BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science
London, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 6 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
15 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 16,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | for UK students: GBP 9,250 per year
Introduction
You’ll study behavioural, physical and life sciences in this practice-based course. A passion for understanding the science behind sports performance, health, and physical activity will drive your career in helping people of all physical abilities.
Develop in-demand skills
You’ll develop skills which are increasingly in demand as the importance of health and physical activity becomes more prominent in the UK and beyond. You could find yourself working with elite athletes on their sporting performance, working in rehabilitation, or helping people suffering from long-term illnesses.
Industry recognised
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK. You can read about the benefits of choosing a BASES-endorsed degree course on the BASES website.
Find your niche
The degree is multi-disciplinary, meaning you’ll explore and learn about different theories and approaches to the subject. This will enable you to discover your specialism, helping you choose the right career path.
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn the theory in lectures and seminars and apply your learning in practical lab sessions. There’ll also be opportunities to work with our extensive range of industry partners and sporting clubs on placements.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Gain an evidence-based appreciation of biomechanics, nutrition, physiology and psychology and their use within sport and exercise environments
- Take part in practical sessions examining oxygen consumption, blood lactate and glucose concentration, body composition and dietary analysis, ECG, power output, human motion analysis and exercise cognition.
- Use scientific processes to question and problem-solve. You could explore why athletes might not respond to training as expected, plan dietary strategies for the general population, or use movement analysis to understand why athletes might get injured.
Build an impressive CV.
Access work placement opportunities within professional sports clubs, exercise settings, or public health.
Dedicated state-of-the-art facilities
You’ll study in our dedicated £45m sports building and have access to world-class labs and facilities, including:
- An environmental chamber which simulates the effects of diverse climatic conditions on physical performance
- A human movement laboratory and state-of-the-art instrumented treadmill allow simultaneous motion capture and force measurements to analyse gait and other forms of human movement
- A DXA bone scanner, where you’ll be able to measure the density and mineral composition of the skeletal structure
- Custom-built igloo simulation and visualisation facility. You’ll recreate the demands of sport, exercise and physical activity settings to provide an applied learning environment in sport and exercise psychology.
- A strength and conditioning suite where you’ll learn and coach others in the performance of weightlifting, plyometric and agility activities
Work-ready skills
You can boost your CV by gaining additional nationally recognised sporting qualifications.
Why study Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University...
- You’ll be employable - 92.2% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*
- BASES-endorsed - this course is endorsed by the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES)
- World-class facilities - study in our £45m sports building, which boasts industry-standard environmental chambers, sports performance and biochemistry labs
- 96% of students on BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science were positive about the way teaching staff explain things**
- We’re the best in our field - learn from academics and researchers renowned in the sport and exercise science industry
- Globally recognised - Carnegie School of Sport is ranked in the top 75 in the world for Sport Science Schools and Departments and 6th in the UK***
*Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 20-21
**National Student Survey 2023
***2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS)
Duration
- Full-Time: 3 Years
- Part-Time: 6 Years
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
There are ways you may be able to fund your course. Sometimes it is possible to get sponsorship from a government body in your country. There are many different options, so have a look through the links carefully to see if they apply to you.
- International Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
- US / Canada Direct Loans
Curriculum
Teaching & Learning
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through several modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Year 1
What you'll learn
Physiology of the Human Body
Gain the knowledge and comprehension of sport and exercise physiology. It will equip you with relevant skills to apply knowledge and understanding during the measurement of physiological function.
Functional Anatomy & Biomechanics of Human Movement
Explore the qualitative and quantitative methods used in biomechanics research and practice which describe the structures, functions, and mechanical bases of human movement.
Personal Professional & Academic Development in Sport & Exercise
Gain support and early engagement in and development of self-regulatory, study, academic, and employability skills. Specifically, the module will provide you with opportunities to develop a range of personal, professional, and research-related skills that will be useful throughout the degree.
The Sport & Exercise Scientist in Action
Undertake an interactive learning experience that is primarily practical in focus. You will appreciate the distinctions and overlaps between the four Sports and Exercise Science disciplines. You will also consider methods employed by Sport and Exercise Scientists to measure aspects of performance.
Nutrition & Biochemistry for Health & Exercise
Explore the fundamentals of nutrition for health and performance. You’ll gain an understanding of nutritional biochemistry and energy metabolism. On completion of this module, you'll understand the concept of energy and how the body utilises energy. By studying metabolism and the process of energy utilisation, you'll develop an appreciation of food as energy. You'll also begin to understand the importance of adequate nutrition in maintaining body functions during rest and activity.
Human Behaviour in Sport & Exercise
Gain an introduction to the origins and foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology, otherwise defined as the scientific study of human behaviour within the contexts of sport and exercise. This will be achieved by drawing on a range of psychological perspectives and domains that have informed the development of this discipline.
Year 2
What you'll learn
Research in Practice for Sport & Exercise Science
This module builds on your research and study skills developed in year one. You'll become a consumer of research to prepare for your Final Year Project. By the end of the module, you'll be able to search for and apply relevant literature and theory, choose research designs to address research enquiries, analyse and interpret empirical data and present research findings. You'll achieve this by participating in practical sessions that apply theory to practice.
Professional Development in Sport & Exercise Science
This module will support the development of your professional profile and create solid foundations for the pursuit of your future career aspirations. It will provide you with a range of opportunities to enhance your employability through the development of context-specific and transferable skills. You'll be supported to audit, select, engage in, and complete work-based learning activities that will help enhance your career-related prospects.
Psychology of Sport & Exercise
Evaluate peer-reviewed research relating to psychological constructs, concepts, and theories applicable to sports and exercise settings.
Food & Nutrition for Health & Exercise
Investigate the role of food and nutrition in health, sport, and exercise throughout the lifespan. Apply knowledge of nutrition to specific populations and develop skills for assessing and interpreting nutritional intake and status.
Exercise Prescription for Health & Performance
Planned, delivered, and evaluated effective and progressive exercise programs for clinical and athletic populations. Explore the interdisciplinary nature of exercise prescription through authentic case studies and practical sessions.
Physiological Responses to Sport & Exercise
Identify and evaluate research, assessment techniques, and exercise practices in various situations, including maximal, intermittent, and prolonged exercise. Develop an understanding of exercise prescription for health and sports performance.
Biomechanical Determinants of Human Movement
Enhance understanding of biomechanical theory through application in sports, exercise, and health settings. Appreciate the influence of key mechanical determinants on human movement and learn methods to optimize exercise and performance. Develop laboratory and practical skills in data collection and analysis techniques.
Research in Practice for Sport & Exercise Science
This module builds on your research and study skills developed in year one. You'll become a consumer of research to prepare for your Final Year Project. By the end of the module, you'll be able to search for and apply relevant literature and theory, choose research designs to address research enquiries, analyse and interpret empirical data and present research findings. You'll achieve this by participating in practical sessions that apply theory to practice.
Professional Development in Sport & Exercise Science
This module will support the development of your professional profile and create solid foundations for the pursuit of your future career aspirations. It will provide you with a range of opportunities to enhance your employability through the development of context-specific and transferable skills. You'll be supported to audit, select, engage in, and complete work-based learning activities that will help enhance your career-related prospects.
Year 3
What you'll learn
Applied Physiology of Sports Performance Develop a critical understanding of the differing demands of athletic events and learn how this knowledge influences the approach to performance evaluation and monitoring.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Introduce clinical use of exercise physiology techniques by considering the pathophysiology of chronic diseases, mechanisms of action of medications for special clinical populations, and concepts of clinical exercise testing.
Public Health Nutrition Critically examines key issues in public health nutrition in real-world settings, exploring links between diet, physical activity, and disease for promoting health and wellbeing.
Performance Nutrition Apply knowledge and skills to examine conditions imposing nutritional challenges to maintaining nutritional status.
Applied Exercise Psychology Develop an information intervention to engage individuals in physical activity, supported by behavioural science and critical discussion of the literature on physical activity's benefits for mental health and cognition.
Applied Sport Psychology Explore how psychological and ethical principles inform interventions for individual performers and sports teams.
Biomechanics of Health & Injury Build understanding of biological materials' structure and function under external loading, examining factors in health and injury including postural stability, individual differences, and external risk factors through laboratory-based activities.
Contemporary Technologies in Sports Biomechanics Explore the latest biomechanical developments in sports technology, studying technology underpinning performance analysis devices and evaluating their reliability in various environments.
Contemporary Issues in Physical Education & Youth Sport Gain socio-cultural understanding of contemporary policy and practice in physical education and youth sport, critically evaluating their roles in schools and broader communities.
Sandwich Work Placement Undertake paid placement in a related industry for an academic year between years 2 and 3, enhancing employability, and professional skills, and building professional networks.
Performance in Extreme Environments Examines the interdisciplinary nature of sport and exercise science in extreme environments.
Scientific Principles of Strength & Conditioning Practice Understand the synergy between biomechanics, physiology, and strength and conditioning, developing training programs to enhance physical performance and assess performance levels.
Obesity Management Understand the interdisciplinary nature of obesity, designing lifestyle programs for weight management and critiquing contemporary approaches to obesity management.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Gain in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular disease pathophysiology, medical assessment, therapeutic procedures, and the role of exercise, nutrition, and psychological interventions in rehabilitation and secondary prevention.
Contemporary Health Issues & Physical Activity Rehabilitation Critically review contemporary health issues, assessing the role of physical activity and nutrition in disease regulation and rehabilitation stages.
This course offers a 'sandwich' year option, providing a year of paid employment in the industry typically between the second and third year of study, enhancing skills, experience, confidence, and employability prospects.
Rankings
We are ranked third in the country for Sport and Exercise Science research and education with our staff producing leading cutting edge research into the most current and topical issues in this subject, which will inevitably benefit and feed into your learning.
Program Outcome
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the multi-disciplinary basis of Sport and Exercise Science and be able to critically apply the scientific disciplines of Biomechanics, Nutrition, Physiology, and Psychology.
- Critically evaluate contemporary research in Biomechanics, Nutrition, Physiology, and Psychology by successfully evaluating and reflecting on the limitations of existing research.
- Develop a set of advanced skills and understand the application of these skills commensurate with working as a professional in sport and exercise science, including the ability to operate specialist equipment and digital applications.
- Understand and utilize a scientific process to question and problem-solve issues relevant to experiences in sports and exercise.
- Analyze empirical data and critically evaluate evidence to produce verifiable conclusions.
- Develop a set of professional skills necessary for making enterprising decisions in global and diverse employment settings and take responsibility for one’s continuous professional development.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
We have a strong track record of preparing students for employment and further study within sport and exercise science.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of settings, including high-performance sports, the health and fitness industry, health education, exercise referral and teaching.
Studying this course will also provide an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in sport and exercise science and related fields. You could study subjects including sport and exercise psychology, dietetics, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, public health and many others.