Key Facts
About the course
Study and be part of a world-leading research team, focusing on scientific study of sport and exercise performance, in labs offering you research opportunities and skills development rare to the UK.
First gaining a broad knowledge of the core scientific areas of sport and exercise science, you’ll use discipline-leading equipment including online gas analysis machines, an environmental chamber, light gates and echocardiography, amongst others, to build your knowledge of scientific theory relating to sport and exercise performance.
The theory and skills learnt culminate in the completion of your own research project in your final year.
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
Accreditations
- Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
Why choose this course?
- Learn in a high-performance environment combining world-leading research and staff who will share their knowledge of the science of sport and exercise performance.
- Study with a world-leading research team in field settings and using state-of-the-art equipment from online gas analysers to a high capacity environmental chamber.
- Gain employability skills with specific, industry-proven guidance and participation in the latest world-leading sports science research
- Explore your area of interest with a final year research project designed by you
- Further your interests and opportunities by progressing to postgraduate study
- Benefit from a unique opportunity to study with a specialist world-leading research team in exercise physiology, molecular exercise physiology and exercise and health working on prestigious projects supported by elite sports teams, governing bodies and government initiatives.
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 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?
Formative assessment points provide feedback regarding your progress and diagnostic assessment will be used to assess your knowledge, understanding and skills. Summative assessment for the units includes a combination of the assessment modes set out above. 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 and skills. Summative assessment for the units includes a combination of the assessment modes set out above.
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 2020/21 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 2020/21 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 2020/21 is £12,350 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 2020/21 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 2020/21 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 2020/21 is £12,350 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
Campus Library
The Bedford Campus Library set over four storeys offers students access to our extensive range of physical and digital resources with 300,000+ books & 80,000+ ebooks.
PCs are provided on each level for students to use offering access to a wide range of applications as well as access to group-work areas and presentation-practice rooms and a dedicated silent study floor.
BedsSU - The Hub
The Hub is home to BedsSU providing a great space for socialising with friends, catching up on some coursework or taking a well-deserved break.
The Hub is the place to go to take a break from your studies, play table tennis, socialise and watch live sport on the big screen.By night the venue becomes the place to be, with a variety of student events such as pub quizzes, live music and various themed club nights. Evening food includes delicious freshly made pizzas as well as a range of other beverages and snacks.
Bedford 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.
Dance Studios
At the centre of our campus is four fully sprung dance studios equipped with ballet barres, mirrored walls, audio playback and projection for our dance and performing arts students.
Our two campus theatres also provide the ideal performance space for students with regular events held that are open audiences of students, staff and the wider community.
Campus Theatres
Set within the Campus Centre is a 260 seat professional theatre on the ground floor with industry-standard lighting, media desk, roll-down screen, full backstage comms system and large dressing rooms with en suite showers. On the first floor there's also a well-equipped 80 seat studio theatre.
Our theatres welcome new and existing audiences to see a range of student work including contemporary dance, theatre and performing arts; holding regular events that are open to students, staff and the wider community.
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.
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
