BSc Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of physical education (PE) pedagogy alongside the scientific principles underpinning sport and exercise performance. This interdisciplinary degree caters to students who want to explore the wide context of physical education across all ages, while also delving into the scientific disciplines of physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and sociology as applied to sport and exercise. The program is distinguished by its flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their studies towards specific career aspirations in teaching, coaching, or various roles within the broader sport and health industries. It emphasizes practical application and provides access to excellent specialist facilities, preparing graduates to promote active learning, healthy lifestyles, and sporting performance.

Curriculum: The BSc Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science curriculum at CCCU is designed to provide a rigorous theoretical foundation complemented by extensive practical experience. Core modules explore key areas such as the biomechanical and physiological basis of human movement, sport and exercise physiology, and the psychological and sociological underpinnings of sport and exercise science. Students will also examine the context of physical education across different age groups and develop skills in teaching, coaching, and delivering physical activity programs. The program utilizes a blend of real and virtual lectures, seminars, practical sessions, labs, workshops, and tutorials. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including two sports centres, Astroturfs, a dance studio, and advanced sport and exercise science laboratories equipped with 'gold standard' equipment such as an altitude chamber, brain imaging equipment (EEG), and cardiac screening equipment. In their final year, students undertake an individual study (dissertation) under the supervision of academic staff.

Research Focus: The BSc Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science program at Canterbury Christ Church University benefits from a highly qualified and research-active academic team. Staff members possess extensive expertise and experience across the breadth of disciplines within physical education and sport and exercise science, with many holding doctoral qualifications and being at the forefront of their research fields. This commitment to research ensures that the teaching is informed by the latest scientific advancements and contemporary issues. The Centre for Sport, Physical Education and Activity Research (SPEAR) at CCCU has a national reputation for excellence and innovation, conducting research in areas such as clinical exercise science, sports performance, policy and social research, applied health and fitness, and physical education and physical activity. Students are encouraged to engage with this research-led environment, potentially contributing to projects through opportunities like the university's consultancy unit, "SportsLab."

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant component of the BSc Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science program at CCCU, designed to enhance graduate employability and provide practical experience. The program's design incorporates a flexible approach to career preparation, allowing students to study modules that align with specific professions like teaching or coaching. Students have opportunities for a valuable work experience placement in their third year, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a chosen setting such as a school or youth environment. Furthermore, the university's SportsLab consultancy unit provides opportunities for students to engage in paid and voluntary activities, applying scientific services for sports people. The curriculum actively promotes the development of key professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and organizational abilities, ensuring that graduates are adaptable, innovative, and collaborative, meeting the demands of employers in various sectors.

Global Perspective: The BSc Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science program at Canterbury Christ Church University embraces a global perspective by exploring universal scientific principles of human movement and performance, applicable across diverse cultural and international contexts. The research expertise of the faculty, many with international experience, brings a broader understanding of global trends in physical education and sport science into the curriculum. The program's focus on addressing challenges related to health, well-being, and society through physical activity and sport inherently involves a global dimension, considering diverse populations and approaches. The university's overall commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, with students from various backgrounds, further enriches the global perspective, preparing graduates to contribute to and succeed in the interconnected global landscape of sport, education, and health.