This course is based on the sciences that underpin human performance in a variety of areas from competitive sport to general health.

The course is taught by staff with a wide range of teaching, professional and research experience. 

The course is currently mapped to National Occupational Standards for Exercise and Fitness which assures employers that graduates have the skills that are essential for effective engagement with the exercise industry. Individual modules have been developed which professionally prepare students in line with the vocational qualifications endorsed by the Register of Exercise Professionals.

Basic disciplines studied include anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and sports psychology. More advanced modules which draw on the interaction of the basic disciplines feature later in the curriculum.

You will have the opportunity to undertake two work placements, allowing you to put into practice what you have learned at University. You will also be supported to prepare for accreditation by leading sports governing bodies in a range of disciplines. If you are a talented athlete, there is also the opportunity to apply for the sports scholarship scheme, which will support you in succeeding in your chosen sport.

Facilities

Our exceptional teaching facilities include a human performance laboratory that houses a sophisticated three dimensional motion analysis system and other state-of-the-art exercise testing equipment. The Garthdee campus is also the location for the £11 million RGU: SPORT, where modules in exercise, conditioning and sports centre operations are delivered.

Year 1

• Structure and Function of the Human Body
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Sports Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Year 2

• Human Nutrition
• Operating Facilities and Programmes in Sport
• Independent Study in Sport and Exercise Science
• Exercise Consultation, Prescription and Programming
• Health Improvement
• Learning in the Workplace 1

Those on the Erasmus Exchange Pathway will undertake modules Study Abroad 1 and 2 in the second semester of their second year.

Year 3

• Coaching Science
• Analysis of Human Movement and Skill Acquisition
• Research Concepts
• Learning in the Workplace 2
• Sport and Exercise for Varying Populations

Year 4

• Research Project 
• Contextual Debates in Sport and Exercise Science
• Fitness and Performance Testing
• Sports Nutrition
• And one module from: 
  • Principles of Strength and Conditioning & Principles of Sports Coaching OR 
  • Principles of Sports Coaching & Sports Coaching in Practice

• SQA Higher: BBCC to include one science subject, preferably Biology/Human Biology, plus a subject requiring the use of English. One further science and maths at Standard Grade 2 or above.
• GCE A Level: CCC to include one science subject, preferably Biology/Human Biology plus a subject requiring the use of English at AS Level. One further science plus maths are required at GCSE level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2C1C1 to include one science subject, preferably Biology/Human Biology, plus a subject requiring the use of English. One further science and maths are required at Ordinary Level.
• IB Diploma: 26 to include Grade 5 at Higher Level in English or a subject requiring the use of English and two science subjects.
• Alternative Qualifications: Equivalent qualifications, e.g. SQA, BTEC, S/NVQs, overseas qualifications and Access programmes will be considered on an individual basis. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience are welcomed.
• Advanced Entry: Prospective students who have gained an HND Sports Coaching and Development of Sport or an HND Fitness, Health and Exercise with graded units at ABB (the A to be in the research-based graded unit) from partner FE Colleges will be considered for year 3 entry. 
  Advanced Entry to Stage 2 may be considered for applicants with A Level Grades BBB to include Human Biology, Physics and Physical Education. Maths and English must be held at a minimum of GCSE Grade B or above.
• Selection Visits: Students with the required entry qualifications will be invited to attend a selection visit prior to an offer of a place being made.

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.

Placement

A unique part of the course is the work placement undertaken in years 2 and 3. During your placement you will acquire a portfolio of learning experiences from a variety of areas, for example adult fitness testing, exercise for specific groups (children, healthy adults, diabetics, etc.), event organisation, sports coaching and lifestyle advice. 

Professional Accreditation

It is the aim of the course team to prepare you for accreditation in your chosen field of specialism (where this exists). You may choose to undertake an external qualification with the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, in year 3, at a nominal administration charge, along with specific qualifications in sports coaching, exercise conditioning (depending on demand from within the student group)

Please be aware that you will be expected to obtain a satisfactory PVG clearance (previously an enhanced disclosure) prior to enrolment on placement-based modules. For more details about the PVG scheme please visit: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

• England - http://www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/
• Wales - http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland - http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/

Scholarships

• Information on Laboratory, Biomedical & Sports Sciences Scholarships

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change. Published fees apply to the course's mode of delivery.

All applications should be made through UCAS. You must apply online at www.ucas.com/students/apply

Once you register and create your username and password you are guided through the process of applying. After submission, log in to your UCAS Track account and you can see the progress of your application, view and respond to your offers.

Career options include working in sports and exercise development (including sports coaching policy), health promotion, rehabilitation, fitness testing, personal training, event organisation, sports administration, and research in physical activity or sport. In the future you could be working with elite athletes (strength and conditioning specialists must now have a degree as a standard entry qualification to the industry), managing a sports facility or delivering a work-based lifestyle improvement programme.