BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Three or Four Years
- Start Date: September 2026
This BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree combines academic expertise with hands-on practical experience, preparing you for a wide range of careers across sport, health, and performance.
Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the course focuses on core disciplines such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport psychology, alongside applied areas like strength and conditioning, performance analysis, and coaching.
You'll learn in our state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory and gain real-world experience working with Sports Scholars and athletes on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), giving you the skills and confidence to succeed in a dynamic and growing industry.
A career in sport and exercise is highly dynamic, offering a wide range of roles across diverse settings such as elite sports teams, community health programmes, rehabilitation clinics, education, and corporate wellness.
The field is constantly evolving, driven by advances in science, technology, and training methods, including the use of wearable tech, data analytics, and new research in areas such as physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition.
It is also a people-focused, hands-on profession that often involves working directly with athletes, clients, or patients in active environments like gyms, clinics, or performance labs. With opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, adapt to individual needs, and even work internationally, careers in sport and exercise provide a fast-paced, engaging, and rewarding path for those passionate about health, performance, and continuous learning.
Our Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre comprises the Human Performance Lab (HPL) and the Sports and Wellbeing Clinic. The HPL is fully equipped to assess a wide range of human physiological, biomechanical, and psychological functions and performance parameters. It plays a vital role in helping you understand how athletes achieve their desired outcomes.
You’ll learn to use cutting-edge tools for body analysis and research in sport and exercise. Our specialist facilities include a three-lane indoor running track, 3D motion-capture technology, and advanced systems for measuring body composition and athletic performance.
In addition, our Gateway Gym on the High Wycombe Campus offers excellent student rates. You’ll have access to a wide range of fitness equipment, personalised advice from experienced gym trainers, and a variety of exercise classes.
As part of the BNU community, you’ll also benefit from a range of free events, the chance to join university sports teams, take part in competitions, and enjoy external trips through our Big Deal initiative, all designed to enrich your university experience both academically and socially.
The course is officially endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), offering graduates a nationally and internationally recognised edge in the field. This endorsement highlights the course’s commitment to delivering high-quality education aligned with industry standards.
We maintain strong partnerships with professional organisations such as Wycombe Wanderers FC and academy teams, Swim England, British Rowing, GB para-athletes, and a wide range of community-level sports clubs, giving students valuable opportunities for real-world experience.
At Buckinghamshire New University, we give you the freedom to shape your degree around your career goals. In your first year, you’ll explore a range of specialisms within sport and exercise science, giving you valuable insight into different areas of the field.
Once you’ve experienced each pathway, you’ll have the option to continue on your original course or switch to the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning degree, both of which carry equal academic weight and recognition.
We also offer both degrees as four-year programmes with a Foundation Year. This initial year is ideal if you need extra preparation before beginning undergraduate study. It helps you develop academic skills, build confidence, and identify your strengths, providing a solid foundation for success on the full BSc. The Foundation Year is also a great option if you didn’t quite meet the standard entry requirements.
At BNU we are committed to supporting athletes on the England Talent Pathway and are proud to have been a TASS delivery site for over five years, supporting more than forty athletes with our local community. As a student athlete on TASS you will be able to access all of the support you need to achieve your sporting goals on site from our friendly team.
BNU Performance Sport academy and opportunities
If you do not qualify for TASS status we can still support you at BNU with an extensive package of services.
We are proud to support national level swimming and basketball through our performance centres. In partnership with Wycombe District Swimming Club and Reading Rockets Basketball we are able to offer athletes an opportunity to combine sports training with higher education.
What will I study?
This course is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the key scientific foundations of sport and exercise, including physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, strength and conditioning, and performance analysis.
Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the degree blends evidence-based theory with a strong practical focus, ensuring your learning is grounded in real-world application. Early theoretical knowledge is brought to life through applied, simulated scenarios that reflect current industry practice, bridging the gap between science and hands-on experience.
You’ll also have the chance to earn a Level 2 fitness industry qualification alongside your degree, boosting your professional credentials. Practical sessions will expose you to a wide range of fitness testing and performance assessment methods, offering the opportunity to see theory in action and develop skills valued by employers.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by experienced lecturers who will help guide your personal and professional development. You’ll also gain exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques used in research and day-to-day practice.
Critical thinking, leadership, and scientific reasoning are embedded throughout the programme within our specialist modules, where you’ll take the lead in delivering sport science services to internal and external clients, a powerful step towards a successful and impactful career.
Sport at Buckinghamshire New University
Whether you are aspiring to international level competition or simply want to keep physically active, sport at BNU is committed to providing outstanding and inclusive experiences for everyone. In partnership with our award winning student union we provide an extensive range of opportunities and aim to remove financial barriers though our subsidised and free provision and support.
Recreational Sport
The ‘Big Deal’ and Sport for Fun through our Student union provides a wide range of free opportunities from badminton and boxing, cycling, and snow sports.
Gateway Gym
At our modern and well equipped gym you can benefit from great student rates. You’ll be able to get personalised help and advice from gym trainers, use a range of fitness equipment and choose from a wide range of exercise classes.
University sports teams
Our university teams play in competitive leagues and BUCs across fifteen different sports and physical activity. The teams are free to join and provide excellent coaching and social opportunities for our students.
Individual sports
Not everyone wants to join a team and our SU provides outstanding support to athletes at county level across a wide range of individual sports to compete in BUCs competitions. BUCS Individual competitions are host to the best student athletes in the country.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Assessment tasks are used as far as possible to link theory with practice, assessing knowledge and understanding alongside subject-specific skills as your modules are completed. Team working is incorporated into the programme to help you engage in more complex projects, getting you familiar with how you’ll work with colleagues in your future career.
Assessments are a mix of coursework, including essays and reports, and practical and authentic modes of showing your knowledge, including presentations, portfolios, team projects, lab practical’s, and the production and delivery of coaching plans. Some of the ways you will be assessed include:
- essays
- reports
- case study analysis
- presentations
- reflective writing and portfolios
- team projects
- lab sessions
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)
UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.
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.
Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.
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.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 *
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Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 per year *
International
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Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 *
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 per year *
Please note all of the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees cover most course costs, but you may need to budget for additional expenses. These can include specialist equipment, project materials, professional memberships, field trips or placements, as well as everyday student costs like printing, books and stationery.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our enquiries team by completing this form.
What are my career prospects?
The blend of theoretical, practical and work-based learning you’ll experience on this course will set you up for a career within the fields of high-performance sport or clinical exercise. The knowledge and skills you learn will be critical going forward into your career.
Career possibilities include:
- 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 (PT)
- personal fitness training (PT)
- corporate health advice
- armed forces
Graduates can also choose to study for a Postgraduate course.
You’ll also have the chance to apply for BASES membership which is now becoming required for many jobs in the industry.
Course leader
