Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: C600 BSc/SE
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
Whether it is high performance sport at the Olympics or World Cup, the role of exercise in preventing and treating many life-threatening conditions, or the development of sport in the community, this is an exciting time for you if you are interested in the academic study of sport, coaching and physical activity.
Our courses have been designed to reflect the changing nature of the employment market within the sport and exercise industry and the growth of knowledge in this sector. This is to ensure that the courses provide you with topical information, an ability to translate theory to practice in work settings and the maximum flexibility for you to follow your own interests.
In the first two years you will follow a core curriculum that provides a basis for more specialised study in the final two years. All students entering at year 1 or year 2 will be admitted to BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise. At the end of year 2 you will choose a route leading to one of the following specific named awards:
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
BSc (Hons) Physical Activity and Health
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
BSc (Hons) Sports Development
BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning
In the early years of the course you will study the sciences that underpin sport, namely physiology, psychology and biomechanics, as well as studying social policy, ethics and philosophy. Practical activities and work placements will enable you to contextualise theory to real-life applications (this includes volunteering with the Active Schools programme) and work towards NGB or industry qualifications.
In the later years, the pattern of study will depend on the route chosen but, as an example, students following the sports coaching pathway will study motor control, skill acquisition and development as well as developing applied aspects of the underpinning sciences. Students studying Physical Activity and Health will pursue applied aspects of the underpinning sciences but will also focus on social policy and practice. Work placements continue as a key feature of the course and you will also be expected to undertake an extended piece of individual research.
How you learn
The course involves lectures, small group seminars, laboratory practicals, activity-based practicals and private study. On average there will be four lectures, four practical sessions and four seminars each week. You will spend around 18 hours per week attending classes and in addition you will be required to undertake an average of 20 hours of private study a week.
You will also be expected to undertake work placements, which will form a significant part of your learning and help reinforce the important link between theory and practice. Classroom activities will enable you to develop the ability to work in teams, engage in problem solving, and share experiences and knowledge in a non-threatening learning environment. You will further develop your communication skills, oral and written, which are greatly appreciated by employers.
You will be encouraged to critically evaluate information and challenge ideas and concepts using scientifically-based information, as well as being encouraged to show initiative, research and construct your own knowledge, and therefore have skills which will enable you to effect change in a working environment.
How you are assessed
The first year of the course is assessed by 100% coursework. In Years 2, 3 and 4 assessment varies from 100% coursework to a combination of examination and course work in the ratio 50:50. Some modules include practical assessment and work-based assessments.
Higher BBC; A Level DDD; ILC (H) BBC; UCAS Tariff 168-180 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: science/science related subject (not including general studies)
Advanced entry (year 2)
HND in an appropriate subject area; Advanced Higher CCC; A Level CCC; ILC (H) AAA
Essential subjects: a science/science-related subject (not including general studies)
Advanced entry (year 3)
Entry is possible for suitably qualified and experienced applicants. All candidates for year 3 entry will be interviewed to assess their suitability for entrance at this level.
Criminal record check required
Additional costs: small charge for some external awards, e.g. NGB Awards, First Aid Certificates etc.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
In addition, all applicants will be required to satisfy a Disclosure Scotland check.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Careers
Sports development officer, coach, outdoor pursuits instructor, fitness consultant, lifestyle manager, health promotion specialist, sports administrator, teacher, lecturer, physical activity leader, researcher.
Specialist facilities
You have access to our Human Performance Laboratory with running, rowing, fitness testing and weights machines. You have opportunities to meet the numerous professional sportsmen and sportswomen who draw on the expertise of our lecturing staff within this facility.
