What will I learn on this module?
This module covers the prescription of exercise to improve sport specific fitness and sporting performance. The focus of this module is on evidence-based practice. Throughout the module you will investigate the most appropriate method(s) of training to enhance a range of components of fitness. To do this, you will be required to gather and evaluate the scientific literature that exists for different components of fitness. Furthermore, you will be required to explain the physiological adaptations that arise from different training methods and the resulting causal mechanism(s) for improving performance. In addition to the critical understanding of physiological adaptations, you will examine the principles of training programme design, factors that influence training programmes. Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to critically review the body of literature on each topic, not just in terms general conclusion(s) but also the applicability of the findings to athletes from all sectors of society.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, seminars, practicals and workshops. The main concepts on each topic will be delivered through formal but interactive lectures. Seminars are used for you to examine and discuss topics in more detail, while practicals and workshops provide you with an opportunity to develop the skills and understanding required to become a practitioner. Seminars will require you to either read and prepare work ahead of the session to discuss in greater detail during the session (research-tutored approach) or to find information to questions posed for in-class discussion (research-based approach); in both approaches the onus is upon you to complete the preparatory work. The seminars will evaluate the task you have completed and focus on the application of the knowledge to working with athletes. Practical sessions will either be experimental data collection to investigate a particular issue, or the development of skills required as a practitioner.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support materials for sessions will be available to you on the elP; including the lecture slides, Panopto recordings of lectures, seminar tasks, suggested reading, access to interactive digital resources and websites, and other useful resources such as discussion boards and invitations to attend lectures by guest speakers. Some of the lectures and seminars have supporting video clips on YouTube. For further support on taught sessions, you can access the tutors for one-to-one discussions and tutorials via the online tutorial booking system.
Formative preparation for the assessment will take place in both a dedicated lecture and seminar on the assessment; there are also seminars where you will be able to discuss the evidence base of different training methods and optimal strategies for different sports. In addition, there is a specific workshop on prescribing training and training intensities based on physiological test data.
Transcripts from a sample previous year’s examinations will also be made available on elP.
You will receive formative and summative feedback on the assessments and within preparatory sessions. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have with the module tutor.
There is also comprehensive help available in the university library on a wide range of generic academic topics such as: academic writing, statistics, report writing, referencing, and how to hone your presentation skills.
If this module is in option pot two for your programme, you will receive advice and guidance at a module options event to help you make an informed decision about how it fits with your own academic and professional development. Online pre-learning material will be made available to help you prepare for the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically evaluate the physiological adaptations, both structural and functional, that arise from training various components of fitness;
2. Evaluate the demands of a sport and design periodised training programmes;
3. Critically discuss considerations that can influence the training programme;
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Design and defend a training programme
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the need for an ethical and sensitive approach when working with clients from diverse cultural and sporting groups.
How will I be assessed?
You will undertake two pieces of assessment in this module.
You are required to submit an annual training programme comprising of three x A4 pages (25%; MLO’s 1, 2, 4) and defend it during a viva voce exam (75%; MLO’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). This means you will be expected to create a twelve-month training programme for an athlete selected from a specified range of sports. You will have a 10 minute viva voce exam where you will be expected to answer questions on the underpinning rationale, design and expected physiological adaptations of your training programme.
Formative preparation for the assessment will take place in seminars where you will be able to discuss the evidence base of different training methods, optimal strategies for different sports and approaches to planning and a constructing training programme.
Summative Feedback
You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
A coach to numerous Olympic gold medallists once said ‘Successful training is intelligent training. Intelligent training is about knowing the why of training as well as the how and what’. This module is about the why of training for sports performance. It covers the physiological adaptations that occur due to different training methods and how this improves performance. In addition to training induced physiological adaptations, this module also investigates training programme design to optimise sports performance. This module has a number problem-based learning tasks that require you to prepare work prior to the taught sessions, this preparation is an integral part to the successful running of this module.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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