BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences

Work with the next generation of student athletes, improving their performance through sports science and exercise. Learn in our dedicated Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories, which are kitted out with technology used by Premier League and NFL teams.

You’ll focus on practical, work-based learning, making the most of our professional sports campus as you understand the science behind the mechanics of movement, sports psychology, health and exercise. Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to improving the physical and psychological qualities of our student athletes.

Key Information

Course Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: C615

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 120 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

We’ll introduce you to the core disciplines of biomechanics, physiology, and psychology. You will also explore a wide range of related disciplines to give you the opportunity to tailor your studies to suit your career interests. This can include nutrition, performance analysis, health and exercise, and strength and conditioning and injury.

Learn from lecturers who are industry professionals and research active. You could also have the chance to work alongside one of our competing sports teams, with elite-level athletes on campus, or children in local schools.

UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 120 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.
A-Level | Typical offer is BBB or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject at grade D or above.
Vocational Award | Typical offer is a DDM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
Access | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in Biology, Sports Studies or PE module at Level 3.
IB | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above, including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.
Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced Higher and one Higher including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers, including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject at H4 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.
OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
T Level | An overall grade of Distinction, to include grade B or above in the Core component in a Science subject. T Level subjects considered are Animal Care and Management (Science Pathway), Healthcare Science and Science. Health will be considered on an individual basis.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 80 UCAS tariff or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

We welcome students with equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss.

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course.

Please contact us for further information.

Email us

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

You could gain applied experience working with one of our ten performance sports academies. We also have close links with local clubs, societies and governing bodies, giving you opportunities to get experience working with athletics, cycling clubs, or schools.

There are also opportunities to be involved and assist with data analysis and collection with our research active lecturers. This includes staff that have produced and published their own research.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Guest lecturers are an important part of the degree, ensuring students are regularly exposed to industry-leading research or current professionals.

Graduate destinations

As a sports graduate you may go on to work in performance analysis, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, health-related physiology, exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

Strength and Conditioning coach
Physiotherapy trainee (additional qualifications)
Postgraduate study

Success Stories

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 12 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic Support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

Further details

The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 120 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.
A-Level | Typical offer is BBB or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject at grade D or above.
Vocational Award | Typical offer is a DDM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
Access | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in Biology, Sports Studies or PE module at Level 3.
IB | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above, including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.
Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced Higher and one Higher including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 120 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers, including one in Biology, Sports Studies or PE subject at H4 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.
OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
T Level | An overall grade of Distinction, to include grade B or above in the Core component in a Science subject. T Level subjects considered are Animal Care and Management (Science Pathway), Healthcare Science and Science. Health will be considered on an individual basis.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 80 UCAS tariff or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

We welcome students with equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss.

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course.

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

There are also opportunities to be involved and assist with data analysis and collection with our research active lecturers. This includes staff that have produced and published their own research.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Guest lecturers are an important part of the degree, ensuring students are regularly exposed to industry-leading research or current professionals.

Graduate destinations

Strength and Conditioning coach
Physiotherapy trainee (additional qualifications)
Postgraduate study

How you'll study

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 12 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year.

Your support network

Academic Support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Further details

The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

The course focuses on the core disciplines in sport and exercise sciences. You’ll cover fundamental topics including physiology, biomechanics and psychology, which are essential if you want to pursue a career in this industry.

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

This year will give you a theoretical understanding of the core disciplines in sport and exercise sciences. You’ll also develop practical skills that are required to work in the sport and exercise industry.

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Functional Anatomy

This module introduces you to the subject and application of human anatomy in sport and exercise settings.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise.

Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete and exerciser behaviour through key theories in sport and exercise psychology.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Sciences

Understand how mono-, multi-, and inter-disciplinary teams work effectively together in sport and exercise science.

Principles of Strength and Conditioning

Focuses on the basics of performance training, and its physiological effect on the body.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Biomechanics

This module introduces you to the application of mechanical principles to human movement in sport and exercise settings.

Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise Scientists

This module will allow you to develop a range of key academic and professional skills which will be invaluable for success in your studies, and serve as ideal preparation for a future career in sport.

Research and Data Skills in Sport

During this module you will develop a wide range of fundamental research and data analysis skills, ensuring that you are well-prepared to apply these skills across a range of other modules later in your programme and for your future career in sport.

Build on the core skills and experience you've already gained as you start to pick topics more suited to your interests. Explore topics including sports nutrition, health-related exercise, injuries and performance analysis.

Compulsory Modules

Exercise Physiology

This module covers how the body adapts - acutely and chronically - to exercise.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand research methods and analysis in sport and exercise science required for future applied and research projects.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Learn and apply sport and exercise psychological concepts to improve athlete performance and wellbeing

Applied Biomechanics in Sport

Apply biomechanical principles to sporting performance and develop an understanding of measurement techniques and analysis of data associated with movement.

The Sport and Exercise Researcher

Explore the research process, how research is designed within sport and exercise science, and its implications for practice.

Professional Development in Sport and Exercise Sciences

Explore career pathways and professional needs as a sport and exercise science practitioner.

Optional Modules

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition

This module covers the core knowledge to understand nutritional requirements for sports performance, health, exercise and lifestyle.

Injuries in Sport and Exercise

Unlock a greater understanding of the connection between anatomy and its vital connection to sports injuries with this module, where you’ll study musculoskeletal injuries, mechanisms and general management within sport and physical activity.

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Use this year to really focus on your area of interest and select modules best suited to your career goals. You’ll also complete your undergraduate dissertation, in which you’ll focus on contemporary challenges in your chosen subject area. You’ll also use more advanced theory and practice, gaining an insight into where current research is focusing.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research Project

Your opportunity to independently research a topic related to your programme of study and develop a range of graduate skills.

Professional Practice for Applied Sport Scientists

Critically appraise your practices and experiences of an applied sport scientist within a sports science team, taking into account relevant professional guidance.

Students must pick at least two of these three modules;

Applied Sport Psychology

The purpose of this module is to give students a real picture of applied sport psychology in action by providing the framework from which psychological techniques can be applied to facilitate psychological and performance outcomes.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

Carry out physiological assessments on the field and in our laboratories, and interpret athletes’ exercise data.

Biomechanics in Sport Practice

Application and justification of the use of advanced biomechanical analysis within sport and exercise.

Optional Modules

Performance Analysis in Practice

Students apply and evaluate the impact of performance analysis techniques within the coaching cycle.

Recovery and Monitoring for Sport Performance

Assess competition data and testing techniques for injuries.

Special Populations

Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.

Performance Nutrition

This module will provide students the opportunity to explore nutrition concepts and topics related to performance in elite sport.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Functional Anatomy

This module introduces you to the subject and application of human anatomy in sport and exercise settings.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise.

Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete and exerciser behaviour through key theories in sport and exercise psychology.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Sciences

Understand how mono-, multi-, and inter-disciplinary teams work effectively together in sport and exercise science.

Principles of Strength and Conditioning

Focuses on the basics of performance training, and its physiological effect on the body.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Biomechanics

This module introduces you to the application of mechanical principles to human movement in sport and exercise settings.

Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise Scientists

Research and Data Skills in Sport

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Exercise Physiology

This module covers how the body adapts - acutely and chronically - to exercise.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand research methods and analysis in sport and exercise science required for future applied and research projects.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Learn and apply sport and exercise psychological concepts to improve athlete performance and wellbeing

Applied Biomechanics in Sport

Apply biomechanical principles to sporting performance and develop an understanding of measurement techniques and analysis of data associated with movement.

The Sport and Exercise Researcher

Explore the research process, how research is designed within sport and exercise science, and its implications for practice.

Professional Development in Sport and Exercise Sciences

Explore career pathways and professional needs as a sport and exercise science practitioner.

Optional Modules

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition

This module covers the core knowledge to understand nutritional requirements for sports performance, health, exercise and lifestyle.

Injuries in Sport and Exercise

Placement year (optional)

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level Six (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research Project

Your opportunity to independently research a topic related to your programme of study and develop a range of graduate skills.

Professional Practice for Applied Sport Scientists

Critically appraise your practices and experiences of an applied sport scientist within a sports science team, taking into account relevant professional guidance.

Students must pick at least two of these three modules;

Applied Sport Psychology

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

Carry out physiological assessments on the field and in our laboratories, and interpret athletes’ exercise data.

Biomechanics in Sport Practice

Application and justification of the use of advanced biomechanical analysis within sport and exercise.

Optional Modules

Performance Analysis in Practice

Students apply and evaluate the impact of performance analysis techniques within the coaching cycle.

Recovery and Monitoring for Sport Performance

Assess competition data and testing techniques for injuries.

Special Populations

Performance Nutrition

This module will provide students the opportunity to explore nutrition concepts and topics related to performance in elite sport.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level four (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level five (year two)	24%	0%	76%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	18%	0%	82%

You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given informally during scheduled learning and formally following each assessment.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level four (year one)	25%	46%	29%
Level five (year two)	19%	38%	43%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	0%	47%	53%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
work placements may entail different days and hours
part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

Students are advised to purchase sports kits which can be bought as a bundle via Hartpury’s website for approximately £150. Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. A comprehensive package of non-repayable financial support is available to facilitate engagement with placements and study tours/trips where additional costs are involved.

Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

CIMSPA-endorsed

This degree programme is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

Teaching Quality

We're in the top 10 UK universities for teaching quality

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Develop hands-on expertise and undertake research in our over £10 million Sports Academy, enabling our students to learn using some of the most advanced technologies in the UK.

With access to specialist laboratories, gyms and pitches, you’ll explore new ways to improve health and fitness for everyone – from elite athletes to school children.

Sport facilities

Success stories

James' story

Success Stories

James' story

“I chose Hartpury due to its amazing facilities, as well as the people, lecturers, tutors and education. I am also in the rowing academy and the split between education and rowing is second to none.”

James Brooke

Access to Higher Education Diploma in Sports Studies

"The content of my degree is challenging and engaging. Hartpury is preparing me, by giving me key skills and a foundation to build on. I've got specific industry experience through my work placement - I'm ready to work with elite athletes in the future."

Phil Hallsworth, BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences

Sport matters

When you have passion, you're far more likely to achieve your goals – especially when you study that passion in a place that shares it.

We're home to top-level coaches, sport and exercise scientists, nutritionists, conditioners, medics and athletes, across our Sports Academy programmes and student-led teams. Our students graduate with valuable skills to succeed in a range of different careers.

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Get in touch

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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Key Information

Course information

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Academic Support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Further details

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic Support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Further details

Modules

What you'll study

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Placement year (optional)

Level Six (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Academies

Accommodation

Finance

CIMSPA-endorsed

Teaching Quality

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Success stories

James' story

Sport matters

Get in touch

Meet our academic team

Important information

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Sports Performance

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching

BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

Our partners & accreditations