BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise & Physical Activity (Full Time)

The BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise and Physical Activity degree has been designed to investigate the science that underpins the health, exercise and physical activity behaviour of individuals and population groups, and to help you develop skills that will enhance your employability.

The course provides you with the industry-recognised qualifications needed to work in the health and fitness industry. You will also acquire the skills and knowledge needed to design and deliver exercise and activity programmes to a diverse range of clients in a variety of settings to improve their health and fitness.

Solent’s facilities are excellent, and you will make use of our fully equipped health and exercise lab and other state-of-the-art sport science laboratories. You will also gain valuable practical work experience in a community health intervention aimed at encouraging individuals and communities to adopt more healthy and active lifestyles. This will be underpinned by exploring global, national and local strategies, policies and initiatives that encourage physical activity.

By the end of this stimulating course you will have gained a thorough understanding of the relationships between health, fitness, exercise and physical activity, including the psychological and environmental factors in exercise behaviour. You will also have the skills necessary to apply your knowledge in a career dedicated to improving the health of a wide variety of people.

Industrial focus

Students will gain entry to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), as well as undertaking a period of work placement that will provide a valuable opportunity to put theory into practice and enhance employment potential. You will also benefit from guest lectures by health professionals who are involved in physical activity initiatives in the city.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Client Appraisal and Assessment
• Gym Training
• Industry Practice and Research
• Introduction to Physiology of Exercise
• Introduction to Exercise Psychology
• Principles of Health, Fitness and Nutrition.

Year 2

Five core units and one option unit:

• Physical Activity and Public Health Interventions
• Exercise Programming for Older Adults
• Research Methods for Sport and Exercise
• Exercise Psychology (Behaviour Change)
• Work-based Professional Studies OR Community Volunteering: Personal Values in Action.

Option:

• Advanced Training Principles
• Group Exercise
• Sports Massage
• Diet and Nutrition
• Curriculum Plus (excluding Work-based Learning).

Year 3

Three core units and two option units:

• Health Psychology
• Exercise Programming for Medically Referred and Disabled Clients
• Project.

Options:

• Exercise Management for Advanced Medical Conditions
• Management and Delivery of Physical Activity Schemes (Exercise Referral)
• Professional Skills
• Sport Development
• Stress Management
• Sports Nutrition and Performance
• Physical Education
• Curriculum Plus (excluding Work-based Learning).

Why choose Solent?

If you are interested in helping others to improve their health and wellbeing by improving or maintaining levels of physical activity, then this is the degree for you.

This course has been developed in consultation with employers to ensure that you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills that they are looking for from a graduate. It will provide you with industry-recognised fitness instructor qualifications, an understanding of the psychology of exercise and physical activity, and of how to work with clients to change their exercise behaviour.

In addition, you will gain an understanding of global, national and local policies and initiatives that encourage physical activity, and gain valuable work experience through working on a community health intervention.

• Solent is dedicated to providing vocational degree courses developed in conjunction with employers, to provide you with the knowledge and skills that are needed in the industry.
• Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) - recognised industry awards that are endorsed by SkillsActive are embedded within the course, so you will have the opportunity to gain useful fitness instructor qualifications as well as your degree.
• You will make extensive use of our state-of-the-art sport and exercise science laboratories, including a dedicated health and exercise lab.

Assessment

Written assignments, practical simulations, in-course tests, case studies, reflective portfolios, group work, reports, presentations and exams.

REPs fees

Please note that this course is subject to an additional compulsory fee of £300 in the first year for professional body (REPs) qualifications.

Projects/work experience

You will undertake a six-week placement or a period of community volunteering. You will also carry out a 20-hour work placement in a local community-based initiative aimed at increasing levels of physical activity in the city.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, presentation, project management, visual communication, evaluation and problem solving.

Graduate quote

Ruth Baker

“I transferred to Solent from a different university at the start of my second year and it was possibly the best thing I could have done in terms of furthering my education and career progression.

“The University itself has the most fantastic support network, particularly in terms of lecturers, who will always make time for their students. Their attitudes and knowledge in regards to the health and fitness industry filtered down into the course, not only providing depth to learning but also fuelling passion for the sector too.

“I now work in London with the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) as their programmes and campaigns co-ordinator, working amongst some of the leading professionals in the fitness industry.

“My role is to assist with the design and implementation of physical activity programmes and campaigns to engage communities all over England. My time spent in this role has already taught me great amounts in regards to what goes on behind the scenes of the sector.

“Looking back to my time at Solent, I can now see the real value that each unit contributed in terms of my current knowledge. Without my degree it is unlikely I would have even been interviewed for my current role.”

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