Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons)

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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.
• Work placement opportunities enable you to gain professional experience and make industry contacts.
• 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.

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).

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. You will cover areas including critical writing for essays; oral/written presentation; reviewing the literature and setting your research question; foundations of qualitative research methods; and designing your experiment.

• Sport, the Body and Society

  This module will give you an insight into the social issues connected to the sporting body. It will introduce you to socio-cultural theories and concepts about the body and sport through a variety of case studies and topic areas you’ll explore using an active, problem-solving learning process. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on taken-for-granted behaviours and experiences in sport so you can develop your own social scientific approach to understanding the sporting body.

• Integrated and Applied Studies

  You will explore the fundamental theories and principles of exercise-based interventions and strategies to improve health, wellbeing and performance. Areas covered include motivation, adherence and behaviour change; interventions such as nutrition, resistance training and alternative exercise modes; the importance of personal and professional development and the growth of soft skills; reflection and models of reflective practice; and theories and techniques of effective communication.

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.

Placements

Spend a year on placement

Gain valuable experience and earn money during an optional placement year following year 2. You’ll return to the final year of your degree with added confidence, additional real-world experience and valuable contacts. 

A placement year significantly improves your CV, giving you a distinct advantage over others when applying for jobs and starting your career. It will also help you to develop the softer skills such as communication and teamwork.  

Our dedicated Placements and Employability team will support you in getting a placement that aligns with your interests and career ambitions.  

They can help with CVs and cover letter writing, applications, online testing and more. Plus, they’ll provide support and guidance when you’re on placement and make sure that everything is going well. 

Other placement opportunities

In your final year, you’ll complete a period of professional experience (approximately 50 hours) through the Personal and Professional Development module. We have links with many organisations including top teams and international sports initiatives. Recent student placements have included: 

• performance analyst at the Lawn Tennis Association

• long-term multiple conditions exercise class assistant at Freedom Leisure

• strength and conditioning coach for the Men’s Rugby Union team (Sport Brighton)

• adapted physical activity assistant at Chailey Heritage Foundation

• assistant to a paralympic coach, planning training programmes for swimming

• assistant physiotherapist at Eastbourne Borough Football Club

• Sussex County Cricket Club project

• working with Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s Cerebral Palsy team

• working with local public schools.

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

  You will focus on further developing your understanding of the techniques and skills required for effective performance during this module. You’ll analyse and evaluate coaching and teaching methods, and apply them to two different practical activities. The module includes student-led teaching and coaching sessions.

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

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.

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.

 Take a tour of our labs with technician Bill.

Meet the team

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 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 about sport scholarships.

Brighton Cricket Academy

Develop your cricketing skills in the UK’s largest indoor cricket facility alongside studying for a degree. Whether you can already play or you’re new to the game offers the opportunity to train with top coaches in our world-class training environment. 

Find out about the Brighton Cricket Academy.

Course fees

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.

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