This professionally focused module equips you with a detailed understanding of exercise physiology, health screening, clinical considerations, and performance training. It prepares you to assess, monitor, and design inclusive interventions for diverse populations, from elite athletes to individuals with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders. You will explore human performance science, the pathophysiology of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and their relationship with physical activity, alongside performance enhancement techniques such as, periodisation, for both athletic and general populations.

Successful completion of this module will make you eligible for CIMSPA qualifications including gym instructor, personal trainer, and long-term condition management.

Module details: In this module, you will study how to provide a comprehensive subjective history and develop assessment skills for spinal conditions and injuries. You will explore risk factors such as movement patterns, psychological state, nutritional demands, and environmental conditions, all of which can influence injury and recovery in athletes.

Information and data can sometimes be limited, sometimes overwhelming, but your ability to interpret and analyse them is an essential skill as a scientist. In this module, you will develop the critical awareness and practical skills needed to evaluate data and understand research study design. You will explore both quantitative and qualitative approaches, learn how to analyse and present data, and engage critically with scientific and non-scientific literature. These skills will support your success in Level 5 and give you a strong foundation for Level 6.

Module details: In this module, you will study the theoretical and practical aspects of planning and implementing safe, effective, and progressive rehabilitation programmes. You will focus on addressing individual patient needs, integrating early, intermediate, and late-stage rehabilitation principles to optimise recovery and minimise the risk of re-injury.

Module details: In this module, you will study advanced manual therapy techniques, consolidating theoretical principles and developing practical skills. You will integrate evidence-based assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies, with a focus on clinical reasoning, hands-on techniques, and emerging technologies. This module prepares you for real-world professional practice in manual therapy.

Module details: In this module, you will study advanced clinical reasoning, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation skills, enhancing your sports therapy practice. You will engage in evidence-based strategies for injury prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation programming, and professional practice, preparing you for real-world settings and working with specific populations.

Module details: In this module, you will gain practical experience through a year-long clinical placement tailored to your career aspirations. You will apply your knowledge in real-world settings and complete your sports trauma qualification, further enhancing your CV and preparing you for the industry.

In this module, you will have the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of a specialist research topic. You will undertake a research project using rigorous scientific methods of investigation and analysis. This project allows you to demonstrate your advanced practical and investigative skills, along with your written and oral presentation abilities. Through this process, you will refine your research skills and showcase your capability to conduct independent, high-quality research in your chosen field. 

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module provides you with an integrated exploration of human physiology and nutrition, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the human body functions and the critical role of nutrition in supporting health and wellbeing. It examines the interplay between physiological processes and nutritional requirements, highlighting their importance in maintaining homeostasis, supporting growth, and optimizing performance.

The module begins with foundational topics, such as cellular structure, tissue types, and the anatomy and physiology of key systems, including the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. You will then delve into the principles of energy balance, metabolism, and hormonal regulation, exploring the roles of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals in human health.

Other key topics include fluid and electrolyte balance, the relationship between nutrition and immune function, and the nutritional demands of exercise and physical activity.

By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to apply physiological and nutritional principles to health promotion, disease prevention, and performance optimisation.

Teaching and learning

Through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, and discussions, you will develop the ability to critically analyse the integration of physiology and nutrition in promoting health. You will also gain insight into the consequences of imbalances, such as nutrient deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and the impact of malnutrition on the immune system.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lectures will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, small group learning on relevant case studies and practical lab sessions.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, which will consist of formal preparation/review of lab sessions, or exam preparation (e.g. quizzes).

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an open book exam and a case study report.

50% - open book multiple choice exam, consisting of 30 questions.

50% - case study report, that explores the interaction between a physiological system and nutrition in maintaining health or contributing to disease.

30 credits

This module will explore critical aspects of research in Sports Science, Management and Therapy through methods of scientific thinking, techniques and experimental design, and will provide an opportunity to investigate the use of several techniques in all three disciplines.

You will be encouraged to explore correlational and experimental methods, the role of statistics, scientific argumentation and ethical working practices in relation to current scientific topics as reflected in news reports, recent academic publications and historical case studies. You will also be encouraged to critically debate relevant topics in sport and evaluate the need for rigorous quantitative and qualitative evidence in sports research.

You will begin with an introduction to the importance of evidence-based practice and the scientific method, progressing to an exploration of qualitative and quantitative research designs, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations. You will also gain hands-on experience with statistical analysis and the use of technological tools in sports research, such as wearable devices and performance monitoring equipment.

Teaching and learning

The module emphasises the development of professional communication skills, including scientific writing, data presentation, and effective poster presentations. Through workshops, case studies, and discussions, you will learn to identify potential biases and limitations in research, critically assess findings, and communicate results in a clear and impactful manner.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.

You will have a diverse learning experience of interactive workshops, case studies, practical exercises, group discussions, problem-based learning and guest speakers.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online digital support each week to enhance your understanding and learning.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an information poster and reflections and a research proposal.

30% - informative poster, you will create a research poster that critically examines two contrasting prospectives on a chosen sports research topic.

70% - research proposal, develop a detailed research proposal on a specific sports-related topic of your choice.