The module comprises seven study topics:
Setting the scene using the doping issue
This introduction to the module explains the module framework, and you begin to see how a contemporary issue can be explored. You'll focus on the example of doping in sport to better understand how to approach discussing an issue and how it can be argued from different perspectives.
Chasing the evidence: nutrition for health and performance
You’ll explore the evidence and arguments relating to the development of healthy eating guidelines, common diets and myths, and the advances in personalised nutrition. An introductory nutrition ‘primer’ chapter is used for those new to this subject.
Inequality in sport: what’s gender got to do with it?
You'll investigate how gender inequalities across sport arise both in the past and the present. You’ll explore how inequality can be viewed through a feminist lens and how this is applied to issues such as media coverage, power relations and your own experiences within sport and exercise.
Recovery or Youth Sport options
You’ll also have the choice to investigate either:
Project topic overviews
You’ll now begin working on your independent final project, focusing on a specific contemporary issue. This project could explore topics such as high-intensity interval training, body image, concussion, nutrition, or sleep. This study topic introduces you to a range of engaging contemporary topics and helps you to respond to an intriguing question using academic and media sources.
Becoming a proficient presenter
This will help you develop your presentation skills in preparation for a one-to-one presentation with your tutor about your independent final project. The skills you learn will also be useful in a wide range of professional roles in sport and fitness.
Completing your final Project
This final study topic is designed to help you complete your final Project on your chosen topic. Whilst this largely involves independent study, you’ll be supported by activities to keep you on track and online tutorials from subject specialists.
The content of this module will help build your knowledge of contemporary issues in sport and exercise that are relevant to practitioners in the field and will help you to develop your critical analysis skills.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
There is a range of online tutorials that run throughout the module, including live topic-based tutorials, short pre-recorded podcasts to explore contemporary research, and supportive one-to-one check-ins with your tutor. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate as they will contribute to your success on this module.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
E315 is a compulsory module in our:
E315 is an option module in our:
Contemporary sport and exercise issues (E315) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2031.
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.
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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.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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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.
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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).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
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 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
