Adventure Sport Science

Highlights

Nearby adventure tourist attractions include Snowdonia, Zip World Velocity/Caverns/Titan/Fforest, Surf Snowdonia, Penmachno Mountain Bike Trails, Rib Ride, and Winter Ski Touring/Climbing. Five-day research expedition, usually to Scotland, provides hands-on experience in preparation, planning, group dynamics, and leadership, exploring issues like hydration, nutrition, thermoregulation and sleep deprivation. Taught by leading researchers and active sports practitioners, many of whom participate in outdoor activities, such as climbing, canoeing, skiing, open water swimming, ultramarathons, mountain biking etc.

Outstanding sports science facilities include £1 million plus physiology teaching and exercise labs, thermal and altitude chambers, motion analysis and much more.

Course overview

Ever wondered if you have what ‘it takes’ to climb Everest? Want to kayak in the Conwy Valley or abseil, rock hop and swim on a canyoning trip through Eryri (Snowdonia)? Perhaps you just love being outdoors and want to help others enjoy nature too?

Whether you want to Big Wall climb in Yosemite, lead adventure expeditions, deliver outdoor education or become an adventure sport therapist, our Adventure Sport Science degree can help you realise your dreams. It combines essential sport science knowledge - in physiology, psychology, leadership and coaching - with insight into adventure tourism and practical skills in a wide range of adventure sport disciplines. Our staff enjoy an international reputation in sport and exercise psychology, strength and conditioning, motor control and learning, clinical and exercise physiology in extreme environments.

You’ll learn in various field-based settings, such as land and water-based activities, as well as work-based environments and state-of-the-art labs, including high altitude and environmental chambers. A growing desire to explore new landscapes and popularity of outdoor activities, like mountaineering, hiking, scuba diving or river rafting, is fuelling the demand for global adventure tourism. Estimated at around £234 billion in 2021, revenue is predicted to increase to a staggering £2,292 billion by 2030.

Preparing you for the outdoor industry or broader sport and exercise careers, this BSc (Hons) Adventure Sport Science provides hands-on experience of water and land-based activities, from basic map, compass and rope skills to single pitch climbing, paddle surfing, swimming or kayaking. At the same time, you’ll develop your understanding of how the human body responds to challenging environments and how to improve performance in adventure sports. Our extensive sport science facilities enable you to analyse every aspect of the mind, body, health and performance.

You will have access to a hypoxia chamber that simulates oxygen levels up to Everest altitudes, as well as a standard rower, kayak machine, multiple cycle ergometers and treadmills to measure physiological, biochemical and psychological parameters during exercise. North Wales is an ideal location to study sport with access to a full range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, canoeing and climbing, as well as extreme sports like white water rafting, mountain biking, zip lining and caving. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully…