school of sport and exercise sciences undergraduate degrees

SCHOOL OF SPORT AND EXERCISESCIENCESMedway

The UK’s European university

Undergraduatestudy

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ANDINSPIRATIONAL TEACHING

Kent is one of the UK’sleading universities,ranked 16th in TheGuardian UniversityGuide 2016. In theResearch ExcellenceFramework (REF) 2014,Kent is ranked 17th*

for research intensity,outperforming 11 of the 24Russell Group universities.

Inspirational teachingThe School of Sport and ExerciseSciences’ programmes are highlyrated by our students. Taught bylecturers at the forefront of the field,our programmes will stimulate andchallenge you, and give you theopportunity to gain practicalexperience.

We use a range of teachingmethods from traditional lectures,laboratories and clinics to moreinnovative approaches such asprofessional placements, real-lifescenarios and problem-basedlearning which, with support andencouragement from staff, allowyou to assess real-life situationsand devise your own solutions.

World-leading researchBased on our results in the ResearchExcellence Framework (REF) 2014,research in the School was rankedin the top 20 for research intensityin the Times Higher Education.Lecturers in the School are involvedin exciting research, giving you the

chance to study with some of themost influential thinkers in this field.We are currently undertaking majorresearch projects for organisationssuch as the Rugby Football Union,British Cycling, NHS foundationtrusts, UEFA, the World Anti-DopingAgency, the Ministry of Defence, theEnglish Institute of Sport, Team Skyand UK Sport. We have two majorresearch groups; the EnduranceResearch Group, and the SportsTherapy, Physical Activity and HealthResearch Group. Our areas ofresearch range widely and includesports training and performancefatigue, hamstring injuries, sportpsychology, tissue repair andrehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation,and analysis of media coverage ofOlympic and Paralympic athletes.

A global outlookKent, known as the UK’s Europeanuniversity, acts as a gateway toEurope for students from the UKand across the world, and hasinternational partnerships with anumber of prestigious institutions.

We have an international communityon campus, with 41% of Kent’sacademics coming from outside ofthe UK and students representing149 nationalities. All of our studentsare encouraged to develop theirstudies in an international contextand there are opportunities to studyor work abroad.

State-of-the-art facilitiesThe School of Sport and ExerciseSciences is part of a vibrant,modern and metropolitan campuswith excellent purpose-built facilitiesincluding sport and exercisescience laboratories, teaching andstudent clinics, and a rehabilitationgymnasium. A recent investment of£850,000 was made as an addition

School of Sport and Exercise Sciences

DID YOU KNOW?The School of Sport andExercise Sciences is ranked14th in both the The GuardianUniversity Guide 2016 andThe Complete UniversityGuide 2016.*of 122 universities, not including

specialist institutions

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addition, the School has a dedicatedstudent support officer to assist youwith any issues, academic orotherwise, that may occur duringyour studies.

Professional accreditationGraduates of our Sport and ExerciseScience and Sport and Exercise forHealth programmes may be eligibleto apply for The Register of ExerciseProfessionals accreditation and havethe option to take an examination forthe American College of SportsMedicine Health Fitness Instructorqualification.

Sports Therapy graduates areeligible to apply for accreditationand full membership of the Societyof Sports Therapists. As well asproviding a first-rate academic

experience, we want you to bein a good position to face thedemands of a competitiveemployment market.

A successful future Whether you want to work with eliteathletes, promote sport and exerciseto the public, manage a big sportsevent or sports centre, or helpathletes to recover from injury, ourprogrammes can launch youon a first-class career in the areaof your choice. Our graduates haveexcellent employment prospects.We ensure you have the transferableskills you might need. For moreinformation on the careers help weprovide at Kent, please go to p10or visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability

to the £11 million project developingMedway Park, the region’s centre ofsporting excellence. These includea sports therapy clinic, a rangeof sport and exercise sciencelaboratories, rehabilitation gym andone of the best ranges of state-of-the-art sports science equipment inthe country. The facilities at MedwayPark were specified to the higheststandards in order to supportathletes at pre-Olympic trainingcamps and to enable world-leadingresearch. See p6 for more details ofthe specialist facilities on offer.

Supportive academiccommunityWe have a dynamic, enthusiasticand innovative academic team. Allour staff are available to advise andguide you through your studies. In

www.kent.ac.uk/sportsciences

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SUPERB STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Our modern, sharedcampus at Medwayprovides a stunninglocation for your studies.As well as outstandingteaching and learningfacilities, the campus also has a real sense ofcommunity.

Good locationThe Medway campus is near TheHistoric Dockyard, Chatham, whichwas built at the start of the 20thcentury. The campus has cafés, astudent pub and Essentials, a shopwhich includes a mini off-licence.Five minutes’ walk from campus, theDockside retail outlet offers a rangeof shops and restaurants.

Nearby is the town of Rochesterwith its stunning Cathedral, whichis the venue for Kent’s degreecongregations. Bluewater shoppingcentre is within easy drivingdistance and there are also goodbus and train links. There is also afree hourly shuttle bus between theMedway and Canterbury campusrunning during term time from 8amto midnight.

The Medway campus is quick andeasy to reach from central London.Travel to London from stations atGillingham or Chatham takes about50 minutes. There is a high-speedtrain to London St Pancras fromnearby Ebbsfleet International thattakes under 20 minutes. You cantake the Eurostar from Ebbsfleetand be in Paris in just over twohours.

Excellent study resourcesThe general resources on campusare excellent. The £8 million Drill HallLibrary is well stocked with printedbooks, journals and electronicinformation. You have access to arange of study support servicessuch as IT support, library supportand public PCs and printers.

Kent’s Student Learning AdvisoryService (SLAS) also providesinformation and advice on allaspects of effective learning andstudy skills, and is available to allstudents from the time they arriveat the University. Please seewww.kent.ac.uk/learning formore information.

Diverse environmentOur students come from a varietyof backgrounds. There are alwaysa number of mature students withwork experience, as well as anincreasing number of students

from overseas. This mix means younot only learn from your lecturers,but from the experiences of yourpeers.

Live by the riversideIf you join Kent as a full-timestudent, you could be living in anattractive new ‘waterside village’on the banks of the River Medway.These popular student flats havemodern kitchens and en-suitebedrooms. The development has itsown social area, convenience storeand fast food outlets.

5www.kent.ac.uk/sportsciences

DID YOU KNOW?In the National StudentSurvey (NSS) 2014, theUniversity of Kent gained the3rd highest score in the UKfor student satisfaction.

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STATE-OF-THE-ART SPORTING FACILITIES

The School of Sport andExercise Sciences hascustom-built facilities oncampus and at MedwayPark.

These include two large sportstherapy clinics, two rehabilitationgyms, and several laboratorieshousing some of the latestequipment. We even have a heatand altitude environmental chamberthat can create an atmospherefound on Mount Everest or theBrazilian Jungle. For exercisetesting, the School has everythingyou’d expect and more, includingtreadmills, cycle and rowingergometers, an isokineticdynamometer, brain and musclestimulators, blood testing and gasanalysis equipment.

Professional clinicThe School has a high performancesports clinic and a professionalsports injury and rehabilitationclinic (where students can gainexperience by working with clientsunder supervision). Our clinicsoffer both imaging and treatmentultrasound, and use a professionalonline client management datasystem.

First-class equipment We are the first university in theUK to install an anti-gravity treadmillin our rehabilitation gym. Originallydeveloped by NASA to helpastronauts exercise in space,this treadmill has since proved avaluable resource for professionalathletes as they look to speed uptheir return to fitness.

Within our neuromuscular laboratorywe have equipment for transcranialmagnetic and direct currentstimulation and peripheral muscleand nerve stimulation. Thesedevices allow us to manipulate andtest areas of the muscle and brainbefore and during exercise. Onlya handful of universities in the UKhave access to such state-of-the-artequipment, and we incorporatethese facilities into ourundergraduate programmes.

Our Velotron cycle ergometer allowsus to replicate Olympic cyclingcourses or Tour de France stagesthat athletes can then cycle inlaboratory conditions, watchingtheir progress on a computerscreen.

You also have the opportunityto work with our 3D motion videoanalysis, nutritional analysis softwareand the Game Ready cryotherapysystems. This equipment is used bytop laboratories around the worldincluding NASA, Premier Leaguefootball teams and PremiershipRugby teams.

Sports facilitiesThe Medway region offers thechance for students to get involvedin major sporting activities atinternational and local level.

To enhance Medway’s sportsfacilities, Kent committed £3 milliontowards the creation of regionalcentre of sporting excellence,Medway Park. This £11 millionproject provides a multi-sport, state-of-the-art facility a short walk from


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the campus. A number of activitiesare run at Medway Park forstudents. Our students also receivediscounted rates to use the sportshalls, pools, squash courts andhealth suite and spa.

The Medway area includes a rangeof other sporting facilities, such asa dry ski slope and toboggan run,an ice rink, a go-karting circuit, anOlympic-standard trampoline centreand a number of sports and leisurecentres. The Deangate Ridge SportsComplex has an 18-hole golfcourse, athletics track and gym, andthe Arethusa Venture Centre offersa climbing wall and sailing activities.Some of our past and currentstudents compete at the highestlevel of sport, in basketball,women’s premiership football,

British Paralympic skiing, BritishLions snooker and county cricketfor Kent.

Student teamsSport is a great way to get involvedin student life and meet new people.Whether you are a serious athlete ora beginner, there are a number ofstudent sports teams you can getinvolved in at Kent. Available sportsinclude football, rugby, hockey,basketball, (women’s and men’s)cricket, golf, netball, tennis,canoeing, snow sports andbadminton.

Being close to the River Medway,there is an active rowing club, whichbenefits from coaching support andthe use of a boathouse from theMedway Towns Rowing Club.


“The resources are brilliant –the University has all therehab and exercise equipmentthat you need. You get a lot ofhands-on experience and learnhow to use techniques likeultrasound.”

Megan SeheultSports Therapy graduate

School of Sport and Exercise Sciences88

It’s good to be doing a piece ofacademic research, which couldhave an immediate application.

Do you need to do a Master’sfor this career?You don’t, but I would like tocontinue my studies for a bitlonger and hope to do a Master’s incardiac rehabilitation. Unfortunately,Kent doesn’t offer one at themoment, so I will look elsewhere.It’s a big decision and I haven’tmade my mind up yet.

What about Kent’s social life?I think it is good, the student baron campus has events every night,Cargo is a good place to eat andthere is a cinema just across theroad. There are lots of societies,and you can start your own – myhousemates and I started a societycalled Get Crafty. Also, if you signup to Medway Activities, they takeyou to London or Maidstone for anight out and then bring you home,you pay a small fee for three years’membership – it’s a good deal!

What advice would you give tosomebody considering studyingsport?If you love sport, go for it, whetheror not you have studied sportbefore. Work hard, even in your firstyear; it’s a good foundation for therest of the course.

Also, if you live in sharedaccommodation, create a cleaningrota! Seriously, if you have anyproblems whatsoever just talk tosomeone, everyone is always happyto help.

Natalie Wren is in herfinal year studying Sportand Exercise for Health.

Why did you choose Kent?First, I was attracted to the coursebecause it allowed me to study thescience and the therapy sides ofsport, which not many otherdegrees offered. Also, I loved thecampus when I visited and it’s nottoo far from Essex where I am from.

How is the course going?I love it – I don’t want to leave. I hada clear idea of what I wanted to doand the course is definitely living upto my expectations. It’s quite a newcourse and I quite enjoy being partof its development, it is definitelygrowing. It is a broad course witha very good practical side; I thinkstudying therapy and science couldgive me an edge, career wise.

The facilities are great too, we havelabs and therapy rooms and thelibrary is wonderful, it has a realsense of history as well as all theup-to-date technology.

Do you have a favouritemodule?Exercise, Prescription, Referraland Rehabilitation. I hope to gointo cardiac rehabilitation when Igraduate and this module is aboutdisease and how you prevent it orovercome it through exercise andlifestyle changes as well as withmedication.

What about the lecturers?They are excellent, very easy to talkto and quick to respond to emails;

there is an Open Door policy, so youcan drop in for a chat when they arein their offices or, if you prefer, youcan book a tutorial.

And your fellow students?There’s a good mix of nationalities,we all have shared interests, get onwell and are quite laid back. I amworking on creating a society for allsports students, hopefully lots of funand also some mentoring betweenthe students. It’s been quite hardwork but it would be a nice legacy.

What attracted you to a careerin cardiac rehabilitation?When I came to the Open DayI heard about it and thought itsounded interesting, I did somemore research and my interest grew.I am very lucky because one of thelecturers here, Steve Meadows, hasa lot of connections in the area andhe was able to help me get workexperience in cardiac rehabilitation.I have been working in the area atexercise classes all over Medwayfor a year now and really enjoy thework. My dissertation is also onthis subject.

Tell me about your dissertation.In the classes I work in, when apatient arrives we ask them to do awalking test to see how fit they areand then, after the classes, we testthe patient to see how much theyhave improved. My dissertationassesses how beneficial the walkingtest is, and asks whether differenttests should be used. It will have avery practical application and it willhelp the people I am doing my workexperience with – they are veryinterested in anything I find out.

STUDENT PROFILE


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A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

Kent equips you withessential skills to give youa competitive advantagewhen it comes to gettinga job. Our graduates havean excellent record infinding work or furtherstudy.

Wide-ranging career pathsSports studies graduates go into arange of careers. The most commoncareer paths for our four degreeprogrammes are described below.

Sports Therapy Sports therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers in the sports andhealthcare sector. Our SportsTherapy graduates are qualifiedto start work as professionallyaccredited sports therapists in, forexample, their own or a commercialsports injury clinic, a sports club,the English Institute of Sport, or witha professional team. Other careeropportunities include the NHS inphysical activity or health promotion,health and fitness clubs or sportsdevelopment within local authorities,or with national governing bodies ofsport. Others choose to go intoteaching by taking a postgraduateprogramme (PGCE), or lecturingand research (MSc/MPhil/PhD).

Sport and Exercise Science Career options for our Sport andExercise Science graduates include:employment as a sports scientist,for example, working within sportsscience support with elite athletes;working within the NHS (in physicalactivity, exercise referral or healthpromotion); working in health andfitness clubs, or as strength andconditioning coaches in localsports development or withnational governing bodies; workingfor community leisure centres or asa self-employed personal trainer.

Sport and ExerciseManagementSport and Exercise Managementgraduates are well suited to workin sports development for localauthorities or sports governingbodies; leisure centres, health andfitness clubs, or as a self-employedpersonal trainer. Others choose totake a postgraduate programme,leading to a career in teaching orin research.

Sport and Exercise for HealthGraduates from this programmeare equipped to work within theNHS or a local authority promotingphysical activity, exercise referralor other health promotion strategies.Other destinations might includesports development with localauthorities, national or regionalsports governing bodies; in public

or private leisure centres, healthand fitness clubs, community leisurefacilities, or self-employment as apersonal trainer. Additionally, youcan choose further study to pursuea career in teaching or research.

All programmes offer youthe chance to gain valuableprofessional experience. This couldbe a placement in the sports andleisure industry, or working withclients in our on-site clinic, or bysupporting ‘centre of excellence’athletes. Medway Park also givesyou the opportunity to study sportin a regional centre of excellence.

Gain transferable skillsToday, employers are lookingfor transferable skills such ascommunication and IT, timemanagement and problem solving.Dealing with challenging ideas,thinking critically, the ability to writewell and present your ideas are allskills you learn at Kent. This makesit possible to be successful withina wide range of careers, not justthose directly related to sports.

Careers and EmployabilityServiceKent’s award-winning Careers andEmployability Service offers adviceon how to apply for jobs, how to writea good CV and how to perform wellin interviews. It also provides up-to-date information on opportunitiesbefore and after you graduate.


Ciaran O’Grady graduatedfrom the BSc in Sport andExercise Sciences in 2014.He is currently studyingfor a Master’s in SportScience for OptimalPerformance.

What attracted you to Sport andExercise Science at Kent? I was attracted to this programmebecause it allowed me to apply mysporting activities as a racing cyclistto an academic pathway, giving methe opportunity to investigate thescience behind the sport that I love.

How were your studies? Upon starting my studies, I wasimmediately drawn to the varyingavenues of research into thephysiology of endurance cycling. Ibecame involved in several researchstudies, as both a participant andresearcher, which gave me a wealthof insight into the research process.

How was the teaching at Kent?The teaching is excellent, aidedby the research activity of the staff,which allows for great insight intothe rigours of scientific research.Lectures and seminars are welldelivered and there are plentyof opportunities for reviews andfeedback on the teaching process.

Did the course allow you topursue your own passions? The course structure allowed meto continue to pursue my cyclingambitions, with timetabledcommitments consolidated into afew days, I had the freedom to plan

GRADUATE PROFILE


a career in scientific research, wasright for me. My lecturers and mentorfostered my interest, giving meinsights and advice into how tofollow my chosen career.

In what way has your degreehelped you find work or furtherstudy? My degree has given me theopportunity to secure bothfunding for postgraduate studyand employment as a sportsscientist at a cycling performancecentre in London. My typicalworking day consists of completingphysiological testing, coachingathletes and applying sportsscience in a commercial setting.My postgraduate study is furtheringmy interest in sports science,particularly endurance physiologyand the training processes.

What are your future plans?I plan to apply to study for a PhD,with the ambition of working either inacademia or as a high-performancesports scientist for a cycling team.

What advice would you give toprospective students? Stay on top of things; have at leastone time each week where youupdate calendars, make lists forthe following week and contact thepeople you need to. Meeting withlecturers and staff is a large part ofthe learning process, and my advicewould be to ensure that yousupplement your lectures withreading and tutorials in order toensure that your learning is aseffective as it can be.

my own studies around my trainingand racing.

How would you describe yourfellow students?They had varying sporting interestsand our discussions often gave menew perspectives on situations.They were extremely supportive ofmy sporting commitments, whichsometimes prevented me fromattending social activities.

Has your course changed you? I have become very independentin my learning and I have seen myorganisational and administrativeskills develop greatly. I haveadopted a learning style that suitsme and have learnt to constantlystrive to improve by using as manysources as possible in my learning.

What about the facilities at Kent? The facilities are outstanding, fromthe high-class research labs to thebrilliant cafés and restaurants oncampus; they are well equippedand supported the student bodyspectacularly.

And the social life at Kent?As a training athlete, I did notengage in the social aspect ofuniversity life as much as others,but on the whole it was fun. Mytime at Kent was incredible, somuch so that I have continuedon into postgraduate study here.

What careers advice did youreceive at Kent? From very early on in my time at KentI realised that my ambition, to follow

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CHOOSING YOUR DEGREE

The School of Sport andExercise Sciences offersfour different degreeprogrammes. Below, wedescribe the kind of areasyou study during yourtime at Kent. For moredetails on individualmodules, see p15-21.

For all programmes, assessmentcombines written and practicalexamination with coursework.

Please note: the module lists beloware not fixed as new modules arealways in development and choicesare updated yearly. Please seewww.kent.ac.uk/ug for the mostup-to-date information.

Sports Therapy This degree programme is designedto provide you with the academic,clinical and professional skillsrequired of a professional sportstherapist. You learn to diagnose,treat and prevent sporting injuries.You also learn how to compileexercise and training programmesfor different population groups,ranging from elite athletes torecreational exercisers.

You cover topics such as sportsmassage, examination andassessment, rehabilitationtechniques and nutrition, and gainexperience within a sports therapyenvironment using the Universityfacilities at Medway Park. There is aculture of evidence-based research

at Kent so you become familiar withthe latest innovations and gainhands-on experience of usingadvanced technology.

Graduates of this degreeprogramme are professionallyaccredited by the Society ofSports Therapists.

Modules: Stage 1 • Functional Anatomy andBiomechanics

• Introduction to Fitness Testing• Introduction to Human Physiology• Introduction to Professional Skills• Introduction to Sport andExercise Nutrition

• Sports Massage

Modules: Stage 2 • Examination and Assessment• Fitness Training Methods • Rehabilitation• Research Design and Planning • Sports Injuries • Therapeutic Mobilisations

Modules: Stage 3 • Clinical Practice• Research Study in SportSciences

• Soft Tissue Techniques

You also choose options from:• Applied Nutrition for SportsPerformance

• Applied Sport and ExercisePsychology

• Exercise for Special Populations• Specialised Issues in Sport andExercise.

Sport and ExerciseScience We offer two programmes in Sportand Exercise Science, a BSc and anMSci. The BSc is completed overthree years of full-time study, whilethe MSci takes four. The MSci offersyou the opportunity to furtherenhance your knowledge andskills in sport and exercise sciencethrough an evidence-based andpractice-oriented approach tolearning. In order to progress on tothe The MSci is currently subject toapproval.

On both programmes, you study theapplication of science to issues insport, exercise and fitness. Topicsinclude anatomy, physiology, theprinciples of training, exerciseprescription, sports nutrition andsports psychology. In your thirdyear, you can specialise bychoosing modules that relate tocontemporary topics. At Stages 1and 2, all students take the samemodules. At Stage 3, the twoprogrammes diverge, with MScistudents taking a different selectionof modules than those on the BSc.

In order to progress to the MSci, youneed to achieve 60% overall by theend of Stage 3. At Stage 4, MScistudents undertake a research


DID YOU KNOW?In The Guardian UniversityGuide 2016 the Universityof Kent is ranked 16thin the UK.

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thesis, which allows them toproduce an original piece ofresearch looking at a topic ingreater depth than is possiblein a three-year programme.

You are taught by well-qualifiedpractitioners with experience ofsupporting and training a widerange of clients – everyone fromOlympic athletes to older and frailpeople. The lecturers on yourcourse are research active andinternationally recognised asexperts in their field. As such,research-informed teachingunderpins the delivery of yourcourse.

Modules: Stage 1 BSc and MSci students• Functional Anatomy • Fundamentals of HumanAnatomy and Physiology

• Introduction to Biomechanics • Introduction to Fitness Testing• Introduction to Professional Skills• Introduction to Sport andExercise Nutrition

• Introduction to Sport andExercise Psychology

Modules: Stage 2 BSc and MSci students• Applied Nutrition for SportsPerformance

• Applied Sport and ExercisePhysiology

• Fitness Training Methods• Research Methods• Research Study Preparation• Sport, Exercise and HealthPromotion

• Sport and Exercise Psychology

Modules: Stage 3BSc studentsYou take the following compulsorymodules:• Research Study in SportSciences

• Exercise Prescription, Referraland Rehabilitation

You also choose from these options:• Applied Sport and ExercisePsychology

• Contemporary Issues in Sportand Exercise Nutrition

• Exercise for Special Populations• High Performance Physiology• Specialised Issues in Sport andExercise.

MSci studentsYou take the following compulsorymodules:• Contemporary Perspectives inSport Research

• Injury Prevention

• Research Study in SportSciences

• Sport and Exercise Nutrition forthe High-Performance Athlete

You also choose from these options:• Applied Sport and ExercisePsychology

• High-Performance Physiology.

Modules: Stage 4MSci students only• Research Thesis in SportSciences

You also choose from these options:• Applied Athlete Support• Assessment and Training forOptimal Performance

• Psychology for Injury andRehabilitation

• Return to Sport.


CONTINUED OVERLEAF

CHOOSING YOUR DEGREE (CONT)

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Sport and ExerciseManagementYou gain wide-ranging knowledge inthe field of sport and exercise andalso look at important aspects ofmanagement. Topics include:training and health and exercisepromotion as well as eventsmanagement, sports marketing andgeneral management skills such ashuman resource development.In your final year, you can take aplacement within the sports industry.

Modules: Stage 1 • Introduction to Fitness Testing• Introduction to Human Physiology • Introduction to Professional Skills• Introduction to Sport andExercise Nutrition

• Sport and Exercise Psychology• Management Principles• How Sport People andOrganisations Work

• Introduction to Sports Industries(proposed)

Modules: Stage 2 • Fitness Training Methods• Human Resources Managementin Sport

• Principles of Sports Marketing• Research Design and Planning• Sport and Exercise Leadership• Sport and Exercise Promotion

Modules: Stage 3 • Individual Research Study

You also choose one of the followingmodules:• Sports Event Management• Sports Industry Placement.

You choose further options from:• Applied Sport and ExercisePsychology

• Applied Nutrition for SportsPerformance

• Exercise for Special Populations• Exercise Prescription, Referraland Rehabilitation

• Sports Event Management• Sports Industry Placement.

Sport and Exercise forHealthThis programme is for students whowish to combine their passion forsport and exercise with health-related study. This versatile degreehas optional modules in the secondand third years, so you cancustomise your programme to yourinterests or mode of assessment.You develop a range of laboratory,practical and clinical skills, givingyou an outstanding platform for acareer in sport, exercise or health.

You study areas across a rangeof disciplines including sportspsychology and nutrition. You learnhow to promote events and theissues involved in encouragingmembers of the public to bephysically active. In your final year,you conduct a research project fromspecialist options that may includeexercise referral or rehabilitation,exercise psychology, orcontemporary nutrition issues.

Modules: Stage 1 • Functional Anatomy andBiomechanics

• Fundamentals of HumanAnatomy and Physiology

• Introduction to Fitness Testing• Introduction to Professional Skills• Introduction to Sport andExercise Nutrition

• Introduction to Sport andExercise Psychology

Modules: Stage 2 • Applied Sport and ExercisePhysiology

• Exercise for Special Populations• Fitness Training Methods• Research Methods• Research Study Preparation• Sport and Exercise Promotion

You also choose options from:• Applied Nutrition for SportsPerformance

• Sport and Exercise Psychology• Sport and Exercise Leadership• Sports Injuries• Sports Massage.

Modules: Stage 3 • Exercise Prescription, Referraland Rehabilitation

• Research Study in Sport SciencesYou also choose options from:• Applied Sport and ExercisePsychology

• Contemporary Issues in Sportand Exercise Nutrition

• Soft Tissue Techniques • Sports Industry Placement • Specialised Issues in Sport andExercise.



STUDYING AT STAGE 1

During the first year offull-time study, you areable to build a thoroughfoundation in yoursubject. All the majortheoretical topics arecovered and you alsogain practical skills.

Each programme involves takingpart in practical sessions, attendinglectures, small group seminars andprivate study. For each module, youhave weekly lectures or practicalsessions and a series of seminars.You also spend time developingyour practical skills and knowledgein real-life situations.

The first half of Stage 1 is largelyassessed by coursework andthe observation of practicalassessments. In the second halfof Stage 1, most modules havewritten examinations in additionto coursework and practicalassessments.

Modules: Stage 1The combination of modules youstudy depends on your programme,see p12. The following modules arestudied at Stage 1.

Functional Anatomy This module introduces you to thestructure and function of the majorbones, joints, muscles and softtissue structures of the body. Youlearn the basic principles of humanmovement analysis.

Functional Anatomy andBiomechanicsYou cover the biomechanics ofmovement, looking specifically atmovement patterns of the lowerlimbs, upper limbs and trunkincluding joints, muscles, nervesand soft tissue structures.

Fundamentals of HumanAnatomy and PhysiologyA practitioner in sport andexercise science needs a clearunderstanding of the anatomicallocation, structure and function ofthe major systems in the humanbody. This module provides youwith the essential knowledge of themusculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary,nervous, endocrine and lymphaticsystems.

Introduction to BiomechanicsYou are introduced to the studyof biomechanics. You developa secure understanding ofmechanical principles relevant tothe study of sport and exercise.

How Sport People andOrganisations Work In this module, you identify theprinciple actors in sport acrossthe public, private and volunteersectors in the UK and develop anunderstanding of their role in sportdelivery. You also learn how sportsbodies are established andgoverned and assess the impactthey have on sport policy.

Introduction to Fitness TestingIn this module, you look at thesystematic processes involved intesting fitness. You consider theevaluation of fitness in both the

Introduction to Sport andExercise NutritionThis module provides anintroduction to the principles ofsport and exercise nutrition, fromthe macronutrients that contributeto energy metabolism, to themicronutrients that keep theindividual healthy. The foundations ofnutrition are covered: carbohydrateloading, losing and gaining weight,and fluid intake. Research evidencein the ever-changing area ofnutritional supplements isconsidered. You look at the efficacyand risks of these substances, alongwith the physiological mechanismsof performance enhancement.

Introduction to Sport andExercise PsychologyHow do people respond and adaptto sport and exercise? This modulelooks at performance monitoringand analysis, and ways to promotelong-term exercise in order tobenefit health. Lectures andseminars examine the complexinteractions between the mind, thebrain, behaviour and experienceand you learn how to apply thetheory to a range of individualexperiences.

Management Principles In this module, you gain anunderstanding of the challengesof managing people within complexwork organisations. The experienceof work and employment are beingaffected by rapid change as a resultof factors including new technology,the growth of global competitionand the changing demographicprofiles and values of the workforce.In this module, you consider thesedevelopments within a historicalcontext and assess their impacton management practices andorganisational forms.

Sport and Exercise PsychologyYou study human responses andadaptations to sport and exercise.Using a psychological approach,you look at how sport and exerciseperformance can promote health.Lectures and seminars provide thechance to discuss the complexinteractions between cognition,effect and behaviour. A key aim isto provide an understanding of howthe theory relates to real situationswithin sport and exercise settings.

Sports Massage In this module, you learn to applya range of sports massage skillseffectively and safely. This moduledevelops your ability to record andreview massage treatments for arange of athletes and individuals.

field and the laboratory. You assessa range of fitness tests for a varietyof parameters of fitness and aretaught to consider the reliabilityand validity of the tests, as wellas the specificity of the test to thepopulation you are working with.

Introduction to HumanPhysiology You explore the growth, structureand function of the major systemswithin the body. Topics include themusculoskeletal system (bone,cartilage, ligaments, tendonsand muscles); the cardiovascularsystem (how the heart beats); therespiratory system (gas exchange);the endocrine system; and thenervous system.

Introduction to ProfessionalSkillsThis module provides you with abasic knowledge of professionalskills, including employabilityskills, and research methods. Themodule includes an introduction toacademic writing style, referencing,plagiarism, quantitative research,qualitative research, history ofscience, critical thinking, andstatistics. The module underpinsthe generic skills necessary forsuccessful undergraduate levelstudy.


“The lecturers are allinteresting and I enjoylearning about the researchthey are involved in. I havefound the level of support inmy studies to be great.”

Joe ClementsSport and Exercise Science

STUDYING AT STAGE 1 (CONT)


STUDYING AT STAGES 2 AND 3

In your second year offull-time study you buildon your skills andknowledge in the field,while in your third yearyou choose areas ofspecialisation and workin the field, on an industryplacement, your ownproject or in our on-siteSports Clinic.

Modules: Stage 2 Applied Nutrition for SportsPerformanceYou investigate nutritional strategiesfor sports performance across arange of performance types (suchas strength, power and endurance),taking into account differences suchas age, gender, ethnicity and ability.

Applied Sport and ExercisePhysiologyYou look at the body’s physiologicalresponse to exercise: interpretingaerobic and anaerobic fitness andperformance, blood lactate andventilatory thresholds, as wellas cardiovascular control duringexercise. The module reviewsthe key physiological factors thatdetermine exercise performance.

Examination and AssessmentThis module develops your abilityto examine and clinically assessall the major joints in the body.You learn to assess ranges ofmovement, muscle length andstrength, and ligamentous stability.

Exercise for Special PopulationsThis module looks at how to takephysiological, psychological orsocial factors into considerationwhen prescribing exercise or

physical activity. You can developpractical skills in fitness testing, aswell as your communication skillsby giving presentations and creatingliterature for the groups under study.

Fitness Training MethodsThis module provides you with agrounding in training theory andapplication, specifically lookingat programme design andimplementation in healthand athletic performance.

Human Resources Managementin SportHow do you recruit, select and trainstaff and volunteers to work in thesports industries? This module looksat the role of human resources andanalyses the professional status ofsport management and sport andrecreation services.

Principles of Sports MarketingThis module helps you understandthe foundations and particularitiesof the sport product. You learnhow to construct and present amarketing mix for a business withinthe sports industry, to investigateconsumer behaviour and to criticallydiscuss a current sports marketingcampaign.

Rehabilitation You cover basic life-saving supportsystems, including airway, breathingand circulation (ABC), cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR),and safe and effective methodsof removing an injured athlete fromthe field of play. You learn how andwhen to apply treatment modalities

Research Study PreparationThis module takes you through theresearch study design process. Incollaboration with a member ofstaff (supervisor), you designand produce a research and ethicsproposal that will form the basis ofthe dissertation project you do atStage 3. Sufficient detail and rigourin this module allows you to beginyour project at the start of Stage 3.

Sport, Exercise and HealthPromotionYou look at the multi-dimensionalnature of health to broaden yourunderstanding of the many factorsthat can contribute to personalexperience of health and itsmeaning to different membersof the population. Key aspects ofsport and exercise promotion areconsidered and students completetheir own promotional event.

Sport and Exercise Leadership You develop your understandingof the role of the coach, considervarious coaching philosophies andteaching styles and assess theirimpact on performance. You applythe theory of leadership to differentcoaching situations and devise anappropriate coaching or teachingprogramme drawing on what youhave learnt.

Sport and Exercise Promotion In this module, you study theconcepts and theories behindhealth promotion and discussthe strategies and methods usedto promote sport and exerciseparticipation across variouspopulation groups. Havingassessed the needs of a particularsection of the population, youdesign a health, sport or exercisepromotion activity for one suchgroup. You also look at the roleof sport development agencies inimplementing engagement policiesand evaluate the evidence andrationale supporting sport/exerciseguidelines and interventions.

Sport and Exercise PsychologySee p16 for module description.

Sports InjuriesYou learn how to interpret a range ofsports injuries by anatomical regionand tissue type and the risk factorsassociated with sports injuries.

Sports MassageSee p16 for module description.

such as: electrotherapy, taping andstrapping, and PRICE (protection,rest, ice, compression andelevation). You also learn the criteriafor different stages of rehabilitationand return to play.

Research Design and PlanningThis module examines the strengthsand weaknesses of researchmethods and the process offorming a research question andhypothesis. Topics such as ethics inresearch and scientific writing skillsare covered and students presentcurrent dissertation projects.

Research MethodsYou develop your skills in designing,conducting and analysing researchstudies. At the end of this, youpropose your own study to form thebasis of your final-year research ordissertation project.


STUDYING AT STAGES 2 AND 3 (CONT)


CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Therapeutic MobilisationsYou develop your ability to examine,select and apply therapeuticinterventions for the vertebral andperipheral joints. You continue tobuild skills in problem-solving andclinical reasoning based on theprinciples of joint mobilisation.

Modules: Stage 3 Applied Nutrition for SportsPerformanceSee p17 for module description.

Applied Sport and ExercisePsychologyYou learn how behaviouralobservations can be used to assesssporting performance and discoverthe effects of environmental factorsand personal disposition in varioussporting situations. You alsoconduct an in-depth case study.

Clinical Practice This module provides a frameworkto undertake clinical placementhours. You develop professionalskills and employability for the workenvironment. You can work withinjured athletes in sports therapyenvironments and disciplines.

Contemporary Issues in Sportand Exercise NutritionThis module investigates cutting-edge research in sports nutrition.You study nutritional ergogenic aidsand nutritional strategies to improveperformance. You also conductpractical sessions to test theoriesand strategies studied.

Exercise for Special PopulationsSee p17 for module description.

Exercise Prescription, Referraland RehabilitationExercise rehabilitation hasestablished a leading role withinmany intervention programmes topromote health in clinical populationgroups. This module explains therole of exercise in helping tomanage many common diseaseconditions and adapting activitiesfor optimum benefits.

High-Performance PhysiologyThis module increases yourknowledge of the physiologythat governs sports performance.Contemporary training methodsare discussed and the module alsodevelops your skills in analysing andassessing performance. Practicalsessions reinforce your theoreticalknowledge.

Individual Research Study/Research Study in SportSciencesThis module gives you the chance todo a piece of independent researchin an area of sports management.You develop your understandingof the theories behind your chosenarea of study and develop yourability to apply the appropriateanalysis.

Soft Tissue TechniquesThis module enables you to apply arange of treatment modalities, suchas neuromuscular and myofascialtechniques. You also develop anability to use clinical reasoning skillsin your diagnosis and treatment ofsports injuries.

Specialised Issues in Sport andExerciseThis module takes an in-depth lookat ‘athletic populations’ and factorsthat impact on performance. Youcritically analyse and discuss whichtypes of exercise are optimal fordifferent athletes and consider therisks and benefits associated withsport and exercise activities.

Sports Event ManagementYou apply the knowledge gainedwithin the Stage 2 business-relatedmodules to propose, deliver andevaluate a sports event of yourchoice. You also developmanagement skills, including humanresources, budgeting, marketing,health, safety and security, timemanagement and leadership.

Sports Industry PlacementYou take part in a work placementwithin an appropriate sportsdepartment/organisation ofyour choice and develop keymanagement skills.

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STUDYING AT STAGES 2 AND 3 (CONT)


MSci only Contemporary Perspectives inSport ResearchThis module critically examines keycontemporary issues within sportand exercise science. It addressescurrent topics and researchevidence from a range of differentsub-disciplines of sport andexercise science. You are expectedto draw on the knowledge you havedeveloped in your studies so farto debate contemporary issues insport and exercise science. Youare also expected to demonstratean awareness of the changingface of ‘knowledge’ in the exercisesciences, and are introduced tothe more controversial and lessmainstream theories that challenge

the existing dogma. The modulecontent therefore consists of keycontemporary issues (at the time themodule is delivered), from the mainsport and exercise sub-disciplines.

Injury Prevention In this module, you cover thepatterns of injury in differentsports and exercise activities, theidentification of risk factors for injuryin specific populations, and currentmodels and theories of injuryprevention. You evaluate theimplementation of screening andprevention programmes and alsoplan and design your own evidence-based programme.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition forthe High-Performance AthleteThis module develops yourunderstanding of the practicalapplication of sport and exercisenutrition guidelines and theories topractice. You are encouraged todevelop your scientific enquiry skillsas well as a critical understandingof the concepts and controversiesin contemporary sports andexercise nutrition. You look atall areas of nutrition for high-performance athletes including:exercise metabolism, nutritionalrequirements pre, during andafter competition, and hydration.

“The students are a good mixof ages and nationalities andwe all have our own ideasabout where we want to be inthe future – some want to goon to further study, some intoteaching and one student Iknow wants to go into cardiacrehabilitation. It’s good to chatto people whose plans aredifferent to yours and that isone of the good things aboutthis degree, it widens out youroptions rather than narrowingthem down.”

Megan JudgeSport and Exercise Science

21

STUDYING AT STAGE 4 (MSci)


Stage 4 is the final stage ofyour MSci. In your fourthyear of full-time study, youfocus on the theoreticaland practical skillsrequired to providescientific support toan athlete. You alsoundertake a significantresearch project in yourchosen specialism.

Modules: Stage 4Applied Athlete Support This module equips you withthe necessary knowledge andsupervision required to providescientific athlete support to a client.The majority of the module is takenup with one-to-one consultancytime with a client. You analyse andprovide feedback on your testingdata, and are expected to generatea case study of the consultancypackage you have provided.

Assessment and Training forOptimal PerformanceThis module increases yourknowledge and understanding ofthe physiology governing optimalsports performance andcontemporary training methods.You develop skills to analyseand critically assess optimalperformance. Areas coveredinclude: the measurement andinterpretation of body composition,resting blood and lung function,aerobic power/capacity and bloodlactate, and anaerobic power/capacity. Practical sessionsreinforce theoretical knowledge.

Psychology for Injury andRehabilitationYou acquire knowledge andunderstanding of the applicationof psychological concepts (forexample, self-determination theory,stress-injury model) for injury andrehabilitation within a sport andexercise environment. Lecturesprovide forums for discussion ofthe complex interactions betweenaffect, cognitions and behaviour.You gain an understanding of theapplication of theory to ‘applied’situations within an injury andrehabilitation scenario.

Research Thesis in SportSciencesIn this module, you work with aresearch supervisor to complete asignificant research study that willbe an extension and developmentof your third-year dissertation.

Return to SportThis module ensures you knowwhen your athlete is ready to returnto sport following injury, illness orsurgery. Topics covered includereturn to sport criteria for differentcomponents of fitness andrehabilitation, including strength,proprioception, agility, range ofmovement (ROM), flexibility andcardiovascular. A range of bothclinical/laboratory- and field-basedtests are also covered.

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VISIT THE UNIVERSITY

Come along for an OpenDay or an Applicant Dayand see what it is like tobe a student at Kent.

Open DaysKent runs Open Days during thesummer and autumn. These providean excellent opportunity for you todiscover what it is like to live andstudy at the University. You canmeet academic staff and currentstudents, find out about our coursesand attend subject displays,workshops and informal lectures.We also offer tours around thecampus to view our sportsfacilities, the library, andUniversity accommodation.For further information and detailsof how to book your place, seewww.kent.ac.uk/opendays

Applicant DaysIf you apply to study at Kent andwe offer you a place (or invite you toattend an interview), you will usuallybe sent an invitation to one of ourApplicant Days. You can book toattend through your online KentApplicant Portal. The ApplicantDay includes presentations inyour subject area, guided toursof the campus, includingUniversity accommodation, andthe opportunity to speak with bothacademic staff and with currentstudents about your chosen subject.For further information, seewww.kent.ac.uk/visit

Informal visitsYou are also welcome to make aninformal visit to our campuses at anytime. The University runs tours of theCanterbury and Medway campusesthroughout the year for anyone whois unable to attend an Open Day orApplicant Day. It may also bepossible to arrange meetings withacademic staff, although we cannotguarantee this. For more details andto book your place, seewww.kent.ac.uk/informal

Alternatively, we can provide youwith a self-guided tour leaflet, whichincludes the main points of interest.For more details and to download aself-guided tour, go towww.kent.ac.uk/informal

Scholarships andbursariesFor details of scholarships andbursaries at Kent, please seewww.kent.ac.uk/ugfunding

On the webFor the latest school information onstudying in the School of Sport andExercise Sciences at Kent, pleasesee www.kent.ac.uk/sportsciences

More informationIf you have any further querieson how to choose your degree, ouradmissions procedures, how toprepare for your studies or wouldlike information about the Universityof Kent’s facilities and services,please contact us.

T: +44 (0)1227 827272 Freephone (UK only): 0800 975 3777 www.kent.ac.uk

For the latest departmentalinformation, please seewww.kent.ac.uk/sportsciences


This brochure was produced in June 2015. The information contained within this brochurewas correct at the time of going to press. For the most up-to-date information, please seewww.kent.ac.uk/ug

Terms and conditions: the University reserves the right to make variations to the contentand delivery of courses and other services, or to discontinue courses and other services, ifsuch action is reasonably considered to be necessary. If a programme is discontinued, theUniversity will make every effort to provide a suitable alternative, but cannot guarantee it willbe able to do so. For full terms and conditions, please see www.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

To register for a programme of study, all students must agree to abide by the UniversityRegulations (available online at: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations).

Data protection and consent to process: for the University to operate efficiently, it needs toprocess information about you for administrative, academic and health and safety reasons.Any offer this institution makes to you is subject to your consent to process such informationand is therefore a requirement before we can register you as a student.


LocationMedway.

Degree programmesBSc (Hons): C600:K, C602:K,C604:KBA (Hons): C601:KMSci: C605:K (subject to approval)

Programme typeFull-time or part-time.

UCAS codes Sport and Exercise for Health BSc(C604:K)Sport and Exercise ManagementBA (C601:K) Sport and Exercise Science BSc(C602:K)Sport and Exercise Science MSci(C605:K) (subject to approval)Sports Therapy BSc (C600:K)

Typical offer levels

Sport and Exercise for HealthBBB at A level in a relevant subjectincluding Human Biology, PE,Physical Science, Applied Scienceor Mathematics. Plus GCSEMathematics grade C.

IB 34 points inc Mathematics,Biology, Chemistry, Physics 5 at HLor 6 at SL, and Mathematics 4 atSL, or IB Diploma with 15 pointsinc Mathematics, Biology,Chemistry, Physics 5 at HLor Mathematics 4 at SL.

BTEC Extended Diploma in asport or science-related subject atDistinction, Distinction, Merit andGCSE Mathematics at grade C.

Sport and Exercise ManagementBBB at A level or equivalent atgrade B on average, plus GCSEin Mathematics grade C.

IB 34 points inc Mathematics 4 atSL or IB Diploma with 15 points atHL inc 4 in Mathematics.

BTEC Extended Diploma 18 unitsat Distinction, Distinction, Merit.

Sport and Exercise ScienceABB at A level in a relevantsubject, as for Sport and Exercisefor Health, and GCSE Mathematicsgrade C.

IB 34 points inc Mathematics,Biology, Chemistry, Physics 5 atHL or 6 at SL and Mathematics 4at HL or SL, or IB Diploma with16 points at HL inc Mathematics,Biology, Chemistry, Physics 5 atSL or Biology 6 at SL andMathematics 4 at SL.

BTEC Extended Diploma atDistinction, Distinction, Merit inApplied Science (Sports Studies),Sport Performance or ExerciseScience or a related subject plusGCSE Mathematics grade C.

Applicants with applied ortheoretical knowledge of anatomyand physiology are consideredindividually.

Sports TherapyABB at A level grade B inan appropriate subject incBiology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics/Applied Science/Statistics or PE and Sports Studiesand GCSE Mathematics grade C.

IB 34 points inc at least one ofMathematics, Biology, Chemistry,Physics 5 at HL or 6 at SL, or IBDiploma with 16 points at HL incat least one of Mathematics,Biology, Chemistry, Physics at 6.Mathematics must be obtainedin either HL or SL at 4.

BTEC Extended Diploma in asport or science-related subjectat Distinction, Distinction, Merit.Exercise Science, or AdvancedDiploma in Sports Therapy plusGCSE Mathematics grade C.

Applicants with applied ortheoretical knowledge of anatomyand physiology are consideredindividually.

Professional recognition

Sport and Exercise Science/Sport and Exercise for HealthGraduates of this programmemay be eligible to apply forRegister of Exercise Professionalsaccreditation. Graduates may alsobe eligible to sit for the AmericanCollege of Sports Medicine(ACSM) Health and FitnessSpecialist qualification.

Sports TherapyGraduates of the programmemay be eligible to apply foraccreditation and membership ofthe Society of Sports Therapists.

Offer levels and entryrequirements are subject tochange. For the latest courseinformation, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ug

COME ANDVISIT US

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk/ug

To find out more about visiting theUniversity, see our website:

www.kent.ac.uk/visit

DPC 11841906/15PUB602

school of sport and exercise sciences undergraduate degrees

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