Sport Science and Physiology MSci, Bsc

Sports Science and Physiology offers fantastic insight into the various processes of the body during physical activity. You’ll study the core disciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, sport and exercise psychology.

Sports science will teach you how the body and mind cope with, handle and learn from the stresses of performance in sport and exercise. While Physiology investigates the impact of exercise on the structures and mechanisms of the body during both acute and chronic physical activity.

By studying an undergraduate degree in Sports Science and Physiology at the University of Leeds, you’ll gain an understanding of exercise concepts such as training, fitness, endurance and fatigue: from the molecular and cellular level to the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. You’ll also have the chances to take work placements, giving you an excellent position for a wide range of graduate careers.

Ourintegrated Mastersoffers you an additional year of specialist training. You’ll undertake an extended research project and study advanced research topics.

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)

Studying Sports Science and Physiology at the University of Leeds

• Switch degrees: You can swap onto a related degree course if your interests develop after completing the first year due to our common core modules

• Research opportunities: We offer undergraduate with the chance to undertake a research project in the third year; summer research internships with a bursary and opportunities through the Laidlaw scholarship programme.

• Expertise: You’ll be taught by some of the leading scientists in their fields, offering you an exceptional degree in sport.

• Travel and Work: You can take a study abroad or industrial work placement after your second year of study to enhance your CV and employability.

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.

In addition, you’ll be introduced to the foundations of physiology and cardio-respiratory physiology. This year is a great opportunity to develop your skills around your interests and your practical and theoretical skills. This is supported by professional and academic skills modules, where there are opportunities to take coaching awards or short work placements.

In Year 2 you’ll continue to specialise, with compulsory modules in exercise biochemistry and exercise physiology in sport, health and disease.

During the first two years, you’ll also develop your communication and interpersonal skills by undertaking additional experiences outside university, including coaching awards.

In Year 3, you’ll choose a core theme to specialise in and undertake a research project on a topic of your choice; modules available include advanced exercise physiology and exercise prescription for health and disease.

You’ll graduate with a broad base of transferable skills ideal for the graduate job market.

Integrated Masters (MSci)

In Year 3 of the MSci you’ll study compulsory and optional modules from the BSc alongside preparing for Masters-level study in your final year.

In Year 4 you’ll take sport science Masters topics, but your main focus will be on an extended research project in your area of interest. Recent examples include:

• Muscle mechanical function during walking and running

• Preseason determinants of injury

• Effects of eccentric exercise on muscle fatigue

• ECG Changes with Training

The experience and skills offered by this project will place you in a very strong position for a career in research, as well as a number of other graduate careers.

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

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

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

• 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 Envionmental 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.

• 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.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  BSc:

  D3/D3/D3-D3/M1/M1 including D3 in Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.

  MSci:

  D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.

• International Baccalaureate

  BSc:

  35-33 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in a science OR a 6 in Psychology and a 6 in Sports Science/PE.

  MSci:

  35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in a science OR a 6 in Psychology and a 6 in Sports Science/PE.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  BSc:

  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in a science and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

  MSci:

  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H2 in a higher level science and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BSc:

  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB to 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.

• 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 at A2. 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

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

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.

Our students have recently undertaken placements at: