Course summary

If you are passionate about surfing and want to pursue a career in the surf industry, then this is the course for you. FdSc Surf Science is delivered in one of the most beautiful and appropriate locations in the UK, Newquay, in the stunning county of Cornwall where there are countless surfing beaches, to suit all levels and styles, all on your doorstep. Newquay is where surf culture started and blossomed in the UK and has moulded Newquay into the self-proclaimed surf capital of the UK. Newquay and the South-West is where most of the surf industry has developed and continues to thrive, providing many opportunities for students to connect and engage with the big players within the industry. This is an academic programme and although practical surfing is not part of the course, the surfer friendly location provides plenty of opportunities to surf on some of the best beaches in Europe. So, whilst a healthy interest in some aspect of surfing is helpful, you do not need to be an excellent surfer to apply. You will learn through practical examples, demonstrations and active practice in workshops, lectures, guest lectures, work placements and optional field trips. There will be several opportunities to engage with industry professionals throughout the programme and to complete a work placement in an area of your own interest. There are regular guest speakers and lecturers who help to further engage with you about the many different aspects of the surfing sector. Speakers in the past have included Rob Barber, Dave Reed, Tony Butt and Ester Spears. During the first year of FdSc Surf Science, you will explore the basic key areas of Culture of Surf and Sport, Surf Practice and Physical and Geographical Influences on Surfing. This programme also gives you an introduction to Media and Events, Scientific Techniques and Production Methods and Materials. The first year will also provide you with the opportunity to start developing your professional skillset in Key Professional Skills module. In your final year, you’ll expand your understandings of Ecology and Management of the Coastal Environment, Sociological and Psychological Perspectives of Surfing, Scientific Aspects of Health, Fitness and Nutrition in Sport and Surf Businesses. In addition, you will have allocated time to complete your Application of CAD in the Surf Industry and Individual Research Project module. This course not only covers underpinning knowledge in sports science, the environment, the surf industry, media and events and culture. You will also get an opportunity to shape your own, personal surfboard from concept through to completion, with a world-renowned surfer and shaper, surf the breaks of Northern Spain and Southern France on the annual Basque Country fieldtrip, where you will gain world recognised ‘tickets’ in coaching, judging and lifesaving which will enhance your chances of employment. The course is taught by passionate, authentic lecturers who contextualise modular content to the sport, recreation and industry of surfing all with a love for preserving the environment in which they work and play. In short, this is a unique course and unlike any other in the UK and Europe, which allows you to take your surf passion one step further. With a FdSC Degree in Surf Science you'll be well prepared for roles in the surfing field. There are many routes you can take with this programme that can lead to a career in environmental sustainability, event management and surfing retail.