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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

UCAS CODE: C600 (Full-time) or C603 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
Jump to:
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2023

You can also study this course:

Whether your goals are to increase performance of professional sports people, aid talented young players or fight societal issues such as obesity, a sport and exercise science degree from Buckinghamshire New University will help you gain the skills and experience you need to stand out in today’s workplace.

With this British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences (BASES) endorsed degree, you can gain valuable experience using our state-of-the-art facilities and learn about biomechanics, physiology and psychology, graduating with an in-depth knowledge of sport and exercise science.

Pathways

Our Sport and Exercise Science programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big career decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen career.

Make your application to BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science. You'll then choose one of the below pathways after your first year and your final degree award will be the pathway you have chosen.

These pathways are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

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Sport and Exercise Science

What will I study on this pathway?

Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES) our BSc (Hons) Sport and  Exercise Science degree combines underlying scientific principles from the sport science disciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology with the highly practical skills from the more contemporary sports science disciplines of strength and conditioning, nutrition and performance analysis, to help prepare you for a career within the field of sport and exercise science.

You will graduate with BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science.

Strength and conditioning workout
Sport and Exercise Science with Strength and Conditioning

What will I study on this pathway?

Developed in line with the Chartered Institute of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and aligned to Graduate Strength and Conditioning Coach (GSCC) professional standards, this pathway will help develop your knowledge in Strength and Conditioning. Combining scientific principles with practical S&C training methods, you will study a variety of specialisms including exercise physiology, biomechanics, psychology, data analysis, performance analysis, sports injury, rehabilitation and more.

You will graduate with BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning.

Why study this subject?

Sport and exercise science is the application of scientific principles, and research methodology in sport and exercise. You will study the following three core branches of sports science: biomechanics, physiology and sport psychology.

After graduation some of the areas you could work is with members of the public and NHS as an exercise scientist. You can also work in sports teams and with professional athletes and local clubs. When considering your career in sports and exercise science, think about what professional accreditations the industry is looking for, such as The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accreditation.

A popular entry point into sports and exercise science (according to the UK government national careers survey) is a university degree covering the core of biomechanics, physiology and psychology, with professional body accreditation.

Why study at BNU?

Our focus is on improving your employability, helping you gain relevant working experience in sport and exercise science and providing you with an in-depth understanding of the key skills required in the workplace.

Employers today want to see your skills and your work experience. We offer you a chance to get both the skills and the experience and show it off. We do this by giving you the chance to apply your skills wherever possible in simulated real-world environments, using industry standard facilities in the field and in our Human Performance Lab.

This course has been endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK. Graduating with an endorsed degree provides you with a competitive advantage that is recognised nationally and internationally.

Using our partnerships with professional bodies, sports teams, athletes and local schools and colleges we have based your course on what’s needed out in the field today.

The BASES logo which includes the words 'The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences' next to a drawing of a runner

The quality of our links to industry speak for themselves. We’re currently linked with Watford FC, Wycombe Wanderers, Reading Ladies WSL and academy teams, Amateur Swimming Association, British Rowing, GB para-athletes and many community level sports clubs, athletes and local schools.

We’ve made sure our lecturers are actively engaged in a professional practice setting and have many years of professional experience in teaching and industry. We are constantly strengthening relationships with high-performance sports organisations and clinical providers giving you even more opportunity to learn from the real industry leaders.

BNU has an inspired and friendly community of lecturers and support staff. We are here for the student, prioritising the student experience, feedback, self-improvement and the things which make university great.

In this course you’ll learn the foundations of sport and exercise science, as well as having the opportunity to practically apply your new knowledge and skills in professional environments, supporting professional athletes currently at the top of their game.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

What facilities can I use?

Most of our work with you and our professional partners takes place in the Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre. This is where the body can be fully tested and evaluated, using specialist equipment used by sport and exercise scientists in the world of work.

It contains a working clinic and human performance laboratory and the work you will complete here is a step up from your previous studies and helps prepare you for your future career.  

Additionally, the University has a commercially run sports hall and fitness centre giving you the opportunity to learn within a sports centre environment.

The Gateway Gym is on our High Wycombe Campus, with competitive student rates. It contains all you need to gain experience, undertake training, enhance your learning, and develop your fitness levels.

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

Whilst studying with us you will also use our Apps anywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. Apps Anywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course combines underlying scientific theories and practical skills from the sport and exercise science disciplines. We combine principles from classic disciplines like physiology, biomechanics and sports psychology with skills from contemporary ones like strength and conditioning, sports coaching, performance analysis and nutrition.

You’ll be taught by our incredible teaching team through lectures, practical sessions, seminars and workshops. Additionally, you will be using our Human Performance Lab to measure body response and look at adaptations to your training plans, test theories and further your understanding of sports science hands on.

Your work will be assessed through a variety of means such as:

  • presentations
  • portfolio assessments
  • viva’s
  • practical assessments
  • time constrained assessments
  • written work.

Our Sport and Exercise Science programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big career decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen career.

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science Programme Specification

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Open Days

We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.

Book your spot today
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Application Guide

For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between. 

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What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. Find out more.

Sport and Exercise Science Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
The module will prepare you for successful progression into academic study while allowing you to learn about and prepare yourself for employment in the twenty-first century through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
This module enables you to begin developing the Bucks Graduate Attributes associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work.
Delivery of this module is based on ‘confirmation inquiry’ – a foundational level of inquiry geared for developing your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work, relevant to your discipline. You’ll then have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject a...

Read more

This module is designed to allow you to explore the range of specialist subject disciplines in order to make an informed choice of career pathway. You’ll build on your existing generic sports knowledge to facilitate an understanding of the role and contribution of sports disciplines to overall athlete development and performance from grassroots to ...

Read more

Core Modules
Credits
Strength and Conditioning (S&C) is an applied sport science discipline which combines both the art of coaching with the latest sports science research. Gain an insight into the fundamentals of S&C and cover the key concepts, theories and techniques which underpin effective S&C practice.
The human body relies on the interaction of multiple physiological systems, at rest and during exercise. This module will provide an overview of the anatomy and physiology of these systems, and how they interact to preserve homeostasis. The focus will then shift to exercise, and how the studied systems work as an integrated physiological system.
This module will provide a review of the musculoskeletal architecture of the human body. Identifying the roles and functions of the main bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. You’ll consider anatomical functions of movements in the cardinal planes and axis and consider this with regards to the analysis of movement and basic sporting techniques.
This module will introduce you to the concepts of psychology within the context of sport and exercise, considering how psychological constructs such as personality and motivation can impact upon sport and exercise performance, participation, and adherence. You’ll then further explore the impact of cognition and emotion on behaviour.
Designed to introduce you to the principles and practices of academic practice and academic research in the sports domain. You’ll study key areas of empirical research to provide a conceptual understanding of reporting styles, basic methodologies, professional and regulatory codes of practice & analytical techniques applied within sports research.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue www.bnu.ac.uk/oppmodules.

Core Modules
Credits
Exercise physiology is the study of the body's metabolic response to short-term and adaptations to long-term physical activity. This module covers the basics of structured exercise training, physiological testing/monitoring for a range of sports, and how individual bodies are affected by exposure to extreme environments when training within them.
Analyse the key concepts and dominant models of practice within applied sport and performance psychology as well as explore the philosophical, theoretical, and methodological approaches informing the discipline. You’ll be presented with 'applied' problem-based scenarios to challenge your understanding.
This module will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to safely and effectively deliver exercise in a gym-based environment to the general population including those with non-communicable diseases. The module is aligned to CIMSPA and will provide you with the chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications in gym instruction.
This module will provide you with a grounding in how motion can interact to influence overall performance. Consider the mechanical factors which impact both linear and angular movement within sport, reviewing the methods for calculating distance/displacement and subsequent kinematic parameters, before assessing the role of forces in the production ...

Read more

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform applied research of quality and rigour to make a valuable contribution to the sport industry. You’ll study both the conceptual issues and practical considerations through the entire process of research.
Optional Modules
Credits
The module will provide a framework where sports coaches can apply the coaching process and develop techniques to evaluate sports performance, particularly technical and tactical analysis. This will include a review of pertinent scientific elements of training/performance.
The module is designed to provide you with an in-depth explanation of the scientific principles of sports nutrition and an understanding of nutrition as it relates to sport, performance, training and recovery. You’ll consider the macro and micronutrient content of the diets of sports performers and what constitutes a healthy diet.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of the fundamental topics needed to manage projects within a complex and ever-changing environment. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management and gain the essential skills necessary to plan, monitor, control and deliver successful projects...

Read more

This module is designed to enhance your professional and practical skills within the core/sub disciplines of sport and exercise science. You’re required to gain 30hours of fieldwork providing sport and exercise science support, 15hours should be generated from assisting staff/post graduate learners providing physiology, psychology or biomechanics s...

Read more

Optional Modules
Credits
With the graduate employment market becoming increasingly congested many students will consider becoming self-employed within the sector. This module will help prepare you for small business start-up, by developing principles of entrepreneurship, business development and marketing skills.
Gain a critical examination of key psychosocial, emotional and developmental factors which affect children and teenagers in physical education and youth sport settings. The module aims to provide you with practical suggestions for how to create a positive motivational climate as adults working with young people in youth sport or physical education.
This module will consider joint structure and function in relation to common injuries that occur within the sport and exercise environment, go into the properties of different anatomical structures and the impacts of different stress patterns. Furthermore, you’ll study neuromuscular/neurovascular anatomy, as well as biomechanical theory.
Gain an understanding of the scientific principles that underpin the creation and delivery of different training programmes and factors that can affect your success. Learning will include the theory behind training periodisation and investigating the practicalities of different types of programmes, aimed a range of sports and activity levels.
This module will provide you with a theoretical framework for understanding how performers progress from novice to expert performers. During the module, key psychological concepts of learning will be reviewed, following which the biomechanical philosophies that determine, constrain and regulate movement will also be discussed.
This module is designed to introduce you to key concepts, theories and techniques which underpin effective sports injury rehabilitation. You’ll gain a critical understanding of the sports injury process, functional movement screening and exercise rehabilitation of common sporting injuries.
Sport and Exercise Science with Strength and Conditioning Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
The module will prepare you for successful progression into academic study while allowing you to learn about and prepare yourself for employment in the twenty-first century through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
This module enables you to begin developing the Bucks Graduate Attributes associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work.
Delivery of this module is based on ‘confirmation inquiry’ – a foundational level of inquiry geared for developing your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work, relevant to your discipline. You’ll then have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject a...

Read more

This module is designed to allow you to explore the range of specialist subject disciplines in order to make an informed choice of career pathway. You’ll build on your existing generic sports knowledge to facilitate an understanding of the role and contribution of sports disciplines to overall athlete development and performance from grassroots to ...

Read more

Core Modules
Credits
Strength and Conditioning (S&C) is an applied sport science discipline which combines both the art of coaching with the latest sports science research. Gain an insight into the fundamentals of S&C and cover the key concepts, theories and techniques which underpin effective S&C practice.
The human body relies on the interaction of multiple physiological systems, at rest and during exercise. This module will provide an overview of the anatomy and physiology of these systems, and how they interact to preserve homeostasis. The focus will then shift to exercise, and how the studied systems work as an integrated physiological system.
This module will provide a review of the musculoskeletal architecture of the human body. Identifying the roles and functions of the main bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. You’ll consider anatomical functions of movements in the cardinal planes and axis and consider this with regards to the analysis of movement and basic sporting techniques.
This module will introduce you to the concepts of psychology within the context of sport and exercise, considering how psychological constructs such as personality and motivation can impact upon sport and exercise performance, participation, and adherence. You’ll then further explore the impact of cognition and emotion on behaviour.
Designed to introduce you to the principles and practices of academic practice and academic research in the sports domain. You’ll study key areas of empirical research to provide a conceptual understanding of reporting styles, basic methodologies, professional and regulatory codes of practice & analytical techniques applied within sports research.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue www.bnu.ac.uk/oppmodules.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will cover the basics of structured exercise training and physiological testing/monitoring for a range of sports. You’ll study how the body is affected by exposure to extreme environments (including heat, cold, altitude, space etc) and training/performing within them. The differences between different populations will also be discussed.
On this module you’ll bridge the gap between key Strength and Conditioning (S&C) concepts and theories and applied training modalities. This module will develop your competence in the safe and effective coaching of the weightlifting lifts and plyometric, agility, and speed training methods.
You’ll analyse the key concepts and dominant models of practice within applied sport and performance psychology as well as explore the philosophical, theoretical, and methodological approaches informing the discipline. Gain the requisite knowledge required for effective service delivery within applied sport and performance psychology, when working ...

Read more

The module will provide a framework where sports coaches can apply the coaching process and develop techniques to evaluate sports performance, particularly technical and tactical analysis. This will include a review of pertinent scientific elements of training/performance.
This module will provide you with a grounding in how motion can interact to influence overall performance. Consider the mechanical factors which impact both linear and angular movement within sport, reviewing the methods for calculating distance/displacement and subsequent kinematic parameters, before assessing the role of forces in the production ...

Read more

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform applied research of quality and rigour to make a valuable contribution to the sport industry. You’ll study both the conceptual issues and practical considerations through the entire process of research.
Core Modules
Credits
The aim of this module will be to enable you to critically evaluate sports performance requirements and develop the abilities needed to plan, deliver and monitor evidence-based training programmes designed to optimise specific physiological and performance outcomes at predetermined time points.
This module is designed to enhance your professional and practical skills within the core/sub disciplines of sport and exercise science. You’re required to gain 30hours of fieldwork providing sport and exercise science support, 15hours should be generated from assisting staff/post graduate learners providing physiology, psychology or biomechanics s...

Read more

Optional Modules
Credits
Gain a critical examination of key psychosocial, emotional and developmental factors which affect children and teenagers in physical education and youth sport settings. The module aims to provide you with practical suggestions for how to create a positive motivational climate as adults working with young people in youth sport or physical education.
The aim of this module is to develop a broad and critical understanding of the wider areas of knowledge and current research that may have a direct impact on health, wellbeing and athletic performance and consequently also Strength and Conditioning (S&C) practice.
This module will provide you with a theoretical framework for understanding how performers progress from novice to expert performers. During the module, key psychological concepts of learning will be reviewed, following which the biomechanical philosophies that determine, constrain and regulate movement will also be discussed.
This module is designed to introduce you to key concepts, theories and techniques which underpin effective sports injury rehabilitation. You’ll gain a critical understanding of the sports injury process, functional movement screening and exercise rehabilitation of common sporting injuries.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£15,000 per year

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

Contact our Enquiries Team:

0330 123 2023

advice@bnu.ac.uk

What are my career prospects?

Sport and Exercise Science Pathway

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

The blend of theoretical, practical and work-based learning you’ll experience in this course will set you up for a career within the fields of high-performance sport or clinical exercise.

Our course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:

  • sport and exercise scientist
  • strength and conditioning coach
  • health assessment and screening
  • performance analysis
  • sports coach
  • teacher training
  • health and fitness club management
  • fitness consultancy
  • personal fitness training
  • corporate health advice
  • the armed forces

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course like MSc Sports Therapy or MSc Sports Performance. You’ll also have the chance to go on to BASES membership which is a key membership and is now becoming required for many jobs in the industry.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of roles such as personal trainers, fitness instructors, elite sports science, graduate sport programmes, and specialists in well regarded organisations.

Course leader

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Rich Collins
  • Lecturer
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Jade Hewitt
  • Lecturer
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Phil Woodbridge
  • Technician
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Dr Mark Homer
  • Senior Lecturer
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Lauren Tufton
  • Lecturer
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Dr Ravina Huh
  • Lecturer
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