Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year

at University of Wolverhampton - Walsall Campus United Kingdom

Our three year Undergraduate course in Primary Education provides a high standard of training for those preparing to take up a teaching post in the primary school sector.  The course complies with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education for Initial Teacher Training courses.

The BA (Hons) in Primary Education is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - the professional award required by all those who wish to teach in a maintained school.

You will focus on the teaching of the National Curriculum for primary schools and specialise in teaching Key Stages 1 and 2 whilst also having valuable opportunities to experience alternative educational settings such as Early Years, Secondary, SEND and transition.

This exciting Sport Business Management programme has been developed alongside industry partners and endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

The course has been mapped against the Professional Standards of a General Manager, meaning that you will be equipped with the competencies and skills needed to meet the requirements of potential employers.

The programme will provide opportunities to explore different strands of sport business management including marketing, strategy, policy, finance, economics, and sport event management. Studying these key areas will prepare you to enter a range of careers including sport development management, governing body management, insight and data management, facility management and business management.

The BSc (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (with Foundation Year) is designed to help you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in your studies with the University of Wolverhampton at degree level and beyond. During your Foundation Year you will develop skills appropriate to University study such as finding and using information, working collaboratively with others, challenging and debating ideas and expressing yourself with greater confidence.

The Early Childhood Studies degree will develop your skills and knowledge required for a range of careers working with children, their families and the services that support them.  The course will draw on a range of disciplines such as history, psychology, education, sociology, welfare and social policy.

The course is suitable for people new to this area or experienced staff searching for career development.  The course takes account of the ecology of children’s lives in studying the complexities of family life and of children’s development from conception onwards and the significance of childhood across cultures and societies. 

Work experience placements are an integral part of the course and can be negotiated in a variety of settings such as schools, nurseries, community care centres, hospitals, social services, libraries, children’s centres, and other relevant settings. The course will consider theory in relation to the implications for practice and enable you to evaluate and develop appropriate pedagogical approaches to work with children and their families and to consider ethical principles and high quality practice.

The BA (Hons) Education Studies with Foundation Year provides you with the knowledge and skills to work in a range of educational settings, as a teacher or with a range of other career options open to you. Our Foundation Year programme has been designed to prepare you for studying at undergraduate level and provide you with the required skills and knowledge to transition effectively into level 4 study. During your foundation year you will develop skills appropriate to your university studies, such as finding and using information, working collaboratively with others, challenging and debating ideas, and expressing yourself with greater confidence. The foundation year helps you to become familiar with university life and to feel at home on campus.

The course is suitable for people new to this area or experienced staff searching for career development. If you are considering becoming a teacher, we offer the guarantee of a PGCE interview upon completion of this degree (providing you are on track to achieve a 2:2 or above and meet the course entry requirements). We also have excellent progression opportunities on to our Master’s in Education.

During your course, you, as an Education Studies student will have opportunities to consider a range of issues and perspectives relevant to educational contexts. You will consider contemporary issues in relation to education and children’s lives, including exploring issues around climate change, Black Lives Matter, mental health, social media, the impact of Covid-19 on education, and LBGT student experiences. You will also explore the role of education in relation to social justice, education policy, curriculum, and the types of education provided in the UK and internationally, as well as much more. You will draw upon a range of perspectives and disciplines to develop your familiarity with the complex and varied nature of teaching and learning, and will examine diversity and inclusion in relation to education. We work with our students to explore and challenge a wide range of educational ideas and developments, and we value learners’ own perspectives and diverse experiences of education. We encourage independent thought and curiosity, and a belief in the potential of education as a tool for improving people’s lives.

Work experience placements are an integral part of the course and can be negotiated in a variety of settings such as schools, colleges, children’s centres, charities, pupil referral units, prisons, youth centres, and other relevant settings.

We recognise that you will have a unique learning journey and we will maximise your potential through a wide variety of assessment choices such as presentations, written assessments, reflective journals, report writing, peer mentoring, and written plans. Our course does not include any exams and we work hard to make our assessments inclusive and relevant to your career goals.  We usually teach in smaller classroom-based student groups, as opposed to larger lecture theatres, to give you a supportive and personalised learning experience and our staff work hard to help develop the confidence of our students.

The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course enables you to develop the knowledge and skills to become a safe, competent and effective physiotherapy practitioner. Upon successful completion of the course you can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to practice as a physiotherapist.

What happens on the course?

• Our physiotherapy programme will allow you to study a range of subjects that provide the foundations of effective physiotherapy practice.
• At its core are the biological, physical, clinical and behavioural sciences. Together with the fundamentals of the therapeutic process such as physical assessment skills and clinical reasoning, and a repertoire of safe, effective prevention and treatment skills, you will be trained to meet the needs of people of all ages.
• You will also explore multifaceted aspects of public health, as well as develop vital research and clinical skills.
• During the course you will have the opportunity to participate in physiotherapy practice, under the supervision of a physiotherapist, in a variety of settings.
• All theory is delivered at our friendly Walsall Campus for classroom study.

As a dance student at the University of Wolverhampton, you will develop your technical and performance skills, explore your creativity, and deepen you understanding of dance in a wider cultural context.  We offer one of the most varied dance degree courses in the UK and you will have unique opportunities to enrich and expand your experience in dance.

Reasons to study with us:

• You will have daily technique classes, training in contemporary, jazz, ballet, musical theatre, street, body conditioning and improvisation throughout the course
• All our staff are practitioners with international performance and research experience
• Our Performance Hub offers outstanding facilities with Harlequin floors and lighting rigs in the dance studios, a fully equipped theatre, recording studios, and a superb library
• We have excellent links with national and international dance organisations in nearby Birmingham and this will enhance your employability and experience in the current industry
• Our world-leading research in dance science informs our teaching and supports your health and well-being as a dancer

The course content includes dance technique and repertoire, choreography, film-making, dance science, dance history, cultural studies, dance education and workshop leadership, work placements, and research projects. You will have the following practical opportunities: performances in our theatres (Walsall and Wolverhampton), performing in local and national arts events, joining Le Loup Dance Company (our student company), front of house and backstage training, and participating in work placements of your choice.

National Student Survey 2018: We achieved an outstanding 100% for overall satisfaction for the course, and 100% for good teaching, 100% for academic support, and 100% for learning opportunities. These excellent results are well above the sector wide scores.

Can't decide which course you love the most? Why not look at our joint option... BA (Hons) Dance and Drama.

This exciting and applied course has been endorsed through the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (BUES), which awards endorsement to sport and exercise science degree courses that provide undergraduates with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills essential to enter into the profession. 

The course covers the physiological, biomechanical and psychological influences on human performance and health. You will examine how individuals respond and adapt to sport and exercise in a variety of settings, and learn how to design interventions to maximise performance and promote health for a range of people. This may include elite athletes or clinical populations such as those with obesity or cardiac rehabilitation patients.

You will also explore local, national and international public health and sport initiatives that aim to encourage a physically active population. This course is therefore ideal if you wish to work in applied settings such as professional sport, exercise referral schemes, community physical activity programmes and professional environments that promote active lifestyles and well-being.

What happens on the course? 

• You will have access to our sport and exercise science laboratories that include cutting edge technology such as our 3D motion capture system, and our environment chamber.
• Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to work with a range professional sport organisations, clubs and university sports teams to develop industry skills relevant to a career in sport and exercise science. Including opportunities with some of our partners such as Wolverhampton Wanders, Walsall FC and GB Judo.
• Our employability modules enable you to explore sport and exercise science related career pathways and engage in career development planning that prepares you for graduate-level employment in a competitive industry
• You will also have the opportunity to transfer to an optional sandwich placement year. Our sandwich placement option allows you to take a full-year work placement, which can be undertaken abroad. A number of students in our department have been successful in securing places on these schemes in countries such as Spain, France, Canada and the US
• Teaching staff bring their internationally rated research expertise into their teaching. The department has research links across the world and students can progress to postgraduate study with these collaborators

The MA in Education is designed for teachers, lecturers and educational managers in primary, secondary and further and higher education, and for other professionals working in education, both in their early careers and with substantial experience in education. The course is concerned with the development of critical enquiry and reflection in the field of education, and the development of professional knowledge and expertise. This course also offers opportunity for those interested in research to progress onto doctoral study.

Ideal for  those working in education across a range of contexts, and for those wishing to study and research in education the MA Education is designed to provide an excellent opportunity to develop career  and employability skills. For those students with previous study at Level 7 such as PGCE, there is opportunity to build on your previous experience and qualifications. This course also allows you to customise your learning  experience through  flexible and varied assessment approaches. Our MA Education programme includes opportunity to develop your skills, knowledge and understandings and apply what you learn to your current or future role, responsibilities or career aspirations. As well as provide a high-quality learning experience in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Previous participants on the course have told us that the MA Education has developed  skills in flexibly thinking with the ability to underpin change with theory.

The BA (Hons) Drama is a versatile and exciting degree that offers an opportunity for you to gain experience in multiple areas of contemporary drama, theatre and performance. You will take a practical approach to these disciplines, developing physical and vocal performance skills alongside creative thinking and your work will be underpinned by critical performance theory.

The course also provides students with an opportunity to look beyond the role of the performer and consider the importance of designing, devising, directing, writing and teaching in performing arts.

Can't decide on which course you love the most? Why not try looking at our joint options... BA (Hons) Drama and Musical Theatre and BA (Hons) Dance and Drama.

During the degree you will:

• Acquire a portfolio of key skills and develop an understanding of why and how drama, theatre and performance practices work in different contexts.
• Engage in a substantial final year project that will enhance your future employability.
• Develop industry links through work with influential regional theatre companies such as Stan’s Café, Geese Theatre Company and Gazebo Theatre in Education. 
• Have the opportunity to perform in venues such as the Birmingham REP, the Arena Theatre and the Black Country Living Museum.

This unique course been developed alongside industry partners and endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

It has been mapped against the Coach Professional Standard, meaning that you will be equipped with the competencies and skills needed to meet the requirements of potential employers.

The course covers aspects of football coaching such as pedagogy, coaching science, and performance analysis in combination with opportunities to apply your knowledge in industry.

Placement modules are a leading feature of the course allowing you to gain hands-on experience and mentoring in an applied setting. These settings include the option to work with our partner clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Walsall FC, AFC Telford and our University team, WLV Sport FC.