of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE
BSc (Hons)
Accredited by University College Birmingham
Award
BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years full-time
Placement
Opportunities available
Entry
September
Fees
View fees
The UK health and fitness market generated £5.7 billion in revenue in 2024, up 8.8% from 2023.
The sport and physical activity sector employs a large share of the UK workforce - around 878,000 jobs, which is about 3.5% of all UK employment.
Our Sport and Exercise degree is designed for individuals interested in sport, human performance, physical activity, and wellbeing. It is ideal for students who want to understand how the body responds to exercise, how to optimise performance, and how movement, health, and behaviour interact.
The programme suits those who enjoy science-based learning, problem-solving, practical application, and working with people in performance, health, or rehabilitation contexts. It explores how anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor control, psychology, nutrition, and public health are applied within sport and exercise settings, working with diverse individuals and communities.
Sport and exercise science is a dynamic, rapidly evolving field with growing demand across health, performance, and well-being sectors. This degree opens opportunities to work across disciplines and fields, ultimately helping people perform better, feel better, and live healthier lives, while preparing you to make a meaningful difference.
Why should I choose to study Sport and Excercise Science BSc (Hons)?
- SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Build a solid grounding in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and research methods
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Develop the practical skills, scientific understanding, and professional values required by employers
- EXPERT TUITION – Our highly experienced academics continue to work within the sports and exercise arena and remain at the forefront of sector needs
Our facilities
As a student on the BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science, you will apply theoretical knowledge in our purpose-built human performance laboratory, equipped to replicate industry-standard environments. You will engage in sports clinics, rehabilitation sessions and nutrition-based sports kitchens, with access to our Human Performance Centre featuring a 35-metre sprint track, six Olympic lifting platforms, integrated force plates, a range of conditioning equipment, and an AlterG anti-gravity treadmill used to support athlete rehabilitation
Our purpose-built Human Performance Laboratory features the latest equipment including an anti-gravity treadmill, isokinetic dynamometer, Monark LC7 cycle ergometer and SECA body composition analyser
The impressive £3m Avery Fields complex – which we share with Bournville RFC – boasts an all-weather pitch, two grass pitches and a clubhouse with function room and modern changing facilities
Course Breakdown
Full module information will be available soon.
Entry requirements
Sport and Excercise Science BSc (Hons)
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC.
T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
The teaching and assessment will include a range of face to face teaching, clinic and laboratory and use of sports facilities.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Tuition fees for home students
If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2025/2026 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,535. For part-time study, the fee is £4,767.50.
Kick-Start Scheme
As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
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Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course - and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Work placement opportunities are integrated into some of the modules that you will study on our Sport and Exercise Science course, allowing you to put theory into practice and enhance your future employability.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Warwickshire County Cricket Club
- Wasps Rugby Academy
- Scotland Rugby team
- Aston Villa FC
- Leicester Tigers RFC
- West Bromwich Albion Ladies FC
Career opportunities
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Sport and exercise scientist
£25,000 - £40,000
Physical activity specialist
£26,862
Sports development officer
Average Salary: £30,000
Health and wellbeing/sports development officer
Average Salary: £30,000
Community sports coach
Average Salary: £24,000
Personal trainer
Average salary: £27,000 - £37,000
Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BSc (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Strength, Conditioning and Performance MSc.
Meet your lecturers
