MSci (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Why study this subject?

On this course, you’ll learn in state-of-the-art facilities, develop a critical understanding of the principles underpinning sport and exercise science and learn 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.

This course has been designed so you’ll learn the foundations of sport and exercise science, as well as having the opportunity to practically apply your new knowledge and skills in professional environments, supporting professional athletes currently at the top of their game.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our teaching staff are actively engaged in professional practice meaning we’re constantly strengthening relationships with high-performance sports organisations who provide our students with even more opportunity to learn.

We’re currently linked with Watford FC, Wycombe Wanderers, Reading Ladies WSL and academy teams, Amateur Swimming Association, British Rowing, GB para-athletes and many community level sports clubs, athletes and local schools.

Not only is our MSci Sport and Exercise Science course endorsed by the British Association of Sport & Exercise Science, but as a student with us you’ll also have the opportunity to sit the CIMPSA accredited gym instructor and exercise referral qualifications.

The impressive relationships we have with accrediting bodies and local and national organisations means you’ll be set-up perfectly to apply for jobs within gyms, leisure facilities and health clubs both to support you whilst you study with us and once you’ve graduated.

What facilities can I use?

During your degree, you’ll spend a considerable amount of time using our Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre which has an indoor three-lane running track that incorporates 3D motion-capture technology. This facility helps to enhance athletes’ performance through improved technique, and also assists with injury prevention and rehabilitation.

The Human Performance laboratory is also equipped for assessing a range of physiological, biomechanical and psychological parameters.

You’ll have the opportunity to use our state-of-the-art observation lab to engage in the measurement of psycho-physiological responses using Biopac©. You’ll be able to measure the activity of the cardiovascular system, brain, autonomic nervous system and more. You’ll also have access to Tobii eye tracking equipment and HTC Vive, a virtual reality software, meaning you can push the boundaries and get creative with your research ideas!

Additionally, the university has a commercially run sports hall and fitness centre meaning you’ll have the opportunity to learn within a real working environment.

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

We’ll also sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!

What will I study?

In your first three years of this programme, you’ll focus on learning the key areas of sport and exercise science, covering areas like health physiology, biomechanics, sport nutrition performance analysis, human anatomy and data analysis.

In your final year you’ll spend part of the time applying the skills you’ve developed in professional practice, by providing sport and exercise science support to athletes. You’ll learn how to work in an interdisciplinary team, developing the skills to grasp information provided from support members from all sub-disciplines to optimise athletic performance.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Our MSci Sport and Exercise Science degree is endorsed by the British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences and combines underlying scientific principles and highly practical skills from the sport science disciplines.

We combine principles from classic disciplines like physiology, biomechanics and sports psychology with skills from contemporary ones like strength and conditioning, sports coaching, performance analysis and nutrition.

The way we’ve designed this programme to combine such a broad combination of subject areas means you’ll graduate with a holistic understanding of what it takes to prepare for a career within the field of Sport and Exercise Science.

You’ll be taught by our incredible teaching team through lectures, practical sessions, seminars and workshops and assessed through presentations, portfolio assessments, viva, practical assessments and written work.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.