Profile of the Programme

Aims

The aim of the program is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles governing sports performance, physical education, exercise and health and physical activity.

Objectives

The main objectives of this programme are to:

1. Educate students in the disciplines of sports sciences.
2. Develop their intellectual capacity and their ability to academically communicate with other sports scientists.
3. Encourage independent analytical and critical judgment.
4. Prepare graduates to lead and develop sports sciences and related areas.
5. Prepare students for relevant postgraduate studies.
6. Promote life-long sports participation culture.
7. Promote sports science research.

In addition, students who will choose coaching as a minor will be able to:

• understand the roles and responsibilities of a coach
• develop athletes and improve their overall performance
• effectively condition athletes by providing concepts and principles that can assist in generating possibilities and identifying actions for the individual or the team
• ensure a safe coaching environment and deal safely with injuries
• work with exercise physiology, sports medicine and other relevant personnel in order to plan and monitor training and fitness of the athletes

The programme has both an academic (theoretical and practical) skills and a sports science market orientation. It focuses on studying and analyzing the latest trends and developments in the sports science and physical education academia. Consequently, it is targeting students who intend to pursue post-graduate studies in the relevant area, as well as, those who may wish to immediately enter the sports science and physical education job market following graduation.

Career Prospects

Sports Science is a field which is characterized by continuous changes and challenges. It is among the most rapidly growing areas of the sports and athletics industry in both nationally and internationally. Due to the highly competitive nature of the field and the rapidly evolving ‘character’ there is a requirement for competent graduates. On successful completion of the program graduates will be able to provide leadership and expertise and gain entry into a wide range of careers in the world of sport science, physical education and fitness and leisure centres, as well as, in other areas related to sports, exercise and health.

Potential employment opportunities include:

1. Physical education teachers in elementary and secondary schools
2. Fitness instructors in sports and athletics teams and clubs at all levels
3. Fitness instructors in gyms, fitness and well-being centres
4. Sports science consultants with sports agencies or government bodies as pertaining to health, sports, exercise and fitness
5. Health and fitness advisors (for sports and exercise prescription)
6. Management of sport and fitness centres and corporate fitness programmes
7. Sports science laboratory assistants
8. Research for sport and exercise manufacturing and other commercial industries (e.g. equipment, clothing, footwear, food, drink etc)

Access to Further Studies

Upon graduation, students may have direct access to further postgraduate (MSc, MA, MRes, MPhil) studies, such as in sports science and physical education in general or specifically in sports physiology, exercise nutrition, fitness and health, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports coaching, sports psychology, athletic training and sports physiotherapy.