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Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

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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....

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

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.  

This course is open to International students.

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?

  • 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. 

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Next Open Day: March 2023

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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.

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

Essential Requirements

88 UCAS tariff points

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
  • CCD / 88 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 18 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
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
  • MMM
  • Must be in either Sport, 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)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Either the BTEC level 3 National Diploma must be in Sport, 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)
  • 88 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, 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 C overall

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Obtain a minimum of 24 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 88 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

  • MMM
  • Must be in Sport and Physical Activity, Applied Science or Health and Social Care

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical 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
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
    (2016 - present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
    (until-2016)
  • 88 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 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
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 88 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 DDD.
  • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of DD in two Highers).
  • Must include a Sport, Health or Science subject at Higher level or above

T-Levels

  • 88 UCAS points (Pass [with C or above in the Core] 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.

Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for.

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

International Qualifications

International Baccalaureate: Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall.

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
  • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
  • £9,250 in 2023/24
  • 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 2023

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
  • £13,980 in 2023/24

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.

Guidance for UK/EU students

UCAS

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.

Applying through UCAS
 Register with UCAS
 Login to UCAS
 Complete your details
 Select your course
 Write a personal statement
 Get a reference
 Pay your application fee
 Send UCAS your application

Course in Depth

Foundation Year

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

Year One

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

Year Two

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

Year Three

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

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules for SEMESTER A.

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete a further 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules for SEMESTER B.

Download course specification

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Course 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.

The modules involved will cover the core disciplinary areas required – physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition.

You'll have the option of taking a sandwich 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.

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

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 Julie

Jessica 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