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MSci (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

UCAS CODE: C606
TARIFF: 88 - 112
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2023

You can also study this course:

Do you want to understand what makes an elite athlete fulfil their greatest potential? Our MSci Sport and Exercise Science course is the perfect way to not only contribute to the careers of professional athletes but also help tackle health challenges facing society today.

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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.

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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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Students' Union

At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why we’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities through our SU – all to enrich your university experience. 

Why study this subject?

Sport and Exercise Science is made up of three core disciplines: Physiology, Biomechanics, and Psychology.

Sport and exercise scientists are in increasing demand, particularly given the drive of professional athletes to maximise their potential and the efforts of health officials to encourage participation in exercise and physical activity.

An integrated sport and exercise science masters is a great way to specialise for a variety of careers in the sports industry, where you can work with children, athletes, the general public or sports teams and organisations.

This is an exciting and growing field within the sports industry and offers an exciting way to get involved not only in sport and exercise science but also elite sport and professional sports in general.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

On our course, you’ll learn in state-of-the-art facilities and develop a critical understanding of the principles underpinning sport and exercise science and how to analyse and evaluate performance needs.

You’ll design and deliver training interventions with the goal of improving health and wellbeing, optimise performance and minimise the risk of injury. You’ll leave us being confident in working with people at all levels of ability, from recreational exerciser to elite athlete.

We’ve designed our course so that when you leave BNU, you will have understood in depth the foundations of sport and exercise science, as well as gained the opportunity to apply your new knowledge and skills in professional environments, supporting professional athletes currently at the top of their game.

 

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 accredited degree provides you with a competitive advantage that is recognised nationally and internationally.

Upon completion of this course not only will you graduate with a Master’s level qualification, but you’ll also have plenty of work-based experience which is crucial for the highly-competitive nature of this industry.

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

This focus on employability, applying theory to practice, getting involved with the day-to-day activities of a sport and exercise science professional, learning from and growing together with a community of students, focusing on your personal and professional goals and working collaboratively with professional lecturers is what makes BNU such a unique place to study this subject.

What facilities can I use?

As part of your studies, you’ll use The Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre, a professional and inspiring multi million pound facility for our sport courses and it contains industry standard equipment which is a part of your degree.

You’ll have the opportunity to blend academic study with use of our state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory. Equipped with a range of equipment for testing and measuring the human body, as well as testing theories of your own, it contains the equipment that is essential to understanding sport and exercise science.

In addition to this facility you have access to the Sports and Wellbeing Clinic which is a sports therapy clinic within the University and offers various treatments to students and members of the public, including injury rehabilitation, massages, therapy and body analysis.

Thanks to our investment into these facilities, we can provide the equipment and facilities that are needed to fully develop your skills to the highest level. You will be able to realise your full potential within the timeframe of your course.

In addition, our library is open 24/7 and packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, scientific research, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.

What will I study?

Our course aims to provide a balanced programme of study that equips you with industry knowledge and experience, and developes your scientific and academic knowledge, as well help you gain crucial transferable skills such as teamwork and communication.

As part of this course you will gain an understanding in psychology, physiology, biomechanics, these disciplines underpin sports science, you will also have the opportunity to gain a Level 2 fitness industry related qualifications alongside their main degree programme.

Throughout the four years of study you are encouraged to form relationships with external partners at the local, regional, national and international level, to build networks in the longer term and essential knowledge and experience. The final year of study will focus on modules where you will obtain large amounts of applied practice with external clients, with the additional option of a placement module.

You will gain understanding of key scientific theories from across the different sub-disciplines of sport and exercise science. Within this, you will consider the function of various biological systems impacting human health and performance, while undertaking related discussion and exercises in seminars and workshops.

Practical sessions will introduce you to fitness tests or provide kinaesthetic learning opportunities. Theories you were taught in the classroom can be demonstrated in the form of practical experiments.

In the final year of study, you will focus on the application of what it means to be a sport and exercise scientist within performance sport, working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

How will I be taught and assessed?

On this course there is a varied diet of assessment, it is predominantly based on coursework and practical assessments and, where possible, is designed to mirror ‘real world’ sport and exercise science activities, such as designing, implementing, and evaluating training programmes and health-based initiatives, assessing athletic performance, critiquing scientific and methodological processes, and reflecting on practice.

All modules will include feedback opportunities and ample time for assessment preparation; feedback on all assessments will place emphasis on progression and will always remain constructive rather than prohibitive.

MSci (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112

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.

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

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?

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 MSci Sport and Exercise Science course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:

  • Sport science support
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Health assessment and screening
  • Performance analysis
  • Coaching
  • Teacher training.

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course like MSc Sports Therapy or MSc Sports Performance.  

Course leader

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Rich Collins
  • Lecturer
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Jade Hewitt
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Dr Mark Homer
  • Senior Lecturer
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Phil Woodbridge
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MSci Sport and Exercise Science