Course Content
Modules are designed to allow you to understand the interactions between our bodies and minds and the environment in which we live. These are complemented with exercise-based modules in sport and exercise science, sport and exercise physiology, psychology of sport and exercise, health related exercise and public health nutrition. These modules will allow you to understand and predict how the body responds and adapts to exercise, and to consider the strategies that can be employed to improve health, fitness and performance.
A major theme throughout the course will be to consider the impact that lifestyle has on health. You will learn how appropriate changes to lifestyle, such as exercise and a healthy diet, may be effective in preventing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Innovative approaches to sports medicine will also allow you to gain experience in the rapidly expanding area of ‘exercise prescription’.
You will have access to well equipped, recently refurbished laboratories at the Llandaff campus, including the recently developed Health Assessment Suite, excellent computing and open-learning facilities and well-stocked libraries with a full range of current journals and periodicals. In addition, you will have full access to the extensive facilities at the Cyncoed campus, which include human performance laboratories, the National Indoor Athletics Centre, synthetic surface outdoor athletics track, Astroturf, indoor tennis centre, swimming pool and a sports hall. Opportunities exist for a limited number of students to take an optional work -based professional training year during the third year to further develop their personal and professional qualities.
Year One:
You will be introduced to the underlying themes of human nutrition, human physiology, sports and exercise science, biochemistry, and psychology of sport and exercise. Emphasis is placed on the effect of exercise on the physical and mental development of the body. This will enable you to develop a foundation in applying scientific principles, reasoning and practice to the field of health and exercise science.
Year Two:
You will apply your knowledge obtained in year one, through the use of laboratory-based techniques and practical sessions to understand the relationships between exercise, health and disease. Emphasis is placed on the detection, assessment and monitoring of the effects of exercise and nutrition on health and fitness. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in using techniques for the detection and measurement of performance-enhancing drugs.
Year Three:
During your final year you will be able to develop your individual strengths and interest in relation to health and exercise science, and their place in the wider worlds of medicine and public health. You will also undertake a dissertation, developing original and critical thinking, which will equip you for a range of careers in the biomedical, exercise and health areas.
Career Potential
This unique and exciting course is designed to allow graduates to take full advantage of employment in a number of areas. There is a booming economy in the health and fitness sectors, and successful completion of this programme of study should provide a variety of careers in areas such as the Sport and Leisure industry, National Health Service, National Sports Councils and Sporting National Governing Bodies.
Graduates will also be well qualified for a career in the Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage industries. Opportunities for further study are excellent and include other health related studies and higher degrees (MSc and PhD).
The Cardiff School of Health Sciences has excellent links with all relevant sectors associated with the Health Sciences. Many staff pursue ‘cutting edge’ research initiatives with collaborative Institutions including Cambridge University Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Cardiff University Medical School, the Welsh School of Pharmacy, University of Bath and the Institute for Sports Nutrition.
A student commented in the 2011-12 National Student Survey that ‘the course covers a wide range of topics, which makes it interesting and gives an overview of different areas for career paths’.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have five GSCE passes including Mathematics, English Language and a science including:
- 240 points from at least two A levels / Scottish Advanced Higher to include grades CC, one to be in a Science subject
- Or 'Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences'
- QCF BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma 240 points within a Science subject
- 240 points from Highers within the Irish Leaving Certificate to include a Science subject (minimum grade C2 considered)
- Pass Access with 45 credits at Level 3 within a Science subject
- 240 points from the Welsh Baccalaureate to include grades CC at A Level or equivalent, one within a Science subject, Core considered as third subject
- Qualifications equivalent to the above
If your qualification isn't listed above, please refer to the UCAS website.
If you do not meet the above entry requirements, the ‘Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences’ is available one year full-time and will provide you with a relevant qualification that will allow you to progress to this degree upon successful completion. For further information about the Foundation course, please click here.
Successful applicants will be invited to a Health Sciences Open Day as part of the application process.
Key Facts
UCAS Code(s):
This course offers the following pathways of study and the relevant UCAS Code, shown below, should be used on your application form.
BSc (Hons) Sport Biomedicine & Nutrition: CB64
BSc (Hons) Sport Biomedicine & Nutrition (inc. Foundation): CB6K
Campus: Llandaff and Cyncoed
School: Cardiff School of Health Sciences
Course Length: Three years full-time; Four years full time (inc. Foundation)
Assessment:
Grade determination for individual modules is by continual assessment through examinations, assignments and projects.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at http://www.ucas.com/
For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.
International Applicants:
Before making an application, international students (those outside of the EU), should contact the International Office at Cardiff Met to discuss the necessary procedures in relation to studying with us. For further information visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/international
Selection Procedure:
Selection is usually on based receipt of a completed UCAS application.
Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.
Bursaries & Scholarships:
The university also offers a bursary and scholarship scheme to help students whilst at university. To see if you are eligible, visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships.