| UCAS code | C606 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2023 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Discipline | Sport and Health Sciences (including Nutrition) |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: AAB - ABB |
Overview
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underlying sport and exercise performance and health
- Understand the variables involved in enhancing performance: in exercise, sport, and other high-performance sectors such as medicine and the military
- Develop employability skills through modules in leadership and business, physical education, and career development
- This four-year programme mirrors the BSc Exercise and Sport Science programme during the first three years
- Intensively pursue research interests you have developed during your first three years on the programme in the additional fourth year
Top 20 in the world for Sports-related subjects
16th in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2022
Top 5 in the UK for Sports Science
5th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Research-inspired teaching with academic collaborations with industry and professional athletes
HESA DLHE Record 2016/17
The exercise and sport sciences programme at Exeter really stood out for me as the course is ‘hands-on’ from day one. Every lecture is supported by a laboratory practical or workshop which really helps cement understanding. My experience of studying in this department has been excellent from the start.
The vibe at the university as a whole is very friendly and welcoming, and especially on the St Luke’s Campus, as you always see someone you know or your favourite lecturer wandering around.
The exercise and sport sciences facilities are modern and comfortable, and the campus has everything I need. The facilities are constantly being improved and developed with new laboratory equipment and innovative study spaces popping up all the time.
The student life in the city is great. There is loads to do around Exeter and the train is a great way to travel further afield. One of my favourite things to do is to cycle from Exeter to Exmouth along the estuary.
The opportunities here really are endless, from sports clubs and societies to volunteering, Exeter has it all!
Emily
BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | A*AA - AAA | A in a science subject* |
| IB | 38/766 - 36/666 | HL6 in a science subject* |
| BTEC | D*DD - DDD | Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE A-level science subject: Applied Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport (Performance and Excellence), Sport and Sport (Development and Coaching). |
| GCSE | C or 4 | Grade C or 4 in English Language and Mathematics |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | To include 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in a relevant science subject area* |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: AAB - ABB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other UK, EU and International equivalences | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
*Accepted science subjects:
Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics.
Course content
The four-year MSci Exercise and Sport Sciences programme mirrors the BSc Exercise and Sport Science programme during the first three years, but also includes an additional fourth year during which you will be able to intensively pursue research interests you have developed during your first three years. You will develop an excellent understanding of the scientific process, gaining research and enquiry skills that are important for careers in both sport and exercise science, and other science-focused industries.
This will culminate in the production of a research paper suitable for publication in academic journals, and attendance of a scientific conference. These opportunities are specifically designed to provide practical experience, promote confidence, and boost CV quality—all vital for improving your employability after graduation.
The degree structure allows you to specialise in a particular area or to follow a broader-based programme. Modules are underpinned by the research excellence and applied expertise of our staff, allowing current cutting-edge material to be shared with you. Optional modules reflect the application of scientific knowledge in a variety of populations, such as athletes, children, and the general public.
Please note: due to the nature of this course, the final year is longer than the standard university terms. The end date of your final year of study will be 31 August.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Develop your foundational knowledge and skills within Exercise and Sport Sciences, including: anatomical knowledge; exercise and sport within a physiological context; exercise and sport related kinesiology and biomechanics; kinanthropometry; nutrition; and underlying theories of sport and exercise psychology.
Further develop your knowledge of topics including: the body’s physiological response to exercise; angular kinematics and angular kinetics; statistical data analysis techniques required for a dissertation; and key psychological themes related to sport performance and skill acquisition.
This year you will put theory into practice. Optional topics include: children and exercise; biomechanics of human movement; sports psychology; clinical exercise prescription; and physical activity and public health. Increase your critical analysis and independent study skills through the research dissertation, under the supervision of an academic tutor.
During this final year, you will undertake a dissertation while receiving postgraduate-level instruction on research methodologies, analytical techniques, and ways of sharing your results with the wider scientific community.
Please note: due to the nature of this course, the final year is longer than the standard university terms. The end date of your final year of study will be 31 August.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2023 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £27,000 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has over £2.5 million in scholarships available for students applying to study with us in 2023 - including our Global Excellence Scholarships* for international fee paying students and financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
As Strength and Conditioning Coach for English Institute of Sport, I work with British Skeleton athletes and England women’s rugby players. It was a strength and conditioning module in the 2nd year of my course that spurred me on to get into this area. An employability module put me in touch with Exeter City FC: I did my volunteering with them and then they kept me on.
I stayed at Exeter to do a Masters as the way elite sport is moving it’s a real plus to have one. I worked with Hockey Wales and as I handed in my dissertation started working with GB rowing which I continued up until the Rio Olympics.
Skeleton is the sport where you head down a frozen track on what looks like a tea tray head first – it’s not for the faint-hearted! It’s mentally challenging– there’s lots of pressure and it’s all over in less than a minute. The sprint start is really important and it’s my role to make our start world-class.
Mitch
BSc Sport and Exercise Science graduate
Facilities
Our specialist facilities include:
- Life Sciences Resource Centre containing a vast selection of anatomical models used for both teaching and during opening hours outside of taught sessions where students can come and use them to enhance learning. There is also a wide selection of books and real human bones.
- Purpose-built laboratories for sport and exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, and health and performance psychology, cognitive and social psychology.
- Well-equipped psychophysiology and human movement science studios, including instrumented treadmills, motion capture, eye tracking and Virtual immersive technology.
Investment in premier sporting facilities
Over the last decade the University has invested over £20 million in the creation of some of the highest quality training environments and resources for the development, coaching and playing of sport.
The Sports Park on the Streatham Campus boasts some of the most cutting-edge facilities in the UK including the Russell Seal Fitness Centre. This facility boasts a 200-station gym and numerous exercise studios.
Additional facilities include:
- A 200-station gym
- Squash courts
- Indoor and outdoor grass pitches including flood lit astro and 3G pitches
- Indoor cricket centre
- Indoor tennis centre
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- A fleet of boats at the Roadford RYA Sailing Centre
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
- Lectures: introducing topics, and providing a framework for further reading, and background material for extended work.
- Laboratory and practical sessions: work in smaller groups with specialist equipment to gain applied experience.
- Seminars: discussion, role play and short presentations in smaller groups.
- Independent research and study: reading, researching, writing, practice assignments, projects and dissertation.
- Study groups: work with other students and utilise their support.
- Dissertation: an extended and original piece of independent research conducted in an area related to your specialism. You will present this at a third-year Sport Science dissertation conference.
- Guest lectures: hear from visiting experts in exercise and sport.
On average you’ll have 15 hours of teaching time per week with more at the beginning of the programme and less as you progress and take more responsibility for your own learning.
We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching. For example, positive feedback from our students has led us to increase use of our learning environment, an easily navigable website where you can access detailed information about modules and utilise multimedia learning resources.
Learn from experts
We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts. Our staff have close links with a wide range of industrial, medical and sporting organisations with whom there may be the chance to collaborate for your final year research project.
Assessment
All modules are assessed, with second and third year modules contributing towards your final degree classification. Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, oral and written presentations, laboratory reports and a dissertation. We aim to strike a 50:50 balance between coursework and exams over the duration of the programme.
Academic support
Teaching staff on every module are available for individual tutorial sessions when required. Module leaders are available to discuss module logistics, examinations and absences. Teaching staff also make themselves available at the end of lectures for further discussion and debate.
Extra-curricular support is also provided in the form of ‘drop-in’ sessions for more challenging parts of the course such as statistical analysis, scientific writing, and research methodology.
For pastoral support students are assigned a personal tutor, with whom they meet regularly in small groups or in one to one meetings.
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
A degree in Sport and Health Sciences will help you develop the key transferable skills valued by employers, such as leadership, decision-making, planning and organising, and personal communication. Vocational skills such as advanced laboratory training for biomechanical and physiological testing further enhance your employability.
Our graduates compete successfully for jobs across a diverse range of sectors including law, finance and business - as well as sport and health sciences - as they offer strong analytical and problem-solving skills which are valued highly across all sectors.
Supporting your career in Sport and Health Sciences
Each year Sport and Health Sciences students are able to access a huge range of opportunities when considering their future career options.
Employability sessions put on for students include: career talks from visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds; career conversations with employers; an annual Careers and Networking Sports Health Science evening with alumni, organisations and employers; and a Careers in Healthcare event. In addition students receive support to access high-quality work placements through the optional Career Development module.
You will also be encouraged to attend and present at student conferences, such as the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Student Conference, and to be involved in initiatives including the student ambassadors scheme and workplace internships.
Careers services
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.
Career paths
Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Sport and Health Sciences degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Many of our graduates are employed in discipline-relevant roles in the UK and overseas including health and wellbeing coaching, sports and fitness coaching, physiotherapy, sports nutrition, sports law, sports psychology, sports physiology, general teaching and marketing, sports management and administration for the public sector, sports governing bodies and health and lifestyle consultancy.
Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Sport and Health Sciences undergraduate programmes.*
Recent graduates are now working as:
- Sports coaches, instructors and officials
- Chartered and certified accountants
- Primary and secondary education teaching professionals
- Natural and social science professionals
- Project support officers
- Finance and investment analysts and advisers
- Marketing associate professionals
- Business executives
- IT professionals
Recent graduates are now working for:
- Ashfords LLP
- British Army
- David Lloyd
- Everton Football Club Co Ltd
- Global Data Ltd
- Gloucester-Hartpury Rugby Football Club
- Kick Start Education
- Ministry of Defence
- Pure Sports Medicine
- Royal Yachting Association
- Teach First
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Sport and Health Sciences undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes.*
- MRes Medicine and Health
- MSc Applied Data Science and Statistics
- MSc Exercise Physiology
- MSc International Business
- MSc Performance Psychology
- MSc Physiotherapy
- MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine
- MSc Sports Marketing
- MSc Sports Rehabilitation
- PGCE Physical Education Secondary
*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
