Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health BSc

Course overview

Are you interested in how the body works, the mechanisms that allow us to function, and what goes wrong in disease?

This course is designed to provide a broad scientific foundation and develop key graduate skills for those interested in human physiology, physical activity and health.

You'll explore how physical activity can be applied across a range of settings to inform rehabilitation strategies, improve health and combat disease.

By choosing Leeds, you’ll be part of an investigative-based learning experience, informed by cutting edge research delivered by world renowned academics.

This 3-year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, subject to suitable academic performance and availability. You would study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project within one of the major research laboratories in the School of Biomedical Sciences or an appropriate period of work-based practice.

Course Highlights

• Work with expert researchers to explore world-leading research in exercise and biomedical science.
• Learning is delivered using engaging and inclusive approaches – helping you develop the skills of a global graduate.
• Utilise our state-of-the-art physiology, biomechanics and motor control laboratories, including the use of our environmental chamber and motion capture system.
• Design and conduct experiments to answer to key health related questions.
• You'll undertake an independent capstone or culminating research project - developing key skills and attributes that will set you apart in the graduate job market.
• Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations, developing new skills for your CV.
• Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain unique perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.

Flexible degrees

Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health is a specialist degree within the School of Biomedical Sciences which offers you some flexibility throughout your time studying. Some of our courses share commonalities during the first year of study. This means that at the end of Year 1, there are opportunities to transfer on to other suitable and related degree courses, subject to approval.

Well-being and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We are here to provide help and support 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.

Well-being afternoons

Here at the University of Leeds, we are acutely aware that teaching is only part of a healthy, engaging university lifestyle. Activities which contribute to your well-being are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Well-being Afternoons.

These afternoons are a period of time with as much teaching as possible removed to give you the chance to pursue your passions. This may be a competitive sport for the university, a social sporting activity, or indeed any activity which contributes to positive mental health. We want your degree to be as flexible as possible so that you can make the most of your time here with us.

Accreditation

Accredited by The Royal Society of Biology

The BSc Human Physiology, Physical Activity and Health (Industrial) variant of this course is accredited by The Royal Society of Biology.

Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

This accreditation is also applicable to the following course variants: MBiol Human Physiology, Physical Activity and Health (Industrial); MBiol Human Physiology, Physical Activity and Health (Industrial) (Industrial); MBiol Human Physiology, Physical Activity and Health (Industrial) (International).

Course details

Year 1

Compulsory modules

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 which may cover topics such as the prevention and treatment of disease or healthy ageing.

Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences (20 credits) - This module covers essential skills for scientific research in Pharmacology, Biomedical Science, and Neuroscience. It includes practical application of these skills in a clinical setting, laboratory and out in the field, as well as skills that support research design, hypothesis testing, scientific writing and data analysis.

Structure and Function of Human Body Systems (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning 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.

Fundamentals of Motor Control and Biomechanics (20 credits) - This module introduces topics underpinning two key disciplines in Sport and Exercise Sciences. Motor Control looks at how the central nervous system produces purposeful, coordinated movements in its interaction with the rest of the body and with the environment. Biomechanics investigates the generation of movement and the application forces using applied physical laws.

Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology and Psychology (Taught) – This module introduces two further topics central to Sport and Exercise Sciences. Physiology investigates the acute responses to exercise, and the chronic adaptations to exercise training. Psychology studies the use of mental skills to enhance performance, increase enjoyment, alongside interpersonal and social processes.

Optional modules

20 credits from the following, at least one module from list 1

List 1

Biology of the Mind (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research.

Introduction to Pharmacology (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational concepts underpinning pharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development. Learning concepts will be covered using cutting-edge examples drawn from different pharmacotherapeutic approaches, disease states and pathophysiology.

If only one module is selected from list 1, choose an optional module from list 2

List 2

The Microbial World (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the diversity of microbial life and viruses on our planet and how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections. You’ll explore how microorganisms interact with each other, how they influence the lives of more complex organisms and learn how fungi, bacteria and viruses are observed and manipulated safely.

Introduction to Human Nutrition (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the underpinning physiological processes that govern health such as nutrient function and metabolism, dietary intakes and food sources, deficiency diseases and nutritional requirements. You’ll look to apply nutritional recommendations within the context of health and special populations.

Leadership and Teams (10 credits) - This module is designed to enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of teams and how different styles of leadership affect the experience and outcomes through participating in a variety of outdoor adventurous activities and team building games. You’ll be given the opportunity to lead and to observe others in leadership positions, with the goal of relating this to future goals.

Introduction to Sports Analytics (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with an introduction to the use of analytics in elite sports. A key theme is the difference between analytics in invasion-territorial team sports and striking-and-fielding team sports. The analytical methods covered include exploratory data analysis, win-loss analysis, correlation and regression analysis, and win-contribution analysis.

Introduction to the Physical Activity and Exercise Industries (10 credits) - You'll critically explore the UK physical activity and exercise industries, including current policies, strategies and the challenges for profession. You'll develop a deeper understanding of personal experiences and critical skills through looking at the industry, its professional development and the role it plays in government strategies.

Discovery Module (10 credits) - Discovery modules give you the opportunity to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability outside of your main subject area through developing a specific skill or pursuing a personal interest.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Team Based Solutions for Global Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) - Aligned with key UN sustainability goals, you’ll build skills in knowledge application, analysis and scientific data presentation.

Experimental Skills in Human Physiology, Physical Activity and Health (20 credits) - You’ll further develop your experimental, technical and computational skills. Working in teams, you’ll plan and carry out a range of practical activities. The module will also focus on dissemination of experimental findings using written reports and other communication formats.

Advanced Concepts in Human Physiology, Physical Activity and Health (40 credits) - This module introduces advanced concepts underpinning the study of human physiology, physical activity and health. It also covers neuroanatomy and cellular neuroscience, as well as an understanding of muscle function and motor learning. This content builds on topics covered in Year 1.

Applied Concepts in Physical Activity and Health (20 credits) - The module covers definitions of physical activity and the recommendations for different populations by national and global health bodies. You’ll learn about the impact of the environment (space and communities) on physical activity and consider concepts such as cultural tailoring of physical activity and the ableist notion of physical activity.

Optional modules

The Imprinted Brain (10 credits)- This module is based on Christopher Badcock’s 2009 book, The Imprinted Brain. Badcock suggests that imprinted genes influence our behavioral behavioural spectrum between autism and psychosis. Students will use an interdisciplinary approach to explore the genetics, pathology, socio-economic impacts, and cultural differences of these conditions. Offered in collaboration with Utrecht University, it includes distance learning.

Sensory and Motor Neuroscience (10 credits) - This module explores the anatomy and physiology of sensory and motor systems, as well as integration across different systems. Some aspects of this module will be framed in the context of disorders and conditions that alter sensory and motor functions.

Human Diseases (10 credits) - You will cover a range of human diseases, both inherited and environmentally linked. These include heart and vascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, dermatitis, and diseases linked to diet deficiencies.

Discovery module (up to 20 credits) - As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

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 human physiology, physical activity or health. Previous projects have included Lifestyle interventions (exercise training and physical activity promotion) in the context of cardiorespiratory disease; Diagnosis and management of exertional breathlessness; and Mechanisms of exercise intolerance in health and disease.

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 learning is an important part of university, 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 in a varied mix of course work submitted during the semester and exam periods (Jan and May) each year.

There is also a mixture of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions and longer essay questions used in an online time limited assessment.

Many modules adopt authentic assessment approaches where appropriate. These assessments aim to develop the personal and professional skills required in the workplace. This includes:

• Writing laboratory or other reports
• Grant applications
• Oral presentations
• Poster presentations
• Reflective accounts and portfolios

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 biology or physical education, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, PE.

• Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, psychology, statistics.

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.

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

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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

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.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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.

Applying

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

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

As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

Interviews

Except for those courses detailed below, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the skills and attributes required to enter the diverse range of careers available to biomedical science graduates, and those who specialise in human physiology, physical activity and health. All of our degrees place a strong emphasis on practical-based teaching, active learning, online learning, team working, creative problem solving, and independent learning.

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of skills and attributes which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the Faculty's student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal and professional development and make the most of your time at university.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Exercise physiologist/rehabilitation
• Personal trainer
• Clinical scientist
• Biomedical scientist
• Academic researcher
• Physician associate
• Medical communications
• Clinical rehabilitation
• Clinical research associate
• Teaching
• Medical sales representative

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Clinical exercise specialist
• Cardiographer
• Clinical research coordinator
• Clinical trials associate
• Fitness coach
• Graduate management trainee
• Civil service fast stream
• MSc Data science and analytics
• MSc Physiotherapy
• Trainee clinical scientist (NHS STP)
• Graduate medicine
• PGCE (teaching)
• Research analyst
• Commercial development coordinator
• Therapy assistant (NHS)
• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist

Careers support

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

We offer numerous 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'll 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.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

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.

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.

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.

Employability is an essential focus that is nurtured in all students via the excellent work placement programme. Taken as a 12 month extension to your studies which take place after second year, an industrial placement allows the opportunity for students to undertake a diverse range of professional employment, from such areas as cutting edge scientific research and development, clinical research management right the way through to areas such as scientific business consultant roles, all working alongside industry experts, developing highly transferable skillsets and experience. We have a strong track record of working with industrial employers that are seeking to recruit graduates demonstrating a practical understanding of the professional workplace, and this makes Biomedical Sciences graduates with an industrial placement year really stand out. Many students gaining employment post-graduation based on experience from their placement work.

It is worth noting that industrial placements may be in the UK or overseas. Our students are consistently successful in securing highly competitive industrial work placements in major multinational companies and research institutes around the world from the U.S.A. to Australia. In any geographical location, we work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of the year.

We have a dedicated industrial placements team that help support you by highlighting a range of opportunities, advice and support on applications and CV writing as well as a range of key advice and experience in the entire recruitment process.

Industrial placements elevate you above the standard graduate and can also help you decide on your career. Working professionally in an area you are interested in for a year provides a unique insight to that career and can help sculpt and direct future career plans which can be further developed alongside the Faculty employability team and the university careers service on your return to university.

Find out more about work experience and the support for careers on the Careers website.

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.