of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Placement
Included in course
Entry
September (2021)
Fees
View Fees
100% coursework - no exams are included in this course
Access to a state-of-the-art pitch and more facilities at Avery Fields
Understanding the science behind sport and exercise helps address a range of challenges we face, from tackling obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy ageing to enhancing the performance of elite athletes. Our brand new Sport and Exercise Science college course combines theoretical knowledge with a range of practical applications to help prepare you for working in the sports industry.
This course explores how a range of disciplines – including physiology, psychology and strength and conditioning – can be applied to boost sports performance, physical activity, health and wellbeing. You will have the chance to complete laboratory testing in state-of-the-art facilities to support your knowledge, and you will gain the essential skills and understanding of the sports sector to progress onto a variety of rewarding careers or university courses, from sports therapy or physiotherapy to sports psychology or strength, conditioning and sports nutrition.
To further enhance your industry knowledge, our Level 3 sports science course features a range of enrichment opportunities, including a visit to St George's Park to experience professional sport science procedures. You will also have the chance to put your training into practice on work placement, as well as gaining a range of additional sports qualifications including gym instruction and emergency first aid.
Why choose this college course?
- ENRICHMENT – Boost your employability with a variety of additional qualifications, including Level 2 Gym Instructor, Emergency First Aid and Safeguarding
- WORK PLACEMENT – Gain real-life industry experience on placement, supported by our strong links with the industry
- EXPERT TEACHING – Get excellent support from our experienced academic staff and guest lecturers with expertise in a variety of areas
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to continue your learning journey after college? This course will allow you to progress onto a specific fitness-related degree
- TEAM SCOTLAND PARTNERSHIP – Our University will be the home for Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, offering exciting opportunities for our students to work with the team and its athletes
Our facilities
Students on our sports college courses at University College Birmingham have use of Avery Fields, a purpose-built 15-acre site which we share with leading Birmingham rugby club Bournville RFC, while you will also have access to cutting-edge facilities within our campus buildings.
Avery Fields features an all-weather pitch situated alongside two new grass pitches and an impressive clubhouse.
The clubhouse at Avery Fields includes a function room, modern changing facilities and a physiotherapy suite.
Our campus features a brand new Human Performance Centre and Laboratory with state-of-the-art technology, as well as a cutting-edge gym and sports injury and massage clinics.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
Year 1
Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
- Exercise Health and Lifestyle
- Preparing for a Career in Sport and Physical Activity
- Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
- Practical Team Sports
- The Physiology of Fitness
- Work Experience in Sport
- Assessing Risk in Sport
- Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise
- Psychology for Sports Performance
Year 2
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
- Laboratory Testing and Field-based Exercise
- Practical Individual Sports
- Sports Massage
- Sports Injuries
- Sports Nutrition
- Applied Exercise Physiology
- Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science
- Applied Strength and Conditioning
- Applied Sports Psychology
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Entry requirements
Level 3 Diploma Sport and Exercise Science
- You will require 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above, including English language, maths and science
- Equivalent Level 2 qualifications at a pass grade will be considered
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance
- You should be committed, enthusiastic and have a desire to succeed in the sports industry
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be required to prepare work independently and as part of a team. You will be assessed through coursework, assignments, projects, practical observations and presentations, some of which will involve industry-related visits.
To pass this course, you will carry out a wide range of assessment activities and coursework (e.g. written reports, formal presentations, poster design and presentation, leading practical sessions etc.)
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2015-2020.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £50, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
You may be eligible for the Learner Support Fund, which assists college students with course-related costs such as essential uniform, equipment and travel. For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.
University College Birmingham will be the home of Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
University College Birmingham adopts the UK Anti-Doping and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) position that cheating, including doping, in sport is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport, undermining the otherwise positive impact of sport on society. Further details about UKAD and WADA can be found on their websites.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our hired@UCB team can help find the ideal placement for you.
As part of our sports science Level 3 course, you will undertake a mandatory work placement throughout both years of study. Our strong external partnerships allow you to benefit from coaching sessions, qualifications and training sessions to boost your employability. You will also have opportunities to become involved in assisting at competitions such as the Birmingham School Games and Inclusive Sports Festivals as well as working in local schools.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Scotland Rugby Team
- Alexander Stadium (British Athletics)
- Aston Villa Football Club
- West Bromwich Albion Ladies FC
- Birmingham Bouldering Centre
- Birmingham Movement Therapy Clinic
- Hampton in Arden Tennis Club
"Sport and exercise is an ever-growing global industry with fitness and participation levels constantly bringing about societal challenges. This course will give students the ability to respond to these challenges by exploring the profession and supporting greater physical activity and elite performance. The students will benefit from a range of modules giving them greater career opportunities within the sector."
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Sports therapist (privately/with a professional team)
£17,000 - £35,000
Exercise physiology lecturer
Average Salary: £24,000
Sports nutritionist
Average Salary: £25,000
Strength and conditioning coach
Average Salary: £25,090
Sports scientist
Average Salary: £26,500
hired@UCB
Our employability team is here to support your career goals every step of the way – mock interviews, CV help, support for 5 years after you graduate, and more…
Megan's Story
After a decade competing as a track and field athlete, lecturer Megan went on to develop her own sports therapy business as well as working with top sports clubs.
Meet your tutors
