You will study these units if you start FdSc/BSc (Hons) Sport (Sports Performance) in the 2025/26 academic year 1.
The first two years of this course are FdSc (Foundation Degree in Science). Year 3 is the optional BSc (Hons) course You’ll be able to progress to this on successful completion of the FdSc at the required academic standard.
Year 1
You’ll study 60 credits of compulsory units.
Introduction to research methods
15 credits
Acquire introductory knowledge and first-hand experience in order to conduct research in the sports performance context.
Introduction to sports coaching
5 credits
Study introductory topics related to sport coaching. You’ll learn about the fundamental factors that relate to sports coaching from pedagogical, psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives.
Introduction to sports development
5 credits
Explore the concept of sports development and associated processes, policies and practices of sports development.
You will specifically focus on community sports development and how organisations and policies influence the development of sport in this context.
Introduction to sports psychology
5 credits
Explore introductory topics in psychology and, in particular, sports psychology.
You will be introduced to the academic discipline of psychology, providing you with the opportunity to familiarise yourself with dominant theoretical approaches and foundational psychological concepts.
Management of sports performance
5 credits
Explore a range of topics related to the effective management of elite sports performance.
You will be introduced to academic literature examining contemporary challenges faced by athletes, coaches, and practitioners engaging in high-performance sport.
Science of sports performance
15 credits
Enhance your knowledge of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, training principles, and needs analysis.
This will allow you to perform a critical analysis of the role of sport science in supporting elite athlete development.
Sports performance seminar
10 credits
Develop the academic skills required to undertake the Sports Performance FdSc course.
You will learn transferable skills that will develop your communication and application of multidisciplinary scientific content.
Year 2
You’ll study 40 credits of compulsory units and 20 credits of optional units.
Advanced research methods
10 credits
Develop the skills necessary to conduct a small-scale research study in the sports performance context.
You will consider basic designs, approaches and conduct of research in applied contexts. This experience will be used to propose an academic research project that will advance our knowledge of the sports performance environment.
Contemporary issues and applied professional practice
15 credits
Explore contemporary issues within sport and develop your understanding of key issues relating to professional practice in high-performance sport.
You will undertake a personal skills audit and will engage in opportunities for the development of, and reflection on, transferable graduate skills.
Talent identification and development
15 credits
Critically examine the key factors contributing to the identification and development of talented athletes across a range of sporting contexts.
You will explore a range of disciplines (e.g., physiology, genetics, psychology, and sociology) and use relevant research to evaluate talent identification and development strategies.
Year 3 (BSc course)
You'll study 30 credits of compulsory units and 30 credits of optional units.
Dissertation
20 credits
Design and undertake an independent dissertation research project on a sports performance-related topic.
Managing the performance athlete
10 credits
Develop conceptual and contextual knowledge and understanding of multidisciplinary sports science support teams in the context of managing performance athletes.
You will critically examine the roles of applied practitioners and their work with athletes and coaches to manage and enhance performance.