Sports Performance and Exercise Science

BSc (Hons)

Apply for 2027

Study Sports Performance and Exercise Science at University Centre Leeds

Ready to turn your passion for sport and exercise into a rewarding career? Our Sports Performance and Exercise Science degree is designed to give you the expertise to help others improve their physical capabilities. From professional sports teams to community-based fitness programmes, you'll gain the skills needed to excel in a variety of performance and exercise-related roles.

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Venue: Mabgate Campus
  • Fee: £9,790 full-time (per academic year for UK students)
     
    International Fee: £14,000 full-time (per academic year  £3,000 Scholarship available
  • UCAS Course Code(s): C600
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Validated By: Luminate Education Group

Entry Requirements: 48 UCAS Tariff Points

Our typical offer is 48 UCAS tariff points from A levels, BTECs or other equivalent qualifications. We consider each application individually on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your qualifications as well as any relevant experience.

Check your qualifications:

  • A levels: Two D grades, including one in a relevant subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma: MP in a relevant subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP in a relevant subject.
  • Access to HE Diploma: An overall pass with 60 credits, including 24 credits at Merit in a relevant subject.
  • T Levels: We accept T Levels in relevant subjects.

Check your English and maths:

  • English: GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C) or above. We also accept Key Skills Level 2 in English, Functional Skills Level 2 in English or the Certificate in Adult Literacy.
  • Maths: GCSE Maths at grade 4 (C) or above. We also accept Key Skills Level 2 in Maths, Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths or the Certificate in Adult Numeracy.
  • IELTS: If you need to provide an IELTS result, you’ll need 6.0 overall and at least 5.5 in each component.

Applying with work experience, prior learning, or as a mature student?

  • If you’ll be 21 or over when the course starts, we welcome your application if you have substantial experience in a relevant field, even if you don’t meet the academic criteria.
  • You can also apply to have previous qualifications or learning gained through experience recognised through Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Applying with international qualifications?

  • We assess international qualifications against the entry requirements above.

References, interviews and portfolios

  • You’ll need to provide a suitable reference. We may invite you to an interview to discuss your suitability or ask for a portfolio of evidence to support your application.

DBS check before placement

  • You’ll need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting your placement. The department will cover the cost.

 

Sports Performance and Exercise Science

The BSc Sports Performance and Exercise Science programme combines academic study with practical learning to deliver well-rounded sports knowledge to ensure that students progressively develop the industry-specific skills, professional behaviours, and practical experience needed to succeed in diverse roles within the sports, exercise, and fitness sectors gained through accessing current science-based technologies and equipment within a laboratory setting, you will become confident at assessing the needs of others and obtain the skills and capabilities to prescribe strategies for performance enhancement. You will explore themes linked to performance and exercise across psychology, physiology, nutrition, analysis and health. 

The programme has been purposefully designed to develop a broad range of transferable skills and professional behaviours including developing effective communication which underpins success in all aspects of sports performance, coaching, and exercise delivery. Across all three years, students will refine their verbal and non-verbal communication skills by actively engaging in a variety of sports-specific contexts, such as delivering pre-competition team talks, providing real-time technical feedback to athletes, or conducting client-focused fitness consultations. 

The programme will equip graduates with the skills for success not only in sports performance and exercise science but across diverse roles in the wider sports, health, and wellbeing sectors, and to ensure that graduates leave with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in employment or further study. 

This course is validated by Luminate Education Group

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How to Apply

If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will need to apply through UCAS. 

Apply for 2027 

Applicants from Leeds City College, Leeds Sixth Form College, Harrogate College and Keighley College

Select your college for more information on how to apply and the exclusive benefits available to you.

Leeds City College    Leeds Sixth Form College    Harrogate College    Keighley College

Course Information

Year 1 (Level 4)

You'll start by building your knowledge and practical hands-on skills through modules including:

  • Physical Activity and Wellbeing (20 credits) - You will develop your understanding of the relationship between physical activity, health and wellbeing. By exploring the benefits of participation, factors influencing behaviour, and barriers to being more active, you learn how to encourage physical activity across different populations and settings in constructive ways.
  • Principles of Psychology in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) - How psychological principles affect participation and performance is explored, across topics including motivation, confidence, attention and pressure. You will develop an understanding of how psychological factors influence experiences and behaviours, and consider their application in different sports settings.
  • Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits) - Understanding the structure and function of the human body is fundamental to knowing about human movement. You will explore the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, alongside how energy is produced and used. You will learn how these systems work together to support movement and respond to the demands of movement.
  • Research Methods (20 credits) -This module introduces the academic approach within sport and exercise, and covers some aspects of professional development. You will explore research questions, methods, and collect measurements. You will also learn about ethical principles, evidence, whilst developing the skills, professionalism, and ability to thrive in the sports sector.
  • Practical Methods in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) - Practical methods is all about getting hands-on with our testing equipment. You will gain experience in selecting tests, following procedures, and recording and interpreting data. You will consider safe practice, accuracy and consistency, developing the practical skills needed to investigate movement, performance and responses to exercise.
  • Principles of Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) - Understanding the mechanical principles that explain human movement is also important. You will explore concepts including force, motion, balance and rotation, and consider how these influence sports. Through movement analysis, you will develop an understanding of how biomechanics can inform technique and performance.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Next, you'll develop your understanding and apply what you've learned. You'll study:

  • Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation (20 credits) - You will develop your understanding of common sport and exercise injuries and the principles supporting rehabilitation, and the scope and responsibility of different practitioners. You will explore injury mechanisms, tissue healing and the role of exercise within recovery, and consider how rehabilitation activities can be used to support return-to-play.
  • Performance Analysis in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) - How methods are used to analyse sporting and exercise performance is covered. You will explore how observation, video and performance data can identify patterns, strengths and areas for development. You will gain experience in communicating findings to support informed decisions within applied performance settings.
  • Nutrition in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) - The role of nutrition within sport, exercise and health is explored. You will learn about energy requirements, nutrients, hydration and nutritional considerations surrounding activity and recovery. You will evaluate evidence and consider how nutritional principles apply to individuals with different demands and participation goals.
  • Independent Study (20 credits) - This is an opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest within sport. With the guidance of your tutor, you will define a focused area to look at, identify relevant evidence and develop an way of investigating your topic. The module will improve your ability to work independently, as well as your critical thinking and ability to communicate.
  • Energy Metabolism and Bioenergetics (20 credits) - This is all about how the body produces and uses energy during sport and exercise. You will explore the metabolic pathways supporting activity of different intensities and durations, alongside factors influencing fatigue and recovery. You will apply this knowledge to explain the demands of different activities.
  • Strength and Conditioning in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) - Principles and practical approaches used within strength and conditioning are explored. You will learn about needs analysis, exercise selection and how programme design can support physical development. You will gain experience in evaluating technique and considering how activities can be adapted and progressed.

Year 3 (Level 6)

Finally, you'll explore advanced topics and work more independently. Modules include:

  • Independent Research Project (40 credits) - This is your opportunity to undertake an independent research project within an area that interests you. With supervisor support, you will develop a research question, evaluate relevant literature and carry out an investigation. You will analyse, interpret, and communicate your findings and their practical significance.
  • Applied Performance Planning (20 credits) - You will develop your ability to integrate knowledge from different areas of sport and exercise into performance planning. You’ll evaluate individual needs, activity demands and contextual factors, considering how plans can be implemented, monitored then adapted, using evidence to justify your decisions and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Health and Well Being (20 credits) - You will critically evaluate the role of sport and exercise in supporting health and wellbeing. By exploring the needs of different populations and considering the social, behavioural and environmental factors influencing health and participation, you will apply evidence to evaluate approaches that support improvements in wellbeing.
  • Sport Business and Entrepreneurship (20 credits) - You will gain an understanding of business and entrepreneurial opportunities in sport. You will explore how ideas can be developed in response to client and industry needs, considering aspects relevant to sport and exercise business. You will apply these principles to evaluate opportunities and communicate a proposal.
  • Applied Physiology in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) - You will apply physiological knowledge to sport and exercise contexts. You will explore how the body responds and adapts to different demands, considering individual variation and factors affecting performance. You will evaluate physiological evidence and measurement approaches, using your understanding to inform practice.

You will complete a varied range of assessments that reflect work in the sport and exercise science industry. These include could include practicals, presentations, reports, open-book tests, case studies, posters and professional discussions, alongside projects such as training programmes, session plans, business plans, podcasts and even an independent research project.

Assessments develop your ability to apply knowledge, analyse data, plan and deliver activities, and communicate evidence-based recommendations. As you progress, you will be able to tackle increasingly complex tasks hands-on with greater independence and confidence. Practical workshops, draft submissions, regular feedback, and 1-to-1 support will help you prepare appropriately for each assessment.

Alongside your degree, you may have the opportunity to work towards additional qualifications as part of the course. You’ll build the specialist knowledge and practical skills you need to work in the sports sector, whilst developing the ability to lead others, communicate clearly, analyse information and solve problems.

Through your coursework, you’ll learn to conduct research, reference sources accurately and present your findings in writing and in person. You’ll also build resilience by working through practical challenges, responding to feedback and applying what you’ve learned to new tasks, opportunities, and experiences.

Our typical offer is 48 UCAS tariff points from A levels, BTECs or other equivalent qualifications. We consider each application individually on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your qualifications as well as any relevant experience.

Check your qualifications:

  • A levels: Two D grades, including one in a relevant subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma: MP in a relevant subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP in a relevant subject.
  • Access to HE Diploma: An overall pass with 60 credits, including 24 credits at Merit in a relevant subject.
  • T Levels: We accept T Levels in relevant subjects.

Check your English and maths:

  • English: GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C) or above. We also accept Key Skills Level 2 in English, Functional Skills Level 2 in English or the Certificate in Adult Literacy.
  • Maths: GCSE Maths at grade 4 (C) or above. We also accept Key Skills Level 2 in Maths, Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths or the Certificate in Adult Numeracy.
  • IELTS: If you need to provide an IELTS result, you’ll need 6.0 overall and at least 5.5 in each component.

Applying with work experience, prior learning, or as a mature student?

  • If you’ll be 21 or over when the course starts, we welcome your application if you have substantial experience in a relevant field, even if you don’t meet the academic criteria.
  • You can also apply to have previous qualifications or learning gained through experience recognised through Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Applying with international qualifications?

  • We assess international qualifications against the entry requirements above.

References, interviews and portfolios

  • You’ll need to provide a suitable reference. We may invite you to an interview to discuss your suitability or ask for a portfolio of evidence to support your application.

DBS check before placement

  • You’ll need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting your placement. The department will cover the cost.

Graduates can progress to further Master’s-level study or careers in sport, exercise, health and education. Employers may include sports clubs and facilities, schools, universities, the NHS, local authorities and community organisations, as well as opportunities for self-employment. Some roles may require you to study for further qualifications, accreditation or postgraduate study. Career paths may include:

  • Sport and Exercise Scientist
  • Performance Analyst
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Performance Nutritionist
  • Health and Exercise Practitioner
  • Sport Development Officer
  • Researcher or Lecturer
  • Physical Education Teacher
  • And others

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the University Centre Leeds regulations please click here.

You will be provided with University Centre Leeds branded sport clothing for practical sessions. This cost has been built into your tuition fees.

 

 

Information for International Students

Applications are now open for 2027!

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.

You can also apply through UCAS.

For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.

Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)

For 2027 Entry: Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.

For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.

Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student

International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.

  • 1 hour cultural studies
  • 2 hours academic study skills
  • 2 hours English studies

For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.

Go to International site

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