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Active bodies: introducing the study of sport and exercise

This introductory module builds on your general or professional interest in sport and exercise, using the body as its central theme. It provides essential knowledge of key concepts, including how the body moves, how training improves performance, and how to fuel it effectively. You’ll also explore the benefits of an active lifestyle, investigate why activity levels vary among individuals, and examine a range of contemporary issues in sport and exercise. You’ll be able to apply your understanding of these concepts to your own participation in sport and fitness, or to careers such as fitness training, sports coaching, or P.E. teaching.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

E114

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
1 7 4

Study method

Module cost

Entry requirements

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What you will study

This module provides a solid base in sports and fitness, introducing key ideas to help with further study or personal growth. You’ll explore core sport and exercise topics while building skills that can be used for future learning and career opportunities. The module has six parts:

Being active
This first topic sets the scene for the module, introduces the module materials, and explains the support available during your studies. In addition to exploring the differences between the terms ‘sport’ and ‘exercise,’ you will study why it is important for humans to be physically active and how this impacts physical and mental health, self-identity, and self-confidence.

Exploring physical activity
The next section examines the factors that influence sport and fitness participation among different population groups. You’ll reflect on what has shaped your own engagement with these activities and explore how broader social contexts impact people’s involvement.

The performing body
This block builds on your understanding of physiology. It examines the components of fitness and how to test and develop them using various methods. It introduces the core principles of anatomy and physiology, including the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems and the body’s energy systems.

The moving body
This topic introduces the basic principles of biomechanics, explaining how humans move and how movement can be made more efficient and effective. You’ll explore how to apply these principles to enhance athletic performance and prevent injury.

Fuelling the body
This section explores the components of a healthy diet by examining the structures and roles of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. You’ll also study the importance of vitamins, minerals, and water, and consider the role of nutrition in optimising health and performance in sport and exercise activities.

Examining the sporting body
In this final block, you’ll choose three focus areas to explore. Options include examining why people participate in extreme ultra-endurance sports, how data is gathered from the body, issues surrounding disabled bodies and disability sports, the role of sports clothing, and the significance of physical play in childhood. Each area is examined from physiological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives, providing a well-rounded understanding.

You will learn

By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:

  • describe how sport, exercise, and physical activity benefit physical and mental health
  • explain the scientific principles and methods that support training for sports performance
  • develop an understanding of the key concepts of nutrition and how they can be applied to sports performance, exercise and physical activity
  • explore factors that influence participation in sport, exercise and physical activity
  • recognise the role of the body in sports performance, exercise, and physical activity across different contexts.

Vocational relevance

This module is for those interested in sport and fitness or who want to start or develop their careers in the industry.

Professional recognition

This module counts as five continuing professional development (CPD) points as a non-endorsed activity with The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA).

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Future availability

Active bodies: introducing the study of sport and exercise (E114) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2032.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Course work includes:

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA)
No examination


Entry requirements

This module is a broad introduction to sport and fitness, and no assumptions are made about your prior knowledge or educational background. As an OU level 1 module, it provides core subject knowledge and develops the study skills required for higher education and distance learning. These skills will also support your progress to modules at OU level 2 and beyond.

There are no fitness requirements for enrolling in this module. None of the activities involve strenuous exercise, and any physical activity that requires it can be performed by a friend. Your role is focused on monitoring and observing.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Preparatory work

We recommend you take our free OpenLearn course, Exploring Sports Coaching and Psychology, to help you prepare for this module.

Register

Start End Fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 Not yet available

Registration opens on 19/03/25

This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2032.

Additional Costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open University Student Budget Account

The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

  • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
  • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).

Employer sponsorship

Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

  • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
  • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

Credit/debit card

You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

Mixed payments

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).


Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.

This information was provided on 10/02/2025.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You will have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • study guide
  • module book
  • interactive content
  • assessment resources

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they may not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 10 or 11 or macOS Ventura (or higher).
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E114 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.