How do our bodies respond and adapt to an exercise bout and prolonged training? You will review the structure and function of the muscular, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, assessing how they respond to physical strain, and how they contribute to the limitations of human performance. You also consider how the nervous and endocrine systems adapt and help to control the responses to acute exercise and training.

Physical activity is very important to wellbeing and health. We will discuss why not everyone is meeting the minimum recommendations for physical activity and then critically examine why interventions or initiatives to increase physical activity are successful. Behaviour change theories and techniques will be explored which may increase physical activity in the individual and community. This module gives you the chance to write a critical essay on behaviour change and a novel infographic designed to communicate the benefits of physical activity on our health. Classes will include debates, open tutorials, labs and some standard lectures.

Optimal performance in sports and health requires two things: the ability to optimize performance without compromising injury risk. This module will provide you with a very practical toolbox towards designing the appropriate exercise programs for your clients. This module will cover topics ranging from the biomechanical basis of optimizing core stability for health and performance, neuromuscular adaptations to pain and injuries, neuromuscular basis for exercise selection, overuse and acute injury mechanisms, to understanding the mechanical limits of athletic behaviours. In a practical, you will collect your own data and perform scientific experiments to understand and characterise the effect of footwear in the context of injury prevention. Lessons will be a mixture of lectures and hands-on session, where students get taught on how to instruct the optimal performance of different exercises to ensure maximum benefit to health and function.

This module will advance students’ understanding of the psychology of sport and exercise. The content of the lectures builds upon the knowledge gained in the first year module by exploring in more depth the theoretical explanations of psychological phenomena in sport and performance contexts. It explores a diverse literature which includes issues about psychological skills, developing interventions, research methodology, and social and cognitive factors related to performance and well-being.

Students will learn about the theoretical and practical values and limitations inherent in assessing fitness, and of the methods and outcomes of training to enhance components of fitness. Student will learn how to perform reliable fitness tests, how to interpret their results and develop an understanding of the limitations of test methods. We will also review the rationale for, and the design and management of, training programmes to develop different components of fitness that are tailored to produce sport- and health-specific outcomes.

A good strength and conditioning (S&C) coach can take someone from where they are to where they want to be. This module aims to develop your understanding and application of how strength and conditioning can be used in the development process. You will explore different approaches to planning training over a season, look at how to vary and monitor training volume, as well as the indicators of and consequences of overtraining. In addition, you will explore the concept of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), administer and take part in a variety of hands on practical sessions.

After natural talent and adequate training, the role of the diet is crucial for athletic success. Whether optimising training adaptations, enhancing performance or altering body composition, correct dietary intake is essential for achieving these goals. This module will explore macronutrient requirements for athletes across a variety of performance types (endurance, strength, power) with particular reference to evidence-based guidelines and published literature. Furthermore, the role of ergogenic aids in enhancing performance and supporting athlete health will be discussed. The module will take the theoretical underpinnings relating to ergogenic aids and apply these in a laboratory environment, offering a hands-on opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of certain supplements. The programme will develop understanding in applied dietary strategies to advance the athletes' performance, whilst appreciate the nuance’s with translating scientific, evidence-based literature into real-life food intake. The module will afford opportunities to engage with cutting-edge scientific literature, whilst consider the key issues in designing, implementing and analysing performance nutrition research. A variety of key skills and knowledge will be developed throughout the module, including the advancement of scientific knowledge, understanding and use of research, problem solving, understanding the delivery environment and communication. The module will include a number of approaches to learning, including lectures, laboratory practical’s group work and self-directed learning.

This module is for those who think they might like to be self-employed or start their own business. Many graduates with a degree in sports science or rehabilitation take this route but are unaware of the pitfalls that are associated with it. This module is designed to enable you to succeed in business. This module is based around skills and knowledge and explores the nuts and bolts of having your own business, learning how to sell and promote your ideas. You will get the opportunity to meet business professionals who are making a successful career in your area.

This module adopts an applied focus to examine how performance analysis and skill acquisition concepts can be integrated into and support the coaching process. Employing a hybrid approach, you will be introduced to a range of performance analysis and skill acquisition principles, before applying these in practice to effectively quantify and analyse performance, and inform and reflect on coaching practice. You are tasked with quantifying physical, technical, and tactical aspects of performance in order to facilitate athlete and team development. You will also develop your skills to capture real-time data during performance and enhance your knowledge and understanding of how one might adjust the coaching practice accordingly depending on the desired output/aims for that session. You will develop the necessary skills to feedback and communicate effectively with key stakeholders in the coaching process, from athletes and coaches to the wider sports science team.

In this dynamic module, you will delve into the critical role of digital literacy in the sports industry, acknowledging the escalating importance of technology in shaping the future of sport, exercise, and health. The curriculum is designed to equip you with the necessary digital competencies to thrive in a technologically advanced sports environment.