Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons) *
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
Our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science course will equip you with the skills to become a practitioner in the sport and exercise industry, either helping athletes to achieve their potential or working with members of the public to achieve their goals....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South / Alexander Stadium
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science course will equip you with the skills to become a practitioner in the sport and exercise industry, either helping athletes to achieve their potential or working with members of the public to achieve their goals.
Why choose a foundation year course?
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with a Foundation Year course has been specifically designed to support your transition to degree-level study in Sport. As a student, you will undertake a foundation year situated at level 3 study, which has been designed as a prelude to your chosen degree course, providing opportunities for you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding. Your learning journey through your foundation year will provide a secure platform on which you can build throughout your academic career in higher education.
As part of the foundation year, you will explore and develop number of essential academic, interpersonal and professional skills that will help you succeed in your future degree level studies.
On successful completion of your foundation year, you are guaranteed to progress on to the first year of the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree. If you are interested in progressing on to one of our other Sport degrees, this will be subject to space available on those courses and on meeting the relevant entry requirements, which may include passing an interview.
What's covered in this course?
The course explores the science of sport and exercise, considering how disciplines such as physiology, psychology, nutrition, and biomechanics can be applied in the context of sports performance, physical activity, health and wellbeing. You will study a range of discipline specific and multi-disciplinary modules, equipping you with a diverse range of perspectives that will enrich your learning and enhance your career opportunities.
It won’t just be about sport - you'll be looking at different aspects of health and people at opposite ends of the health spectrum. Sport and exercise is a large and expanding global industry and levels of fitness and participation in physical activity are significant issues on the political agenda. Therefore, you’ll be trained to respond to the challenges facing society today, by exploring how the profession and its disciplines encourage and support greater physical activity.
Endorsed by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science, the professional body for sport and exercise science, our practice-led course is full of relevant, fresh information and insight that you can take into the work environment in order to make a positive contribution to modern society.
Why Choose Us?
- Top 5 for Sports Science student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024).
- There will be live projects to work on, as well as optional work-based learning experience, enabling you to gain first-hand experience and build your knowledge.
- Our sports students split their time between our campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. State-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources include physiology labs and a sports therapy suite.
- You'll receive talks from guest lecturers who work within the sector and can provide relevant, up-to-date advice.
- There will be the opportunity to engage in international exchanges, as well as trips and visits that will aid your course.
- Work will be both practical and lab-based, giving you the best of both experiences; supporting your development to work out in the sporting environment, in fitness settings, or conducting lab-based research.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 19 October 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £17,690 in 2025/26
Guidance for UK/EU students
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
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Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.
These professional skills are transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but throughout your continued education and employment. By engaging with this module, we have set out clearly what we expect of you at foundation and undergraduate level, and will equip you with the confidence, competence and capacity to utilise resources to be able to meet expectations in this environment.
An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own learning and the way in which you have applied your knowledge, skill and understanding to any academic context in which you have engaged to date. Communicating effectively through a variety of academic conventions is a key skill for any student and this will be a feature of this module.
This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will reflect on your own and others values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.
This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice.
Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act. The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.
The module will give you the opportunity to discuss debate and reflect upon how challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity may present themselves. Using problem and inquiry based learning you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss ways of working which can help to minimise discrimination in your own practice. The module will be made up of lead lectures, taught sessions, group work and individual study.
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study.
The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.
A significant proportion of the module is based around negotiation with academic facilitators to identify extended areas of study and opportunities that are possible to enhance your towards completion of the study.
An appreciation of the principles of Human Biology plays a central role in the understanding of the workings of the human body. This module is organised into three distinct phases from fundamental principles, to physiological processes, and then disruption of the interplay of such systems in human disorders. This understanding provides a solid foundation for the subsequent study in a range of disciplines from healthcare, allied healthcare, and other disciplines requiring an understanding of human biology. The topics covered will also be underpinned by practical activities. Pre- and post-session activities will help to develop your key transferable skills such as being able to reflect and ask probing questions as well as being able to think independently. Development of these skills will ensure a growth in maturity and boost your confidence which will lead to unlocking your learning potential.
This module will consider the complex nature of sport, and how the disciplines associated with the scientific study of sport can interact to enhance knowledge and problem solving. Problems will be considered from across the range of sport, physical activity and exercise disciplines with demonstrations of how research can be enhanced through inter/multi-disciplinary investigation.
The initial stages of this module will include an introduction to the four BSc courses that are run by the department. These are, Sport and Exercise Nutrition; Physical Education and School Sport; Sports Therapy and Sport and Exercise Science.
First Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module will introduce the academic skills required for studying Sport and Exercise in Higher Education, and to the resources needed to support academic and personal development. The skills and resources introduced in this module will be used throughout the course, and after successful completion of studies, to enable lifelong learning as a competent and autonomous practitioner. The module will introduce the research process and consider how knowledge is generated in an applied manner for Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Therapy, and Sports Coaching and Physical Education disciplines. Students will be provided with skills in relation to finding appropriate sources of information relating to their area of study and be able to read and understand these effectively. There will be a focus on the scientific method, academic writing skills, data collection and analysis skills.
This module aims to develop the student as a practitioner in Sport and Exercise Science. It will cover practical, interpersonal, and transferable skill development. The module will introduce the concept of interdisciplinary teams and students will be introduced to the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively within the disciplines of physiology, nutrition, psychology, and biomechanics, to solve a variety of problems related to sports performance, exercise, and health. The module has a focus on being able to write an effective CV in relation to working within the field of Sport and Exercise Science. The content will include employability skills such as development of an industry-specific CV, personal development planning, and goal setting. The module will also cover important laboratory and field-testing practical skills.
This module considers the application of the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology of the human body, to real-world sport and exercise settings. There will be a strong focus on musculoskeletal anatomy, The delivery is contemporary in design, whereby the lectures are pre-recorded in the form of online videos. These lectures are supported by practical sessions where the student can apply their knowledge with a life size skeleton, whilst sessions in physiology enable the measurement of physiological parameters and the examination of the physiological responses to exercise.
This module aims to consider the underpinning biochemistry and physiology of nutrition for health, exercise, and sports performance. Students will also explore the link that nutrition has to a variety of sport, exercise, and health settings, providing fundamental knowledge for further study at level 5 and 6. This module will also present core practical competencies required in sport and exercise nutrition. Nutrition-related measurements including energy balance (intake and expenditure), anthropometrical assessments (body composition), and methods of assessing dietary intake are taught. Practical sessions involve a variety of laboratory and field techniques that are relevant to employability in Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
The primary purpose of this module is to introduce students to the mechanical principles that govern human movement and thus equip them with the ability to observe, measure, and understand human movement, is controlled, and effected. The module covers basic concepts, variables, and parameters associated with linear and angular kinematics, and kinetics of human movement, and its scope ranges from governing mechanics through to general and specific application within sport, exercise, and health. The module will be taught in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, with hands-on experience of working with advanced technologies such as motion capture, force instrumentation, and electromyography systems. Students will also be provided with technology enhanced training to become proficient with selected specialist software. The module has a strong focus on providing opportunities for the enhancement of a variety of fundamental and academic key skills such as numeracy, literature searching, referencing, data analysis, report writing, independent study skills, working in small teams, and planning and time management.
This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of important theories and concepts involved in Sport and Exercise Psychology. This module will provide a sound knowledge base of existing psychological theories, psychological factors affecting sport and exercise behaviour, and the psychology of participation, in relation to evidence-based practice. The lectures and seminars will present key concepts and will be complimented by self-directed learning activities, where appropriate. Seminars will provide opportunity for more interactive forms of learning, such as group-based discussions and small group activities. Practical classes will allow for hands-on experience of collecting and analysing experimental data, where psychological concepts will be explored and researched in sport and exercise contexts.
Second Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module aims to provide an insight into the strategies that can be used to analyse and profile an athlete in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and competition/match-play outcomes. Topics relating to Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Fitness Testing, Biomechanics, and Notational Analysis will be explored, and specific focus is placed upon the process of conducting a comprehensive ‘Needs Analysis’ for an individual, including physical, tactical, technical and bioenergetic elements. Objective analysis of athlete status and performance is achieved through the collection of real-time data, which will be analysed and reported in a useable manner. The means by which performance analysis data can be used to enhance training interventions, augment learning, and improve decision-making in competitive situations will be the focus of discussion in sessions. The evidence base for this module is drawn from professional guidelines and accreditor requirements for the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
This module will prepare students for the Independent Research Project at level 6. The module will provide scenarios and conditions that will improve students’ ability to interpret and critique research, as well as make logical conclusions. Learning and teaching will be carried out on aspects such as how to answer research questions by analysing and presenting data, and a variety of ‘soft skills’, such as organisation and communication are developed.
This module focuses upon the application of evidence of physiological mechanisms and assessment to help inform exercise/ physical activity implementation. There will be a strong focus on conducting physiological assessment in practical/ laboratory sessions through a range of relevant tests that are appropriate to athletic populations and public health. The underpinning rationale for these tests, the validity and reliability considerations, as well as the application of the information acquired will be discussed within lectures and seminars. Evaluation and reflection upon physiological assessment and the application of the information, using associated physiological mechanisms and relevant evidence will also be explored. This module requires participation in a large amount of group work which will help to develop a range of interpersonal skills and is reflective of the Sport and Exercise industry.
This module will provide the foundations that underpin Strength and Conditioning practices. The use of biomechanical tools, such as force plates, EMG, and cameras to analyse technique during athletic tasks will be taught, and then applied to physiological theory to help understand how technique impacts performance. Knowledge of Physiology and Biomechanics will be applied so that the student can make training recommendations, informed by scientific evidence.
This module aims to provide a more advanced understanding of the psychological issues, techniques, and skills that are relevant to individuals in sport and exercise contexts. The module will provide an understanding of evidence-based psychological skills and techniques for the promotion of health, well-being, and sporting performance. During the module, important aspects of ethical conduct and other professional competencies (e.g., reflective practice, professional philosophy) needed to be a sport and exercise psychology practitioner will be explored.
This module will consider the link between nutrition, training, and competition for sports performance. Empirical study of the effect of nutritional strategies on sports performance across a range of performance types (e.g., strength, power, endurance) and the efficacy of the nutritional strategies will be examined in relation to critically evaluating findings of previous studies. This module will also consider the role of both nutrition and physical activity in health, and how these are integrated in the aetiology, management, and prevention of nutrition-related diseases. There will also be a consideration into the effects of disease processes on both diet and nutrition, as well as exercise and sport performance. The assessment activities require students to demonstrate a range of skills, including the ability to translate evidence-based research into practical advice for a client, creativity, scientific writing skills, and the ability to analyse data.
Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
This module provides the opportunity to design and carry out a substantive piece of independent research, which is focused on the student’s interest. This in-depth, self-managed study will encourage the examination of a critical issue from a particular sector or discipline. The skills, knowledge, and experience that students have gained from level 4 and 5 will be important in this module. The core learning within this module will involve independent work, and this will be supported by regular tutorial sessions with a project supervisor. The use of the department’s state-of-the-art facilities will be available to students to use for their projects. There may also be the opportunity to work with selected external partners.
In this module theoretical and practical knowledge will be applied as to how different environments affect human function, in reference to both performance and health. This module considers the human capability to exercise in, tolerate, and adapt to, the conditions encountered in various environments. The skills gained in this module will support students to advise individuals/teams on the necessary preparations to perform in extreme environments on placements or future employment. As the international athlete is a growing concept, this module ensures contemporary knowledge is covered on how to best support them in difficult environments. Data collection skills within the human performance laboratory will be enhanced in this module.
This module aims to develop an understanding of exercise prescription for those with health conditions, so an understanding of how a programme can be designed, monitored, and adapted for specific individuals can be developed. Knowledge of a range of health conditions and how exercise/ physical activity may be beneficial is explored, enabling the student to identify, agree, and review goals to help ensure realistic client achievements. This module will cover appropriate assessment and monitoring of individuals, as well as the management of risk that may arise from exercise/physical activity participation. The means to promote a range of exercise/physical activity opportunities in accordance with current initiatives, as well as the needs and health status of an individual, will also be explored. The development and application of strategies to enhance adherence and promotion of the development of healthy behaviours and long-term positive well-being for those with health conditions will be taught.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module will consider contemporary topics in sport, exercise, and health, utilising emerging research. Consideration of the latest nutritional strategies that may be implemented to improve health, exercise and performance will be made. Critical reviewing of literature will be carried out to assess the impact of nutritional interventions. Essential communication skills, reflection of practice, and evaluation of the role of a Sport and Exercise Nutritionist alongside other multi-disciplinary professionals will be made.
This module will focus on the analysis of team, opposition, and individuals, through the process of coding match footage and interpreting the data collected. By discussing pre- and post-match analysis, students will analyse performances, making use of the principles of data visualisation, and create a report which will form the basis of the assessment. Emphasis will be placed upon reliability and validity of collected data, data visualisation, and information dissemination through understanding of athlete learning. This module will advance the concept of data which underpins everyday sports performance. Students will develop knowledge, skills and experience of data analysis and applicable frameworks to appraise measures of performance, and how this can be utilised to improve individual and team performance. This module will make use of industry leading technologies to prepare students for the field of Performance Analysis. The evidence base for this module is drawn from professional guidelines and accreditory requirements for the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
This module has already been approved as part of the Sports Coaching and Physical Education validation. The aim of this module is to further develop an understanding of the psychological aspects of development and progress in sport. The module also explores the various ways this topic is researched. The underlying aim of the module is to contribute to the student’s development as a more thoughtful and effective sport scientist. It will equip them with a range of strategies and tools for investigating the psychological aspects of athletic development. The teaching team will use case studies similar to the approach in Sport and Exercise Psychology at level 5, to highlight the most common areas of sport and exercise topics and research related to athlete development.
This module will develop the skills required to coach and evaluate training methods in Strength and Conditioning. Contemporary training practices will be taught and applied to the principles of coaching athletes. A key feature of this module is that the student is expected to take a critical view of the contemporary issues in strength and conditioning using underpinning knowledge developed at level 5. The breadth of topics will include training for strength and speed, to topics such as training for youth populations and player monitoring. Students will learn how to structure an individual’s training through periodisation, and how IT skills can improve communication to athletes and stakeholders. Assessment is based upon the ability to identify errors in weightlifting technique and propose recommendations to correct these. The content and assessment methods are aligned with the professional competencies outlined by the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).
Download course specification
Download nowCourse structure for BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
You can choose from a range of discipline-specific and multi-disciplinary modules, equipping you with a diverse range of perspectives that will enrich your learning and enhance your career development.
The sport and exercise science degree course has been co-designed with employers, ensuring you receive up-to-date and useful information, and you’ll also have the opportunity to engage in work-based placements, applying theory to practice and enhancing your employability prospects. There will also be live industry case studies as part of the core assessment diet.
All of our sport courses will provide additional, employability based qualifications at the same time as your course, building your knowledge and improving your prospects. For this course, you could gain REPS fitness qualifications, providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a personal trainer.
You'll have the option of taking a professional placement year between Year 2 and Year 3 of study.
Employability
Enhance your employability skills
Sport and Exercise Science covers a wide range of roles, sectors and challenges, giving you a wide range of career options upon graduating. Placements and live case studies, provided by existing sports teams and organisations, will increase your job prospects.
Placements
Our partnerships with Warwickshire Cricket Club and Sport Birmingham will provide you with the opportunity to undertake valuable work placements. You'll be able to gain first-hand experience, assisting with fitness testing, lab-based research and exercise regimes.
Sport Birmingham works with sports coaches and staff, so you’ll be working alongside trained professionals who can impart advice and guidance. You could also undertake placements with professional sports teams, organisations and education facilities.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Teaching for our Sports courses is split between our £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. Our cutting-edge facilities for sports students include a state-of-the-art sport and exercise lab, sports therapy suite, biomechanics lab and physiology labs.
The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University is investing an additional £5m to develop space in the East and West stands as a home for our students.
Our staff
Julie Davis
Foundation Year Lecturer
Julie joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2018 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year programme. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, she worked at a number of local FE and HE institutions where she developed and delivered a range of Early Years and Education programmes.
More about JulieJessica Lowe
Foundation Year Lecturer
Jessica joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2019 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year Programme. Her role is to lead and develop modules to support students on their journey on the Foundation Year Programme. Prior to joining BCU, she has worked in a FE and HE institution teaching students on a range of courses in Early Years...
More about Jessica