Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Sports Technology programme aims to:

• Develop graduates with a detailed knowledge and understanding of sport-related product design, manufacture and test, human performance and business studies.
• Develop graduates with the ability to conduct research and design in sports technology and solve associated problems using both established and contemporary ideas and techniques.
• Produce graduates with the analytical and transferable skills that will enable employment in a wide variety of professions and to make a valuable contribution to society.
• Support graduates to manage their own learning, communicate effectively and make use of primary source materials.
• Provide graduates with an appreciation of the essential practical, commercial and broader societal aspects of engineering.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) – ‘Subject Benchmark Statement for Engineering’, (Feb.2015). 

• Engineering Council (UK). ‘UK-SPEC, UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence’, 3^rd Edition, Jan.2014. 

• Engineering Council (UK). ‘The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’, 3^rd Edition, May 2014. 

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the underpinning science, mathematics and other disciplines associated with careers related to the design of sports / engineering equipment;
•  the characteristics of engineering materials, equipment and processes and an awareness of basic mechanical workshop practices;
• the role of instrumentation and measurement techniques within equipment evaluation and experimental protocol design;
• principles of industrial design, engineering design and manufacturing design;
• ergonomic and aesthetic considerations and how they impact on sports design;
• the variability in human performance capability and methods of evaluation including fitness and training principles relating to sport and exercise;
• principles governing the mechanics and biomechanics of sports movements;
• the role of information technology in providing support of product design and manufacturing;
• management techniques and business practices and the commercial and economic context of a sports / engineering business;
• intellectual property issues and environmental, legal and ethical issues within the modern industrial world.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able:

• identify and define a design or sports engineering problem and generate innovative solutions;
• analyse, objectively evaluate and apply the principles of industrial design, and engineering design;
• utilise the principles of engineering science in the development of solutions to problems;
• apply appropriate methods to model such solutions;
• apply biomechanics to the analysis of movement in sport;
• demonstrate an awareness of form, function, fit, aesthetics, environment and safety;
• select and apply appropriate IT tools to product design and manufacture problems;
• evaluate commercial risk and market trends within the sports sector
• apply general marketing principles to the sports sector.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able:

• research information, generate and evaluate product design ideas;
• communicate design ideas through the presentation of concept drawings, computer graphics and conventional sketching;
• prepare engineering drawings and technical reports;
• test design concepts via practical investigation;
• use appropriate computer software and laboratory equipment;
• use measurement and test equipment to complete experimental laboratory work and collect mechanical and biomechanical data;
• use a variety of observation and test methods to appraise human function and movement
• present technical and business information in a variety of ways;
• manage the design process taking account of customer constraints such as cost, health and safety, risk and environmental issues.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able:

• generate and manipulate data;
• apply creative, structured and evidence-based approaches to problem solving;
• communicate effectively through written, graphical, interpersonal and presentation skills;
• organise and manage time and resources to meet deadlines;
• work effectively both in a team and independently;
• demonstrate organisational and management skills.

4. Programme structure

4.1    Part A - Introductory Modules

4.2    Part B - Degree Modules 

4.3    Part I – Optional Placement Year 

In order to be considered for the award of DIS or DPS students will need to complete a minimum of 45 weeks in an approved placement and meet the specified report submission for the award.  In order to be considered for the award if DIntS students will need to complete 45 weeks approved overseas placement.  This may be industrial or academic study or a combination of the two.  Students should note that consideration of these awards is only on successful completion of their degree programme.

4.4    Part C - Degree Modules

Students MUST choose 20 credits of optional modules (O) in Semester One, with no more than 10 credits from each group.

Students MUST choose 30 credits of optional modules (O) in Semester Two, with no more than 10 credits from each group. 

All optional module choice is subject to availability, timetabling, student number restrictions and students having taken appropriate pre-requisite modules.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to Part C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX. 

Students may choose to receive the award of BSc or BEng.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates’ final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Part B and Part C in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The overall average percentage marks for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60, to determine the degree classification.