BSc (Hons) Sports Development
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C620
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
Train for a record-breaking career in BSc Sports Development. With strong links to local and national partners, you’ll learn how to link theoretical knowledge with practice by gaining an understanding of the principles and application of sports and physical activity development.
Supported by the highly regarded School of Education and Lifelong Learning, you’ll develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills, through an innovative blend of teaching methods and hands-on research.
The course is enriched with an embedded placement opportunity and an empirical research experience. Such activities will further equip you with everything you’ll need for a successful career in physical activity and health promotion following graduation.
Challenge yourself to push boundaries, whether it is using sport as a tool to overcome inequalities in our society or pushing elite athletes to reach their full potential.
The UEA SportsPark is a multi-million-pound sports facility and is what we call home for both classroom and practical teaching.
Our staff are active researchers and practitioners within the field. Their expertise informs module content and highlights key developments within the Sports Development sector.
In year 1, you’ll explore the fundamental principles underpinning the study of Physical Education, Sport and Health. Modules are designed to facilitate a smooth transition into higher education study for everyone.
We operate a common suite of Year 1 modules in our Physical Education, Sport and Health (PESH) cluster, which means you’ll have the opportunity to transfer to one of the following courses after Year 1, if you have discovered an alternative career route:
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BSc Physical Education, Sport and Health
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BSc Physical Activity and Health
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BSc Physical Education
In years 2 and 3, you’ll study a combination of compulsory and optional modules exploring different aspects of participation in sport, ranging from inclusive sporting projects that benefit socially diverse groups, to high-level elite sport events. You’ll be autonomous in choosing from a menu of optional module choices covering additional aspects of physical education, sport and health landscape.
In your final year, you’ll undertake an empirical research project which will allow you to delve into an area you are passionate about. By Year 3, you’ll have mastered a range of employability, professional and personal skills, applicable to your aspiring workplace.
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While undertaking this course, you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue a range of nationally accredited coaching and officiating award s alongside the set curriculum for BSc Sports Development. All of these will enhance your employability and widen your horizons.
We have support from an excellent careers adviser who will support you with your personal development and applications into relevant sector roles.
Study and Modules
Structure
Through a series of core PESH modules in year 1, you’ll discover how the human body responds to sport and physical activity participation and examine the parameters of fitness and the principles of training among elite athletes. You’ll be introduced to the role of sport and exercise psychology and learn how we acquire and develop motor skills.
Whatever your academic background, you’ll be supported to develop your own professional identity in PE, Sport and Health and further develop your skills to learn, allowing for a smooth transition into higher education.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You will take part in large group interactive lectures where you will be tasked with working on your note-taking skills and ability to share ideas in front of an audience.
Lectures will be followed by small group seminars of up to 25 students. Seminars are often practical based, with the aim of putting theory into practice. In sessions, you will actively engage in individual and group tasks, working to discuss ideas and solve problems. Seminars are also an excellent opportunity to build confidence in presenting or delivering.
Independent Learning
You are expected to be self-motivated in your learning and eager to take ownership of your progress. Alongside your taught sessions, some lecturers may ask you to complete preparatory or post-session tasks, building on theories, concepts, and issues introduced in formal sessions. These may require you to work independently and/or with your peers in groups. You will need to be curious and have an ability to go above and beyond to succeed in your studies.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential our Learning Enhancement team, based in the student Support Service are on hand to help in the following areas:
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Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
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Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
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Academic writing (including how to reference)
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Research skills (including how to use the library)
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Critical thinking and understanding arguments
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Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).
We actively seek and welcome students with disability, as we work to support the sector with a more diverse and representative workforce. If you have additional needs, such as sensory impairments or specific learning difficulties, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Student-athletes
If you’re an aspiring student-athlete, UEA+Sport can support you in your journey to achieve your highest potential both academically and on the sporting field. For further details, visit our UEA+Sport section of our website.
Assessment
Learning will be assessed in a variety of ways across the three years that will prepare you for a career in the Sport Development sector, or for further study/research. Assessments are varied and you will be continually challenged by the type and approaches. Assessment work is often self–directed, and you’ll have scope to choose the topics you focus upon, as you develop expertise in areas of interest to you.
To support a smooth transition to higher education, you’ll be introduced to a broad range of assessment types. These may include exams, conference presentations, essays and professional portfolios with observational work.
You’ll experience several formative (practice) opportunities before you submit any summative (graded) work, so that you can benefit from feedback to improve your learning. Some lecturers may decide to provide written feedback, and others, verbal – this depends on the type of assessment set. The School of Education and Lifelong Learning aim to provide feedback within 20 working days of the assessment deadline.
Structure
As you progress into year 2, you’ll study a combination of compulsory and optional modules from different areas; including partnerships in sport provision and high-performance sport.
Hands on research and experience in PE, Sport and Health form part of a core module and becomes the building blocks of your Year 3 Dissertation research project. You can expect an overview of common research methods used in the field, learnt via a blend of practical sessions and lectures. The experience element of this module will support you in undertaking an extended workplace (or online) placement with a local organisation of your choice, with local organisations or the national governing body of sport.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As you begin to specialise in sport and physical activity development you’ll take part in smaller lecture groups, with like-minded students. You will build closer relationships with key lecturers with expertise in the field.
Small group seminars will continue, with the aim of improving your study skills. These include team-working and communication, academic reading and writing skills, higher order thinking (critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation) and furthering your understanding of the link between theory and practice. There may be field trips and external guest speakers involved in modules, providing insight to guide your continued career exploration.
Through a sector-related workplace (or online) placement, you will be supported to develop knowledge, competencies and attributes that are readily transferable into future work settings.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by coursework related to your core, compulsory and optional modules. These may include essays, reflective writing, group presentations, designing creative resources, research proposals and even more innovative forms of assessment such as podcasts.
Structure
Arriving in your final year, you’ll be equipped with the skills to plan, conduct and complete an original piece of research, under the supervision of a lecturer with expertise in your area of interest. You’ll get the chance to collect and analyse data and turn those findings into a substantial research report.
You’ll also choose from a range of modules to complement or extend your previous study and future career aspirations.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Lectures and small group seminars again form an important part of your study. Activities will be mostly discussion-based, constructed from your own wider reading and research.
Alongside this, you’ll take ownership of your learning through the completion of an independent research project. This will involve significant levels of self-study; including literature searches, data collection and critical writing drafts.
There is an optional final year industry placement. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to transfer academic and vocational learning into a work-related setting, and vice versa, with a view to improving your employability and critical reflective practice.
Assessment
Your final year is again assessed by coursework. These may include practical demonstrations, essays, presentations and designing creative resources. Video production and writing funding bids are also assessment approaches designed to build employability skills. For your dissertation, you’ll work closely with a supervisor who will provide you with formative feedback throughout the process.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Health, Healthcare Science and Science
- BTEC
- DDM Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration . See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 32
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics, English Language and Science at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-Level
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Placement provider information
There may be limitations to placement activity for students under the age of 18 due to the professional nature of some of our partner environments. This can be mitigated around, including the opportunity to undertake professional development activity which is not age restricted.
Social and Community engagement
Students under the age of 18 are not permitted to compete in the national British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league system and may be restricted from joining some sports clubs until the time that they turn 18. Some sports clubs' social events may be restricted from U18 attendance due to their nature.
Physical Testing volunteering
There are some opportunities on the course to act as a demonstrator in laboratory environments and our ethical approval may restrict the ability for U18s to take these roles. Observational roles are always available.
If you are under 18 you may wish to consider deferring. If you would like to discuss this please contact the Admissions Team.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
Intermational Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for all forms of participation and performance sport development. You’ll be well placed to enter a range of sectors and organisations, including national governing bodies of sport, local authorities, Active Partnerships and sports coaching organisations, physical activity and health promotion, the fitness industry, business research, educational research, youth, community and charity work.
In addition, many of our graduates decide to continue their studies with postgraduate courses such as Sports Development, Sports Management and Marketing, Sports Science, Coaching Studies, Strength and Conditioning, or Master’s by Research.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Sport development officer
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Physical activity development officer
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Sports operations and marketing
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Performance sport development
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Educational training and development
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Local authority community development
Discover more on our Careers webpages.