Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc

Course overview

Sport and exercise science has an important role in society, ranging from improving sports performance in elite athletes to reducing the burden of disease associated with physical inactivity in modern lifestyles.

On this course, you'll gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the principal body systems, processes and functions in health and disease.

Your learning will include the opportunity to discover and explore individual areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics and motor control in more depth.

You'll explore how this knowledge may be applied to optimise sports performance, improve health, disease outcomes and inform rehabilitation strategies. You'll gain an integrated understanding of how the body and mind respond to and learn from, the demands placed on it during sport and exercise.

At Leeds you’ll be part of an investigative-based inspirational and engaging learning experience, informed by innovative research undertaken in purpose-built laboratories, and delivered by world leading academics.

This degree will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive as a confident sport and exercise professional, ready to take on diverse roles across the industry.

Course highlights

• 6th in the UK for sport science – (Complete University Guide 2026).
• Develop hands-on practical skills in our state-of-the-art facilities including physiology, biomechanics and motor control laboratories, including the use of our environmental chamber and motion capture system.
• Practical skills modules train you to identify problems, and design and conduct experiments to find answers to key health and sport related questions.
• Develop your skills through our year in industry and study abroad programmes — gain hands-on experience with leading sports and health organisations, or broaden your global outlook by studying in another country. You can also transform your degree with our combined study abroad and work placement module designed to expand your global perspective and maximise your career opportunities.
• Study in a city with a rich sporting heritage — at Leeds, you can enjoy our state-of-the-art sport and exercise facilities and enjoy access to over 70 sports clubs, from hockey and dance to rowing and ultimate frisbee, giving you everything you need to stay active and feel your best.
• We offer a coaching scholarship programme through Leeds Sport Volunteering, which gives you an opportunity to develop foundational practitioner skills in the field of strength and conditioning, have hands-on experience coaching University teams and athletes, gain access to mentoring from a UKSCA-accredited practitioner and be part of our strength and conditioning community.

Flexible degree

Sport and exercise sciences is a specialist degree within the School of Biomedical Sciences which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.

Some of our courses share a common first year which means that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer on to other suitable and related degree courses, subject to approval.

Wellbeing and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We are here to help throughout your time in higher education, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. For more information on the different facets of support you will have access to, please see our Wellbeing and Support page.

Course details and modules

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences in the course catalogue.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Structure and Function (Anatomy and Physiology) of Human Body Systems (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning the structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. You'll also discover how the environment, exercise and disease can disturb these core systems, and the underpinning physiology.

Team-Based Solutions for Local Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be provided with the opportunity to address a current human health-related challenge in a facilitated team-based environment. You'll develop the core skills necessary to tackle challenges whilst working in interdisciplinary groups. Challenges tackled and skills gained will compliment taught content in other first-year modules..

Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the key skills essential for scientific research in the field of sports and exercise science. This includes hands-on practical application in a clinical setting, in a laboratory and out in the field, as well as skills that support activities including research design, hypothesis testing and data analysis.

Foundations of Strength and Conditioning (10 credits) - This module introduces the principles of strength and conditioning within a performance sport context. It aims to develop your foundational understanding of how strength and conditioning programmes are designed and delivered to support athletic development. Through applied learning, you will begin to develop the knowledge and skills required to contribute to long-term athlete development practices.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Biomechanics (10 credits) - This module introduces a key discipline in Sport and Exercise Sciences - Biomechanics. Biomechanics investigates the generation of movement and the associated forces using applied physical laws. It focuses on the fundamental theories to prepare you for more advanced and applied material. It will also cover principles of experimental measurements and testing.

Introduction to Motor Control in Sport and Exercise (10 credits) - This module introduces the key discipline of Motor Control, looking at how the central nervous system produces purposeful, coordinated movements in its interaction with the rest of the body and with the environment. Within this module you will learn about how movements are controlled, learnt, developed and refined. You will develop your understanding of approaches to optimise the acquisition of motor skills in the context of sport and exercise. This module will give you insight into how to develop effective coaching/training programmes for the development and optimisation of motor skills.

Exercise Physiology, Bioenergetics and Nutrition (10 credits) - This module investigates the physiological responses to acute exercise, and the chronic adaptations to structured exercise training. Alongside this, consideration is given to where the energy for exercise comes from - the fundamental concept of sports nutrition. You will cover activities ranging from sprints to ultra-distance running considering the energy needs and physiological processes involved in ensuring the successful completion of such endeavours.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (10 credits) - This module introduces concepts in sport and exercise focussing on the social psychology of group performance, such as cohesion and leadership. Key concepts such as self-esteem, athletic identity, and self-efficacy, significantly affect engagement and performance with respect to sport and exercise. The social environment—feedback from coaches, comparison to peers, and cultural expectations—shapes these perceptions, influencing confidence and persistence. This module will explore the key concepts and theories surrounding group dynamics, attitudes and behaviours in relation to sports and exercise.

Optional modules

You can choose 10 credits from the optional modules below:

List 1

• Biology of the Mind (10 credits)
• Introduction to the Physical Activity and Exercise Industries (10 credits)
• Critical Debates in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity (10 credits)
• Introduction to Coaching and Instructing in Sport and Exercise (10 credits)
• Introduction to Sports Analytics (10 credits)
• Psychology for Health Minds (10 credits)

Alternatively you can choose to study up to 10 credits of Discovery modules.

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

Experimental Skills in Sports and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - In teams, you'll plan and execute various practical activities, including lab experiments, field projects and computational work. You'll explore experimental design principles; hypothesis testing and enhance data evaluation skills using statistical methods. Emphasis will be on communicating experimental findings through written reports and other formats.

Physiological Responses and Behavioural Control of Human Movement (40 credits) – This module introduces advanced concepts underpinning the study of human physiology including cardiac, circulatory and respiratory physiology, effects of disease, the impact exercise has on these systems and how this might affect sporting performance. Students will also cover how the body is influenced when exercising to the limit, alongside developing an understanding of muscle function and also motor learning. This content builds on topics covered in Year 1.

Team-Based Solutions to Global Challenges in Human Science (20 credits) –  In line with key UN sustainability goals, you’ll build skills in knowledge application, analysis and scientific data presentation. Working as a team you’ll research and create biomedical solutions to a global grand challenge, developing key academic and professional skills. This includes the critical analysis of research papers, communication, team-working, planning, organisation, and negotiation.

Social Psychology and Mechanics of Sport and Exercise (20 credits) – This module builds on the previous topics on biomechanics, and motor control, alongside sport and exercise psychology introduced in year 1 in the Fundamental Concepts modules from Semester 1 and 2. This looks further at applied concepts including application to research and advanced theories in group behaviour.

Optional modules

You will be required to study up to 20 credits from the optional modules below:

• Teaching and Coaching Young People (10 credits)
• Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (10 credits)
• Event Management (10 credits)
• Introduction to Strength and Conditioning (10 credits)
• Health Promotion: Applications of Theory and Practice (10 credits)

Alternatively you can choose to study up to 20 credits of Discovery modules.

Year 3

Compulsory Modules

Research Skills and Professional Development (20 credits) – You’ll attend a series of compulsory and optional units designed to provide scaffolding and support for your capstone research experience. This will develop and utilise your research and employability skills required both for the capstone project and for the workplace.

Capstone Research Project (40 credits) – You’ll design and undertake, either individually or as part of a team, an extended enquiry-based project in an area or topic relevant to the biomedical sciences. Previous projects have included:

• Exploring the interplay of automatic processes, depression and exercise habits, to aid with the development of future exercise interventions (fieldwork)
• Effect of running shoes with embedded carbon plateson running economy (laboratory-based)
• The Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phase on the Airway Response to Exercise in Females with and without Asthma (laboratory-based)
• Addressing Core and Functional Symptoms and Redirecting Risk-taking Behaviours in adolescent ADHD cohorts (Consultancy)

Exercise Prescription and Health Psychology (20 credits) – This module explores the relationship between psychological health and clinical exercise prescription. You will focus on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of disease as well as limitations in athletic performance. You will evaluate contemporary guidelines regarding practical deployment of exercise prescription to target specific populations including endurance and power athletes as well as cases such as heart failure, the elderly and those with respiratory dysfunction.

Optional modules

You will be required to study up 20-40 credits from the optional modules below:

• Advanced Sports Biomechanics: Performance, Injury and Rehabilitation (10 credits)
• Motor Control and Neurorehabilitation (10 credits)
• Advanced Exercise Physiology (10 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Medicine (10 credits)

You will be required to study up 10-20 credits from the optional modules below:

• Nutrition and Health (10 credits)
• Food and Cancer (10 credits)
• Research Development Project (10 credits)

Alternatively you can choose to study up to 20 credits of Discovery modules if you have selected less than 40 credits from optional modules.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

At Leeds, we take a student-centred approach to learning. Our teaching is designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches that include creative problem-solving, team-work activities and mini-projects.

We place a high value on practical teaching and so a core part of your teaching will focus on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills.

Independent study is an important part of university learning, and you'll be expected to undertake private study. We will support you in becoming independent learners through our teaching approaches and through regular meetings with your personal tutor who is there to advise you academically.

We use a range of digital tools to enhance your learning. Through our Minerva learning management system, you'll be able to access our extensive library of online materials. In the classroom, educators use a variety of interactive digital tools to help you learn through discussion and debate. Laboratory practicals are accompanied by detailed online preparation guides and use of electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure you get the most out of your time and develop workplace skills.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment on the course is a mix of coursework and exams. A portfolio of assessment approaches are used including authentic assessments which aim to develop the personal and professional skills required in the workplace. These include:

• writing laboratory or other reports
• grant applications
• oral presentations
• poster presentations
• reflective accounts and portfolios
• data analysis and problem solving.

Communicating science to a wider audience is a key skill. In some circumstances there may be a choice of assessment piece to make it more relevant, meaningful and engaging for you.

Assessments in the School are prepared in a fair and inclusive manner adhering to relevant and up to date guidance.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

Including a science subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, maths, physics, physical education, and sports science and the active leisure industry.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) or Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you’re taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example A in one of the above qualifications with ABB at A-level (BSc applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course.

Find out more about the Interdisciplinary Science Foundation Year.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

International foundation year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,790

International: £32,750 (per year)

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790. 

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

The government has confirmed that the fee for 2027/28 will be £10,050. 

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions guidance

Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Application process

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning Centre. Where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of practical and transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. We aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. Graduates of our Sports and Exercise Sciences course have entered a wide variety of careers including:

• Physiotherapy
• Academic research
• Teaching
• Coaching
• Management
• Football analyst
• Accountancy
• Sports development
• Medical communications
• Data Science.

Some of our graduates continue to study at Leeds and undertake a Masters course in subjects including Sport and Exercise Medicine, Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation or other disciplines.

Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.

You’ll develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills by undertaking additional experiences outside the academic requirements of the course, which could include taking a national coaching award.

We have a very close relationship with a variety of sports and exercise science employers. They visit us several times a year, speaking at careers seminars, attending our specialised sport careers networking event and running drop-in sessions.

Careers support

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer numerous additional opportunities in addition to volunteering and placements. This includes our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair. The fair is an amazing opportunity for you to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield, and NHS Ecological consultancies. You will be able to speak to alumni, attend workshops and more.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

Previous Sport and Exercise Sciences students have studied at:

• University of Calgary
• North Arizona University
• University of Toronto
• University of Sydney

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.

Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

Previous industrial placements have included:

• Rotherham FC
• Hawk-Eye Innovations
• Crystal Palace FC
• Neuroconnect Rehabilitation
• The Children’s Trust
• GB Rowing Team
• Primary and secondary schools

"My year in industry was a great experience of a real-world professional football environment. I developed key skills working with staff and players and developed contacts and networks for myf uture career.” Harry W, placement year at Rotherham FC (2019-2020).

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.