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Sport and Exercise Science - BSc (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry

September 2023 — UCAS code C600

Our BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science will equip you with the skills to achieve your potential as a practitioner within the sport and exercise industry; either helping leading athletes to achieve their potential or working with members of the public from a diverse range of backgrounds and circumstances to achieve their goals....

96 points required

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Clearing 2023

There are places available on this course.

  • School School of Health Sciences
  • Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

This course is:

Overview

Clearing 2023

96 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.

Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.

Apply now Call the hotline

Call 0121 331 6777

See hotline opening hours

Our BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science will equip you with the skills to achieve your potential as a practitioner within the sport and exercise industry; either helping leading athletes to achieve their potential or working with members of the public from a diverse range of backgrounds and circumstances to achieve their goals.

The course leads onto postgraduate study in areas such as the MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition and the MRes in Sport and Exercise Science. The course explores the science of sport and exercise, considering how disciplines such as nutrition, physiology, psychology, 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. You will gain a range of additional employability skills through working independently and collaboratively in communities of practice with your peers, teaching staff, and external stakeholders.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

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 the profession and its disciplines in encouraging and supporting greater physical activity.

Endorsed by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), which is the professional body for Sport and Exercise Science, our practice-led course equips you with up-to-date insight that you can take into the work environment and make a positive contribution to modern society. You will be introduced to cutting-edge digital technologies, as well as the latest research in each of the disciplines. Our course provides the opportunity to complete a placement year — which could be within the UK or abroad — making your degree course 4 years in duration. Don’t worry if you are undecided on the placement year when you apply, you can decide once you have competed the first year of study on the standard course.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), the professional body for the subject. This ensures our course is fresh and relevant, as well as creating valuable industry links and knowledge.

  • BASES

Why Choose Us?

  • Top 5 for Sports Science student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024).
  • World-class facilities - You’ll split your time between our campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and - from early 2024 - the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. We have a lease for space across the East and West stands of the Stadium and are investing £5 million in developing the space to house our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources, including physiology labs and environmental chamber.
  • Professional accreditation - this course is accredited by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) to ensure content is relevant and up to date with industry standards.
  • Expert knowledge – you will receive talks from guest lecturers who work within the sector and can provide relevant, up-to-date advice.
  • Gain relevant work experience at home or abroad - There will be live projects to work on with a range of partners, as well as an optional work-based learning experience, enabling you to gain first-hand experience and build your knowledge. Our Go Abroad scheme can help fund international exchange opportunities.

    Open Days

    Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person, hear from our trailblazing academics and explore our innovative £340m facilities.

    Next Open Day: 30 September 2023

    Book now

    Entry Requirements

    These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.

    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.

    96 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.

    Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.

    Apply now Call the hotline

    Call 0121 331 6777

    See hotline opening hours

    Alternative options

    If you do not have 96 points, you may like to look at our other courses available.

    View Clearing courses

    Or explore your options if you don't have enough points for any of our courses.

    Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.

    We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

    Essential

    112 UCAS tariff points

    Applicants must normally have evidence of formal study within the last five years. However, we are sometimes able to waive this requirement if a candidate has a significant amount of professional experience in a relevant field, for example healthcare, social care, or education.

    Level 2 qualifications

    GCSE

    GCSE English Language or Literature, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.

    Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)

    See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.

    Scottish National 5

    English Language or Literature, Maths and Science at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.

    Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications

    A level and Advanced VCE

    • BBC / 112 UCAS points
    • Including Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology or Physical Education at A-level or Level 3 equivalent at Grade C or above
    • Excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Extended Project
    • A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or Level 3 equivalents

    Access to HE Diploma

    • Science
    • Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at Level 3 with 30 credits at Distinction which must be in Biology, Chemistry or a Health related subject
    • If applying with an Access course you only need GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above or accepted equivalent. You are not required to hold five GCSEs in total and GCSE Science is not required

    British bachelor's degree

    • Minimum 2.2 at full honours
    • Considered on an individual basis
    • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
    • DMM
    • Must be in either Sport and Physical Activity, Applied Science or Health and Social Care
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)
    • 112 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Diploma must be in Sport and Physical Activity, Applied Science or Health and Social Care or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology or Physical Education
    • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
    • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • 112 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Foundation Diploma must be in Sport and Physical Activity, Applied Science or Health and Social Care or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology or Physical Education
    • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
    • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
    • Grade B overall

    International Baccalaureate Diploma

    • Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall with grade 4 or above in at least one Higher Level subject from Group 4 (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
    • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma
    • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB

    Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

    • Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3))
    • Must include Sport, Health or a Science subject related subject at Higher level

    OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

    • DMM
    • Must be in Biology, Sport, Applied Science or Health subject

    OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

    • 112 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma must be in Biology, Sport, Applied Science or Health subject or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology or Physical Education
    • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
      (2016 - present)
    • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
      (until-2016)
    • 112 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma must be in Biology, Sport, Applied Science or Health subject or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology or Physical Education

    Open University courses

    • Considered on an individual basis
    • Must include Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics modules

    Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

    • Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers.
    • Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD.
    • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers).
    • Must include a Sport, Health or Science subject at Higher level or above

    T-Levels

    • 112 UCAS points (Merit overall)
    • Must be in Science
    Other qualifications

    If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table, please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS.

    Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

    Extra information for EU/international students

    IELTS

    • Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 6, with no subtest below 5.5
    • If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTS must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement

    Fees & How to Apply

    Please select your student status to view fees and apply
    • UK Student
    • International Student

    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 2023

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 3 years
    • £9,250 in 2023/24
    • £1542 per 20 credits

    Fees for Part-time students

    This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

    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 2023

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 3 years
    • £13,980 in 2023/24

    Online applications are now closed

    Our Clearing hotline will open on Thursday 17 August at 8am.
    0121 331 6777

    Sign up for Clearing updates

    Access to computer equipment

    You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

    Printing

    You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

    Field trips

    All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

    Access to Microsoft Office 365

    Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

    Key Software

    You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

    Key subscriptions

    Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

    Uniform

    You will be provided with a BCU tracksuit.

    Project materials (mandatory)

    This course includes project work that requires you to develop and produce a portfolio or collection. You'll be expected to provide the materials for use in your individual major projects; costs will vary depending on the materials selected.

    Excess printing (optional)

    Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

    Books (optional)

    All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

    Field trips (optional)

    This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

    Memberships (optional)

    You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course.

    Subscriptions (optional)

    You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

    Accommodation and living costs

    The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

    Places available to start in September 2023

    If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.

    Apply now Call the hotline

    Call 0121 331 6777

    See hotline opening hours

    International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.

    Want to start in September 2024? You can apply via UCAS from September 2023.

    Personal statement

    Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

    Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

    Course choice

    Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?

    Career plans

    If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.

    Work experience

    Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.

    School or college experience

    Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.

    Non-accredited skills or achievement

    eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

    You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

    Get more information on writing personal statements.

    Course in Depth

    First Year

    In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

    Second Year

    In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

    Professional Placement Year

    In order to qualify for the award of ‘BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Professional Placement Year’ you must successfully complete the following module:

    Final Year

    In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).

    In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.  

    Download course specification

    Download now

    Course overview

    The aims of the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science course are to create competent, independent, and knowledgeable graduates, who are ready for employment within a diverse, global, and rapidly changing sector. The course is designed to ensure that graduates gain a systematic understanding of the key disciplines of Sport and Exercise Science, including acquisition of current and detailed knowledge.

    We have introduced a Level 4 module to help you with the academic skills required to study Sport and Exercise Science at Higher Education level and have created routes or strands through the course aligned to the BASES disciplines of Biomechanics, Psychology, Physiology and Nutrition. These routes aim to provide you with clear pathways for specialisation as you progress through the course. This is an interdisciplinary course, which reflects recent changes in technology and research to ensure the knowledge, skills and experience you gain from the course prepare you for a career in the industry. 

    By the end of the course, you will be able to apply established theory and practical techniques to a range of situations and populations, and to be able to evaluate and improve upon your own practice.

    You'll have the option of taking a sandwich year between Year 2 and Year 3 of study. 

    BASES
    The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences

    This course is accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

    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.

    More about our placement opportunities

    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:

    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 new home at Alexander Stadium

    Our staff

    Rachel Black

    Course Leader BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

    Rachel gained qualified teacher status in Physical Education in 1999, and has a wealth of experience teaching, leading and advising in a range of both primary and secondary schools in Sussex and Shropshire. Rachel has gained considerable experience teaching in Higher Education, and prior to joining the team at Birmingham City University, taught on...

    More about Rachel

    Richard Handyside

    Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science

    Richard has provided Performance Analysis support to The English Institute of Sport, England Netball, Arsenal Football Club and Leeds United Football Club. Richard won a Gold Medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia, and subsequent BBC SPOTY Team of the Year and Moment of the Year award with England Netball.

    More about Richard

    Dr Laura Hodgson

    Assistant Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science

    Laura joined Birmingham City University in 2019 and currently teaches on the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science undergraduate degree programme, primarily in sport and exercise psychology. Laura obtained her PhD in 2018 which explored the role of emotional abilities in elite sports coaching. Her main interests lie in the psychological factors...

    More about Laura

    Dr Adam Herbert

    Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science

    Adam has extensive applied experience having worked in both the elite sporting environment and private healthcare for clubs including Port Vale FC and Spire Healthcare based at the National Football Centre, St Georges Park. Adam completed his PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University, and has published in internationally renowned journal articles...

    More about Adam

    Dr Lewis Gough

    Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science/MRes Course Leader

    Lewis is the current research cluster lead for Sport Sciences for Health and Disease and is the Unit of Assessment lead for REF (Research Excellence Framework). He also holds editorial positions with BMC Nutrition and Frontiers in Sport and Active Living.

    More about Lewis