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students doing a group exercise in the labs TEF 2023 Silver logo

Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons)

  • Intro
  • Entry
    criteria
  • Course
    content
  • Careers
  • Fees
    and costs
  • Location and
    student life
  • Stay in
    touch
  • Related
    courses

Intro

Sport and exercise scientists use their knowledge of how the human body responds to physical activity, exercise and training to enhance performance and improve health.

Our Sport and Exercise Science degree was one of the first in the UK and offers plenty of practical experience in our labs, working with clients and on placement. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of physiology, psychology, anatomy and biomechanics and how to apply it to real-world situations.

At the end of year 1 you can choose a specialist subject that complements your degree or carry on with the broader sport and exercise science degree.  

  • Sport and Exercise Science with PE BSc(Hons)

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

UCAS code C600

Full-time 3 years

Endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES)

What are my next steps?

Open days are the best way to find out about your course, the campus where you'll be based, and get a feel for the University of Brighton.

Book your place: Falmer campus open day 27 and 28 June

Or if you're ready, apply now with UCAS for 2025

Open days are the best way to find out about your course, the campus where you'll be based, and get a feel for the University of Brighton.

Book your place: Falmer campus open day 27 and 28 June

Access our digital prospectus for 2026

  • 8th in the UK for sport science courses – Guardian University Guide 2025.

  • 7th in the UK for sport science graduate prospects – Complete University Guide 2025.

  • 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for sport courses quality – Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

  • UK top 10% for graduate earnings in sport and exercise science three years after graduating – Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2024.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DDM–DMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

Applicants studying a mixture of A-levels and BTEC will be made offers based on the above grades.

International Baccalaureate
30 points, with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at distinction and 21 credits at merit or above.

T-level
Merit in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T-level. Other T-levels are not accepted.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Contextual admissions

At Brighton, we understand that not everyone has the same opportunities, and some may face extra challenges to meet grade requirements. If you meet our contextual admissions criteria, we’ll make you an offer of at least two grades or 16 UCAS tariff points lower than the standard for your course. Find out about contextual admissions at Brighton.

With a contextual offer, you may also qualify for extra financial support through our Brighton Boost cost of living package. Find out about the Brighton Boost.

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

In sport and exercise sciences, leisure and tourism, 100% of our research impact is assessed as outstanding or very considerable in terms of its reach and significance in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Course content

Top reasons to choose this course

  • Endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) – the UK’s professional body.
  • Sport courses at Brighton have received the 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for quality from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). 
  • Practical hands-on experience in our sport science labs.
  • Work with clients throughout your course plus a work placement opportunity to gain professional experience.
  • Choice of option modules to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations.
  • Learn with experts and innovative researchers.
  • Opportunity to specialise in PE for those considering a teaching career.
  • 8th in the UK for sport science courses – Guardian University Guide 2025.
student being fitted with a sensor

 Course structure 

The theoretical aspect of the course has a strong scientific and mathematical underpinning. Learning in small classes throughout the course, you will apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems in sport or exercise contexts.

The first year of the course consists of six core modules and will give you a thorough introductory grounding, covering aspects of physiology, psychology, anatomy, biomechanics and study skills.

In the second year, you will further explore these areas and look at research methods in preparation for your final year dissertation. You will choose option modules so you can tailor the course to your interests. Around a third of your second year is made up of option modules.

In your final year, you will complete a dissertation, three option modules and the Personal and Professional Development module which includes a professional placement. For your dissertation, you’ll be in control of your own study and look at aspects of sport and exercise science in the wider world. 

Depending on option modules that you choose, you will graduate with Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons) or Sport and Exercise Science with PE BSc(Hons).

 student in a bath

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, we will inform you of any improvements or innovations to the curriculum through Student View.

Year 1

On this programme you will study both sport science and exercise and health science throughout the three years of your course.

Modules

  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Fundamental Biomechanics

    This module will outline fundamental musculoskeletal anatomy and links it to the mechanical principles which govern movement of the body. You will study the language of anatomy and human movement, the form and function of the skeleton, muscle, bone and articulations. Methods of qualitatively and quantitatively describing motion will be introduced as will the relationships between the force applied to a body and the motion that it experiences.

  • Foundations of Physiology for Sport and Exercise

    This module will introduce fundamental principles and systems of physiology with regard to maturation, gender and health state. You will learn how these are researched in the laboratory and field in relation to exercise, sport and health, and will develop practical laboratory techniques to collect, interpret and disseminate physiological data.

  • Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology

    This module will provide the foundation in sport and exercise psychology essential for future physical educators, sport and exercise scientists or leisure employees. You will examine such factors as how and why people participate in activities and the psychological factors that influence successful participation. You’ll also gain an understanding of the cognitive processes involved in learning and skilled performance. This in turn, aids your understanding of successful teaching, coaching and applied sport psychology techniques.

  • The Scientific Study of Sport and Exercise

    This module will provide you with basic skills in critical analysis, interpretation and analysis of numerical data, and research methods, which are fundamental for a sport and exercise science graduate.

  • Sport, the Body and Society

    This module will give you an insight into a range of social issues connected to the sporting body. It will introduce you to socio-cultural theories and concepts about the body and sport. This is done through a variety of case studies and topic areas that you will explore through an active and engaged problem-solving pedagogy. You will be encouraged to reflect on taken-for-granted behaviours and experiences in sport to enable you to develop your own social scientific approach to understanding the sporting body.

  • Integrated and Applied Studies

    This module introduces the fundamental theories and principles of exercise-based interventions and strategies to improve health, wellbeing and performance. You will develop an understanding of the challenges to health, wellbeing or performance and exercise interventions. You'll explore the importance of professional and personal development, and develop your employability skills.

stUdent on a moving bed

Year 2

Modules

Core modules

  • Data Analysis and Research Methods

    Data Analysis and Research Methods will give you the tools to conduct your own independent research in the field of sport and exercise science. There is a significant data analysis component to this module, which builds upon the first-year research-based module. The module integrates this information with the other study skills necessary to complete an undergraduate dissertation, including quantitative and qualitative design, methods and interpretation of results.

  • Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

    This module focuses on the function of biological systems (physiology) during sport and exercise. It will expand your knowledge by exploring the organisation, regulation, adjustment and integration of physiological systems as they apply to different exercise forms, intensities and populations. There will be a strong laboratory focus to help you understand theory and develop laboratory skills.

  • Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise

    This module aims to develop the use of movement analyses to aid sport and exercise performance and reduce the likelihood of injury. It will provide you with a basic knowledge of mechanical principles and the mechanical characteristics of bone, cartilage, ligament and tendon to help you understand the critical features of sport and exercise movements. It will also introduce you to the mechanisms of injury.

  • Sport and Exercise Psychology

    This module focuses on developing your understanding of selected theoretical aspects of sport and exercise psychology and their relevance to practitioners. It covers areas including group dynamics in sport and exercise settings; the psychological effects of taking part in sport and exercise; factors of sport and exercise participation and performance; and skill acquisition and development of expertise.

Options*

  • Practical Performance

    Practical Performance will help you develop an understanding of the principles and concepts of two areas of practical study that you choose. The key areas of focus will include the development of individual techniques and skills as applied to theoretical principles of performance in your chosen areas. The module will include the evaluation of coaching/teaching methods and practice.

  • Creating a Positive Teaching and Learning Environment

    This module will introduce you to aspects of behaviour management within a school context. You will examine factors influencing pupil behaviour and strategies that may be employed by the teacher/support staff to help a child approach schooling in a more positive way. Topics will include expectations in the classroom, school and national behaviour policies, pupil motivation, special categories of pupils with behaviour problems, and theoretical approaches and their practical application to classroom management.

  • Primary Physical Education: Theory and practice of teaching KS1 and KS2 PE

    This module explores the teaching of primary PE, focusing on understanding child development and motor skill acquisition to plan and deliver appropriate physical activities. It will involve the application of theory to practical contexts and help you develop teaching methods and practice to ensure that learning in and through PE is maximised alongside addressing health, body awareness, development of positive attitudes and self-confidence.

  • Performance in Environmental Extremes

    This module will expand your knowledge and understanding of how environmental extremes can influence the human body’s responses, performance and ability to adapt. You will study aspects of the environment such as thermal stress, altitude and hyperbaric exposure, travelling athlete, air quality and microgravity, with an emphasis on application to sports performance.

  • Exercise Referral and Rehabilitation

    Exercise Referral and Rehabilitation will teach you the knowledge and skills required to design and deliver exercise programmes to prevent and manage chronic disease and health conditions. It will explore behaviour change theory and motivational strategies to increase adherence in exercise referral and rehabilitation programmes. The module will incorporate practical experience of exercise referral and rehabilitation programmes to develop your employability skills and career pathways.

  • Performance Assessment and Training Prescription in Strength and Conditioning

    An essential skill for strength and conditioning coaches is the ability to reliably assess the physical performance of clients and communicate the results and their implications. This module teaches you how to conduct a variety of valid and reliable functional movement screening and field-based fitness assessment techniques and develop an appreciation of the corrective exercises required for improvement.

  • Performance Analysis

    In this module you will explore the theories behind effective performance analysis and develop your skills in practice. You will study key aspects of the performance analysis process related to technical, tactical and time-motion analysis within individual and team sports. To individualise the physiological and physical demands of sport, you will also be introduced to field-based fitness tests.

  • Nutrition for Physical Activity

    Proper nutrition is the basis for physical performance and provides the essential elements to synthesise and maintain tissues and energy; poor nutrition can impair exercise performance and lead to health-related problems. In this module, you will study the nutritional facts, concepts and dietary guidelines that underpin physical performance and health.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

student on a bike having his blood taken

Final year

 

Modules

Core modules

  • Dissertation

    This module builds on the research skills you have already developed and gives you the opportunity to design and conduct a detailed research investigation into an issue of your choice which will be assessed by a written dissertation. Taught content covers ethical considerations, reviewing the literature, refining research questions, methods and data analysis in relation to disciplines within Sport Science, Exercise Science or Coaching Science.

  • Personal and Professional Development

    In the Personal and Professional Development module you will gain practical experience in sport or exercise professional environments. You will integrate theory and practice in the disciplines of sport and exercise science or related areas, for example coaching, health promotion and performance analysis. You’ll explore the skills, knowledge and ability required to fulfil specific roles and develop your profile for future employment.

Options*

  • Physical Education in the 14–16 curriculum

    This module identifies the principles underpinning the development of Physical Education (PE) curriculum design at Key Stage 4 and introduces the different academic and vocational routes available to you. It will expand your knowledge of the structure and content of 14-16 PE, including the understanding and delivery of key theoretical areas such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and contemporary Issues within accredited PE.

  • Education Studies 3: Inclusive Practice

    Issues of inclusion and exclusion in education will be examined in this module to help you learn how to work with various groups of children to promote inclusive practice. You will look at education legislation relating to provision for children with a variety of needs and study adapted physical activities which may be used when teaching children who have physical, social and emotional needs and those who have English as an additional language.

  • Advanced Strength Coaching

    This module will help develop your ability to deliver advanced strength coaching through safe, individualised and appropriate training techniques and methodologies. The content will cover technical models and strategies to coach running mechanics, change of direction, plyometrics, agility, weight training and endurance training.

  • Sports Nutrition

    Focusing on the role of nutrition in sports performance, this module will look at substrate metabolism – the body’s choice of fuel for exercise; the nutrition of carbohydrate, fat and fluids and how these can influence performance; the effects and mechanisms of specific performance-enhancing aids and the methodological considerations for evaluating these. You will also study areas including macronutrients and performance, hydration and performance and recovery nutrition.

  • Applied Sport Psychology

    This module is concerned with the practical application of theory and research in sport psychology. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the psychological parameters associated with individual and team performance and will learn intervention strategies for athletes and sports teams. The module will cover team planning and effectiveness, cohesion and leadership, developing team effectiveness through team building, self-confidence, concentration and emotional control.

  • Physiological Aspects of Exercise, Nutrition and Health

    In this module you will explore the interrelationship between exercise, nutrition and health, examining in depth the physiological mechanisms that underpin fitness, health and nutrition. You will build upon your previous knowledge of physiological systems and apply this to the field of health and wellbeing. Topics covered include the causes of atherosclerosis and CHD, hypertension, obesity and diabetes and the effects of nutrition on the development of these disorders.

  • Injury and Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise

    The causes of injury in sport and exercise can be complex, but injury ultimately involves the mechanical failure of a biological material. This module will give you an understanding of stress and strain responses of biological materials, along with the physiological and mechanical causes and assessment of injury examples. You will also explore the concepts relating to injury prevention and rehabilitation.

  • Expedition Physiology

    Exercise can cause substantial stress which is exacerbated when performed in extreme environmental conditions. This module will consider some extreme environments, discuss how humans survive in the wilderness and look at how to offer practical advice for dealing with these conditions. At the end of the module, you will undertake an expedition that draws together many of the theoretical concepts and practical skills you will have learnt.

  • Exercise and the Brain

    If you are interested in sports therapy, physiotherapy, skill acquisition or neuroscience, this module is for you. It covers four topics: acute effects of exercise on the brain; exercise and neurodegenerative diseases; the control of gait and cyclical actions; and imagery and neurorehabilitation. You’ll develop an understanding of exercise-based interventions to improve function; provide evidence on their effectiveness; and demonstrate the laboratory techniques used to investigate them. You will also examine contemporary research.

  • Physical Practical Activity 1

    On this module you'll focus on further developing your understanding of the techniques and skills of effective performance. You'll analyse and evaluate coaching and teaching methods, and apply them to two different practical activities.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

 

student on running machine in the labs

Specialise in physical education

At the end of your first year, you can carry on with your Sport and Exercise Science degree for a broad view of the subject along with your choice of option modules or choose to specialise in sport and exercise science combined with physical education.

Choosing to specialise means that your core modules and options focus on the subject that you choose, and you’ll graduate with that subject in your degree title.

Sport and Exercise Science with PE is designed for students on sports courses at university who wish to go on to qualify as a teacher after graduation. You will study practical activity modules from our wide range of options and your dissertation will focus on PE. Practical modules offered include gymnastics and swimming, and martial arts and combat sports.

students climbing ropes in the sports hall

Facilities

As a Brighton student you’ll use our sport science facilities which include:

  • biochemistry lab
  • biomechanical lab with running track and 3D motion analysis
  • blood analysis lab
  • data analysis room
  • exercise rehabilitation gym
  • kinanthropometry lab
  • neuromuscular lab housing our isokinetic dynamometers
  • psychology lab
  • physiology lab
  • research lab
  • strength and conditioning suite
  • environmental physiology lab which houses a dual temperature and hypoxic environmental chamber
  • VR screen room with Igloo 210 screen.

You may also use our extensive Falmer campus sport facilities as part of your studies. These include outdoor grass football pitches, floodlit synthetic pitches and courts, indoor swimming pool, large fitness suite and sports hall with netball, volleyball, basketball and badminton courts, and cricket nets.

You can view our facilities when you visit us. You can also get a feel for them by watching the short video and checking out our Falmer campus information.

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the playlist on YouTube.

 Take a tour of our labs with technician Bill.

Meet the team

Dr Mark Hayes, course leader
Dr Mark Hayes is a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science teaching predominantly in the areas of exercise and environmental physiology at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Mark’s research examines human tolerance to environmental extremes in performance and occupational settings, optimising performance in extreme environments, and how health can be improved using environmental stimuli.

Mark provides consultancy services for product testing and also supports a range of athletes in their preparation for events ranging from the Marathon Des Sables to Polar expeditions.

Read more about Mark.

Mark Hayes

Other members of the teaching team:

  • Dr Martin Bailey
  • Dr Louisa Beale
  • Dr Gary Brickley
  • Dr Jeanne Dekerle
  • Bill Filby
  • Dr Ifigenia Giannopoulou
  • Rob Harley
  • Dan Howells
  • Dr Neil Maxwell
  • Stuart Mills
  • Dr Nick Smeeton

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you’ll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports Scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about Sport Scholarships.

A group of people throwing frisbees

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  • 95% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after their degree – Graduate Outcomes Survey

Careers

Accreditation 

Our course is endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) – the UK’s professional body.

The CASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (CUES) accreditation means that our course will provide you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills that CASES considers essential to enter the profession. It will demonstrate to future employers, who are looking to acquire the best sport and exercise scientists, that you are well prepared.

As an endorsed course, our programme:

  • has been assured in recognition of a robust and rounded curriculum and appropriate resources for training sport and exercise scientists.
  • will provide you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies deemed essential to enter into the sport and exercise science profession.
  • covers the three sub-disciplines of sport and exercise science – physiology, biomechanics and psychology – in sufficient depth, as well as covering interdisciplinary approaches.
  • has good laboratory facilities to ensure that you get hands-on experience in the methods used by practising sport and exercise scientists.
  • is taught by staff with appropriate qualifications, expertise and professional body accreditation, including those accredited by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES).

Sport courses at Brighton have received the 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for quality from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

CASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme logo

Where your degree could take you

Our Sport and Exercise Science BSc degree provides an excellent platform to launch your career in areas related to health and sports performance.

It can open up opportunities in sports governing bodies, health promotion and professional sport.  

Jobs could include: 

  • cardiac or respiratory physiologist 
  • performance analyst 
  • strength and conditioning coach 
  • health promotion specialist
  • high performance exercise physiologist 
  • exercise referral specialist 
  • sport and exercise nutritionist
  • high performance sport psychologist.

You will also be well prepared for postgraduate study and research.

Our graduates are working in many roles, including:

  • technical director for the English Institute of Sport
  • head of physiology for the English Institute of Sport
  • national development manager for England Netball
  • sport psychologist for British Rowing
  • Olympic sports physiologist for BBC Born to Win
  • applied physiologist for Canadian Olympic Team
  • altitude physiologist for British Athletes
  • sports physiologist for British Rowing
  • physiotherapist at Norwich City FC
  • endurance physiologist for British Athletics
  • research fellow for the Ministry of Defence
  • research fellow on Xtreme Everest Expedition
  • strength and conditioning coaches at elite teams including Arsenal FC and Leicester Tigers RFC, and the English Institute of Sport.

Prepare for your career 

In your career you’ll need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree.

95% of our graduates were in work or further study 15 months after this degree  – Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Core modules will help you develop your understanding of physiology, psychology and biomechanics related to human health and performance. Option modules will help you to specialise in the areas that interest you most and fit with your planned career path.

The core module Data Analysis and Research Methods will enable you to conduct your independent research in the field of sport and exercise science and build skills that include qualitative analysis, experiencing participation in experiments, the ability to critically evaluate published research, an understanding of experimental design and major concepts in experimental research and the ability to interpret results and draw valid conclusions.

The course provides subject knowledge, expertise, opportunities to put what you learn into practice and work-related experience.

You’ll also develop transferable personal skills in teamwork and project and time management that will be valued wherever your career takes you.

Working with other students and our leading sports and exercise science researchers is a big part of your learning experience.

 

Placements 

In your final year, you’ll complete a period of professional experience with one of our partners, including top teams and international sports initiatives. Previous student placements have included:

  • Lawn Tennis Association as a performance analyst
  • Freedom Leisure as a long-term multiple conditions exercise class assistant
  • Sport Brighton in roles including strength and conditioning coach for the Men’s Rugby Union team
  • Chailey Heritage Foundation as an adapted physical activity assistant
  • assistant to a paralympic coach planning training programmes for swimming
  • Eastbourne Borough Football club as assistant physiotherapist
  • Sussex County Cricket Club project
  • Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s Cerebral Palsy team
  • working with local public schools.
student looking through a heat sensor

Work-related experience 

Throughout your course you’ll work on consultancy projects with clients to solve real problems. These projects will help improve your skills and your CV.

Our students have worked on projects including:

  • fire instructor health study
  • Brighton Marathon heart study
  • cancer rehabilitation programme
  • cardiac rehabilitation programme.

Students on these sports courses at university are also helped to set up their own projects, which have included a falls prevention programme in care homes.

students working with cardiac patients

Further study 

This degree opens up a range of postgraduate study options.

At Brighton, you could progress on to one of our sport and exercise postgraduate degrees or one of our other subject areas if you are looking to change course.

You could also apply to study for a one-year PGCE to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or choose to apply for a research degree and join our team of world-leading researchers.

student pushing weights in the S&C suite

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and rediscover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that’s not just while you are a student – our support carries on after you’ve graduated.

Find out more about our Careers Service...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Employable

Professional links 

Our course is accredited by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) – the UK’s professional body.

Sport courses at Brighton have received the 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for quality from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). 

We were one of the first 10 institutions nationally to be selected by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) to become a CIMSPA Higher Education Partner. The partnership acknowledges our commitment to producing graduates with the skill set needed to be deployed straight into the sport and physical activity sector.

The partnership offers many benefits for students studying this course, including substantially discounted CIMSPA student membership. Membership will improve your employability and includes free CPD e-learning, magazines and digital newsletters, networking opportunities and access to graduate work placements, volunteering, internships and job opportunities.

CIMSPA quality assured enhancing logo

 

 

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,535 GBP

International (full-time) 17,250 GBP

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

  • Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
  • Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
  • Student finance and budgeting while studying
  • Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our sport and exercise students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university and check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information.

What's included in your tuition fee

  • In sport courses, UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip takes place, costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
  • For courses with healthcare-based placement settings, DBS checks and occupational health checks, where required, are included in the fees.
  • Course books, magazines and journals are available in the university libraries. You do not need to have your own copies. See the subject area in the library for an up-to-date list of key subject journals and databases.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software on campus – and can borrow a laptop from us if yours is broken or you don’t have a computer at home. Specialist equipment is provided to cover essential learning.

Additional course costs

  • For sports courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
  • You’ll need to budget for printing and stationery for personal study, and books if you decide to buy your own.   
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.   
  • Many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. Students based here study a range of subjects including education studies, teaching, sport and exercise, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions and medicine. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes and the Students’ Union shop and bar.

The campus has extensive sport and leisure facilities including a fitness suite, swimming pool, outdoor grass football and rugby pitches, sports hall, tennis and badminton courts, and dance and spin studios.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources, clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students, and labs and a strength and conditioning suite used by sport students. We’ve recently redeveloped the Falmer campus – learn more about the many facilities our students have access to.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine-minute journey to central Brighton.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you apply for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Falmer

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls offer a range of rooms on our Falmer campus, minutes from your classes, and on the edge of the South Downs.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Falmer campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

student outside the sport and health complex at Falmer

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

One of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world

“Brighton has… all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

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Take a tour of sport facilities on our Falmer campus

Meet our students  

Will Hayler

“I studied Sport and Exercise Science at Brighton between 2017 and 2020. And then following on from that, I did a masters in Sports Physiology and graduated in 2021.  

“I originally chose the University of Brighton because I just really liked the campus and the hands-on nature of the course. I liked the fact that it was very lab-based and the facilities they had on-site were top-level.  

“Being a student at Brighton was brilliant for me. As it was quite a small cohort I felt connected to my lecturers and my fellow students and I felt it allowed me to be confident within any lab-based or practical-based group work.  

“Now I am a performance coach for a private company called Go Perform. In that role I do a mixture of things, a lot of group S&C coaching and physiological testing on a range of different athletes and individuals.  

“What I love about my current job is the fact I get to work with so many different people with different sporting backgrounds. I feel like I can help them achieve the goals that they want to achieve.   

“What I learnt the most at Brighton was probably the lab-based skills that I could take away to my current career. In my job I do a lot of physiological testing; VO2 max tests and lactate threshold tests, those are some skills that I learnt in the undergrad and in the MSc degree that I’ve carried on doing.  

“But it was nice to get that first experience on the course and then slowly build on that as I’ve gone through my career.”

Will Hayler

Harry McCulloch

“Since graduating from the University of Brighton I’ve completed two internships, worked in professional rugby and have now made a career at the top of Women’s football in England. 

“Prior to gaining my BSc in Sport Science I had my eyes set on becoming a strength and conditioning coach but the prospect of attaining a job in elite sport seemed like a significant challenge. I feel the education and support I received whilst studying at the University of Brighton was the perfect foundation to help put me on the path to achieving that goal. 

“Integral to this was the state-of-the-art facilities, access to the high performance gym with motion capture and force plate technology, and most importantly the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff. No amount of studying can make up for the role of a good tutor. 

“I can’t overstate the importance of having people like Rob Harley and Flo Pietzsch with a wealth of experience to draw from to help start my journey.”

Harry McCulloch

Harry is pictured with members of Chelsea FC Women where he works as 1st Team Movement Coach.

Kemal Ismail

“I was on the Sport and Exercise Science programme and graduated in 2014. It being a CASES-accredited course has helped me in a number of ways. It gives a lot more value to the course and the modules that you do, which if you want to do anything in sport will only help you.  

“I thought it was great that they brought in a few speakers from different professions that you can go into. Somebody from Arsenal Football Club came in and spoke about the work that they were doing with the Academy players, and that's what kind of really ignited the thought of ‘yes, that’s what I want to do’.  

“For almost ten years now, I’ve been fortunate enough to work in football across Academy men’s first team and women’s first team football, which have been unbelievable experiences.  

“The roles I’ve had have ranged from Lead Academy Sport Scientist to Head of First Team Sports Science and Medicine to currently Head of Physical, and I will be progressing into a senior S&C role.  

“My time at Brighton taught me a lot about myself, which helped me from a personal perspective to grow, and professionally it’s definitely opened up doors which otherwise would not have been opened. It helped shape the person and the practitioner that I am today.”

Kem Ismail

Sarah Murray

“I’m an H.S.P.C. registered sports psychologist running my own company called Performance Edge working with clients such as the Premier League, the FAI and various high-performance sports spaces.   

“I chose the University of Brighton because I knew that its reputation for Sports Science was one of the best.  

“Although I knew I wanted to pursue a teaching route, I didn’t want to tie myself to any one particular career. Sports Science would give me a flavour across physiology, psychology, social elements, the history of sport, as well as biomechanics.  

“I think the power and strength of the degree is that it can take you anywhere. It just sets you up with so many different skills that you can use in any way possible.   

“What I do now is I work as a sports psychologist with elite athletes and elite performance coaches. One area that I work on is cultural architecture, so thinking about high-performance healthy cultures and how we balance high performance with mental wellbeing. 

“I also work with individuals on how they want to progress within their career, supporting them to perform when they’re out on a pitch, a track or a court, but not at the expense of their mental and physical health.”

Sarah Murray

Adam Chilcott 

“I chose Sport and Exercise Science because I’ve always been interested in sport. Unfortunately, being an actual sports person was never really on the cards and I’ve always had an interest in science and maths.   

“I now work at Brighton & Hove Albion as the Under 15s and Under 16s performance analyst. I work in capturing the footage of games as well as collecting data on the players to help improve performance.   

“I gained a lot of different traits from my studies that have helped me become the analyst I am today. I got a really good technical proficiency using various software, which are the ones I now use within my career line as an analyst.   

“During my studies I had an opportunity film with the Lawn Tennis Association. They approached the university looking for some help for the Wimbledon qualifier tournament and the Roehampton Junior tournament. It gave me the opportunity to go and spend time working in an applied setting using the software we had at the university already.”

Adam Chilcott

Ben Sayers

“I chose Brighton as I was impressed by the facilities on our tour – they were well kitted out and I knew I would get more time in them with a smaller cohort. The heat chamber and the hypoxic chamber were very cool, and we did some great studies as a class in them.

“Uni is fantastic for supplying the knowledge and theoretical know how, but the placement teaches you how to use it and communicate, so they both go hand in hand. The placement was huge for me.

“If you love human performance in any way, shape or form, then I would for sure recommended you undertake a sport science degree. You will discover things you didn’t know you didn’t know, then your love for the industry will snowball with new insights and takes on the various topics.

“The location, the lectures and lecturers, and facilities are world-class. I would seriously recommend this university for anyone who is looking for a complete package.”

Ben continued his studies at Brighton with our MSc in Strength and Conditioning. Since graduating he has worked for Wycombe Wanderers FC as physical performance and preparation coach.

Ben Sayer sport science graduate

Amy Davies

“The flexibility of my degree is what first attracted me to it. There are choice modules in which you can pick which topics interest you the most and therefore could lead to a possible career pathway. This benefited me as, like most of my peers starting university, I was not quite sure about the career in which I would like to work in.

“The staff are all extremely passionate about what their individual field of sport and exercise science. The practical session and lab sessions allow you to really get to know the staff, much more than just the lectures alone. The staff are always keen to answer questions and to tell you that there is no such thing as a silly question, because it is likely that you are not the only person in the room that may be thinking it!

“In the final year of my course there is a compulsory placement module in which we complete 50 hours of voluntary work experience. The freedom in which this module allows us to choose a placement in an industry of our choice means it is a great experience. We can contact the careers service to find out what placement may be most beneficial for the role we are looking to apply for upon graduation.

“There are many opportunities to get real-life, practical experience at Brighton, which makes it stand out against other universities which may not offer this invaluable hands-on experience.”

Amy Davis PE with QTS student

Dom Mitchell

“I studied Sport and Exercise Science at bachelors level, and then Applied Sports Physiology at masters level. I chose the course because I loved sport and wanted to pick something that I both enjoy and want to do.  

“Practical experience at the university really helped me. I’m proud of all the tests and lab work that we did where you’re looking at different protocols and different equipment and how to convey that information to a participant.   

“What I do now is called respiratory physiology. So it’s about how healthy your lungs are by looking at airflow through your airways and how efficient your lungs are. The thing I really love about it is the patients and the people. You hear so many different stories in the day and meet some interesting people.   

“Soon I’m hopefully transitioning more into a team leader role where I’ll step away from the clinical work and more management instead of practice.   

“My time at Brighton has really helped my career. Certainly, without my degrees, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now.”

Dom Mitchell

Stay in touch

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on its website.

Course specification

Course specifications are the approved description of each course. They contain a breakdown of the content and structure of the course, learning outcomes and assessment. Course specs are updated following course changes.

Course specification

Related courses 7 courses

  • Sport Management BSc(Hons)

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  • Exercise, Health and Rehabilitation Science BSc(Hons)

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  • Sport Coaching BSc(Hons)

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  • Strength and Conditioning BSc(Hons)

    Read more

  • Sports Journalism BA(Hons)

    Read more

  • Physical Education BA(Hons) with QTS

    Read more

  • Physiotherapy BSc(Hons)

    Read more

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