The BSc Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year programme combines a foundation year with the three year Honours Degree to create an integrated four year programme. The programme provides an excellent introduction to studying a sport science subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to study at degree-level. The Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year programme is ideal for applicants who do not quite meet the entry requirements for the three year degree or who would benefit from further a further year’s study in relation to studying a science subject.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will see you progress to Year 1 of the BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree or students can choose to transfer to BSc Adventure Sport Science, BSc Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education, BSc Sport Science: Strength and Conditioning or BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology.

From the marginal gains philosophy of elite sport to the increasing number of bioapps and fitness trackers that pervade the health and lifestyle domain, it is clear that the sport and exercise science sector is booming. The Sport and Exercise Science degree at Bangor University will bring the science underpinning such innovations to life.

In addition to covering the core areas of psychology, physiology, biomechanics and skill learning, a modern innovation of our degree is the inclusion of the latest psychophysiological and neuroscientific research in sport and exercise. This allows you to bridge the traditional boundaries between disciplines and graduate with an appreciation of how the many areas of sport and exercise science inter-relate. This skillset is exactly what the modern, forward-thinking, sport and exercise scientist needs for a successful professional career, be that in elite sport, business, exercise, rehabilitation, or health.

You’ll be taught by staff who are recognised internationally for their cutting-edge scientific research. Our staff are also applied practitioners and they will share their experiences of working as sport and exercise scientists in high-profile organizations (e.g., NHS, military, UK Sport, Sport Wales, Premier League football teams, England and Wales Cricket Board) and with world-leading athletes and teams. North Wales offers a stunning natural environment for your studies, and our department, which was established in 1978, is proud to call itself one of the original and longest serving Sport and Exercise Science providers in the world.

The Foundation Year component of the programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. You will study a range of modules focused on your developing your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, ahead of progressing to Year 1 of the programme. You will complete modules focusing on IT and Communication Skills, Essential Mathematics and Biology and develop a range of skills through a subject specific research project.

In subsequent years, you will follow the same modules as BSc Sport and Exercise Science or whichever route you transfer to if you decide to pursue one of the other sports science related degrees.

Each year you study a total of 120 credits and the modules build up over the years to provide both breadth and depth of understanding in wide-ranging areas of sport and exercise science, ultimately tailored by you to your interests and career plans.

As you progress into the first year of your chosen degree you’ll learn via a blend of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies, group assignments and independent study. Each module typically involves one lecture per week, followed up (where appropriate), with lab classes, discussion groups and tutorials. This means that a typical week on this degree will contain six lectures, two or three practicals or seminars, advertised time for tutorials with module leaders / personal tutors and protected time for independent study. Your independent study time is expected to involve reading scientific research, writing essays and reports, practicing vocational competencies, gathering information and data, working on group projects and preparing verbal and poster presentations. These activities form the basis of authentic assessment opportunities to help you prepare for future employment e.g., practical examinations, presentations, case studies, written reports and critiques of research.

Our approach allows our students have close contact with lecturers and tutors, and all our students have access to regular one-to-one meetings with staff.

This foundation year is integrated into BSc Sport and Exercise Science but you can also use it to access other sport science degrees and you can find career information on those course pages depending on which degree route you intend to follow.

Our research-led curriculum covers the core Sport, Health and Exercise Science topics of physiology, psychology, exercise, health and medicine, biomechanics and effective coaching. Our expertise and high calibre teaching will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need for a career in the expanding sport, health, exercise and adventure markets.