Exercise and Health

BSc (Hons) Full-time 3 years

The course is accredited by Skills Active/ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), and completion of aspects of the course allows you to gain REPs qualifications in addition to your degree.

Institute Code W75
UCAS Code CB69
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Fees View
Course Specifications View
Start Date(s) 20 September 2021
Award BSc (Hons)
Study Mode Full-time
Course Length Full-time (3 years)
Campus Location Walsall Campus
School Institute of Human Sciences
UCAS Points Calculator Click here

Why choose this course?

Please note this course is only available for Level 6 (Year 3) entry.

The BSc (Hons) Exercise and Health course prepares you for a wide variety of careers in exercise and health promotion, and the wider health and fitness industry. Many graduates set up their own business or enter the teaching profession. For those already working in exercise and health promotion or the wider health and fitness industry, the course has a strong clinical focus helping you to develop additional skills related to working with clinical populations.

The course is accredited by Skills Active/ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), and completion of aspects of the course allows you to gain REPs qualifications in addition to your degree. REPs is an independent, public register which recognises the qualifications and expertise of exercise instructors in the UK. REPs provides a system of regulation for instructors and trainers to ensure that they meet the health and fitness industry’s agreed National Occupational Standards. This provides assurance and confidence to the public and employers that all professionals on the Register are appropriately qualified and have the knowledge, competence and skills to perform their role effectively.

The additional qualifications that you will gain alongside your degree are the REPs L2 Gym Instructor, L3 Personal Trainer and L3 GP Referral awards. You will develop expertise in a range of issues relating to personal training including nutrition, anatomy, advanced training techniques, and designing/delivering personal training sessions.

While you study the GP Referral qualification you will explore a wide range of chronic and lifestyle diseases/conditions, their cause and development and approaches for successful intervention. You will learn about the Exercise Referral Scheme and the role of the Department of Health and National Health Service.

You will learn about:

how to promote physical activity and health
behaviour change and management
health and lifestyle screening and fitness testing
how to plan, deliver and evaluate an exercise prescription

As well as how to rehabilitate people with conditions such as:

orthopaedic diseases arthritis and osteoporosis
cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease
metabolic diseases such as diabetes
pulmonary diseases such as asthma
raised cholesterol and obesity
…and many other common conditions.

On completion of the BSc (Hons) Exercise and Health you will therefore benefit from both a degree, and additional qualifications that are recognised within the health and fitness industry.

Exercise and physical activity are only one of the key pillars of Public Health England's strategy - if you are interested in a broader study of public health you may be interested in our BSc Public Health degree

The BSc (Hons) Exercise and Health is just one of an exciting range of courses on offer at the University of Wolverhampton’s Institute of Sport and Human Science. Why not come and visit us at one of our Open Days.

If you are uncertain if this is the right sport course for you, have a look at this video to help you decide:

What happens on the course?

You will develop a sound understanding of the scientific and practical relationships between physical activity, exercise, health and wellbeing and apply these in various work-related settings, such as health and fitness centres, GP referral schemes, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology laboratories and health promotion programmes. In addition, you will have the opportunity to specialise and focus your exercise and health science discipline interests within biomechanics, physiology and psychology.

All students begin by learning the core sciences of physiology, psychology and biomechanics. As the course progresses you can choose to specialise between biomechanics or physiology (with psychology remaining throughout the course). You will experience a wide variety of teaching settings and assessment methods and participate in online tasks, lectures, seminars and workshops.

In your second year, in order to gain your Level 3 Personal Trainer award you will undertake a placement in an exercise and health promotion workplace, usually a gym. In your third year you will undertake a semester long – usually linked to a profession or career path you’re interested in.

You will explore case studies throughout the course that are based on real life scenarios. For example you will work on GP referrals of real people, and through a client report will focus on exercise testing and prescription of suitable remedies. Case studies are also clinically based, allowing you to examine how further complications such as obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis or heart disease will affect the client report.

Who will teach me?

You will be taught by academic staff who are at the cutting edge of their fields. Our staff are active researchers who publish text books and peer reviewed journal articles. Our staff don’t just teach from these text books, they’re the people who write them!

Amongst the high profile contributing to this course are:

Andy Lane, Professor of Sport Psychology. Andy has authored more than 200 peer refereed journal articles, given numerous keynotes talks, and is on editorial boards of prestigious journals in sport sciences (Journal of Sports Sciences), Sports Medicine (Journal of Sports Science and Medicine), psychology (Personality and Individual Differences) and education (Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism). He has edited five books including Case Studies in Sport Science and Medicine, a co-authored work with Prof Greg Whyte, and his recent book on sport psychology and nutrition in running, co-authored with colleagues at the University. Professor Lane is regularly asked for comment on TV, radio, websites and newspapers. For example, he worked with Adidas on videos with Glenn Hoddle and Mathew LeTissier on penalty taking: The Science of Penalty Taking. He has also led high profile research projects such as the BBC Science Lab “Can you compete under pressure?" project fronted by former Olympian Michael Johnson.

George Metsios, Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology. George’s work focuses on physical activity, exercise and health, and specifically how physical activity and/or exercise can be used to improve disease symptoms and health parameters in patients with different chronic diseases. George has published more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific articles in his field. His work has had a significant impact, and has been used, by, amongst others, the World Health Organisation, the British Heart Foundation, the National Health Services and the European League Against Rheumatism. George has also received both national and international grants (Medical Research Council, FP-7, Horizon 2020) and he is an expert evaluator for multiple funding bodies and peer-reviewed journals.

You can find more information about the Institute of Sport and Human Science staff research on our Research Centre for Sport Exercise and Performance webpage.

Potential Career Paths

The Government’s ‘Sporting Future’ strategy identified that sport and physical activity is central to life in the UK. It has the power to transform people’s wellbeing and create a fitter, healthier and happier nation. The transformative power of sport has never been more important as the growing levels of health problems and conditions associated with physical inactivity cost the nation over £7 billion each year. Sport and physical activity also contributes approximately £40 billion to the UK economy each year, with one million people employed in the sport and physical activity sectors.

With the significant role that sport plays in the health of the nation, and its contribution to the economy, it is no surprise that supporting this sector is considered crucial by the Government. This is clearly illustrated by Sport England’s ‘Towards an Active Nation’ strategy that will see nearly £325 million invested in increasing sport participation from 2016-2021. The strategy focuses on the benefits that sport can bring to people and to society, with the aim of enhancing physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development and economic development. Investment will target key areas such as:

Tackling inactivity
Children and young people – increasing children’s basic competence and enjoyment
Taking sport and activity into the mass market – increasing mass participation
Supporting sport’s core markets – supporting those who already have a strong affinity for sport, (including talented athletes)
Local delivery – investing in up to 10 specific areas to pilot new, more joined up approaches to getting people active
Creating welcoming sports facilities

As a graduate of the BSc (Hons) Exercise & Health degree you will be able to apply the knowledge, practical skills, and industry qualifications you have gained in any of the areas above. You will be well prepared for a career in the NHS, private healthcare providers and health and fitness centres. You will also have the necessary knowledge and skills for advisory and development roles in local, regional or national authorities. Other career options include areas such as coaching, sports development, leisure management, sports performance, teaching and postgraduate study. You will also be supported in developing a fitness-related business.

The Institute of Sport and Human Science works with a number of organisations promoting physical activity for health, such as the Black Country Consortium, various local authorities and charities. These organisations offer various volunteering, placement and employment opportunities for suitable students/graduates studying BSc (Hons) Exercise & Health.

Some example career profiles related to Exercise & Health can be found in this British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences Guide to Careers in Sport & Exercise Sciences.

The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) also provides information on the types of jobs in sport and physical activity and what it takes to work in sport and physical activity

Graduate profile – James Lawrence

“As a student on the BSc (Hons) Exercise and Health degree I was able to develop skills that have helped me to thrive within the fitness industry. I graduated in September 2015 and have since become a personal trainer at Fitness First, working at two clubs and then progressing to a Health and Fitness Manager. During my degree I learnt essential knowledge and skills such as key muscle groups, exercise types and nutrition. I also gained the ability to work with a wide variety of populations which is essential within this industry as there are times that you will come across people from all walks of life.

Through completing a work placement at Fitness First Walsall Wood, I gained contacts at this gym and due to my passion for the industry I began to work there. I can’t express how important it is to find a placement that you enjoy and to go in there with an open mind as you never know what opportunities can arise off the back of it.”

RJHtrue

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

As a student on this course, you will be a member of the University of Wolverhampton’s Institute of Sport and Human Science. This gives you a range of exciting benefits/opportunities. Here are just a few:

Access to fantastic specialist study and sports facilities
As a graduate from the Institute you will be very employable. In the most recent annual national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey, over 99% of our Sport graduates reported that they were in in work or further study six months after they had left university.
You will have access to our fantastic ‘Career Development Week’, with the opportunity to gain additional vocational qualifications at a heavily subsidised cost.
Work placement opportunities and the Wolverhampton Enterprise and Employability Award are embedded in all of the undergraduate degrees.
You will get a free set of Under Armour sports kit (for all new Sport students).
Represent your university as part of Team Wolverhampton. Could you be a future winner of one our Sports Awards?
Apply for one of our Sports Scholarships worth up to £4,500.
Gain real-world experience through some of our exciting partnerships, such as our work with Walsall Football Club
Free gym membership for students in University-run Halls of Residence.
Take part in our Social Sport programme.
If you have some qualifications and experience in football coaching, there are opportunities to take a year out as part of our Pass it Forward initiative with West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
You will be based on the Walsall Campus which is the home of one of our partners, British Judo.
The Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing series of seminars and lectures spans education, sport, care, psychology, health and wellbeing, bringing you a variety of engaging speakers and experts from the University of Wolverhampton and many other UK universities, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/fehw/lectures

The degree course fee includes the following Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) accredited qualifications:

L2 Gym Instructors awards
L3 Personal Trainer
L3 GP Referral

This course will ensure that you are ‘Work Ready’ by enabling you to develop a range of skills identified as essential by employers in the Sport & Physical Activity Sector Skills Plan. For example you will gain practical skills such as:

Client evaluation, exercise testing and exercise prescription
Designing, delivering and evaluating exercise programmes for a range of client groups
Managing behaviour change to encourage a healthy lifestyle
Exercise laboratory skills
Clinical skills such as working with cardiac rehabilitation patients in a hospital
Customer care, demonstrating empathy, and diversity awareness.
Working in and leading teams, communication and flexible working
Managing time and working independently
Research skills including managing a project, collecting and analysing data
Laboratory report writing
Presentation skills such as: live presentations, video presenting, blogs, vlogs, and through social media
IT skills

Location	Mode	Fee	Year
Home/EU	Full-time	£9250 per year	2019-20
Home/EU	Full-time	£9250 per year	2020-21
Home/EU	Part-time	£2975 per year^#	2019-20
Home/EU	Part-time	£3050 per year^#	2020-21
Home	Full-time	£9250 per year	2021-22
Home	Full-time	£9250 per year	2021-22
International	Full-time	£12000 per year	2019-20
International	Full-time	£12250 per year	2020-21
International	Full-time	£12950 per year	2021-22
International	Full-time	£12950 per year	2021-22
International	Part-time	£6000 per year^#	2019-20
International	Part-time	£6125 per year^#	2020-21

Additional Course Costs

Mandatory Costs

Enhanced DBS required at a minimum cost of £40. The cost of the DBS is determined by the Government and further information can be found here - GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service.
Uniform is provided for this course, however the University of Wolverhampton reserves the right to charge for extra uniform should this be required.
You will be required to provide appropriate foot wear at a cost of approximately £50-£60

Optional Costs

Various Sporting professional body memberships *prices will vary depending on body.
Various certified courses are available via My Course + More, ranging from £0 - £200.

Further information on these additional costs will be provided prior to the start of your studies

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

This course is only available for Level 6 (Year Three) entry only.

HND in Sports related subject with Pass grade
Foundation Degree in Sports related subject with Pass grade
If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.
International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Other Requirements

Students will be expected to demonstrate an interest or enthusiasm for variety of sporting activities.

Entry to this course requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check and an Occupational Health Check.

If you have accepted a Conditional Offer made by the University of Wolverhampton you will receive correspondence asking you to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The charge for this will be a DBS fee of £40.00 and a £6.00 ID check service fee. You will also need to complete a physical activity readiness questionnaire prior to starting the course.

Studying Physical Activity, Exercise and Health at University of Wolverhampton has provided me with plenty of opportunities. The university have supported me with work placements, volunteering and additional qualifications. I would highly recommend studying here (Amber Wassell, May 2016).

The Exercise & Health degree has provided me with a fantastic base to build a successful career in fitness and health. The professional qualifications gained add so much value to your profile and can take you down so many different career pathways (Rory Halliday-Stokes May 2016)

"Going to university as a slightly older student has had a positive effect on my attitude towards life. I feel that I've become more confident and now know what career i would like to persue. The physical activity, exercise and health degree has allowed me to explore different aspects of lifestyle services within the NHS. During my time at university I have participated in 3 work placements within the NHS, exploring health promotion, cardiac rehabilitation and cardiac diagnostics. Each placement has opened my eyes as to what this degree offers. Luckily, with this qualification you are not just stuck to a career in one area, the skills are transferable; whether it is a gym environment or a more clinical setting." (Shaan Patel, May 2016)

The wide variety of work placements and volunteering opportunities during my degree gave me the extra edge and helped me to secure a place on a competitive PGDipED course. I would very much recommend the University of Wolverhampton (Mary-Therese Koch, May 2016)

I have found my time throughout this degree enjoyable and useful, it has allowed me to develop skills which I can now utilise towards progressing a career within physical activity and health which I would not have been able to do without the assistance of the staff members throughout this degree. (Dan Page, May 2016)

"Studying the P.A.E.H degree has given me more than just the science behind exercise and health, it has significantly developed the inter-personal skills that are important in real world employment. I have since secured a career with the Royal Air Force". (Michael Sage, May 2016)

Before starting my degree at the University of Wolverhampton, I had a degree from abroad but was unable to do much with it so I worked as a security guard. Starting my degree in Physical Activity Exercise and Health opened up a world of opportunities for me. Studying at University of Wolverhampton was the best decision I ever made. The lecturers are very helpful and have a great passion for their subjects; this resulted in developing a real interest in Sports and Fitness. The work placement module is a module that I would strongly recommend. It gave me quality experience that was personally and professionally very rewarding. I strongly believe that my degree has provided me a sound foundation of knowledge, practical work and ideology that will hold me in good stead for the rigorous demands and challenges of the health and fitness industry. (Shakil Shabir, May 2016).

Tuition Fees Loan Home and EU National):

Most students will be able to apply for loans to help pay for these. Depending on where you live, if you have been to University previously and your circumstances, grants, bursaries and scholarships might also be available. Visit student finance on the gov.uk website to find out more.

EU students applying for the 2020/21 academic year:

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for 'home fee status' for entry in September 2020, and will continue to have access to financial support available via student loans for the duration of their course. For more information take a look at the gov.uk website to find out more.

Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: see How to Pay. For more information please contact the Gateway.

Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.

Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund. for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.

Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

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BSc (Hons) Full-time 3 years

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Location	Study mode	Duration	Start date
Walsall Campus	Full-time	3 years	20 September 2021	Apply via UCAS

Exercise and Health

Why choose this course?

What happens on the course?

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Why Wolverhampton?

What skills will you gain?

Course Fees and Finance

Additional Course Costs

Entry Requirements

What our students say

Funding

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