Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons)

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 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 and four option modules. 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. Options make up around two thirds of the final year and you may choose to complete a professional placement.

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).

Find out all the latest news on our sport and exercise science degree course, students, staff and research.

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.

Year 2

During year you'll decide whether to follow the Sport and Exercise Science degree, or to specialise further on the Sport and Exercise with PE pathway. Your choice will determine which option modules are available to you.

Core modules – both pathways

• Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Data Analysis and Research Methods

Sport and Exercise Science Degree options*

• Nutrition for Physical Activity
• Performance in Environmental Extremes
• Sport Psychology in Action
• Exercise Referral and Rehabilitation
• Performance Assessment and Training Prescription in Strength and Conditioning
• Performance Analysis
• Sport for Development and Peace
• Globalisation and Sport
• Practical Performance
• Teaching Physical Education
• Games

Sport and Exercise Science with PE options*
This pathway 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.

• Pedagogy and Practice in Physical Education and Sport
• Nutrition for Physical Activity
• Primary Physical Education: Theory and Practice of Teaching KS1 and KS2 PE
• Teaching Physical Education
• Games
• Creating a Positive Teaching and Learning Environment
• Practical Performance

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

Final year

Core modules – both pathways

• Dissertation
• Personal and Professional Development

Sport and Exercise Science pathway options*

• Applied Sport Psychology
• Applied Exercise and Health Psychology
• Physiological Aspects of Exercise, Nutrition and Health
• Science of Physical Training/Study of Physical Training
• Injury and Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise Science
• Expedition Physiology
• Advanced Strength and Conditioning
• Advanced Performance Analysis
• Exercise Science and the Brain
• Sports Nutrition
• Food Biochemistry and Functionality
• Critical Social Issues in Sport
• Sport Business Entrepreneurship
• Theorising Critical Issues in Sport
• Level 6 Practical Activity

Sport and Exercise Science with PE pathway options*

One from:

• Education Studies 3: Inclusive Practice
• Physical Education and the National Agenda
• Physical Education in the 14–19 Curriculum
• Physical Education in the 14–16 Curriculum
• Level 6 Practical Activity
• Primary Physical Education: Active Learning in the Primary Setting

Two from:

• Applied Sport Psychology
• Applied Exercise and Health Psychology
• Physiological Aspects of Exercise, Nutrition and Health
• Science of Physical Training and Performance/The Study of Physical Training
• Injury and Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise Science
• Expedition Physiology
• Advanced Strength and Conditioning
• Advanced Performance Analysis
• Exercise Science and the Brain
• Sports Nutrition

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

Facilities

From September 2024 this course will be taught at our Brighton, Falmer campus. The Falmer campus is being redesigned, renovated and upgraded and will have lots of new facilities for sport and health science students.

Our laboratories are equipped with the latest modern facilities, accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). These world-class facilities include a -10 to +50°C hot-cold chamber, an altitude/hypoxic chamber that rises to the equivalent of 5,500m, as well as 3D motion analysis, ground reaction force plates, a DXA bone scanner, exercise physiology laboratories, biomechanics laboratories and three biochemistry laboratories.

You will be encouraged to access the facilities to build your lab skills and hands-on experience. Your use of these facilities will be particularly central to your studies in your final year to support your dissertation.

Our laboratories have recently appeared in BBC Horizon, BBC Bang Goes the Theory, BBC South East and Sky TV. They have also been used to test out products for exercising and weight loss and to prepare athletes for the Olympics and Paralympics.

We have recently opened a new teaching and research gym with six Olympic lifting platforms with full Eleiko training equipment, three force platforms, Desmotec isoinertial device, Isokinetic dynamometer, Optojump and a wireless EMG.

Find out more about the facilities available to our sport and exercise students.

Click image to view a virtual tour of some of the labs.

Click image to view a virtual tour of our new teaching and research gym.

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 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.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2023–24.

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

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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