Sport and Exercise Science

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
C601
UCAS code:
C604
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
City of Stoke-On-Trent Sixth Form College
Study option:
Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year at City of Stoke-On-Trent Sixth Form College
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
3 Years
Start date:
25 September 2023

Endorsed by BASES

(the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences)

Optional strength and conditioning pathway

available in second year

Develop practical skills

in both laboratory and field settings

Whether you’re interested in maximising the performance of athletes or improving the health and wellbeing of the community, our BASES-endorsed Sport and Exercise Science degree will set you up to succeed.

You’ll use first-class facilities to plan, design and carry out analysis of human performance and develop practical skills working in both laboratory and field settings. You’ll cover the fundamental principles of sport and exercise science including exercise physiology, sport psychology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, coaching and research/academic skills.

There will also be the opportunity to work in our Peak Condition service under the supervision of BASES-accredited staff. You will develop your interpersonal skills through working with real athletes and with individuals in a healthcare context or community setting – all so that you can communicate eloquently, both verbally and in writing.

In your second year, you’ll have the option to complete this degree in one of two ways. You can either remain on the broad-based sport and exercise science course, or you can choose our optional pathway which will allow you to focus on the specialist area of strength and conditioning.

Whichever route you take through your sport and exercise science degree, upon completion, you will be ideally placed for graduate employment or postgraduate study.

You’ll use first-class facilities to plan, design and carry out analysis of human performance and develop practical skills working in both laboratory and field settings. You’ll cover the fundamental principles of sport and exercise science including exercise physiology, sport psychology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, coaching and research/academic skills.

There will also be the opportunity to work in our Peak Condition service under the supervision of BASES-accredited staff. You will develop your interpersonal skills through working with real athletes and with individuals in a healthcare context or community setting – all so that you can communicate eloquently, both verbally and in writing.

In your second year, you’ll have the option to complete this degree in one of two ways. You can either remain on the broad-based sport and exercise science course, or you can choose our optional pathway which will allow you to focus on the specialist area of strength and conditioning.

Whichever route you take through your sport and exercise science degree, upon completion, you will be ideally placed for graduate employment or postgraduate study.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Work placements

A Placement Module provides students with the opportunity to engage with the process of applying for and securing a placement designed to develop their employability through experience.

Whilst students are mentored in the process of application and negotiation to secure a placement the choice of host is primarily the students’ preference. Examples of placement hosts and other work experience activities that students have completed are below:

Placements:

  • Stoke City FC - Youth Academy, Women’s team and RTC
  • Port Vale FC - Youth Academy and Women’s team
  • Worcester Warriors RFC
  • Sheffield Wednesday FC
  • Huddersfield Giants RLC
  • Birmingham City FC
  • Sir Staley Matthews Sports Centre
  • Staffordshire University Students’ Union BUCS teams
  • Staffordshire University Sport and Exercise Academy

Other work experience/internships opportunities:

  • Georgetown University - Washington DC, USA
  • California State University Northridge - USA
  • University of California (UCLA) – Los Angeles USA
  • University of North Carolina – USA
  • Nippon Sport Science University – Japan
  • ILEPS – Paris, France

As an undergraduate in our sport and exercise department, you can also join our Sports Academy as a volunteer, helping to deliver physical activity and classroom-based workshops to young people in schools and communities.

Course content

Year 1 will begin by developing your research skills in sport and exercise. We’ll introduce physiology biomechanics and nutrition, the psychology of sport and exercise, strength and conditioning and look at coaching and teaching in sport.

 Year 2 topics include research and graduate employability in sport and exercise, advanced sport and exercise psychology, physiological and nutritional processes and mechanisms, as well as biomechanics and kinesiology. Students on our optional strength and conditioning pathway will also cover principles of strength and conditioning and performance lifestyle.

In addition to focusing on personal and professional development in sport and exercise (which allows you to do an independent project), Year 3 of our broad-based degree provides a choice of core and sports option modules to help tailor your expertise. Those students who have chosen to focus their interest on strength and conditioning will study specialised modules in this area.

Year 1 will begin by developing your research skills in sport and exercise. We’ll introduce physiology biomechanics and nutrition, the psychology of sport and exercise, strength and conditioning and look at coaching and teaching in sport.

 Year 2 topics include research and graduate employability in sport and exercise, advanced sport and exercise psychology, physiological and nutritional processes and mechanisms, as well as biomechanics and kinesiology. Students on our optional strength and conditioning pathway will also cover principles of strength and conditioning and performance lifestyle.

In addition to focusing on personal and professional development in sport and exercise (which allows you to do an independent project), Year 3 of our broad-based degree provides a choice of core and sports option modules to help tailor your expertise. Those students who have chosen to focus their interest on strength and conditioning will study specialised modules in this area.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice.  Our modules are 20 or 40 academic credits. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 12 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice.  Our modules are 20 or 40 academic credits. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 12 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

Professional body accreditation

Recognised by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for the purposes of endorsement by the BASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (BUES).

BASES logo

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise (BASES) (excluding the strength and conditioning pathway).

Sport and Exercise Facility Tour

Sport and Exercise Facility Tour

Video

Find out about the facilities we have at Staffordshire University in our Sport and Exercise department.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Standard route

Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Applied Biomechanics To Enhance Sports Performance And To Guide Rehabilitation Interventions 20 credits
Contemporary Issues In Clinical Sport And Exercise Science 20 credits
Exercise Physiology For Sports Performance 20 credits
Independent Investigational Project 40 credits
The Psychology Of Competitive Performance: Theory And Practice 20 credits

Strength and Conditioning

Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Applied Biomechanics To Enhance Sports Performance And To Guide Rehabilitation Interventions 20 credits
Applied Strength And Conditioning For Human Performance And Injury Reduction 20 credits
Exercise Physiology For Sports Performance 20 credits
Independent Investigational Project 40 credits
Strength And Conditioning For Special Populations 20 credits

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed.

  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Discover our optional Strength and Conditioning pathway

Discover our optional Strength and Conditioning pathway

Video

Learn more about our Strength and Conditioning pathway.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Working in sport, and within a healthcare context, you'll use our first-class facilities for analysing sporting performance, and you'll develop a critical understanding of key areas in sport and exercise science, such as physiology, psychology, and biomechanics.

Physiology and Nutrition

Our Physiology and Nutrition laboratories hold an array of apparatus, which allows us to teach endurance capability/cardio-pulmonary fitness, maximal intensity exercise performance, muscular strength and power and much more. Our facilities allow our students to gain a hands-on approach to laboratory work and research.

Careers

The skills learned from our Sport and Exercise Science course can lead to a career as a:

  • Sport Scientist/Strength and Conditioner, starting at £20,000 rising to £60,000 (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk)
  • Personal Trainer: Freelance £20 - £60/hour dependent upon experience; Gym based starting £16,000 rising to £33,000 (prospects.ac.uk)
  • Sport and Exercise Psychologist, starting at £20,000 rising to £37,000 (prospects.ac.uk)
  • PE Teacher, starting at @16,250 rising to £46,500 with experience (prospects.ac.uk)
  • Sports Coach, starting around the £20,000 rising with experience to £30,000 (prospects.ac.uk)

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Thomas Loweth - BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Thomas Loweth - BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Video

Thomas explains how his degree in Sport and Exercise Science helped him to take the first step in his science career.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

In line with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES), with which the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degrees are endorsed, the course employs a multi-disciplinary delivery of all core sport science specialisms (Biomechanics, Physiology, Psychology) as well as the specialist Strength and Conditioning pathway.

A modular framework of lectures, seminars and tutorials is supported by practical sessions whereby theoretical knowledge can be further developed into applied practice in both field and laboratory settings.

All sessions are delivered by subject specialists and professional technical support staff; these experiences allow the students to show case and further develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject area in applied conditions.

The students are provided ample opportunities take lead roles in the delivery of practical sessions as they develop and are actively encouraged to take ownership of their own progress under the supervision and guidance of academic staff.

Augmenting the professional skills in the use of technologies is the development of communication and soft skills essential in the professional environment of Sport and Exercise Science be it in elite sport or community well-being settings.

Student development on the course is inextricably linked with enhanced employability through the transferable nature of both technical and soft skills involved.

Course theoretical content delivery is supported through the application of technology enhanced learning using a wide range of current market leading teaching applications. The full suite of Microsoft Office 365 platforms, such as Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Sway, Teams, OneDrive, MS Forms are efficiently utilised to exploit their individual usefulness in providing learning experiences. Students will develop a mastery of the use of such applications that is transferable to the workplace, enhancing students’ employability. A virtual learning environment, Blackboard, controls the delivery of indicative teaching and learning content on-line to support face to face teaching. Blackboard also provides a platform for effective and transparent assignment submissions and students’ feedback.

In line with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES), with which the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degrees are endorsed, the course employs a multi-disciplinary delivery of all core sport science specialisms (Biomechanics, Physiology, Psychology) as well as the specialist Strength and Conditioning pathway.

A modular framework of lectures, seminars and tutorials is supported by practical sessions whereby theoretical knowledge can be further developed into applied practice in both field and laboratory settings.

All sessions are delivered by subject specialists and professional technical support staff; these experiences allow the students to show case and further develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject area in applied conditions.

The students are provided ample opportunities take lead roles in the delivery of practical sessions as they develop and are actively encouraged to take ownership of their own progress under the supervision and guidance of academic staff.

Augmenting the professional skills in the use of technologies is the development of communication and soft skills essential in the professional environment of Sport and Exercise Science be it in elite sport or community well-being settings.

Student development on the course is inextricably linked with enhanced employability through the transferable nature of both technical and soft skills involved.

Course theoretical content delivery is supported through the application of technology enhanced learning using a wide range of current market leading teaching applications. The full suite of Microsoft Office 365 platforms, such as Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Sway, Teams, OneDrive, MS Forms are efficiently utilised to exploit their individual usefulness in providing learning experiences. Students will develop a mastery of the use of such applications that is transferable to the workplace, enhancing students’ employability. A virtual learning environment, Blackboard, controls the delivery of indicative teaching and learning content on-line to support face to face teaching. Blackboard also provides a platform for effective and transparent assignment submissions and students’ feedback.

Assessment

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Sport and Exercise students visit Nippon Sport Science University, Japan

Sport and Exercise students visit Nippon Sport Science University, Japan

Video

Discover what happened when a number of our Sport and Exercise students and staff visited the prestigious Nippon Sport Science University in Japan.

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Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. 

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. 

Year 1

20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
81% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

19% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
81% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

12% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
88% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

17% practical assessments
50% coursework
33% written exams

Year 2

17% practical assessments
67% coursework
17% written exams

Year 3

32% practical assessments
68% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Jacky Forsyth

Associate Professor

Jacky is an exercise physiologist. Her main priority and drive, in both research and teaching, is to promote, raise awareness and cultivate research and study on women in sport and exercise.

Jacky's profile

Philip Walker

Senior Lecturer

Philip's expertise lies as a sport and exercise scientist, specialising at master's level in Strength and Conditioning. Philip has many years of coaching experience in a wide range of sport, at all levels.

Philip's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a foundation year at City of Stoke-On-Trent Sixth Form College
Study option UK / Channel Islands
Full-time £5,950 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
  • DBS checks where required for assessed modules 
  • Loan of subject related requirement where required for modules
  • DBS checks where required for assessed modules 
  • Loan of subject related requirement where required for modules
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs to and from placements. We will have available placements within travel distance from the campus, or within proximity of your address
  • Clothing suitable for placements and facilities
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs to and from placements. We will have available placements within travel distance from the campus, or within proximity of your address
  • Clothing suitable for placements and facilities
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

If you are talented athlete, coach or official you could qualify for one of our sport scholarship or development schemes through our High Performance Academy.

You may also be eligible for other scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

All the staff I have met have been supportive and friendly throughout my three years at Staffs.

The available equipment in the labs and having the chance to not only conduct tests but also participate in them has been useful. Additionally, having a library open 24 hours is helpful as I find I work better outside of the house, and other spaces around the university to complete work during breaks. The gym in the Stanley Matthews Sport Centre also has a range of good quality equipment, which is useful to have on campus.

All the staff I have met have been supportive and friendly throughout my three years at Staffs, always responding to emails and giving individual support if needed.

Rebecca Twardochleb

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

The best parts of studying Sport Science at Staffordshire University was gaining a hands-on experience, whether that was operating equipment in the physiology and biomechanics labs or coaching new skills to a group of students.

Megan Goodfellow

Student, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

The lecturers are very supportive and make the subjects really easy to understand.

I’ve always had a huge interest in sport and I enjoy every part, especially practical work. I’d definitely recommend this course. You get to use a lot of new and quality equipment and the facilities are really good. The lecturers are very supportive and make the subjects really easy to understand

Kian Lawton

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

The best thing about my course was the practical sessions in physiology so you actually saw how things worked. It's not just reading about it - you experienced it yourself.

Nicole Harrison

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

This whole experience has been amazing. I couldn’t have gone to a better uni.

This whole experience has been amazing. I couldn’t have gone to a better uni. There’s a thing called Peak Conditioning where we can use everything that we’ve learnt with real life situations, so we’ve had the public come in and we’ve done testing on them and it’s been really fun and interesting.  

Emilie Mae Torlotin

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus 25 September 2023 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

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of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

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