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. By improving our understanding of how the body and mind respond and adapt to exercise, we can develop new research-based approaches to enhance performance and health.

On this course you will be provided with a broad knowledge and understanding of the principal body systems, processes and functions in health and disease. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to discover and explore individual areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control in more depth.

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

You’ll be part of an investigative-based inspirational and engaging learning experience, informed by cutting edge research undertaken in purpose-built laboratories, and delivered by the world leading academics.

Our focus will be on making you workplace ready, equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to succeed in whatever career you choose. To showcase your knowledge and skills to potential employers, you will undertake a capstone or culminating research project, where you will bring together the knowledge, skills and attributes developed throughout your degree.

Course highlights

• Top 15 in the UK for sport science – (Complete University Guide 2023 & The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).
• Develop hands-on practical skills in our state-of-the-art physiology, biomechanics and motor control laboratories, including the use of our environmental chamber and motion capture system.
• Practical skills modules throughout the first 2 years train you to identify problems, design and conduct experiments to find answers to key health and sport related questions.
• Gain experience working with organisations relevant to the discipline such as sports teams, rehabilitation specialists, sports management teams, health organisations through our year in industry programme.
• The opportunity to undertake an independent capstone research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the key skills and attributes that will set you apart in the graduate job market.

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.

Wellbeing 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 wellbeing are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Wellbeing 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.

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 programmes 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.

Course details

Modules

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

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

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.

Year 1

This course equips you with a broad knowledge across the sports and exercise sciences and certain aspects of the biomedical sciences.

The knowledge you will gain includes an introduction to essential anatomy & physiology of human systems, biochemistry driving energy production, and core concepts in the major discipline areas of sport and exercise sciences. These core concepts include biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, and sport and exercise psychology as well as some basic neuroscience. This is delivered in a structured and facilitated way to support your learning.

You’ll also develop the fundamental practical laboratory skills and techniques that will underpin the rest of your studies, and essential academic and professional skills to help you progress successfully through the course and into further study or employment.

You will also have the opportunity to take optional modules within other areas of the biomedical sciences or key applied areas such as sport and physical activity modules operated through the local sports service – The Edge facility (The Edge - Gym, swimming pool & sports complex in Leeds) and specialist areas such as nutrition as well as pursue other interests you may have.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure may offer you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable, related degree courses, subject to suitable academic performance and availability.

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 will develop the core skills necessary to tackle challenges which may cover topics such as the prevention and treatment of disease or healthy ageing, aligned to your programme 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 cornerstone skills and capabilities that are essential for scientific research in the field of Sports and Exercise Science. This module includes hands-on practical application of these skills and will include those applied in a clinical setting, in a laboratory and out in the field, as well as skills that support such activities for example 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 will also discover how the environment, exercise and disease can disturb these core systems, and the underpinning physiology.

Introductory Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning the four key disciplines of Sport and Exercise Science: Biomechanics, Physiology, Motor Control, and Psychology. You will focus of the fundamental theories within each topic to prepare you for later more advanced and applied material. You will also cover principles of experimental measurements and testing. Each discipline is clearly discussed independently but we then consider how each of the disciplines are required to be examined for a comprehensive picture of human physiology and exercise sciences

Applied Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll build on the previous introductory core concepts for the four key disciplines of Sport and Exercise Science: Biomechanics, Physiology, Motor Control, and Psychology. It connects these fundamental theories to the more applied core concepts within each topic. Application of the disciplines will be considered by working through examples and case studies relevant to human physiology, physical activity and the impact on health.

Optional modules

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

Basket 1

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

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) - 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.

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

Basket 2

Supporting the Injured Athlete (10 credits) - You’ll be given the opportunity to explore the principles of rehabilitation along with the key skills and attributes required to operate as a supporting specialist to performance sport. This module will cover the foundation of supporting and rehabilitating the injured athlete. The module also provides a great insight into the practice of working as a strength and conditioning coach alongside a physiotherapist within performance sport support service.

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 (e.g. the various codes of football) and striking-and-fielding team sports (e.g. baseball and cricket) arising from the greater tactical interdependence of players in invasion-territorial team sports. The lower degree of separate individual player contributions creates several analytical challenges in invasion team sports. The initial focus is the development of analytics in baseball (i.e. The Moneyball Story) followed by developments in soccer and rugby. 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 (p.a.) and exercise industries, including current policies, strategies, and the challenges for professionalisation in p.a. and exercise. You will develop a deeper understanding of personal experiences and critical skills through looking at this industry, its professional development, and the role it plays in government strategies.

Discovery Module (10 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 2

Building and extending on the knowledge and skills from year 1, you can choose specialist topics in each sub-discipline such as muscular performance, biomechanics of sport and exercise, social psychology of sport and exercise, skills acquisition and motor learning. You’ll further develop your research and applied skills in our state-of-the-art Sport Science laboratories.

Flexibility is offered for taking modules sitting outside of the sport and exercise sciences degree, such as diagnostic imaging, and nutrition and disease. We also offer applied modules in collaboration with our colleagues in the Sport and Physical Activity Service, based at The Edge. Study topics such as strength and conditioning, or teaching and coaching young people. In year 2 the modules are taught in a way that balances facilitated and independent learning.

You will further develop your personal and professional skills including critical thinking, creative problem solving, team-working, and critical reasoning skills. Gain further experience of applying your knowledge and skills to evaluate scientific evidence and creating solutions to major sport related and health problems.

At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.

Compulsory Modules

Practical Research Skills in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) – You’ll develop more complex practical skills to address research questions. You will participate in practical activities and mini-projects, using key experimental approaches and methods used in the sport and exercise sciences. This will allow you to develop key research skills including experimental design, and appropriate statistical and mathematical methods or approaches for analysing biomedical data and information.

Team Based Solutions for Global Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) –  In line with key UN sustainability goals (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Sustainability (leeds.ac.uk), you will build skills in knowledge application, analysis, and scientific data presentation. You’ll work as a team to research and create biomedical solutions to a global grand challenge or UN SDG. You will develop and practice key academic and professional skills including the critical analysis of research papers, verbal, written and graphical communication, team-working, planning and organisation, and negotiation.

Advanced Sport and Exercise Sciences Concept Units I (20 credits) – You’ll build subject specialist knowledge by choosing concept units that most interest you. This module builds on Year 1 and prepares you for Specialist Topic units in Year 3. Units may include, for example, the cardiorespiratory systems, and the impact of exercise on these, or the psychology of exercise.

Advanced Sport and Exercise Sciences Concept Units II (20 credits) – You’ll build subject specialist knowledge by choosing concept units that most interest you. This module builds on Year 1 and prepares you for Specialist Topic units in Year 3. Units may include, for example, the biomechanics of exercise, motor control or skills acquisition.

Year 3

The focal point for year 3 is an independent capstone research project that you’ll carry out under the supervision of a field-leading academic. Here you will be able to select from a wide range of project types, enabling you to focus on a subject of specific interest, developing the skills required for your future career.

Examples of previous projects are:

• Limitations in oxygen delivery to high intensity exercise performance.
• Strategies to overcome concussion in rugby.
• Guidelines for exercise prescription in cancer patients.
• The impact of pregnancy and the postpartum period on family lifestyle behaviours and health.

Alongside this, choose research-based topics that interested you in earlier years. Specialised topic modules allow you to choose from a menu of different research topics so you can focus more on your areas of interest such as motor control and neuro-rehabilitation, exercise and psychological health and sports medicine, or health and nutrition. You can also choose other specialist optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

Specialised Topics in Sport and Exercise Sciences I (20 credits) – You’ll have the opportunity to build your knowledge of research in specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. It will introduce you to a range of research topics in the broad field of biomedical sciences and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information. Topics covered will reflect current research interests of the School, and may include, for example, motor control and rehabilitation.

Specialised Topics in Sport and Exercise Sciences II (20 credits) – You’ll further build your knowledge of research specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. You’ll be introduced to a range of research topics in the sport and exercise sciences, and the broader biomedical sciences, and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information. Topics covered will reflect current research interests of the School, and may include, for example, exercise and psychological health, health and nutrition, or cellular cardiology.

Advanced Skills (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, employability and 4th Industrial Revolution skills required both for the capstone project and for the workplace. You’ll select the units which develop key skills and attributes required for your individual capstone project and/or future employment. The assignments for this module provide further scaffolding and support for the creation of your capstone project.

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. This project could be one of many formats including scientific research, public engagement, grand challenges report, or the development of educational resources. This will allow you to apply new knowledge and skills gained in earlier years of the programme, acquire new understanding, and develop new research and employability skills. You’ll communicate the outcomes or outputs of your project in different ways to a variety of audiences. Students may choose the capstone project or format of interest to them, being mentored by one of the leading academics in that field of study.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our teaching is delivered through a combination of large and small group workshops and practicals. We take a student-centred approach to learning and so our teaching is designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches that include creative problem-solving, team-work activities and mini-projects. In this way, you are able to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt to practical, real-life contexts. We put 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 will 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 will be able to access our extensive library of online materials, some of it designed specifically to support preparation prior to attending classroom sessions and discuss content with peers and teachers. 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 course work submitted during the semester and in the exam periods (Jan and May) each year. A portfolio of assessment approaches are used.

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. Authentic 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 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 English in lieu of 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 an alternative 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 alternative 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: £9,250 (per year)

International: £30,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 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 about additional costs.

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.

Application decisions

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available and so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we review applications until after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision.

This is a normal part of our process for these courses and may mean applicants have to wait longer than usual to hear from us. It takes time to thoroughly assess all applications, but we aim to make all decisions by the end of March.

Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

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 best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. 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.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Sports scientist in an elite club
• Teaching
• Coaching
• Exercise physiologist/rehabilitation
• Personal trainer
• Clinical Scientist
• Sport development officer

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Clinical Exercise Specialist
• Community sport and physical activity development
• Fitness coach
• Graduate management trainee
• Football analyst
• MSc Data science and analytics

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.

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.

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.

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