and ample time for assessment preparation; feedback on all assessments will place emphasis on progression and will always remain constructive rather than prohibitive.