1. Evaluate the appropriateness of different exercise prescription approaches for the general population and apply this understanding to coach safe, effective, and evidence-informed exercise interventions. 

Application and Problem Solving  

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration 

2. Interpret qualitative and quantitative data relating to physiological and biomechanical function to design sound, evidence-informed exercise interventions for general populations 

Research Skills 

Digital Literacy 

Students have the choice of selecting one of the following three assessments for this module. The assessment selected will be worth 100% of the module score.  

Practical: In this simulation, you will demonstrate the safe and effective delivery of an evidence-informed exercise programme for a member of the general population. During the assessment, you are expected to verbally screen the participant, agree on clear session objectives, and deliver a structured programme tailored to your assigned case study. This may include a warm-up, resistance training, cardiovascular training, and flexibility exercises, depending on the randomly selected stage.  

 OR

Presentation: In this recorded presentation students explain the exercises they would assign a client to undertake. The presentation should apply up to date theoretical concepts in exercise prescription to ensure recommendations are evidence informed. Students must consider safety, progressions and individual relevance, clearly linking the exercise selection to the needs and characteristics of the provided case study. 

 OR

Written: Students will produce an evidence-based infographic that clearly explains the exercise prescribed for the client within the case study. The infographic should present the exercise in a clear and accessible format, demonstrating appropriate adaptations, coaching cues and safety considerations. Students must ensure the exercise is relevant to the client’s needs and abilities, supported by appropriate academic evidence, and that instructions are easy to follow for a non specialist audience.

Within this module, students will complete formative assessment tasks designed to support the development of professional knowledge and skills. These tasks will be structured to enable students to demonstrate their developing ability to meet the competencies required by the relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB), while receiving feedback that supports progression towards the summative assessments and professional standards expected within the discipline.

This module introduces you to the principles, rationale, and practical application of exercise prescription within sports therapy and rehabilitation or sport and exercise science. You will develop the knowledge and skills required to design and deliver safe, effective, and evidence-informed exercise interventions for a range of individuals, from a general population. 

You will begin by exploring the scientific principles of exercise prescription, including types, frequency, intensity, duration, length and rest. You will develop an understanding of how physiological and biomechanical principles underpin exercise selection, progression, and adaptation. Key concepts such as overload, specificity, variation, and recovery will be introduced to support your ability to plan training programmes that meet individual needs and goals. 

Building on this, you will learn how to conduct a range of physiological and biomechanical assessments commonly used in sports therapy and rehabilitation or sport and exercise science. This includes measuring joint range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, proprioception and balance, flexibility, power output, and aerobic capacity. You will gain the ability to administer and interpret data from these assessments and use the findings to inform exercise planning and decision-making. 

You will explore the design and delivery of exercise interventions across a range of domains, including mobility and flexibility training, neuromuscular control and proprioceptive training, strength and hypertrophy, power development, cardiovascular conditioning, and functional movement.  

You will develop your exercise literacy and coaching skills and be able to competently instruct and modify exercises to ensure safe and appropriate technique. 

By the end of the module, you will be able to assess movement and physical capacities, interpret assessment data, and design evidence-based exercise interventions that apply physiological and biomechanical principles. You will also demonstrate competence in coaching exercise safely and effectively, with an understanding of how to progress or regress exercises based on individual performance, needs, and rehabilitation goals. 

How do you design safe and effective exercise programmes? 
In this module, you’ll explore the principles of exercise prescription and learn how to assess physical function to inform exercise selection and prescription. You’ll cover topics such as physiological and biomechanical assessments, mobility and flexibility training, strength and power development, and cardiovascular conditioning. By developing your exercise literacy and coaching skills, you’ll be equipped to plan and deliver evidence-based programmes that support individual’s needs and goals. These skills are essential for careers in sports therapy and rehabilitation and sport and exercise science. 

We are committed to providing an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that develops students’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical skills.  

A central feature of our approach is simulation-based learning, which allows students to engage with realistic clinical scenarios in a safe and structured setting. Learning is carefully scaffolded: students begin with peer-to-peer role-play, exploring fundamental concepts, communication, and interpersonal skills; progress to case study simulations, applying evidence-based knowledge to increasingly complex injury scenarios; and ultimately integrate these skills into real-world practice within the University’s commercial clinics at Level 5 and 6. This structured progression ensures a seamless transition from theory to professional application while preparing students for graduate employability. 

The module is delivered predominantly face-to-face, combining theoretical understanding with hands-on practical experience to support deeper learning and to develop practical competence. Students refine their manual and technical skills through guided practice, live demonstrations, and independent tasks, consolidating knowledge while building confidence in healthcare and sport settings. 

To further support self-directed and reflective learning, students have access to our telehealth and greenscreen facilities, enabling the creation of digital learning resources for revision, skill development, and reflective practice. These activities encourage active engagement, critical thinking, and the integration of evidence-based knowledge into practical decision-making. 

NSCA-National Strength & Conditioning Association (Ed.). (2021). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Human kinetics. 

Schoenfeld, B. J., & Snarr, R. L. (Eds.). (2021). NSCA's essentials of personal training. Human Kinetics. 

Industry standard Teaching Clinic and Rehabilitation Zone 

State-of-the-Art Telehealth Hub