Sport and Exercise Science
University of Portsmouth
UCAS Code: C600 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
We also accept other combinations equivalent to 128-136 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies).
128-138 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Sport or Science).
Cambridge Pre-U score of 54-56, to include a minimum of 2 Priniciple Subjects, including a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) at M3.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
5 GCSEs at grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science or PE/5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English, Mathematics and Science or PE.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
26-27 points from the IB Diploma, to include 3 Higher Level subjects, with 5 points from a Higher Level in a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies). 4 points from Standard Level English and Mathematics (if not passed at GCSE grade C or above).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H3,H3,H3-H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
To include a Higher Level Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) at H3.
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
Must be in a Sports related subject.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a Sports related subject.
128-136 Tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers, with a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) at grade D.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Overview**
If you're interested in improving sporting performance or understanding the health benefits associated with physical activity, this endorsed BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree course helps you turn your interest into a fulfilling career.
You’ll use a combination of theory, research and practical laboratory techniques to understand and improve human performance, while minimising the risks of sport-related injuries. You'll develop tools to help everyone – from those who play sport for fun to elite athletes – get the most out of their exercise.
By the end of the course, you'll have in-depth grounding in the fields of professional sport, health and education, helping you secure your ideal career when you graduate.
**Endorsed by:**
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES).
**What you'll experience**
On this course you'll:
- Be taught by expert staff with industry-relevant accreditations who are actively engaged in research projects that inform the future of sport and exercise science
- Put what you learn into practice using our ties to local sports and healthcare providers
- Be able to get specialist qualifications that match your career aspirations in areas such as first aid, coaching and gym instruction
- Boost your transferable skills such as teamwork, decision making, communication and time management
Sport and Exercise Science facilities you'll be able to use include:
- a biomechanics lab
- a physiology lab
- climatic chambers for manipulating temperature, humidity and altitude (including one at sub-zero temperatures, for polar preparation)
- an immersion pool
- a swimming flume
- a portable EMG system for measuring muscle activity
- a motion tracking system with integrated force platforms
**Careers and opportunities**
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry.
**What can you do with a Sport and Exercise Science degree?**
Previous BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduates have gone on to work in roles in areas such as:
- the NHS
- health and fitness training
- teaching and education
- strength and conditioning
- sport science support (UK Sport, EIS, professional clubs)
**What jobs can you do with a Sport and Exercise Science degree?**
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- PE teacher
- fitness instructor
- NVQ coordinator
- sports development officer
- sports and exercise scientist
- sports therapist and physiotherapist
- cardiac rehabilitation technician
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise
- Biomechanics
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
- Preparing Research
- Innovation or Enterprise Projects
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Exercise in Different Environments
- Nutrition for Sport
- Exercise and Health
- Physical Activity and Exercise for Healthy Ageing
- Principles of Skill Acquisition
- Strength and Conditioning for Sport, Exercise and Health
Placement year (optional)
On this course, you can choose an optional placement year between your 2nd and 3rd year of studies or after your 3rd year. During the study abroad placement year, you'll experience life at a university in another country. Alternatively, you can spend a year developing your experience in industry in the UK or abroad with the work placement year. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Project
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Advanced Sports Nutrition
- Advanced Strength and Conditioning
- Applications of Exercise Physiology
- Applied Skill Acquisition
- Biomechanics in Practice
- Biopsychosocial Approaches to Physical Activity and Health Promotion
- Environmental Physiology
- Introduction to Teaching
- Professional Development
- Professional Practice in Sports Psychology
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed through written exams, essays and lab reports, individual or group presentations, practical exercises.
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Portsmouth
Faculty of Science and Health
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Sport and exercise sciences
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Sport & exercise science
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
One of the fastest growing subjects in the country, the number of sports science graduates went from under 3,000 in 2003 to over 10,000 in 2013. Numbers have fallen slightly since 2015, but we still have over 9,000 graduates in the subject. However, the good news is the country's appetite for good health and fitness - and the adaptability of graduates in the subject - means that sports science grads are less likely than average to be out of work. Sports science graduates, not surprisingly, tend to get jobs in sport, fitness and health - coaching and teaching especially - but they're found all over the economy. Management and business are also popular options for graduates from this subject — and sports science graduates are particularly found where drive, determination and physical fitness are an advantage.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Sport and exercise sciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£18k
£23k
£28k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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