(Full time) 2019 start
Sports and Exercise Sciences MSci, Bsc
Overview
Studying an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Leeds will give you core life science disciplines and will teach you how the body and mind respond to and learn from the demands placed on them in sport and exercise.
This course gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the biological process of the body during physical activity, sport and exercise.
You’ll study four core disciplines: exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and sport and exercise psychology – inviting you to ask questions such as: How do common sports injuries occur? How does the cardiorespiratory system react in an extreme environment? What motivates people to take part in sport?
Our integrated Masters offers you an additional year of specialist training. You’ll undertake an extended research project and study advanced research topics.
Make an Impact
Sport and Exercise Science provides an understanding of how the body and mind cope with, handle and learn from the stresses of performance in sport and exercise
Course highlights
Number 1 in the UK for ‘world-leading’ research in the area of sport and exercise sciences (REF, 2014)
Ranked 3rd in the UK for sports science (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018; The Guardian University Guide 2018)
A wide range of research-led optional modules includes Neuroscience for Exercise Science, Exercise and Psychological Health, Cellular Cardiology and Systems Neurophysiology.
Course content
Year 1 is a common course year, which will introduce you to the core concepts of sports science, including biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control and sport and exercise psychology. This is supported by additional professional and academic skills modules, where there are opportunities to take coaching awards or short work placements.
In Year 2 you’ll build on the knowledge and skills from year one, taking specialist modules in areas such as the mechanics of sport and exercise science, while further developing your practical skills in our state-of-the art laboratories.
The degree offers the opportunity to apply for an industrial placement or study abroad year at the end of Year 2, which will help broaden your experience, enhance your skills and improve your employment prospects.
In Year 3 alongside advanced topics in sport and exercise science, you’ll undertake a research project in an area that interests you. Recent examples of third-year research projects include:
‘Acclimatisation and the endurance athlete’
‘Does winning at all costs help the athlete cope better with stress?’
‘Can a community dance programme reduce physical inactivity in older adults?’
‘Biopsychology of human appetite and energy balance’
‘Biomechanics of the Sprint Start’
‘Using focus of attention to enhance motor skill learning’
You’ll graduate with the skills and attributes sought by employers in numerous areas.
Integrated Masters (MSci)
Years 1 and 2 are the same as for the BSc and provide you with a foundation in the subject.
In Year 3 of the MSci, you will take compulsory and optional modules from the BSc alongside preparing for Masters-level study.
In Year 4 your main focus will be on an extended research project in your area of interest. Recent topics include ‘Influence of footwear on knee joint kinetics’ and ‘Biomechanical characteristics of the delivery steps in cricket fast bowling’.
As an MSci graduate, you’ll leave with the advanced-level skills and knowledge that should set you apart in the graduate job market.
Examples of MSci projects include:
Refining animal models of exercise training – matching genes with function
Indirect muscle stimulation – a complementary therapeutic intervention?
Eccentric exercise – effective intervention for exercise intolerance?
The kinetics and kinematics of painful knees in women over 40
Influence of footwear on knee joint kinetics
Biomechanics of delivery in fast bowling
Find out more about choosing between an integrated Masters and a BSc degree
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.
Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
Independent study and research are also crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers training to help you make the most of them.
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
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA - ABB
BSc:
A-level: AAA - ABB
Including a science subject OR both Psychology and Sports Science/PE in place of a science at A2. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
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.
MSci:
A-level: AAA
Including a science subject OR both Psychology and Sports Science/PE in place of a science at A2. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
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.
GCSE: Grade B or above at GCSE Maths and Grade C or above at GCSE English.
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Access to HE Diploma
BSc:
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D45M0P0 to D30M15P0 including distinctions in Biology and Mathematics or Chemistry.
Accept Access courses in Applied Science and Science. Will also consider (depending on subject content):
- Biochemical Sciences
- Biological and Environmental Science
- Biological and Health Science
- Biological Sciences
- Biosciences
- Combined Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Life and Biological Science
- Life Science
- Medical and Health Science Professions
- Natural Sciences
- Physical & Natural Sciences.
MSci:
We do not accept Access to HE.
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BTEC
BSc:
Applicants with BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma qualifications must have at least one science or psychology at A2-level A-level.
Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must have at least 2 A2 A-Levels and at least one of these should be in a science subject. Preferred BTEC qualification subjects include Applied Science or Sport and Exercise Science. Offers would be in the range A/B in the A2-level subjects and Distinctions in the BTEC qualification.
MSci:
We do not accept BTEC qualification.
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Cambridge Pre-U
BSc:
D3/D3/D3-D3/M1/M1 including D3 in Biology plus another science or science-related subject.
MSci:
D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Biology plus another science or science-related subject.
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International Baccalaureate
BSc:
35-33 points (18-17 at Higher Level) including 6 in a science OR a 6 in Psychology and a 6 in Sports Science/PE.
MSci:
35 points (18 at Higher Level) including 6 in a science OR a 6 in Psychology and a 6 in Sports Science/PE.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
BSc:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H3,H3,H3 including H2 science (Biology, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry) and another science or science-related subject at Higher Level.
MSci:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H2 science (Biology, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry) and another science or science-related subject at Higher Level.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BSc:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB-ABBBB, with AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including a science subject OR both Psychology and Sports Science/PE. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded. We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
MSci:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including a science subject OR both Psychology and Sports Science/PE. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded. We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
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Welsh Baccalaureate
BSc:
AAA-ABB including a science subject OR both Psychology and Sports Science/PE in place of a science. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.Science- related subjects: PE, Geography, Use of Maths, Psychology, Statistics, Geology and Computing
MSci:
AAA including a science subject OR both Psychology and Sports Science/PE in place of a science. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.Science- related subjects: PE, Geography, Use of Maths, Psychology, Statistics, Geology and Computing.
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 a contextual 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 contextual admissions.
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.
How to apply
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 policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £21,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
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 on our living costs and budgeting page.
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
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 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 CP+R (Clinical Prevention and Rehabilitation) – they visit us several times a year, speaking at careers seminars, attending careers fairs and running drop-in sessions. They also organise for our students to visit their workplace, to gain a better understanding of their work. They are very interested in our students and usually recruit 1-2 of our graduates every year.
Sport and Exercise Sciences graduates have gone on to roles in education and training, biomechanics, coaching, clinical support, physiotherapy, teaching, physiology, occupational health, and providing technical expertise for major sports organisations.
Recent graduate destinations include:
- Junior product manager, Golfbreaks.com
- Coach, Happy Kidos
- Sports massage therapist, The Chiropractic Centre: Bristol
- Business development manager, Mark Two Distributors
- Personal trainer, Lifestyle Fitness
- Strength and conditioning coach, Civil Service.
Careers support
Dedicated employability team
We have a dedicated employability team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre to support your development.
We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual Faculty Graduate Panel, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our Sport and Exercise Sciences Careers and STEM Careers fairs, which give you the chance to meet employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
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 typically taken between after your second year. If you choose to undertake a placement year, this will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.
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
Our students have recently undertaken placements at:
Oldham Football Club community project
QinetiQ
Sports and Physical Activity Office, University of Leeds
Syngenta University of Western Australia
WIMX Tennis
Southampton Football Club
Leeds Rhinos RLFC
Leeds United Foundation
Johnson & Johnson, White Rose
Leeds Triathlon
Pro Football Support, Huddersfield.