South Devon College

FdSc Sport and Exercise Science

Everything at University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is designed to maximise your employability and future career opportunities. Courses are created with local employers to ensure you learn industry-relevant skills and are delivered in small classes with regular one-to-one support, covering a range of study skills – it’s no wonder we’re recognised as a leading institution in the National Student Survey.

In 2017 UCSD was awarded ‘Gold’, the highest level possible, by the Teaching Excellence Framework which recognises outstanding teaching within our university-level curriculum.

Course details

  • Year 1
  • Core modules

    • EXF105 Fundamentals of Training and Fitness

      This module focuses on the principles of training, generic to all sport and exercise regimes. The components of `fitness¿ will be examined, in terms of training and assessment. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding to the planning, implementation and evaluation of personal fitness programmes. Students will complete a YMCA Gym Instructors qualification as part of the assessment of this module.

    • EXF106 Exercise and Lifestyle

      The aim of this module is to examine the role of exercise in a healthy lifestyle. Students will explore the evidence for the benefits of exercise for both physical and psychological health. They will also investigate motivational theories to explain involvement and adherence to exercise. The possible risks of exercise addiction overuse syndrome and injuries will also be discussed.

    • SOUD1117B Developing Research and Practice

      This module is designed to enable students to demonstrate that they have all the qualities and transferable skill necessary for relevant employment requiring the exercise of responsibility and decision making, including the ability to relate their professional practice to underlying theory and principles.

    • SOUD1156 Human Anatomy and Physiology

      In order that students can appreciate how the human body performs they need to understand how the body functions and initiates movement. This module will provide students with foundational knowledge of the structure and function of exercise related anatomy and physiology. It will also be a pre-requisite to exercise physiology.

    • SOUD1309 Skill Acquisition in Sport

      This unit has been designed to develop learners¿ awareness of skill acquisition/ learning and to enable them to apply this knowledge to practical situations.

    • SOUD1310 Professional Vocational Study

      This module will give students the opportunity to support their academic programme and research with a vocational qualification. Candidates will be able to select one of the following vocational programmes; * GP Referral Scheme. *CYQ Gym Instructors Certificate. *VTCT Diploma in Sports Therapy. In addition to this, learners will also develop a clear understanding of the key principles and purpose of reflective practice.

  • Final year
  • Core modules

    • EXF201 Research Statistics for Sports and Exercise Science

      The students will be introduced to the disciplines and techniques of collecting, analysing presenting data. It includes the application and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and the use of computers for the analysis and evaluation of statistical data.

    • EXF202 Exercise Physiology

      To examine physiological factors that effect performance. Importance will be placed on the relationship of the cardio-vascular system, energy transport and metabolism alongside environmental factors that improve performance. The aim of the module is to build and develop principles/knowledge acquired in human anatomy and physiology to exercise science.

    • EXF205 Exercise and Health Psychology

      This module gives students an understanding of key psychological factors that influence performance and participation in sport and exercise. The module introduces the learner to an awareness of psychological skills and training methods that can be employed to enhance performance. It also provides an introduction to the key issues in exercise psychology and exercise adherence.

    • SOUD2114 Nutrition and Exercise

      This module provides the learner with knowledge relating to sports nutrition. The module looks at general nutritional requirements of physically active individuals, including macronutrients, micronutrients, energy balance and calorific values, and the assessment of calorie intake and expenditure. The module also examines how athletes prepare for and recover from exercise and means by which athletic performance can be improved via nutritional strategies.

    • SOUD2261 Biomechanics of Sports Performance

      In order to understand spots performance fully, students must have knowledge of the biomechanics of sports techniques. This allows them to appreciate the movements of the body and sports equipment allowing the coach to enhance sports performance.

    • SOUD2332 Sports Coaching and Leadership

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.



Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with South Devon College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.

Find out more about studying at South Devon College