Sport & Health
New for September 2023, Writtle University College are pleased to launch the BSc (Hons) Health and Physical Literacy.
Physical literacy (PL) represents the holistic development of people for lifelong health and well-being through physical activity. As a concept, therefore, it replaces traditional Physical Education, which provided more developmental and knowledge-based education, in addition to practical activity. The academic study of Health and Physical Literacy is designed to create better skilled practitioners and clinicians working in teaching, coaching, and health-related sectors.
Health and Physical Literacy
An introduction from Lecturer Mark Williams
Course Modules
| STAGE ONE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Introduction to Human Physiological Systems (15 credits) |
Nutrition for Health (15 credits) |
| Professional Skills in Sport, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits) |
Analysis of Human Movement and Performance (15 credits) |
| The Practice of Coaching (15 credits) |
Introduction to Physical Literacy * (15 credits) |
| Introduction to Psychology (15 credits) |
Individual Differences in Health, Sport and Exercise (15 credits) |
| STAGE TWO | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Research Skills in Sport, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits) |
Enhancing Physical Capabilities through Physical Literacy ** (15 credits) |
| Strength and Conditioning (15 credits) |
Nutrition for Sport and Exercise (15 credits) |
| Developing Innovative and Inclusive Practice (15 credits) |
The New Psychology of Health (15 credits) |
| Work Placement (15 credits) |
Coaching and Leadership (15 credits) |
| The New Psychology of Sport and Exercise: A Social Identity Approach (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE THREE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Capstone Project (30 credits) |
|
| Applied Coaching Science (30 credits) |
|
| Pedagogical Approaches to Physical Literacy *** (15 credits) |
Teaching of Games for Sport (and Physical Literacy) (15 credits) |
| Philosophy of Physical Literacy (15 credits) |
Work Placement (15 credits) |
Key
| OPTIONAL MODULES |
|---|
Optional modules
Students can select 15 credits of optional modules from stage two semester A.
* To include International Physical Literacy Association Foundation Course
** To include Physical Literacy Association Development Course
*** To include International Physical Literacy Association Teacher's Course
Note
These are the modules that are offered in this academic year; however, the optional modules available may be subject to change for the following reasons:
- Staff availability - for example the availability of staff to deliver specialist modules, which cannot be delivered by staff who do not have the relevant specialist expertise.
- In response to feedback and annual review processes to ensure we continually enhance our programmes. Changes in these circumstances will usually be made for the benefit of students.
- Student demand - to ensure there are adequate numbers on a module to support the provision of an excellent Learning & Teaching experience.
- The currency of the relevant module. Some modules are specified at a time when they reflect the issues that are currently topical in the subject area. They may have lost that currency by the time that the student is required to exercise the option. In the circumstances, in order to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate learning experience, those modules will be replaced by those which are relevant to the changing nature of the subject area.
The Writtle University College will endeavour to ensure that any impact on students is limited if such changes occur.
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
GCE A Levels
Irish Certificate
Scottish Highers
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
C & G Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720)
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
Please note:
An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.
GCSEs
All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.
Access course
Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.
Who is the Course for?
The BSc (Hons) Health and Physical Literacy degree would be an attractive and valuable degree for students interested in becoming a PE teacher, physio or occupational therapists, health coach or continuing their education at MSc level.
Learning & Teaching Methods
The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placement
- Practical laboratory sessions
- Coaching sessions in the field
- Seminars and debates
- Case-studies
- Visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
Assessment Methods
This course provides a mix of assessment methods including.
- Practical assessments - both in small groups and individually
- Practical portfolios
- Presentations - both individually and in small groups
- Reflective logbooks
- Case studies
- Critiques of literature
- Written assessments
- Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
- Reports
- Peer and tutor observations
- Capstone Project
Career Prospects
Many students that study sports science related programmes go into physical education teaching rather than pursuing 'sports science' careers within the world of professional sports. Currently, these students are underprepared with knowledge and understanding, as well as the requisite skills to not only teach young people, but also to have long-lasting impact of their physical and mental well-being. Based upon discussions with teaching practitioners, there are large gaps in their knowledge and ability to be innovative in their practice. BSc Health and Physical Literacy provides a programme of study that better prepares students wishing to pursue a career as a PE teacher. The modules would provide students with greater pedagogical understanding, more practical experience through work placement modules, and an appreciation of the holistic development of children and adolescents
.
Other students have gone into sports coaching, yet not always in the traditional sense but instead working with individuals with special educational needs and disabilities. Moreover, more recently, through the engagement with external organisations, it has been identified that gaps in the market continue to exist for the education of better skilled health coaches. BSc Health and Physical Literacy would be an attractive and valuable degree for students interested in all of these professions. Importantly, within the degree, the built-in work-based learning modules, as well as the additional vocational qualifications (UKSCA and Parkour Generations) will increase the professional employability of our graduates.