Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)

About the course

This is a multifaceted degree concerned with the study and application of scientific aspects of sport and exercise such as:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Exercise biochemistry
• Biomechanics
• Nutrition
• Psychology

Our Sports and Exercise Science degree gives you the knowledge on how to improve the sporting performance of individuals and teams. In addition you focus on the role of exercise in improving individual health and well-being.

There is an equal focus on theory and its application in sport, exercise and health contexts. You learn about the theory and processes underlying sport and exercise performance and how to implement appropriate intervention.

A key feature of our Sports and Exercise Science degree is that you learn the theoretical aspects through continuous sport and exercise practical classes in our state-of-the-art facilities and applied research.

We also offer you in your second year the option to choose a specific pathway and tailor your degree to your own interests and future career. There are two pathways:

• Sport and Exercise Science (Performance) which focuses on the sports performance of individuals and teams
• Sport and Exercise Science(Health) which focuses on the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals

Alternatively, you can follow a programme which leads to a Sport and Exercise Science degree classification.

These options therefore permit flexibility in the career path that students choose, and also reflect the increasing range of vocational opportunities becoming available to graduates.

You can also study for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) fitness instructor's course, which can help you gain valuable work experience in a gym while you are studying.

At the end of the second year you have the opportunity to take a work placement year in the UK or abroad. It's not compulsory but if you choose to spend a year on placement, dedicated staff helps you find the appropriate placement in which to develop and build on your existing skills.

Besides completing significant levels of practical work in our labs each year, many of our students are actively involved alongside staff in these activities gaining valuable analytical, practical and personal skills which re-enforce their learning and significantly add value to their employability prospects.

Some examples are:

• Ongoing arrangement with the sports nutrition manufacturer Hi-5 to test the effectiveness of their products on endurance performance.
• Support work for world-champion triathletes, cyclists, polar explorers, golfers, English National Ballet dancers 
• Current research programmes that relate to the psychological benefits of dog-walking, professional practice in sport psychology

In addition to lab skills, our students develop many other practical skills which are useful for future employment such as presentation skills, communication skills, self-reflection, and group working skills.

All students on the Sports and Exercise Science degree get the opportunity to complete:

• A certificated Emergency First Aid at Work course
• A Certified Fitness Instructor course 
• A Personal Training Certificate (a REP's level 3 qualification)
• ACSM Health Fitness Specialist course

Why choose this course?

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the key aspects such as physiology, anatomy, psychology, biomechanics, sports performance, biochemistry and nutrition
• Study theoretical aspects of sport and exercise and apply your knowledge through practical classes and applied research
• Practice in our four dedicated sport science and therapy laboratories equipped with a range of treadmills, cycle ergometers and rowing machines.
• Recently awarded laboratory accreditation with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) - an industry 'Gold-Standard'.
• Choose between two defined pathways: Sport and Exercise Science (Performance) pathway or a Sport and Exercise Science (Health) pathway

Study routes

• Sandwich, 4 Years
• Part Time, 5 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Our graduates progress to a wide range of careers which reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the degree programme.

Job titles of recent graduates include:

Community Rugby Coach, Sports Lecturer, Police Officer, NHS Trainee Cardiac Physiologist, Special Needs Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Fire Brigade Fitness Advisor, Health and Fitness Coach, IT Support Officer, Learning Support Assistant, PE Technician, Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor, Pharmaceutical Production Technician, Sport Science Support Officer, Lecturer in Sport Science in Further Education, Physiotherapy Assistant, Fitness Instructor, Recreation Assistant, Swimming Coach, Lifestyle Consultant, and Mental Health Physical Activity and Nutrition Advisor.

Examples of recent employers are the NHS, the English Institute of Sport, Lucozade Sport, and Mind.

Teaching methods

Our staff have high level of expertise and experience, with many of them accredited/chartered with professional organisations such as the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences - BASES, and the British Psychological Society - BPS.

BASES is a nationally recognised achievement, whereby the standards of operation, physiological testing, and laboratory management are assessed in relation to recognised clinical criteria and quality control. This successful accreditation is proof of our staff demonstrating high standards in operation.

Staff are also research and/or consultancy active ensuring that they remain at the forefront of developing their respective specialism and that our students are entwined in historical and contemporary debate and investigation.

Our students typically spend 8 hours a week in lectures, and 8 hours a week in practical laboratory sessions, workshops, or seminars. Practical work is an important and significant element of the Sports and Exercise Science degree, and the high levels of competence and independence demonstrated by our students in the laboratory enables them to become 'thinkers' and 'doers'.

Most modules are assessed by 50% coursework and 50% examination. The type of coursework is varied, depending on the module and includes essays, reports, practical write-ups, posters and seminar presentations.

Our laboratories boast an enviable range of performance testing equipment (e.g. Metalaysers for VO2 max testing; blood taking facilities and blood analysers to measure blood lactate and cholesterol; running treadmills; cycling and rowing ergometers; Dynamometers, Anthropometric equipment; weight-lifting equipment, and even an indoor putting green for psychological and biomechanical analysis).

Throughout your time at the University you work closely with a personal tutor in order to help develop academic, personal, and vocational skills. This work is supported by the University intranet (Studynet) which provides a location for lecture notes, study guides, assessment details, example exam papers, and discussion forums amongst other things.

You also have 24-hour access (during term-time) to two outstanding learning resources centres.

Work Placement

Our Sport and Exercise Science students are increasingly finding work experience during their time at the University. This is either taken during their third year as a sandwich placement, over the summer holidays or part time while students are studying.

The placement may involve working in a specialised area such as Sport and Exercise Psychology, Nutrition, Exercise Physiology or related areas such as Physiotherapy. It not only gives you an excellent experience of working life but traditionally students who take a placement year achieve higher academic grades and have better job prospects.

Recent work placements have been completed at Watford Football Club, West Ham Football Club, and the Cambridge University genetics laboratory. Some students have gone even further afield to Australia and completed work experience at Brisbane Hospital and with the 'Flying Doctors'

" My time on the 'Outreach' programme that specifically looked at the diagnostics of cardiovascular disease (CVD) relates greatly to my third year project and has given me a broader knowledge and understanding of the identification and diagnosis of CVD apart from treatment and rehabilitation. it has definitely opened my eyes to possibilities in the health and exercise prescription industry. I thoroughly enjoyed the department I was in and identifying cardiac arrhythmias and treatment of CVD and heart arrhythmias." Danielle West, Sport and Exercise Science final year student

"I would suggest to anyone without doubt to undertake a placement year if the opportunity is available to them. The year away not only help me professionally for my career but personally as I got a 'real' taste of the working world." Michael Cooper, BSc(Hons) Sport and Exercise Science final year student

View Monte Colombo's student profile

View Danielle West's student profile

View Michael Cooper's student profile

Professional Accreditations

BASES Accreditation

This is a nationally recognised achievement, whereby the standards of operation, physiological testing, and laboratory management are assessed in relation to recognised clinical criteria and quality control. This successful accreditation is proof of our staff demonstrating high standards in operation.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

  Psychology is increasingly seen as an important aspect in sport and exercise participation, and as such it plays an integral part in the programme in Sport and Exercise Science. The module introduces students to the field of sport and exercise psychology by defining the nature and scope of the field as well as identifying the fundamental principles that underpin cognition, emotion and behaviour in sport, exercise and physical activity settings. The first part of the module will cover some of the core topics and underlying theories relevant to sport psychology: arousal, stress and anxiety, confidence, team dynamics, motivation, and an introduction to counselling skills. The second part of the module will cover some of the core topics and underlying theories relevant to exercise psychology: exercise determinants and barriers, exercise efficacy, and models of exercise behaviour change.

• Foundations of Nutrition

  This module introduces students to basic components of human nutrition and health. The module involves the study of humsn digestion and absorbtion, as well as the underpinning knowledge of the key macro and micro nutrients in the diet. An introduction to basic metabolism and hormonal control is also covered.

• Personal Transferable Skills 1 - Sports

  Students will complete assignments, within their discipline of choice, that include opportunities for development of their personal transferable skills. They will reflect on their development with the assistance of a personal tutor and will produce a portfolio of evidence based on the set assignments and wider experience such as from the work place or other areas of responsibility. Skills assessed are: autonomy - taking responsibility for themselves (A), group working (GW), oral and written communication (COM), information management (IM), problem solving (PS), numeracy (NUM), self evaluation and reflective practice (SERP)

• Study & Research Methods

  This module primarily provides an introduction to the academic and communication skills that students will require to become effective learners in Higher Education. It has also been designed to give students an introduction to the LRC and IT. It is concerned with the acquisition of fundamental academic skills, awareness of basic research methods, data analysis and presentation, approaches to reading appropriate source material and academic standards of referencing. It will involve the use of journal searches linked to academic writing. Sport/exercise related research will be examined with the help of study skills including written and oral communication of issues. Applied mathematics related to the study of sport/exercise and application of computer software packages linked to basic statistics will also be studied. Overall, this module provides the foundations which will be built upon at later stages in order for students to develop into effective and reflective learners.

• Foundations of Human Physiology

  Foundations of Human Physiology will provide students with an introduction to human physiology applied particularly to sport and exercise. In particular, this module will involve fundamentals of structure, function and biochemistry from cellular, to tissue,organ, and organism levels. A basic understanding of muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems will be developed.There will some coverage of applied sporting topics of relevance to physiology, such as the principles of training and periodicity, and the design of training programmes. Practical work will used to provide additional insight into specific physiolological systems.

• Principles of Exercise Testing and Prescription

  This module follows guidelines outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). This module explores areas of exercise testing and prescription as applied to healthy and athletic populations. Theoretical content will cover the following key areas: aerobic and anaerobic training, metabolism and use of energy systems, basic physiological responses to exercise, metabolic and physiological calculations, and principles of training adaptations. Additionally aspects of strength, speed, power, flexibility, agility, body composition, and exercise testing (including screening, and risk stratification) will be explored. Practical work associated with this module will include: laboratory health and safety; first aid; measurement error; sub-maximal exercise testing; strength, speed and power assessment; body composition;flexibility assessment; and problem-based learning relating to design of training programmes and metabolic calculations.

• Anatomy and Biomechanics

  The module has been designed to give students an introduction to human anatomy and biomechanics, relating to structures, properties and functions of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscle in relation to the physical laws which govern human movement. The axial and appendicular skeleton will be studied in regard to joint type and associated movements, while the skeletal muscle system will be analysed in terms of the origins and insertions of selected muscles and the movement they produce. Human movement will be studied in terms of the basic variables and units associated with concepts in linear kinematics and kinetics, including calculations and quantification of human movement. Measurements of human movement (goniometry), muscle mechanics and human stability/mobility will be explored, while biomechanics and injury will be introduced.

• Foundations of Human Physiology

  Foundations of Human Physiology will provide students with an introduction to human physiology applied to sport and exercise. In particular, this module will involve fundamentals of structure, function and biochemistry from cellular, to tissue, organ, and organism levels. A basic understanding of muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems will be developed. There will some coverage of applied sporting topics of relevance to physiology, such as the principles of training and periodicity, and the design of training programmes. Practical work will used to provide additional insight into specific physiological systems. Practical work will include instruction in the use of physiological interfaces, transducers, and recording and analytical software, basic studies on the respiratory (spirometry and off-line techniques) and cardio-vascular system (ECG and blood pressure) and measurement of spinal reflexes and reaction times.

• Foundations of Exercise Training and Testing

  This module will develop the key theoretical and practical skills essential for sport and exercise scientists. The module centres around the conceptual exploration of responses and adaptations to aerobic exercise, as well as activities involving strength, speed, flexibility and power. The module also introduces students to the basic principles of energy systems and metabolic pathways pertinent to exercise training. Through the awareness of key concepts of training principles, this module additionally aims to develop an understanding of the basic design of training programmes in line with expected physiological adaptations. It also aims to develop essential practical skills in undertaking a basic fitness assessment, including heart rate, blood pressure, body composition and submaximal exercise evaluation.

• Foundations of Nutrition

  This module introduces students to basic components of human nutrition, with applications to sport, health and exercise. The module involves the study of human digestion and absorption, including aspects of endocrine control of metabolism. There is also an introduction to essential themes underlying dietary macro- and micro-nutrients, and explores basic applications of nutrition pertinent to dietary assessment and problem-based learning scenarios.

• Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology

  The module introduces students to the field of sport and exercise psychology by defining the nature and scope of the field as well as identifying the fundamental principles that underpin cognition, emotion and behaviour in sport, exercise and physical activity settings. The module will cover some of the core topics and underlying theories relevant to sport psychology: e.g. arousal, stress and anxiety, confidence, and motivation. Also, the module will cover some of the core topics and underlying theories relevant to exercise psychology: e.g. exercise determinants and barriers, mental health, and models of exercise behaviour change. The module will also introduce reflective practice, counselling skills, and processes relating to professional practice.

• Foundations of Anatomy and Biomechanics

  The module provides an introduction to human anatomy and biomechanics, relating to structures, properties and functions of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscle, in relation to the mechanical principles which govern human movement. The axial and appendicular skeleton will be studied in regard to joint type and associated movements, while the skeletal muscle system will be investigated in terms of the origins and insertions of selected muscles and the movement they produce. Human movement will be studied in terms of the basic variables and units associated with concepts in both linear and angular kinematics and kinetics, including calculations and quantification of human movement.

• Graduate and Professional Skills 1: Sport & Exercise Science

  Students will complete assignments, within their discipline of choice, that include opportunities for development of their transferable graduate and professional skills. They will reflect on their development with the assistance of a personal tutor and will produce a portfolio of evidence based on the set assignments and wider experience such as from the work place or other areas of responsibility. Skills assessed are: autonomy - taking responsibility for themselves (A), group working (GW), oral and written communication (COM), information management (IM), problem solving (PS), numeracy (NUM), self-evaluation and reflective practice (SERP). Students will also document their continued professional development, such as the gaining of additional qualifications, work experience or attendance at external events such as conferences or workshops

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Applied Testing and Training in Sport and Exercise

  This module builds on previous study within the course and involves an examination of the exercise physiology assessment processes and conditioning practices with reference to relevant supporting theory and literature. It aims to develop applied knowledge and experience of testing in different environments through the undertaking a series of assessments which will improve the students theoretical understanding and practical application of testing and training the performer. This module is designed to introduce the Level 5 sport and exercise science student to a range of relevant themes that can supplement other knowledge from the course and inform the exercise professional when working with a client.

• Applied Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity

  This module follows on from theoretical and practical aspects of human nutrition introduced at level 4, with a focus on how nutrition can be beneficial for health and aspects of physical activity. The module involves a deeper exploration of the physiological processes of human digestion, absorption and metabolism, with reference to the macro-nutrients in particular. Additionally, implications of hormonal and enzymatic regulation of metabolic pathways under different conditions will be explored. The module also aims to introduce topics pertinent to the scientific evaluation of the beneficial effects of nutrition on human health and physical activity. Students undertaking this module will also develop key skills pertinent to case study evaluation, reflective practice and nutritional programme implementation.

• Exercise Physiology

  Cardiovascular aspects of exercise, blood pressure and haemodynamic response at rest and exercise, exercise and cardiovascular disease. Respiratory aspects of exercise: haemoglobin and respiratory variables, acid balance and asthma. Basic laboratory testing in athletes and metabolic responses to training. The endocrine system during exercise, exercise-induced endocrine secretions/catecholamine response. Endocrinology-fluid balance. The immune system and exercise. Fatigue and exhaustion; de-training and the human body. The effect of exercise in different environmental conditions and on different populations such as ageing; energy supply and systems.

• Applied Biomechanics

  Application of the mechanical principles involved in human movement during sport and exercise will be studied. This includes the role of biomechanics in relation to human gait analysis, objects in flight, aetiology of sporting injury and design of sporting equipment. Practical experience will be gained in how to record and analyse human movement using video and electromyography capture and analysis.

• Research Design

  In this module students will explore the principles and methods that underpin scientific research in sport and exercise science and sports therapy. The module will enable students to comprehend, critique, and effectively utilise existing scientific research in their studies and professional practice, either as sport and exercise scientists or sport therapists. The knowledge gained will also provide a foundation upon which to design and develop an appropriate research proposal in order to successfully complete the final year project.

• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

  This module is designed to further develop understanding of the psychology of sport, exercise and physical activity behaviour. In the sport psychology component of the module students will be taught the underlying principles of multi-dimensional anxiety and performance, reversal theory, catastrophe theory, psychological skills training, including goal-setting, imagery, self-talk and relaxation. The exercise and health component of the module will focus on the application of theoretical models of behaviour change to exercise motivation and adherence in a health context. In addition, the usefulness of different behavioural change strategies to promote exercise participation and adherence in various population groups will be addressed.

• Graduate and Professional Skills 2: Sport & Exercise Science

  Students will complete assignments, within their discipline of choice, that include opportunities for development of their transferable graduate and professional skills. They will reflect on their development with the assistance of a personal tutor and will produce a portfolio of evidence based on the set assignments and wider experience such as from the work place or other areas of responsibility. Skills assessed are: autonomy - taking responsibility for themselves (A), group working (GW), oral and written communication (COM), information management (IM), problem solving (PS), numeracy (NUM), self-evaluation and reflective practice (SERP). Students will also document their continued professional development, such as the gaining of additional qualifications, work experience or attendance at external events such as conferences or workshops.

Optional

Year 4

Core Modules

• Project - Sport and Exercise Science

  The project is intended to offer the student the widest possible scope, within controlled parameters, to record a topic beyond the constraints of usual coursework and examinations. Guidelines on the planning, execution and presentation of projects will be given to all students before the start of level 3 study. These will be backed up by workshops on relevant issues in the projects, such as structuring and writing a literature review and collection and interpretation of data (including statistics). Students will have an individual supervisor to guide them through the project process, with regular contact between student and supervisor required.

Optional

• Work Experience in Sport, Health and Exercise

  This module aims to provide opportunities for the student to transfer academic and vocational learning into a work-related setting, and vice versa to bring work-place skills and issues into the academic and vocational learning environment. Thus, the module should help to develop good evidence based working practices, and enhance associated knowledge and skills, with a view to improving both student employability and critical reflective practice.

• Advanced Exercise Psychology

  The module aims to extend year 2 by demonstrating how the integration of alternative theoretical perspectives might influence practice with regard to specific populations. In particular, there is increasing research evidence that exercise and physical activity might be effective in terms of enhancing psychological health and well-being in different populations. Therefore, the module will examine the relationships between exercise, physical activity, and various indices of psychological health and well-being across various populations. Appropriate theory and literature will be used to explore potential mechanisms of change. Students will study: Effects of exercise on well-being: research design and measurement issues Motivation, and behaviour change, in physical activity contexts Psychology of chronic mental illness Approaches to exercise and physical activity behaviour counselling

• Advanced Sport Psychology

  This module is designed to develop a critical understanding of theories of sport psychology introduced at level two. In addition, the module has a strong applied element whereby students are made aware of how to effectively deliver such theories so that athletic performance is improved. There is a particular emphasis in this module on the importance of managing the athlete/sport psychologist interaction effectively. Students will cover a number of areas, including framework for consultancy, models of applied sport psychology, athlete assessment, implementation and evaluation of psychological skills programmes, career termination and working with young athletes.

• Sport and Exercise Nutrition

  Sports nutrition integrates the fields of applied biochemistry, exercise physiology, nutritional and ergogenic aids. The importance of nutrition and ergogenic aids specific to enhancing sports and exercise performance will be demonstrated. This will be implemented through lectures in the areas of: macro and micronutrient requirements; carbohydrates pre, during and post exercise; fluid replacement and electrolyte strategies; importance of proteins to performance; fats for performance; blood alkaliners; diet for the immune system; ergogenic aids including creatine and glutamine.

• Biomedical Implications of Exercise

  Exercise and the disease state: the role of exercise both as a prophylactic and causative factor in various cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. More specifically, topics such as the coronary heart disease, haemostasis, dyslipidaemia, sudden cardiac death, obesity, metabolic syndrome diabetes. Furthermore, the role of rehabilitation, regular exercise and increased activity will be addressed with particular emphasis on the above related disease. The role of activity and exercise in the promoting health in diverse groups and conditions such as the elderly, mental health, pregnancy and HIV/AIDS will be covered. In addition, the implementation of exercise prescription in the general population will be examined in the context of health initiatives.

• Integrative Physiology

  The physical characteristics of a range of environmental situations and the physiological responses to these, with particular reference to exercise in these conditions; hypobaric (diving) and hyperbaric (high altitude and simulated) environments, hypobaric strategies for the enhancement of performance, hot, cold, high and low humidity environments. Space and aviation physiology. Body rhythms and chronobiology, and influences on performance. Limitations of performance, genetic and ethnic influences on performance. Human ageing and the master athlete, the young athlete, physiological and bio-chemical aspects of detraining. Drugs in sport: physiological mechanisms, detrimental effects.

• Strength and Conditioning

  This module has been designed to allow students to further develop skills related to optimisation of human physical performance. It will involve the screening, monitoring and development of factors that impact on helping or hindering human physical performance. The module aims to look at the scientific rationale behind strength and conditioning practices and help students critique common training modalities, with the aim of developing their own practical skills, supported by a strong scientific rationale. In particular programme periodisation and recovery/injury prevention will be covered, as well as looking at the training modalities which make up concepts in human performance such as strength, power, speed, endurance and flexibility.

Year 5

Core Modules

Optional

• Work Experience in Sport, Health and Exercise

  This module aims to provide opportunities for the student to transfer academic and vocational learning into a work-related setting, and vice versa to bring work-place skills and issues into the academic and vocational learning environment. Thus, the module should help to develop good evidence based working practices, and enhance associated knowledge and skills, with a view to improving both student employability and critical reflective practice.

• Advanced Exercise Psychology

  The module aims to extend year 2 by demonstrating how the integration of alternative theoretical perspectives might influence practice with regard to specific populations. In particular, there is increasing research evidence that exercise and physical activity might be effective in terms of enhancing psychological health and well-being in different populations. Therefore, the module will examine the relationships between exercise, physical activity, and various indices of psychological health and well-being across various populations. Appropriate theory and literature will be used to explore potential mechanisms of change. Students will study: Effects of exercise on well-being: research design and measurement issues Motivation, and behaviour change, in physical activity contexts Psychology of chronic mental illness Approaches to exercise and physical activity behaviour counselling

• Advanced Sport Psychology

  This module is designed to develop a critical understanding of theories of sport psychology introduced at level two. In addition, the module has a strong applied element whereby students are made aware of how to effectively deliver such theories so that athletic performance is improved. There is a particular emphasis in this module on the importance of managing the athlete/sport psychologist interaction effectively. Students will cover a number of areas, including framework for consultancy, models of applied sport psychology, athlete assessment, implementation and evaluation of psychological skills programmes, career termination and working with young athletes.

• Sport and Exercise Nutrition

  Sports nutrition integrates the fields of applied biochemistry, exercise physiology, nutritional and ergogenic aids. The importance of nutrition and ergogenic aids specific to enhancing sports and exercise performance will be demonstrated. This will be implemented through lectures in the areas of: macro and micronutrient requirements; carbohydrates pre, during and post exercise; fluid replacement and electrolyte strategies; importance of proteins to performance; fats for performance; blood alkaliners; diet for the immune system; ergogenic aids including creatine and glutamine.

• Biomedical Implications of Exercise

  Exercise and the disease state: the role of exercise both as a prophylactic and causative factor in various cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. More specifically, topics such as the coronary heart disease, haemostasis, dyslipidaemia, sudden cardiac death, obesity, metabolic syndrome diabetes. Furthermore, the role of rehabilitation, regular exercise and increased activity will be addressed with particular emphasis on the above related disease. The role of activity and exercise in the promoting health in diverse groups and conditions such as the elderly, mental health, pregnancy and HIV/AIDS will be covered. In addition, the implementation of exercise prescription in the general population will be examined in the context of health initiatives.

• Integrative Physiology

  The physical characteristics of a range of environmental situations and the physiological responses to these, with particular reference to exercise in these conditions; hypobaric (diving) and hyperbaric (high altitude and simulated) environments, hypobaric strategies for the enhancement of performance, hot, cold, high and low humidity environments. Space and aviation physiology. Body rhythms and chronobiology, and influences on performance. Limitations of performance, genetic and ethnic influences on performance. Human ageing and the master athlete, the young athlete, physiological and bio-chemical aspects of detraining. Drugs in sport: physiological mechanisms, detrimental effects.

• Project - Sport and Exercise Science

  The project is intended to offer the student the widest possible scope, within controlled parameters, to record a topic beyond the constraints of usual coursework and examinations. Guidelines on the planning, execution and presentation of projects will be given to all students before the start of level 3 study. These will be backed up by workshops on relevant issues in the projects, such as structuring and writing a literature review and collection and interpretation of data (including statistics). Students will have an individual supervisor to guide them through the project process, with regular contact between student and supervisor required.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply