Key Facts
About the course
If you’re fascinated by the science behind sport and exercise performance, this course gives you a rare chance to be part of a world-leading research team, using high-spec equipment to get to the heart of what makes a great sports performer.
The course combines scientific knowledge and sports performance, covering the core areas of sport and exercise science. Study involves lab work using discipline-leading equipment including
online gas-analysis machines, an environmental chamber, light gates and echocardiography. It also offers specialist units in biomechanics, exercise physiology and social psychology, to name a few.
You learn in a high-performance environment with a leading research team specialising in exercise physiology; molecular exercise physiology; and exercise and health. You can be part of the team working on prestigious projects for elite sports teams, governing bodies and government initiatives.
Why choose this course?
- It is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
- Gain a fitness qualification endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- Develop employability skills with specific, industry-proven guidance and participation in the latest sports science research
- Explore your area of interest with a final-year research project of your choice
- Take the course over four years and include a fee-free year’s placement in industry (see below), gaining experience and making contacts for the future
- If you are looking to step up into higher education, take the degree with a Foundation Year which guarantees entry to the Undergraduate course (see below)
We support you every step of the way
We offer a Merit Scholarship, worth £2,400* over 3 academic years, which is awarded to those who can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, through scoring 112 UCAS tariff points or more for UK and EU applicants.
We also offer a range of financial support for those of you applying from outside of the UK and EU.
Accreditations
- Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
Sport and Exercise Science with Professional Practice Year - BSc (Hons)
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units
- Academic Writing Skills (SPO048-1) Compulsory
- Anatomy And Biomechanics (SPO049-1) Compulsory
- Applied Exercise Practice (SPO082-1) Compulsory
- Biomechanics For Sport And Exercise Science (SPO050-1) Compulsory
- Human Physiology (SPO084-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Research Methods (SPO052-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Sport And Exercise Psychology (SPO019-1) Compulsory
- Principles Of Nutrition (SPO024-1) Compulsory
- Scientific Research Methods (SPO086-1) Compulsory
- Biomechanics (SPO032-2) Compulsory
- Dissertation Preparation (SPO095-2) Compulsory
- Exercise Physiology Measurement And Assessment (SPO033-2) Compulsory
- Motor Performance And Learning (SPO027-2) Compulsory
- Physiology Of Exercise And Adaptation (SPO098-2) Compulsory
- Professional Development And Employability (SPO053-2) Compulsory
- Quantitative Research Methods (SPO099-2) Compulsory
- Social Psychology Of Sport (SPO026-2) Compulsory
- Applied Exercise Physiology (SPO033-3) Compulsory
- Dissertation For Sport Science And Physical Activity (SPO051-3) Compulsory
- Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour And Health (SPO015-3) Compulsory
- Work Placement Project (SPO057-3) Compulsory
- Applied Biomechanics (SPO014-3) Optional
- Applied Sport And Exercise Psychology (SPO010-3) Optional
- Community Programme Project (SPO084-3) Optional
- Psychology Of Physical Activity (SPO025-3) Optional
- Sports Injuries (SPO013-3) Optional
How will I be assessed?
Assessment on the course is both formative and summative in nature and occurs at various points throughout the academic year. A wide variety of strategies and activities are employed to assess the specific unit learning outcomes and to permit all students opportunities to utilise their personal strengths across different assessment types. Modes of assessment include examinations (seen and unseen), essays, practical tests, laboratory reports, research projects, case studies, presentations and data-analysis exercises. These assessment methods will develop and assess core knowledge and skills relevant to your future employment and/or further education. At level 4 you will be assessed primarily on your breadth of knowledge pertaining to core relevant topics. At level 5 you will be assessed on your level of knowledge and ability to critically evaluate specific key topics. At level 6 your assessments will evaluate your ability to critically analyse core topics, synthesis literature and theories and apply this in various situations through a process of problem solving. Formative assessment points provide feedback regarding your progress and diagnostic assessment will be used to assess your knowledge, understanding
Our students say our courses, teaching and support are a winning combination, that’s why we are 51st out of 122 for Sport in the Guardian University Guide 2022.
We’re 12th for employability because our courses get you a degree-level job.
We have more one-to-one time for you which is why we are in the top 10 for staff/student ratio.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
UK
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
International
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
- A levels in sport science, physical education, natural science or psychology (preferred)
How will this course improve my career prospects?
Recent graduates have pursued careers in fitness consultation, nutrition and PE. Other career opportunities include sports performance, health and fitness, coaching and sports development.
The emphasis on research also gives students a solid base for postgraduate study.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Fees and Funding
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Extra Costs
School of Sport Science and Physical Activity facilities
The School of Sport Science and Physical Activity houses a multi-million pound, state of the art teaching and research sport sciences laboratory facility.
Facilities include six purpose-built British Association of Sport & Exercise Science (BASES) accredited sport and exercise science laboratories, a nutrition research kitchen, and two molecular and cellular physiology labs, which promote excellence in both teaching and research.
Sports Science Labs
Our specialist sports science labs give students a fantastic environment to develop their research skills and expertise, where a student can explore the biology of an elite athlete who could be performing simultaneously within the sports hall.
The state-of-the-art laboratories are purpose built for research and teaching in the fields of exercise and nutrition science. This includes specialised equipment and facilities for assessing human health risk and delivering exercise and diet interventions for health promotion.
Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre
Our Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre includes three clinical teaching spaces, a sports injury clinic, a rehabilitation room, a community exercise clinic and a private room for consultations and treatments.
Environmental chamber
Our environmental chamber is used for teaching, research and by top-class athletes in training for competition in different climates.
International standard sports arena
Our sports facilities include a gym, strength and conditioning suite, AstroTurf, grass pitches, outdoor basketball, tennis and netball courts, in addition to the International standard sports arena, which seats up to 400 spectators.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gyms offer a range of affordable membership options giving students exclusive use of a convenient campus-based fitness facility.
The Bedford gym facilitates state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smartphone compatibility as well as an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area. Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
