Sports Studies - BSc (Hons) 

Sport plays a significant part in the lives of many people around the world. With the recent London Olympics 2012 and upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, there has never been a more exciting time to become involved in sport in the UK. Sport and physical activity are becoming increasingly important across a wide variety of sectors within the community, focusing on lifelong participation.

During this course you will engage in practical sessions utilising a wide variety of on and off campus facilities including the fitness suite, sports hall, gymnasia and sports science laboratory. These sessions will help you learn how to use a range of sports science tools to assess and evaluate individuals. You will combine these sessions with the theoretical element of the course which includes exploring areas such as: analysis of sports performance, sport physiology & psychology, assessment and management of people’s fitness.

Additional benefits of this course for home and international students include the opportunity to engage in the UK sports industry workforce through a relevant work placement.

The Sports Studies programme is a varied and interesting course that really encourages you to focus on your employability and practical skills throughout the learning experience across the three years of study. Links are made to current local, national and international developments at the cutting edge of sport within the National Governing Bodies and Professional Clubs. The course allows you to experience a wide variety of sport related theory and practical activities providing you with current skills for use in the industry in a number of roles.

The BSc (Hons) Sports Studies is one of a variety of undergraduate courses to help you develop a firm foundation of knowledge and practical experience to support you in pursuing your chosen career.

Year 1
•  Introduction to Sport and Exercise Studies
•  The Developing Athlete
•  UK Sports Performance
•  Academic, Research and Professional Skills in Sport and Health
•  Community Sport and Physical Activity or
•  Sports Injuries

Year 2
•  Sports Physiology
•  Sports Psychology
•  Analysing Sports Performance
•  Professional Practice (work placement)
•  Research Methods
•  Fitness Assessment and Management

Year 3
•  Dissertation

And a choice of 2 from:
•  Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sports Studies
or
•  Applied Sports Physiology
or
•  Athlete Career Transitions

A programme specification for this course is available.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of methods including essays, portfolios, reports, practicals, written exams and poster style and PowerPoint presentations. You will be assessed both on an individual and group basis during the programme.
 

Teaching Team George Rose He recently acquired an MSc in Sport and Exercise Science, and is now lecturing in Sports Science and managing the Sport and Health Laboratory at Newport. Andy Thomas He is now programme leader for the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching where his main areas of lecturing are in Sports Physiology and Sports Coaching. Mel Tuckwell Mel Tuckwell is a lecturer, coach, teacher and mentor. She is a highly experienced and qualified coach and coach educator and has also played International Netball at all levels. Charlotte Wathan After moving back to Wales in 2006, Charlotte took up her post as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Sports Studies at the University of Wales, Newport, based on the Caerleon Campus. Paul Griffiths Paul joined the University in 2006 initially as a visiting lecturer, and then as a Schools Officer from 2007 with the First Campus Reaching Wider initiative. Sally Britton Sally had been a Visiting Lecturer for the University, prior to her successful appointment in 2009 and has since developed a new programme and bespoke modules in Partnership with key employers.

Additional Course Costs Mandatory Items  Costs  Registrations / memberships / awards / DBS checks  Enhanced DBS Check - £44 (Costs are subject to change and may increase. Relevant up-to-date instructions will be sent out as part of the admissions process).    Kit / uniform  Sports kit pack £197

On this course you will have the chance to take the ‘Professional Practice’ module in year 2. This offers you the opportunity to engage in a work placement with the organisation of your choice within the sporting industry. A variety of organisations will be invited to the annual Placement Fair run by the School, to talk to students and offer placements.

A sport related database of work placements is available to students via the ‘Sports Students Hub’ which all undergraduate students have access to. This not only provides regular updates of opportunities for students to access for their second year work placement, but can be used to support students professional development during the entirety of your course.

Course News Rugby stars open up about their careers during visit to Sports students Inspirational rugby stars Non Evans MBE and Dan Lydiate spoke about the highs and lows of their careers when they paid a visit to Sports students at the University of Wales, Newport. Business School’s Forum looks at the business potential of sport Business leaders have called for a definitive marketing strategy for Newport based around sporting successes within the city. Newport students join Olympian Honorary Fellow to inspire future sports stars Students and graduates working on live business projects have joined Honorary Fellow and Olympic gold medallist Jamie Baulch to help inspire more children to take up sport. Richard Parks awarded Newport Honorary Fellowship The University of Wales, Newport has today honoured Richard Parks, former International rugby player and adventurer, for his inspirational work for charity and commitment to South East Wales.

Facilities As a sports students at Newport you’ll have a range of top-class sporting facilities on your doorstep for you to benefit from during your studies & your free time. This excellence starts with our on-campus sports centre facilities, industry links (including the Newport International Sports Village, Newport Gwent Dragons Rugby, Welsh Cycling Union, Swim Wales, the Celtic Manor Resort and more) and continues with the Sport Performance Unit & the Newport School of Golf. On-Campus facilities include: • Modern Fitness Suite with cardio-vascular machines, resistance machines & free weights • Sports Hall for football, badminton, trampolining, volleyball, netball and basketball • Gymnasium for gymnastics & various health & fitness classes • Floodlit Outdoor Courts with spectator area for tennis, netball, & football • Sports Laboratory with VO2 testing, lung function monitor, anaerobic power & capacity monitor ECG monitor etc. • Rugby Pitch Off-Campus facilities include: • Newport International Sports Village • 25m swimming pool • Indoor & outdoor tennis • Cycling Velodrome • Outdoor floodlit Astroturf

Student Successes Newport sports student honoured for changing lives Newport Sport Studies student Gareth Winmill was last week honoured with an Inspire Wales Award in Cardiff City Hall. Newport students have achieved remarkable success in a number of sports recently As Wales prepares for the Grand Slam decider on Saturday, sports students from across the University have been achieving some phenomenal successes on the field.

Where next?

Career paths are varied and interesting and traditionally include Fitness Industry Personnel, Applied Sport Scientist, Sports Official, National Governing Body Employee, Public and Armed Services, Sports Development Units as well as teacher training (subject to studying a further PGCE). In addition, a diverse range of ‘new’ career paths, such as the ‘5x60’ and ‘Positive Futures’ Officer  and Community 1st roles.

On completion of the course, there may also be opportunities for you to progress into further study via the MBA Sports Management course or the MSc Sports Coaching course here at the University or on a MSc Sports Science or MSc in Conditioning and Rehabilitation at other institutions.