Sport and Exercise Science - BSc (Hons)
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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....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City South / Alexander Stadium
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Similar Courses
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 2024/25.
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
112 UCAS tariff points
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
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 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Apply via Clearing
- Part Time
- 6 years
- Show fees
- £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 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £16,085 in 2024/25
Guidance for UK students
UK 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.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
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Complete your details
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Our advice for applying to a health care course
Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
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).
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 you 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.
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:
Students may opt to complete the Professional Placement Year, whereby they will need to complete a minimum of 1200 hours with a professional sports team or club. As part of this year, they will complete a SWOT analysis, formulate learning outcomes, and regularly reflect on their practice and development of skills in relation to the goals / outcomes set. There are quarterly student reflections and supervisor feedback, alongside reviews with the placement lead to ensure the placement is meeting the requirements of the course. The completed documentation will need to be submitted and will receive a pass/ fail grade.
Final Year
In order to complete this course you 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 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.
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.
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
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 RachelRichard 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 RichardDr 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 LauraDr 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 AdamDr Lewis Gough
Associate Professor in Nutrition and Physiology
Lewis is part of the Senior Leadership Team in the College of Life Sciences and is the College Academic Lead for REF (Research Excellence Framework). He also holds editorial positions with BMC Nutrition and Frontiers in Sport and Active Living and is known worldwide for his work on sodium bicarbonate supplementation.
More about Lewis