Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Level 5 Modules

Level 6 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Strong partnerships with organizations such as Sport Wales and Dragons Rugby provide ongoing input into curriculum design and delivery. Industry feedback ensures the course remains responsive to evolving sector needs and enhances graduate employability.

Means of Assessment

The BSc (Hons) in Strength and Conditioning adopts a progressive, skills-focused assessment strategy that aligns directly with the course’s intended learning outcomes and the USW 2030 Curriculum principles. Assessments are designed to mirror the real-world demands of the health and fitness industries, ensuring students develop the professional competencies, cognitive skills, and ethical awareness required for impactful careers. 

Assessment methods are authentic and applied, with students evaluated through tasks such as designing and coaching training programs, conducting performance analyses, and delivering evidence-based interventions. These activities directly test the knowledge, practical skills, and professional standards outlined by UKSCA, CIMSPA, NSCA, and IUSCA, reinforcing the course’s PSRB alignment. 

Assessment evolves across levels to reflect increasing complexity and independence. At Level 4, students build foundational knowledge through written assignments, quizes, and structured practicals. At Levels 5 and 6, assessments become more integrative and challenge-based, including case studies, reflective portfolios, and work-based projects. This progression supports the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital fluency—core graduate attributes. 

A balanced mix of formative and summative assessments ensures continuous feedback and skill development. Formative tasks such as peer reviews, coaching simulations, and scaffolded drafts help students monitor progress and refine their practice. Summative assessments consolidate learning and demonstrate competence in real-world scenarios. 

Academic integrity is embedded throughout the program. Students engage with online modules via the Academic Skills Hub and receive guidance on ethical scholarship, proper referencing, and responsible conduct. Assessments are designed to promote original thinking and discourage plagiarism by requiring application of knowledge to novel, context-specific challenges. 

This approach ensures graduates are not only academically capable but also professionally prepared, ethically grounded, and equipped to lead positive change in the strength and conditioning profession. 

Learning Support

Induction 

Pre-induction  

Pre-induction activities are designed to prepare students for a smooth transition into the next stage of their studies and to build confidence before the academic year begins. 

Key Components 

Summer Briefing Sessions 

Delivered asynchronously for students progressing from Level 4 to 5 and Level 5 to 6. These sessions cover: 

• Enrolment procedures 

• Timetables 

• Module options 

• Expectations for the academic year ahead 

English Language Support 

Pre-sessional English language tuition is available through the Centre for International English for students whose first language is not English. 

Support for Refugees 

As a University of Sanctuary, USW provides additional support through the USW Refugee Sanctuary Scheme. Details of these opportunities are published on the USW website. 

Getting Ready to Learn 

All students complete the Getting Ready to Learn course as part of the pre-course induction process. 

Induction 

Induction activities aim to foster a sense of belonging and engagement, ‘key aspects of effective retention are building a sense of belonging’ as outlined in the Student Experience Plan. Effective retention relies on a shared responsibility between the University and its students. 

Delivery 
Induction for all students begins as part of the wider USW Welcome Fest and Fresher’s events. Each year of study includes level-appropriate content to ensure students are fully prepared for their academic journey. 

Key Areas Covered 

• Welcome to USW Sport 

• Mutual Expectations 

• Timetables 

• Meet the Course Leader and Teaching Team 

• Assessment and Feedback 

• Student Support Services 

• Student Voice 

• Team-building and Problem-solving 

Additional Support 

 
Workshops are delivered by: 

• Study Skills Team 

• Library Services 

• USW Sports Employability Officer 

Learner Analytics 

Engagement and performance are monitored through the University’s Learner Analytics dashboard. Data on attendance, assessment submission and online activity enable early identification of students who may require additional support. Personal Academic Coaches (PACs) and Subject Support Officers use these insights to initiate timely intervention and referrals to relevant services. 

Office hours 

Office hours for each staff member will be communicated to students at the start of each academic year and updated where appropriate. Hybrid working has become standard practice for most academics, so office hours will include contact time via Teams meetings online. This approach is valued by students, who have communicated a preference to save travel costs and flexibly work around other commitments they may have. 

Tutorials 

The Course Leader hosts tutorial drop-in sessions for students on a weekly basis (academic term time). Module leaders also provide support for students through tutorial sessions in and outside of lectures. These tutorials enable students to ask for support around module content, assessment guidance, feedback and study skill advice. 

Seminars 

Seminars are interactive sessions that encourage discussion, reflection, and application of theory to practice. Seminars and workshops will form and essential elements of the face-to-face teaching and learning strategy. 

Formative Assessment 

The nature of challenge-based learning and teaching methods require a continuous cycle of reflection and feedback as students use feedback and assessment (both internal and external) to identify gaps in their knowledge, understanding and skills. This informal on-going assessment and feedback will be provided by peers, academic staff, personal tutors, and placement supervisors as students co-create their knowledge. 

Formative assessment and feedback are embedded throughout module implementation plans to prepare students for practical, presentation, simulation, written and test type summative assessments. This approach promotes reflective learning and continuous improvement. 

Progress meetings 

PAC meetings focus on the student’s personal and professional development, and progress is discussed formally at least once per term between each student and their Personal Academic Coach. Additional progress meetings with module leaders or the course lead can be requested and are welcomed.  

Research Supervision 

Students are allocated an academic supervisor, ensuring students get a parity of experience. Module handbooks help to communicate these expectations and processes to students. 

Students undertaking independent research projects receive structured supervision from academic staff with specialist expertise. Supervisors guide project planning, ethics approval, data collection, and analysis, ensuring adherence to research governance and CASES ethical standards. 

Online Resources and Digital Support 

All modules are linked to UniLearn, the USW integrated system, which supports assessment, learning and teaching activities through technology. All teaching materials are available through Blackboard Ultra. Students have access to MS Teams for online tutorials, discussion forums, and collaboration. Short video clips will supplement the on-campus face-to-face course delivery, providing context and additional learning to support student’s development. The Digital Support Team and Library Services provide training in digital literacy and academic software, which are embedded into the course curriculum (e.g., SPSS, Excel, motion analysis systems). 

Library Services 

The USW Library offers extensive print and digital collections, including dedicated sport and exercise science databases. Subject librarians deliver tailored research skills sessions and one-to-one support. A specialist online resource guide is available: libguides.southwales.ac.uk/exercise. 

Students also have access to all USW resources both on and off campus. Students have access to Findit, online resources and hard copy reservation. In addition, the school provides a range of learning resources in sites across its partner health service provider premises. Students can access 158 HE institutions throughout the UK via the Sconul Access service.  

Together with introductory sessions embedded in courses, the library offers an online study guide to introduce students to the services and support it provides. A 24/7 online chat facility enables students to seek support and book one-to-one appointments. Regular drop-in sessions, such a lunch with your librarian, provide opportunities to ask questions in a less formal setting. https://library.southwales.ac.uk/ 

Student Development and Study Skills (SDSS) 

The Learner Development Service delivers academic-skills workshops and individual tutorials covering writing, referencing, data analysis, and presentation skills. Support is available in person or online. 

https://www.southwales.ac.uk/services/learner-development-service/ 

Advice Zone 

Advice Zone is a ‘one-stop-shop' and the first point of contact (online, live chat, by telephone, email, or in-person) for all student enquiries, offering confidential advice on anything that affects students’ ability to study. Students can self-refer or be directed to the USW Advice Zone. Instruction on the services available and how to make an appointment are included in the Course Handbook and on the USW website. These services are available to students whether on campus or in practice learning experiences. 

https://advice.southwales.ac.uk 

Disability Advice Team 

The Disability Service provides a confidential and professional service where students can discuss individual requirements relating to disability. This includes students with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities, specific learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia) or neurodiversity. Advice and support are available for all students who have additional learning needs or require reasonable adjustments to be made. Students are encouraged to discuss additional needs or support with personal tutors and the Course Leader.   

https://disability.southwales.ac.uk/ 

Mental Wellbeing 

The Wellbeing Service offers counselling, mental-health advice, workshops, and self-help resources. Staff work closely with academic teams to provide appropriate support and crisis response. 

https://www.southwales.ac.uk/current-students/advice-zone/a-z/support-for-students-at-usw/ 

Progression Advice Team 

The?Progression Advice Team?works with students to identify areas of academic concern, for example decisions about transferring courses, changing study modes, or taking temporary withdrawal, and can advise on available options and suggest a holistic support plan.  

Careers Service 

USW Careers provides support with careers advice, employment, freelancing, work placements, and much more to help students prepare for their future: https://www.southwales.ac.uk/services/careers/ 

Sport and Exercise Science students also benefit from placements, endorsement by organisations and businesses as well as guest lectures through partnerships with CASES, CIMSPA, and local health boards and sport organisations. 

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A