Hi, I'm Chris Selvey, the programme manager for the Surf Science FdSc. I have lived and surfed in Newquay my whole life. It was my early years as a ‘grom’ that developed my passion for surfing and for the ocean, which eventually led me to undertake a BSc Marine Zoology in Bangor, North Wales.

I was lucky enough to be employed in my home town by Newquay University Centre, where I could follow a career in my passion for surfing and the ocean environment. I have been an integral member of the Surf Science team since 2006 and took over stewardship of the course in 2019. I have taught several modules through all stages of the course and lead an annual field trip to the Basque Country of France and Spain. I have also completed a Research Master's focusing on the psychology of surfers and how surfing could be used as a therapeutic intervention.

I remain a passionate and devoted surfer and ocean advocate to this day, and I am committed to encouraging and inspiring you to be successful in this exciting and unique course and to go on to make a difference within the ever-expanding surf industry. So, WELCOME to this exciting part of your life, embrace Newquay and the surrounding area for everything it can offer, but also get fully involved in everything this course can offer you, from learning to competing to creating and succeeding.

Chris Selvey | Programme Manager FdSc Surf Science

Year 1 will usually consist of the following 10 and 20 credit HE level 4 modules:

Surf Training (20 Credits) | Assessment: 60% Coursework and 40% Practical

This module explores the human body in relation to surfing through knowledge of the anatomy, biomechanics and physiology related to the unique environmental demands of recreational and professional surfing. 

The fundamentals of instructing and the acquisition of basic surfing skills is also explored with an opportunity to gain internationally recognised Surf Rescue (SLSGB) and Surf Instructor (ISA) qualifications.

The Surfing Environment (10 Credits) | Assessment: 50% Test and 50% Coursework

This module will explore aspects of science that are influential in the physical surfing environment. Theoretical aspects of meteorology and weather systems will be introduced and how these are instrumental in wave formation. The propagation of waves and how coastal processes, geography and bathymetry affect the breaking waves are also explored. The ecology of coastal and marine systems will be introduced and anthropogenic impacts within these areas.

Surfboard Development and Design (20 credits) | Assessment: 100% Coursework

This module explores the hydrodynamic aspects of the surfboard, relating them to historical and current designs. It also looks at the design and manufacturing process incorporating industry standard practises such as CAD. The students will have the opportunity to design their own surfboard.

Surf and Media Application (20 Credits) | Assessment: 100% Coursework

This module explores how media and surfing have developed and adapted to the modern world. Aspects of historical media will be explored and how modern media platforms are utilised from both a recreational and professional perspective. Effective visual and written communication through media will also be developed.

Surf Culture (20 Credits) | Assessment: 60% Coursework and 40% Exam

This module explores the history of surfing from a cultural, recreational, commercial and sporting perspective. It examines the conception of surfing and its importance to both early and modern society. It examines the global spread of surfing through the key pioneers, cultural and societal events, media exposure, hardware development and competitive development. 

Skills for Scientific Success (20 Credits) | Assessment: 70% Coursework and 30% Test

The ability to process and analyse raw data, find patterns and communicate findings to others is a critical skill in the sciences. This module aims to produce students with the necessary toolkit to handle data, apply appropriate methods to establish patterns and to communicate findings to different audiences and/or stakeholders.

Year 2 will usually consist of the following 20 credit HE level 5 modules:

Core Modules

The Environment and Surfing (20 Credits) | Assessment: 100% Coursework

This module explores the physical and biological environment in which surfing takes place, it considers the interactions between climate, landform, biogeochemistry, society and wildlife. The module opens a discussion on the challenges faced in creating a sustainable use of this environment for both recreational and business use.  

Surfing Industry in Practice (20 Credits) | Assessment: 50% Coursework and 50% Practical

This module explores aspects of the surf industry, surf businesses and entrepreneurial development with a focus on sustainable practices.

Surf Event (20 credits) | Assessment: 50% Coursework and 50% Practical

This module will investigate ‘events’ within the surfing realm. This will include but not be limited to competitive surf competitions. Conferences, trade shows and fundraising events will also be explored.

Surfing in Society (20 Credits) | Assessment: 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

This module explores how media and surfing have developed and adapted to the modern world. Aspects of historical media will be explored and how modern media platforms are utilised from both a recreational and professional perspective. Effective visual and written communication through media will also be developed.

Surf Culture (20 Credits) | Assessment: 60% Coursework and 40% Exam

This module examines the value of surfing to communities and society. It covers the traditional economic ‘value’ but also explores ‘value’ from an engagement, health, wellbeing and therapeutic aspect.

Individual Research Project (20 Credits) | Assessment: 100% Coursework

This module gives students the opportunity to conduct their own research project. Student involvement and responsibility stretches from project conception and planning, literature research, analysis and interpretation of data to report writing and presentation.

Optional Modules

Performance Psychology and Coaching (20 Credits) | Assessment: 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

This module explores the psychological factors that influence performance in both recreational and elite surfing from an athlete and coach perspective. You will build your knowledge of the psychological principles that underpin our understanding of human behaviour and learning in sport, contextualised to surfing.

Surf Business and Innovation (20 Credits)

Within this module you will learn the basics of how to develop, start up and run a business. You will also learn about entrepreneurship with a focus on brand and product development and identity within a specific market.

Extra Expenses:

Funds for purchasing materials for the board build element of the course – in the region of £475 - £732 (dependent on board to be made, subject to change).

Essential Items:

• Laptop/PC  - Having access to your own laptop has always been a highly desirable item for your studies so we are suggesting all students have access to their own laptop/PC. A laptop will be essential for you to be able to engage with some content delivered as online lectures, if required, and to fully benefit from face-to-face group sessions. Please note that we will ask you to download certain freely available software packages which will be essential for your studies. Please also be aware that Chromebooks and tablets, whilst useful for some elements of your work, are not suitable for installing and running some essential software you will need to have access to and, therefore, a Windows or macOS laptop is recommended. 

• Software - As soon as you enrol, you will have an account with Office 365 and you will be able to use online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint and also download these apps to your device for free, as well as having online storage space on OneDrive. We ask that you install QGIS (free software for spatial data), which is available for PCS and Macs and can be downloaded using the link below. (We can go through this during induction week if you have any problems)

• USB Pen Drive (at least 16GB) – Although you will have cloud storage with OneDrive, you will need this to transport files and keep backup copies of important files.

Desirable:

• A good attitude and a willingness to learn (most important!! ).
• Make sure you have stationary and note books. Come prepared to learn.
• Own wetsuit and surfboard, boots and gloves (for the winter).
• Waterproofs and sturdy shoes for fieldwork trips and outdoor survey work.
• Old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty for field-based work.
• Clothing suitable for physical activities i.e. sports wear.