Please take note of the following modules marked as below:

 # can be studied in semster 1 or semester 2
 * modules required for CIMSPA personal training award
 ** alternate complusory (choose at least 1).

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Nutrition

There are few things more fundamental to life than food and water.

In this module you’ll develop a basic understanding of the Science of Nutrition. You will study the concepts of human energy supply and energy expenditure, learning about the different nutrients. You’ll build your skills through training in how to assess dietary intake and nutritional adequacy, as well as body size and body composition. Helping to further your expertise in the field of nutrition.

Module leader Dr Vasiliki Iatridi says: “Studying Nutrition was one of the best decisions I've ever made: in the Introduction to Nutrition module it's my turn to convey that enthusiasm to our future Nutritionists and Health Care Professionals and provide them with the fundamentals to value the principles of Nutrition Science during their studies and later careers.”

• Human Movement and Skill in Sport

You will be involved in theoretical and practical sessions where you’ll examine and understand human movement through motor control and skill acquisition. You’ll explore the applied principles of human movement in a practical context. While you’ll consider the impact of motor control theories in either a coaching or a clinical setting.

You will explore three approaches to motor control and skill acquisition, and you’ll develop the ability to critically contrast these theories. At the end of the module with your knowledge of theorectical comparisons, you’ll consider the applied implications.

• Professional Skills for Sport and Coaching Sciences
Learn about the social competencies required for a professional role in sport and coaching sciences. You’ll also find out about your range of career opportunities that will be open to you.

You will reflect on your current skills and knowledge, and you’ll also have opportunities to develop the competencies needed to become a successful sport professional. You’ll be able to identify future professional development opportunities while developing an evidence based approach to enhancing your employability.

• Physiology for Human Movement

On this module you’ll study the structures of bodies and the way structures and bodies function. You’ll gain a detailed theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology in relation to the human body. Building your skills so you’ll be able to apply theoretical principles to practical situations and investigate how the body responds to exercise.

• Introduction to the Psychology of Sport and Exercise

This module introduces you to fundamental psychological concepts, theories and research for you to consider ways in which they can be applied to sport. You’ll study key areas to give you a broad understanding of issues relating to:

 motivation
 goal setting
 self regulation
 attribution
 personality
 and behaviour in competitive sport contexts.

You’ll develop a contemporary theoretical overview, so you better understand the basis of future application, and enhance the practice of sport. Also you will take part in practicals to investigate and evaluate these applications in related settings to further build your understanding and apply what you’ve learnt on the module.

• Fitness and Assessment

You’ll develop your basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of physical fitness and health. You’ll also learn to accurately assess certain fitness parameters in both sporting and health settings.

Then using your knowledge and understanding by identifying the main fitness parameters required to optimally perform in certain sports. You’ll also be able to compile an appropriate battery of fitness tests to assess the chosen fitness parameters. By the end of the module you’ll be equipped with the skills to plan and design exercise sessions based on the client's fitness goals.

• Anatomy for Sport and Exercise

This is your introduction to human anatomy. You’ll focus on the musculoskeletal system, and also examine human movement. Then you’ll analyse the full range of movement, looking at the muscle groups that are required for movement.

On this module you’ll develop your knowledge and learning of specific muscle groups and also gain a deep understanding of the human musculoskeletal system. Which you’ll be able to apply to sport and exercise.

• Introduction to Biomechanics

This is your introduction to the mathematical and physical concepts underlying biomechanical factors affecting sport and exercise performance. You’ll examine methods of movement analysis and the ways of using biomechanical techniques in areas of performance and injury prevention.

By the end of the module you’ll build your knowledge and key understandings of human body movement in relation to sporting performance. You will also progress your skills of using sports equipment to enhance performance and to aid injury rehabilitation techniques.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Research Methods
• Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Physical Activity and Health

Optional modules

Principles of Training for Sport and Exercise*
Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Sports Development
Performance Analysis
Laboratory Techniques in Sport and Exercise
Motivating Health Behaviour
Work Experience 1
Independent Study 1#

Year 3 (work placement)

Optional modules

Work experience modules

This is a placement which you will organise to align with your employment interests, although we can provide a range of possible alternative options. On site, the Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit (CLEAR) and Human Performance Unit (HPU), based at Oxford Brookes' Centre for Sport, are excellent environments for practical experience of laboratory exercise tests. Local hospitals, sports clubs and sports centres also provide similar environments for hands-on field-based exercise tests. Recent work placement projects include: the development of exercise training programmes for CLEAR unit clients with significant movement disorders; performance analysis of Olympic-level athletes in the HPU.


Year 4 (year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

• Final Project/ Dissertation**
• Applied Practice in Sport and Exercise Science**

Optional modules

Strength and Conditioning for Sport and Health*
Advanced Practice in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Clinical Populations and Rehabilitations
Emerging Technology in Exercise and Health
Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Sports Injuries
Independent Study 2#
Work Experience 2