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 the programme are to:

1. Impart knowledge and develop the capacities of students through state-of-the-art Higher Education in the area of Sports Science including Physical Education.
2. Provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles governing exercise science, sports pedagogy, physical activity and health, recreation and sports performance.
3. Enable graduates to become reflective teachers who will provide educationally valuable learning experiences for children in elementary and secondary level schools as well as reflective sports educators for children, adolescents and adults
4. Enable graduates to develop relevant competences and a strong basis for future specialisation and to build the basis for postgraduate studies in exercise sciences and physical education.
5. Enable graduates to develop life-long learning skills in exercise science and physical education and to cultivate life-long sports participation culture.
6. Encourage leadership in the area of exercise science and physical education and inspire independent analytical and critical judgment
7. Promote sports science and physical education research*
8. Encourage students to choose specialization modules upon their preference

Through the Physical Education (PE) courses students will be able to specifically:

1. plan, teach and assess lessons and programmes of work in PE sectors
2. use a range of teaching and learning strategies addressing students of all ability levels to:

• understand the knowledge, concepts and skills which underlie PE;
• apply principles of differentiated learning  and  progression to lesson planning;
• continually develop their professional capability through ongoing critical analysis of their practice.

Students who will choose Sports Coaching Module will be able to:

• understand the roles and responsibilities of the coach and the fitness coach and in general the role of the whole coaching team
• 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 physiologist and sports physicians/medicine and other relevant personnel in order to plan, implement and monitor training and fitness development of the athletes

Students who will choose Fitness Development in Gyms & Exercise Centres Module will be able to:

• understand in depth the roles and responsibilities of a fitness instructor in a gym and/or in a health and sports canters
• be able to design, execute and monitor fitness development and physical activity programmes for individuals and for groups
• develop strength and conditioning parameters of individuals and/or groups at all levels based on their needs (e.g. recreational, health and exercise performance purposes)
• be able to manage and lead a fitness development centre and/or gyms
• be able to improve the overall fitness and health of an individual through exercise effectively by providing training concepts and principles that can assist in improving the fitness and health status of individuals and/or groups
• become effective and inspiring personal trainers

Students who will choose Exercise, Fitness & Health Module will be able to

• Recognize the important role and appreciate the general health benefits of physical activity and exercise for maintaining or improving physical, social and psychological health of persons of different age groups.
• Recognize the important role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
• Learn to design exercise programs based on the needs and goals of the individual aiming to improve health related parameters.
• Learn to design exercise programs for the improvement of physical performance parameters such as body composition, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility; based on the needs and goals of the individual
• Design specific and appropriate exercise and physical activity programs for the most common chronic diseases
• Recognize how physical activity and exercise could improve the quality of life in healthy and diseased individuals.
• Assess the functional capacity of both healthy and diseased populations

*: Regarding Sports Science and PE postgraduate studies: Upon graduation, our 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, sports and exercise nutrition, fitness and health, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports coaching, sports psychology and athletic training.

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

Graduates of the programme can be accepted into Second Cycle degrees (Master’s Degree)