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Sport, Physical Activity and Health Promotion

BSc (Hons) or DipHE or CertHE

UCAS code: C606

Start dates: September 2024 / September 2025

Full time: 3 years

Part time: up to 6 years

Location: Headington

Department(s): Department of Sport, Health Sciences and Social Work

Overview
Course details
Careers
Entry requirements
How to apply
Tuition fees

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Overview

How can you use sport and exercise to improve people’s health and improve their quality of life? How do you adapt physical exercise for various clinical populations? What part do attitudes to nutrition play?

These are some of the important lifestyle questions you’ll be covering in our Sport, Physical Activity and Health Promotion degree.

Having consulted widely with leaders in the healthcare sector, we’ve been able to design the course so it addresses the key issues faced by society today. Plus, our team’s research expertise informs their teaching and keeps you up to date with latest developments.

Our practical work placements with local healthcare and community organisations mean that when you apply for jobs, employers will see you have first-hand experience of what being a health practitioner really means.

And the course acts as a great springboard for a career in different areas of the healthcare and fitness industry. Whether you’re working with clinical populations or the general public, you’ll be able to show how health and wellbeing makes a difference.

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Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Brand new lab space

    Put your learning to the test in our clinical rehabilitation suite, dedicated to physical activity. Access our state-of-the-art equipment to run experiments and analyse your results.

  • Develop a broad skill set

    As our course covers a wide range of topics from nutrition to public health, you’ll gain the experience needed to become a competent applied health practitioner in many areas.

  • An active research team

    You’ll be taught by research specialists and expert clinicians in their field so you can be confident the course content is right up to date and addressing real issues.

  • Extra accreditations

    Including several qualifications from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) at no extra cost. Recognised internationally.

  • Make yourself more employable

    Use our strong links with local healthcare and community organisations to set up practical work placements so you can stand out to future employers.

  • Free language courses

    Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

  • Study abroad

    You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

Course details

Course structure

Throughout your course, you’ll focus on physical activity, including sport and applied exercise, plus nutrition and health promotion.

In your first year, you’ll cover a number of compulsory modules to give you a thorough grounding, including subjects such as an introduction to nutrition, the psychology of food, and the physiology for human movement. You’ll also study anatomy for sport, exercise and health promotion and behavioural change.

Our Sport and Exercise Practitioner module introduces you to the many different aspects of the role and explores the varied career opportunities.

In year 2, you’ll take some compulsory modules such as how to enhance physical activity from child to elderly adult. Plus, you choose from a variety of optional modules in line with your interests.

In year 3, you’ll look at training and rehabilitation, and public health policy. You’ll also have the opportunity to do a dissertation on a subject of your choosing.

Physical Activity and Health Promotion

Learning and teaching

Our teaching staff use a variety of methods informed by contemporary practice in science teaching in higher education. These include;

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • practical work.

All modules make use of the Brookes Virtual Learning Environment. You can use this for;

  • locating module resources
  • quizzes
  • coursework submissions.

Due to the small cohort size and the facilities and external resources available, you will get an emphasis on the practical application of your knowledge.
 

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods including;

  • essays
  • reviews
  • laboratory/field notebooks
  • scientific reports
  • posters and oral presentations.

Our teaching staff are committed to providing you with;

  • clear assessment criteria
  • useful and timely feedback on your work.

We also encourage reflective learning. This usually involves self, peer or staff feedback on assignments, group work and project work, and portfolios.

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Nutrition

There are few things more fundamental to life than food and water. This module provides the building blocks for basic understanding of the Science of Nutrition. Students will be introduced to the concepts of energy supply and energy expenditure, learn about the different nutrients, and trained in how to assess dietary intake and nutritional adequacy, as well as body size and body composition.

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.”

Psychology of Food

This module aims to introduce the concept of food choice and identify the range of factors that affect food choice. The module will explore: theories and models of food choice; psychology of drinking behaviour; biological and learning influences on food choice; societal influences on food choice; changing behavioural patterns with reference to food consumption. 

Module lead Dr Shelly Coe says: “This is one of my favourite modules to teach and the students really like it too, especially the case study assignment which allows them to design a recovery plan using behaviour change techniques for an individual. I have always enjoyed the psychological aspect of why we eat what we do, and Psychology of Food develops students' understanding of just that, whether from a biological or physiological point of view or at a societal level.”

Professional Skills in Sport and Coaching Science

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.
 

Health Promotion and Behaviour Change

Study the concept and the practical application of health promotion. You will explore the models of health behaviour and the science of behavioural change. 

You’ll gain a foundational knowledge base that surrounds the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The knowledge you gain will help you prepare for future learning in your subsequent modules.
 

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Enhancing Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

In this module you will explore the benefits, barriers and facilitators to increasing the physical activity of the nation; from children through adolescence, pre and post-natal, and the older adult.

Motivating Health Behaviour

In this module you will examine a variety of approaches to motivate behavioural change, with the aim of improving human health by addressing nutrition, exercise and other relevant factors in post-industrialised nations.

Determinants of Health

This module explores the bio-socio-economic factors that influence or impact the health of a population.

Physical Activity and Health

This module focuses on the ways in which physical inactivity impacts on cardiometabolic health.

Research Methods for Sport and Health Sciences

This module aims to develop your knowledge of research methods and concepts. You will explore aspects pertaining to the design, analysis and interpretation of research, as well as ethical considerations fundamental to the research process.

Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations

In this module you will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the area of exercise prescription and training in clinical populations.

Applied Human Nutrition

A detailed study of the features and problems of nutrition-related disease in the UK, Europe and other prosperous countries and communities.

Optional modules

Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism

This module will focus on sources of metabolic energy and other nutrients required by human metabolism. This includes their sources in food, the UK diet, and the consequences of sub-optimal intake or excess.

Principles of Training

This module aims to provide you with the key knowledge and skills needed to write and deliver individualised or group training programmes.

Work Experience 1

This optional work experience module will run con-currently with the other modules in the semester and will not require you to take time out of your studies. There will be no additional fees to these opportunities beyond normal tuition fees. They will be organised and facilitated by the department, however, students may be able to organise their own experience with approval by the work experience module lead.

Independent Study 1

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Project/Dissertation

This module allows you to pursue a sustained critical inquiry of your choosing, within the fields of sport and exercise science, physical education, health and nutrition.

Clinical Populations and Rehabilitation

This module aims to advance your knowledge and practical skills in delivering evidence based training and rehabilitation for the prevention and management of prevalent long term health conditions.

Public Health Policy

This module investigates current Public Health policy and the impact on national health.

Optional modules

Strength and Conditioning

The aim of this module is to develop practical and theoretical knowledge in the area of strength and conditioning, including evidence-based practice, rehabilitation and working with special populations.

Energy Regulation and Obesity

In this module you will study the factors influencing human energy regulation and the development and treatment of obesity.

Clinical Nutrition

This module focuses on the study of nutrition theory and practice within a clinical setting. It takes a 'process' approach to clinical nutrition and outlines the general principles and processes that underlie most clinical cases.

Emerging Technology in Exercise and Health

This module aims to help you identify strengths and weaknesses of emerging, industry specific technology. You will process and critically analyse their data and relevantly apply and use it within various fields of expertise.

Work Experience 2

This optional work experience module will run con-currently with the other modules in the semester and will not require you to take time out of your studies. There will be no additional fees to these opportunities beyond normal tuition fees. They will be organised and facilitated by the department, however, students may be able to organise their own experience with approval by the work experience module lead.

Independent Study 2

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Download course structure chart

Careers

Health promotion and physical activity is a booming industry. Especially with various national initiatives tackling obesity and promoting healthy eating and exercise. 

This means it’s a great time to be considering a career in the sector as there are a wide range of opportunities open to you. You may decide to go into one of the following: 

  • health and fitness industry
  • community health initiatives
  • health promotion
  • rehabilitation
  • clinical exercise therapy
  • personal training
  • professional sport
  • workplace health and fitness
  • teaching
  • research. 

You can also gain professional accreditations through the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) such as the Health Navigator, Personal Trainer, Working with people with long term conditions.

As well as the specialist knowledge you’ll gain during our course, you’ll have developed key problem-solving and practical skills that employers value.

Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 104

A Level: BCC

IB Points: 29

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process


Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCAS


Part time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the University


International applicants
Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£16,100
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£16,100
2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 483088

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Financial support and scholarships

For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.