Solent Sport Science courses take top spot in NSS results

Solent University has the highest overall student satisfaction of all UK universities for Sport Science courses*, according to the 2012 National Student Survey.

Courses that fell under the umbrella of ‘Sport Science’ at Solent University were ranked top in the UK out of 65 universities, with an overall satisfaction rating of 99%.

Staff and students from the University’s Health, Exercise and Sport Science department have worked with a wide variety of external clients including elite athletes over the last year, which has allowed students to get excellent hands-on experience. The department has not only trained and tested Team GB’s Paralympic Rugby team, but they have also played host to Southampton Football Club’s players to help them get ready for the upcoming season.

As well as playing host to some of the country’s best sporting talent, students on Sport Science courses at Solent have also been treated to a number of fantastic guest lectures to give them a true insight into working in the industry.

Recent lecture spots have come from the likes of Nick Harvey, Head of Strength and Conditioning at Southampton Football Club, who came in to talk to students on the Applied Sport Science course, Donna Allen, Regional Manager at Steiner Cruise Ships, who gave an inspiring presentation to BSc Fitness & Personal Training, BA Fitness Management & Personal Training and BSc Health, Exercise & Physical Activity students on employment opportunities as Personal Trainers aboard cruise ships.

Dr Stewart Bruce-Low, Associate Professor of Sport Science, said: "the team are overjoyed by the result which shows the commitment from staff to ensure our sport science courses are meeting industry needs.

The NSS survey allows the students to voice their approval of how the course teams meet their needs with a score that places us first in the country for overall student satisfaction. This is a direct result of staff going above and beyond the line of normal duty and providing some amazing opportunities for students to build their CV's whilst studying on our sport science related courses.

The students in turn have raised their game to a level we are all very proud of, resulting in many fantastic employment opportunities when they leave. For Sport Science courses to be first overall nationally is an amazing result, which the team will now endeavour to maintain in years to come."

(*Courses grouped in the 'Sports Science' JACS subject area. Students studying full time on first degrees. Seven courses contributed to the score: BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise and Physical Activity; BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science; BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science (Football); BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science (Watersports & Outdoor Activities); BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching; BA (Hons) Health Promotion and Fitness; and BA (Hons) Fitness and Personal Training.)