Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc

Sport and exercise science has an important role in society, ranging from improving sports performance in elite athletes to reducing the burden of disease associated with physical inactivity in modern lifestyles.

On this course, you'll gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the principal body systems, processes and functions in health and disease.

Your learning will include the opportunity to discover and explore individual areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics and motor control in more depth.

You'll explore how this knowledge may be applied to optimise sports performance, improve health, disease outcomes and inform rehabilitation strategies. You'll gain an integrated understanding of how the body and mind respond to and learn from, the demands placed on it during sport and exercise.

At Leeds you’ll be part of an investigative-based inspirational and engaging learning experience, informed by innovative research undertaken in purpose-built laboratories, and delivered by world leading academics.

Course highlights

• Top 10 in the UK for sport science – (Complete University Guide 2024).
• Develop hands-on practical skills in our state-of-the-art physiology, biomechanics and motor control laboratories, including the use of our environmental chamber and motion capture system.
• Practical skills modules train you to identify problems, and design and conduct experiments to find answers to key health and sport related questions.
• Get workplace ready - our capstone or culminating research project brings together the knowledge, skills and attributes developed throughout your degree to showcase to potential employers.
• Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations such as sports teams, rehabilitation specialists, sports management teams and health organisations.
• Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain fresh perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.

Flexible degree

Sport and exercise sciences is a specialist degree within the School of Biomedical Sciences which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.

Some of our programmes share a common first year which means that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer on to other suitable and related degree courses, subject to approval.

Wellbeing and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We are here to help throughout your time in higher education, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. For more information on the different facets of support you will have access to, please see our Wellbeing and Support page.

Wellbeing afternoons

Here at the University of Leeds, we are acutely aware that teaching is only part of a healthy, engaging university lifestyle. Activities which contribute to your wellbeing are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Wellbeing Afternoons.

These afternoons are a period of time with as much teaching as possible removed to give you the chance to pursue your passions. This may be a competitive sport for the university, a social sporting activity, or indeed any activity which contributes to positive mental health. We want your degree to be as flexible as possible so that you can make the most of your time here with us.

Modules

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences in the course catalogue.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Team-Based Solutions for Local Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be provided with the opportunity to address a current human health-related challenge in a facilitated team-based environment. You'll develop the core skills necessary to tackle challenges whilst working in interdisciplinary groups. Challenges tackled and skills gained will compliment taught content in other first-year modules..

Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the key skills essential for scientific research in the field of sports and exercise science. This includes hands-on practical application in a clinical setting, in a laboratory and out in the field, as well as skills that support activities including research design, hypothesis testing and data analysis.

Structure and Function of Human Body Systems (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning the structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. You'll also discover how the environment, exercise and disease can disturb these core systems, and the underpinning physiology.

Introductory Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning the four key disciplines of sport and Exercise science: biomechanics, physiology, motor control, and psychology. You’ll also cover principles of experimental measurements and testing.

Evidence Based Reports (Assessment) (30 credits) - This module will assess how well you explain connections between different concepts explored in the course, such as homeostasis, the impact of disease on physiological systems, and sensory and motor control. You'll also explain how our skills are developed through exercise and training, and how these skills are affected by psychological processes.

Application of Knowledge (Assessment) (30 credits) - This module will assess your explanation of multiple physiological concepts, including physiological responses in the context of exercise and training, the link between physiology and psychology and how we explain metabolic responses.

Optional modules

20 credits from the following, at least one module from the list

List 1

Elements of Human Nutrition (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the underpinning physiological processes that govern health such as nutrient function and metabolism, dietary intakes and food sources, deficiency diseases and nutritional requirements. You’ll apply nutritional recommendations within the context of health and special populations.

Biology of the Mind (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research.

Leadership and Teams (10 credits) - You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of teams and how different styles of leadership affect the experience and outcomes through participating in a variety of outdoor activities and team building games. You’ll observe others in leadership positions, with the goal of relating this to future goals.

If only one module is selected from list 1, choose an optional module from list 2

List 2

Supporting the Injured Athlete (10 credits) - You’ll be given the opportunity to explore the principles of rehabilitation along with the key skills required to operate as a supporting specialist to performance sport. You’ll cover the foundation of supporting and rehabilitating injured athletes and be given an insight into working as a strength and conditioning coach.

Introduction to Sports Analytics (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with an introduction to the use of analytics in elite sports. A key theme is the difference between analytics in invasion-territorial team sports and striking-and-fielding team sports. The analytical methods covered include exploratory data analysis, win-loss analysis, correlation and regression analysis, and win-contribution analysis.

Introduction to the Physical Activity and Exercise Industries (10 credits) - You'll critically explore the UK physical activity and exercise industries, including current policies, strategies and the challenges for profession. You'll develop a deeper understanding of personal experiences and critical skills through looking at the industry, its professional development and the role it plays in government strategies.

Discovery Module (10 credits) - Discovery modules give you the opportunity to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability outside of your main subject area through developing a specific skill or pursuing a personal interest.

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

Experimental Skills in Sports and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) – In teams, you'll plan and execute various practical activities, including lab experiments, field projects and computational work. You'll explore experimental design principles; hypothesis testing and enhance data evaluation skills using statistical methods. Emphasis will be on communicating experimental findings through written reports and other formats.

Advanced Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (40 credits) – This module introduces advanced concepts underpinning the study of Human Physiology, Physical Activity and Health. This will include cardiac, circulatory and respiratory physiology, effects of disease, impact exercise has on these systems and how this might affect sporting performance. Students will also cover biomechanics and how the body is influenced when exercising to the limit, alongside developing an understanding of muscle function and also motor learning. This content builds on topics covered in year 1 of the programme

Applied Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to advanced concepts underpinning the study of human physiology, physical activity and health. This includes cardiac, circulatory and respiratory physiology and the impact exercise has on these systems. You’ll also cover biomechanics and explore how the body is influenced when exercising to the limit.

Team-Based Solutions to Global Challenges in Human Science (20 credits) –  In line with key UN sustainability goals (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Sustainability (leeds.ac.uk), you’ll build skills in knowledge application, analysis and scientific data presentation. Working as a team you’ll research and create biomedical solutions to a global grand challenge, developing key academic and professional skills. This includes the critical analysis of research papers, communication, team-working, planning, organisation, and negotiation.

Optional modules

Candidates study up to 10 credits from the following list of optional modules:

Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (10 credits) - This module explores how physical activity is defined as well as recommendations for different populations by various health bodies. You'll look at wearables and other technologies and consider how physical activity can be promoted for specific populations.

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease (10 credits) - You’ll consider various conditions or diseases in relation to nutrition and diet, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, osteoporosis, the immune system and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Teaching and Coaching Young People (10 credits) - This module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of working with children in a physical education and a sport environment. You’ll consider the difference in pedagogy between teaching and coaching and how each approach can get the best out of children aged 5-19 years.

Event Management (10 credits) - You'll engage in the complete event management cycle, from design and planning to delivery and evaluation. You'll explore key principles and apply them practically. A key element of the module is each student’s personal development through their interaction with the content and through the planning, delivery and evaluation of an event.

Sports Development and Management (10 credits) - You’ll critically explore the sporting landscape in the UK and examine how the UK government uses sport to contribute to the development of society. You’ll explore the current challenges facing the strategies and interventions for sport and physical activity, as well as considering the issues facing us as we approach a transhuman possibility.

Introduction to Stregth and Conditioning (10 credits) - You’ll learn the fundamental principles of strength and conditioning coaching and how it’s an integral part of the performance sport support service. You’ll gain exposure to the theoretical knowledge and practical skills which underpin the practice of a strength and conditioning coach and explore how these competencies can be used for career development.

Skills in Communicating Research (10 credits) - You’ll be equipped with key skills which will make you competitive, and help you succeed in the global research and employment market. You'll be able to design and effectively implement activities to communicate research to a general audience. Skills covered will include an overview of aims and purposes of engaging a wider audience.

Emerging Leaders (10 credits) - This module will provide you with a range of opportunities to test your leadership credentials in a practical setting. You’ll practically apply and assess your leadership skill and learn how effective leaders operate.

Supporting the Injured Athlete (10 credits) - You’ll explore the principles of rehabilitation along with the key skills and attributes needed to operate as a supporting specialist to performance sport. You’ll explore practical techniques used for rehabilitation and practice in producing a plan for rehabilitation of an injured athlete.

Year 3

Compulsory Modules

Capstone Research Project (40 credits) – You’ll design and undertake, either individually or as part of a team, an extended enquiry-based project in an area or topic relevant to the biomedical sciences. Previous projects have included:

• The Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phase on the Airway Response to Exercise in Females with and without Asthma (laboratory-based)
• Exploring the interplay of automatic processes, depression and exercise habits, to aid with the development of future exercise interventions (fieldwork)
• Mountain Biking as a Novel Exercise Intervention
• Addressing Core and Functional Symptoms and Redirecting Risk-taking Behaviours in adolescent ADHD cohorts (Consultancy)

Specialised Topics in Sport and Exercise Sciences I (20 credits) – You’ll have the opportunity to build your knowledge of research in specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. It will introduce you to a range of research topics in the broad field of biomedical sciences and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information.

Specialised Topics in Sport and Exercise Sciences II (20 credits) – You’ll build your knowledge of research specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. You’ll be introduced to a range of research topics in the sport and exercise sciences, and the broader biomedical sciences, and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information.

Advanced Skills (20 credits) – You’ll attend a series of compulsory and optional units designed to provide scaffolding and support for your capstone research experience. This will develop and utilise your research and employability skills required both for the capstone project and for the workplace.

Learning and teaching

At Leeds, we take a student-centred approach to learning. Our teaching is designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches that include creative problem-solving, team-work activities and mini-projects.

We place a high value on practical teaching and so a core part of your teaching will focus on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills.

Independent study is an important part of university learning, and you'll be expected to undertake private study. We will support you in becoming independent learners through our teaching approaches and through regular meetings with your personal tutor who is there to advise you academically.

We use a range of digital tools to enhance your learning. Through our Minerva learning management system, you'll be able to access our extensive library of online materials. In the classroom, educators use a variety of interactive digital tools to help you learn through discussion and debate. Laboratory practicals are accompanied by detailed online preparation guides and use of electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure you get the most out of your time and develop workplace skills.

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

Assessment on the course is a mix of coursework and exams. A portfolio of assessment approaches are used including authentic assessments which aim to develop the personal and professional skills required in the workplace. These include:

• writing laboratory or other reports
• grant applications
• oral presentations
• poster presentations
• reflective accounts and portfolios
• data analysis and problem solving.

Communicating science to a wider audience is a key skill. In some circumstances there may be a choice of assessment piece to make it more relevant, meaningful and engaging for you.

Assessments in the School are prepared in a fair and inclusive manner adhering to relevant and up to date guidance.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

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), the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) or Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you’re taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example A in one of the above qualifications with ABB at A-level (BSc applicants).

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

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.

• Access to HE Diploma

  BSc:
  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at 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 also have at least one science or psychology at A-level.

  Applicants with the BTEC Extended Certificate qualification must have at least 2 A-Levels; 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/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: 31 overall with 6,6,5 at higher level including a science or Sports, Exercise and Health Science.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  BSc: H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including H2 science (biology, mathematics, physics or chemistry).

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BSc: Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with 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.

  Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  BSc: AAB

  Including a science subject or both psychology and Sports Science/PE in place of a science. General studies, critical thinking and Advanced Skills 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.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

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

Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course.

Find out more about the Interdisciplinary Science Foundation Year.

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 guidance

Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Application process

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

Interviews

Except for those courses detailed below, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £32,250 (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

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of practical and transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. We aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. Graduates of our Sports and Exercise Sciences course have entered a wide variety of careers including:

• Academic research
• Teaching
• Coaching
• Football analyst
• Physiotherapy
• Sports development
• Medical communications
• Data Science

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 a variety of 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.

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 numerous additional opportunities in addition to volunteering and placements. This includes 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. The fair is an amazing opportunity for you to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield, and NHS Ecological consultancies. You will be able to speak to alumni, attend workshops and more.

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.

Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.

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.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.