Sports Science and Physiology BSc

By studying an undergraduate degree in sports science and physiology at the University of Leeds, you will gain an understanding of exercise concepts such as testing training, fitness, endurance and fatigue: from the molecular and cellular level to the pulmonary, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

The core disciplines that the course covers are exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, sport and exercise psychology. You will explore how these can be applied across a range of settings in order to optimise sport performance, improve health and disease outcomes, and inform rehabilitation strategy.

You will be able to make an impact with this degree as sports science and physiology offers fantastic insight into how the body and mind cope with, handle and adapt from the stresses of sport and exercise. Physiology investigates the impact on structures and functions of the body during both acute and chronic physical activity, helping to develop new research-based approaches to enhance performance and health.

Course highlights:

• Number 1 in the UK for ‘world-leading’ research in the area of sports science and physiology (Research Excellence Framework (REF) for UK higher education).

• Over 90% of students are highly satisfied with our degree programme (NSS 2019).

• 11th in the UK for Sports Science (Complete University Guide 2020).

• Excellent range of optional modules with a research-orientated focus, including energy metabolism and obesity, principles of drug discovery, neuropharmacology and cellular cardiology.

• Hands-on practical experience in our state-of-the-art sport science laboratories.

• Highly supportive learning environment, with one-on-one academic mentoring and frequent tutoring sessions.

• Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

Year 1

The first year is shared with our sport and exercise sciences degree programme, in order to provide necessary background for subsequent study and allow informed choice of modules to be taken thereafter. This will introduce you to the core concepts of sports science, including biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control and sport and exercise psychology.

In addition, you will 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.

At the end of year 1, there is an opportunity to transfer onto our degree course in sport and exercise science. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.

Year 2

You will continue to build on the knowledge and skills from year 1, taking specialist modules in exercise physiology, while further developing your research and applied skills in our state-of-the-art sport science laboratories. Wide flexibility is offered for taking modules sitting outside of the sports science and physiology degree, such as introduction to strength and conditioning, neurobiology, and nutrition and disease.

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

At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.

Year 3

In year 3 you will take advanced topics in exercise physiology whilst undertaking a research project guided by a world leading academic in exercise physiology. Recent project examples include ‘limitations in oxygen delivery to high intensity exercise performance’, ‘molecular mechanisms regulating muscle size in heart failure’, and ‘the athlete’s heart’.

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

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.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

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 latest 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 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

A-level: AAA - ABB

BSc: AAA - ABB

Including a science subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

We accept the following science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics and Physical Education.

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.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (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 D39M6P0 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

• BTEC

  BSc:
  Applicants with BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma qualifications must have at least one science or psychology at A-level.

  Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must have at least 2 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 A-level subjects and Distinctions in the BTEC qualification.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  BSc: D3/D3/D3-D3/D3/M1 including D3 in a science subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

  When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives.

• International Baccalaureate

  BSc: 35-34 points (18-17 at Higher Level) including 6 in a science OR Sports, Exercise and Health Science.

• 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).

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BSc: Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB-ABBBB, with AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including a science subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded. We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

  We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

  Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

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.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

BSc – A level: BBB

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

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 Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £23,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

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 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

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 faculty student opportunity team, 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 many sports and exercise science employers. They visit us several times a year, speaking at careers seminars, attending our specialised sport careers networking event and running drop-in sessions.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Sports scientist in an elite club

• Teaching

• Biomechanist

• Exercise physiologist/rehabilitation

• Personal trainer

• Clinical Scientist

• Sport development officer

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Clinical Trials Associate

• Commercial development coordinator

• Personal trainer

• Therapy assistant (NHS)

• MSc Strength and Conditioning

Careers support

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Covance, GSK, Nuffield NHS Ecological consultancies, 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.