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

• Top 10 in the UK for sport science – (Complete University Guide 2025).
• 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 excercise 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.

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

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 of Human Body Systems (Taught) - 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.

Fundamentals of Motor Control and Biomechanics (Taught) - 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.

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.

Evidence Based Reports (Assessment) (30 credits) - This module will assess how well you explain connections between different concepts explored in the course, such as homeostasis, the impact of disease on physiological systems, and sensory and motor control. You'll also explain how our skills are developed through exercise and training, and how these skills are affected by psychological processes.

Application of Knowledge (Assessment) (30 credits) - This module will assess your explanation of multiple physiological concepts, including physiological responses in the context of exercise and training, the link between physiology and psychology and how we explain metabolic responses.

Optional modules

Students must select 1-2 modules from the list below.

List 1

Supporting the Injured Athlete (10 credits) - You’ll be given the opportunity to explore the principles of rehabilitation along with the key skills required to operate as a supporting specialist to performance sport. You’ll cover the foundation of supporting and rehabilitating injured athletes and be given an insight into working as a strength and conditioning coach.

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.

Leadership and Teams (10 credits) - You’ll 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 activities and team building games. You’ll observe others in leadership positions, with the goal of relating this to future goals.

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.

Critical Debates in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity (10 credits) - Sport, exercise, and physical activity fields are no strangers to false information, unsubstantiated claims, and bad scientific practices. In this module you will engage with the contemporary issues in these area through evidence-based debate. Through weekly explorations, you’ll gain an understanding of how to develop academic justification and the processes for defending academic arguments. These skills will also be considered in the wider context of academic study and research.

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

List 2

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 apply nutritional recommendations within the context of health and special populations.

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

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

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.

Applied Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to advanced concepts underpinning the study of human physiology, physical activity and health. This includes cardiac, circulatory and respiratory physiology and the impact exercise has on these systems. You’ll also cover biomechanics and explore how the body is influenced when exercising to the limit.

Team-Based Solutions to Global Challenges in Human Science (20 credits) –  In line with key UN sustainability goals (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Sustainability (leeds.ac.uk), 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.

Optional modules

Students study up to 20 credits from the following list of optional modules:

Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (10 credits) - This module explores how physical activity is defined as well as recommendations for different populations by various health bodies. You'll look at wearables and other technologies and consider how physical activity can be promoted for specific populations.

Teaching and Coaching Young People (10 credits) - This module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of working with children in a physical education and a sport environment. You’ll consider the difference in pedagogy between teaching and coaching and how each approach can get the best out of children aged 5-19 years.

Event Management (10 credits) - You'll engage in the complete event management cycle, from design and planning to delivery and evaluation. You'll explore key principles and apply them practically. A key element of the module is each student’s personal development through their interaction with the content and through the planning, delivery and evaluation of an event.

Sports Development and Management (10 credits) - You’ll critically explore the sporting landscape in the UK and examine how the UK government uses sport to contribute to the development of society. You’ll explore the current challenges facing the strategies and interventions for sport and physical activity, as well as considering the issues facing us as we approach a transhuman possibility.

Introduction to Strength and Conditioning (10 credits) - You’ll learn the fundamental principles of strength and conditioning coaching and how it’s an integral part of the performance sport support service. You’ll gain exposure to the theoretical knowledge and practical skills which underpin the practice of a strength and conditioning coach and explore how these competencies can be used for career development.

Emerging Leaders (10 credits) - This module will provide you with a range of opportunities to test your leadership credentials in a practical setting. You’ll practically apply and assess your leadership skill and learn how effective leaders operate.

Supporting the Injured Athlete (10 credits) - You’ll explore the principles of rehabilitation along with the key skills and attributes needed to operate as a supporting specialist to performance sport. You’ll explore practical techniques used for rehabilitation and practice in producing a plan for rehabilitation of an injured athlete.

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 3

Compulsory Modules

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)

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.

Optional modules

Students study up to 4-6 optional modules from the following list:

List 1

Advanced Sports Biomechanics: Performance, Injury and Rehabilitation (10 credits) - This module looks at the biomechanics underpinning the latest advances in sports performance and injury prevention and rehabilitation. We will look at a range of topics including the design of sporting equipment, protheses, rehabilitation assistive technologies and devices, and the latest analysis and modelling techniques. Students will partake in one lab using a full 3D motion capture system to look at the effects of shoe design on the kinematics and kinetics of running.

Motor Control and Neurorehabilitation (10 credits) - This module examines the neurophysiology of movement control in health and disease as well as current research in rehabilitation of movement. The key aspects of the study of movement include: neuromuscular, cortical, spinal, supraspinal and sensory control of movement, with a particular focus on balance, locomotion, reaching and grasping. The module will examine the rationale and clinical justification for current therapy which aims to promote neuroplasticity and recovery of function.

Exercise and Psychological Health (10 credits) - In this module, you will explore various topics related to exercise and psychological health. You will critically analyse research in exercise and health psychology and describe key theoretical models underpinning behaviour change. You will understand how exercise is used as an intervention to promote psychological health and review the maladaptive consequences of exercise on psychological health.

Advanced Exercise Physiology (10 credits) - You will discuss and critically analyze key contemporary issues in exercise physiology, evaluate relevant literature, and understand their significance in sport and exercise science. The module includes four lectures and tutorials on topics such as muscle oxygen consumption control, muscle fibre type plasticity, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiovascular and pulmonary performance limitations, genetics of human performance, circadian rhythms in performance, the female athlete triad, exercise in pre-puberty, and exercise during pregnancy.

Exercise Prescription for Health and Disease (10 credits) – In this module, you will understand how to stratify individuals into risk categories in health screening and how to describe and utilize the general principles of exercise testing and prescription. You will interpret the results of health related physical fitness testing and clinical exercise testing, critically evaluate the utility and diagnostic value of health related physical fitness and clinical exercise testing. You will use this information to correctly modify exercise prescription for special populations (for example cardiac patients, the elderly, children, pregnant women) and clinical conditions (eg dyslipdemia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes).

Motor and Psychological Aspects of Rehabilitation (10 credits) – In this module, you will learn to critically analyse research in the field of exercise and health psychology and how to describe the key theoretical models underpinning behaviour change. You’ll gain an understanding of how exercise is used as an intervention to promote psychological health and the maladaptive consequences of exercise on psychological health. You’ll use this knowledge to demonstrate a critical understanding of exercise prescription from a psychological perspective and qualitatively analyse experiences of sedentary behaviour and provide recommendations to enhance exercise adherence.

Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Medicine (10 credits) - In this module, you will focus on the health and well-being of individuals engaged in sports and physical activity. You will learn about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries, as well as the promotion of overall health and performance. The module will explore current issues and challenges in SEM, taught by clinical experts, and will provide a critical understanding of its interdisciplinary nature and role in performance, health, and disease

If students have taken less than 6 modules from list 1 then they can take 1-2 modules from the list below (to a total of 6 optional modules)

List 2

Diet and Cardiovascular Health (10 credits) – On this module, you will gain the knowledge and understanding of the functions of food and nutrients and their relationship to health and disease, and will be aware of recent advances in specific topics.

Teaching and Coaching Young People (10 credits) - Are you thinking of a career in teaching Physical Education or coaching sport? Not sure which one is for you? Would you like to know more about each discipline? This module offers you the opportunity to explore each career and help you to find which is right for you. This module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of working with children in a Physical Education and Sport environment. The module will consider the difference in pedagogy between teaching and coaching and how each approach can be applied to get the best out of children aged between 5 -19 years. The module covers both the theoretical and practical application of both disciplines and as such should develop knowledge and understanding from an applied perspective. This approach will allow students to reflect on their personal skills, strengths and weaknesses and their future aspirations which underpins the assessment methodology of the module.

Sports Development and Management (10 credits) - In the U.K. sport Development was once merely the title of a professional position. However, it has now grown into a complex field of study as such professionals seek to understand the place of their role in the sport, exercise, and physical activity of a modern society. With sport’s increasing influence on social policy from education to health, and crime to international relations, sport development is a key area of analysis and understanding. In this module, students will critically explore the whole sporting landscape in the U.K and examine how the U.K. government uses sport to contribute to the development of society. The module will also look at the current challenges facing the strategies and interventions for sport and physical activity, as well as considering the issues facing us as we approach a transhuman possibility. You will not only develop a deeper understanding of your own experiences, but also analytic and evaluation skills through looking critically at sport, the interventions for its development, and the impact sporting policies have. If you are interested in working sport, then this module will provide an interesting insight and a means for understanding the industry you are seeking to enter.

Introduction to Strength and Conditioning (10 credits) - You’ll learn the fundamental principles of strength and conditioning coaching and how it’s an integral part of the performance sport support service. You’ll gain exposure to the theoretical knowledge and practical skills which underpin the practice of a strength and conditioning coach and explore how these competencies can be used for career development.

Research Development Project (10 credits) - This module is designed to enable you to develop your understanding of research and analysis of specific theme within Sport Development / Education, Performance Sport or Outdoor Learning and Leadership. This module provides you with the opportunity to research a specific area of sport and physical activity leading on from their previous LEED module studies. Each of the themes have a dedicated subject specialist to supervise and guide you . Sport Development / Education: You will have the opportunity to develop a critical review of the literature surrounding a topic relating to Sport Development or Physical Education. Example topics include:

• Governmental Sports Policy
• Physical Activity Programmes
• Changes in the National Curriculum
• Curriculum and Physical Literacy
• Delivering Sport in the UK
• Customer-led approach to sport and physical activity

Outdoor Adventure-Land, Water and Air Activities (10 credits) - This module offers a unique chance to learn about some of the aspects that need to be considered when engaging in a variety of higher risk adventure sports. Through a number of practical sessions, you'll make informed decisions regarding the inherent and controllable (rather than the perceived) risks of participation in these sports. You'll participate in a variety of activities and consider how risk management is applied in different contexts.

Discovery (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. Suggested module for Year 3 are Event Management​ and Health Promotion: Applications of Theory & Practice.

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 and physical education.

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

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: 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.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our 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

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

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:

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

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.

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.

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.