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Sport and Exercise Science - BSc (Hons)

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

Our Sport and Exercise Science course will equip you with the skills to become a practitioner in the sport and exercise industry; either helping leading 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 Sport and Exercise Science course will equip you with the skills to become a practitioner in the sport and exercise industry; either helping leading athletes to achieve their potential, or working with members of the public to achieve their goals. 

By studying this course, you’ll split your time between our recently extended £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham which contain our state-of-the-art sport and exercise laboratory, sports therapy rooms, cutting-edge resources and a designated sports area. The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University is investing an additional £5m in areas across both main stands which will be home to our students.

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 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 the profession and it's disciplines in encouraging and supporting 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 and make a positive contribution to modern society.

Accredited By

Accreditation for Sport and Exercise Science

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

  • BASES

Why Choose Us?

  • Top 10 for Sports Science student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2023).
  • 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 meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.

Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023

Book your place

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

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

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

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 students

UCAS

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

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.

More guidance

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

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).

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

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

Download course specification

Download now

Course structure

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. 

 

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