Sports & Exercise Science Course Guide

Here's what you need to know if you're considering studying it in the UK or abroad.

What You Study

You’ll typically cover:

• Human anatomy and physiology – how the body functions during exercise

• Biomechanics – the mechanics of movement

• Exercise psychology – mental aspects of sport and physical activity

• Nutrition – its impact on health and performance

• Motor learning and control – how we develop and refine movement skills

• Research methods and data analysis – interpreting performance and health data

• Optional specialisms – such as strength and conditioning, public health, or injury rehabilitation

Courses include:

• Lectures and seminars

• Lab work and fitness testing

• Practical sessions in gyms or sports halls

• Group projects and presentations

Useful A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications)

To apply in the UK, universities usually prefer:

• Biology (highly recommended)

• PE

• Psychology

• Chemistry or Maths

• BTECs in Sport or Applied Science are accepted by many universities

Requirements vary, so check individual course pages carefully.

What Makes a Strong Application

To stand out, you should aim to show:

• A genuine interest in sport and science

• Relevant experience, such as:

  • Volunteering in coaching or fitness

  • Attending open days, webinars or taster courses

  • Taking part in youth sport leadership, Duke of Edinburgh, or other extracurricular activities

• Academic strengths in science subjects

• A well-written personal statement showing:

  • Why you want to study the subject

  • What you've learned from experience in sport or fitness

  • Interest in helping others through sport, performance or health

Career Prospects

After graduating, you could work in:

• Sport and performance:

  • Sport scientist

  • Strength and conditioning coach

  • Performance analyst

• Health and rehabilitation:

  • Clinical exercise physiologist

  • Cardiac rehab specialist

  • Physiotherapy or occupational therapy (may require postgraduate study)

• Fitness and wellbeing:

  • Personal trainer

  • Health and wellbeing coach

  • Corporate health advisor

• Education and research:

  • Teaching (via PGCE)

  • Research assistant or postgraduate study (e.g. MSc or PhD)

Transferable skills include:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Data analysis

• Project management

Studying in the UK vs Other Countries

UK

• 3-year degrees (4 in Scotland)

• Strong scientific foundation with practical components

• Accredited courses available (e.g. BASES)

USA

• Often called Kinesiology or Exercise Science

• 4-year degrees with broader first-year subjects

• Focused tracks like pre-physical therapy or athletic training

• Large sports facilities and campus teams

Canada

• Similar to the USA in structure and content

• High-quality kinesiology programmes

• Strong research culture and healthcare links

Australia and New Zealand

• 3-year degrees with a mix of theory and applied practice

• Professional accreditation through ESSA (Australia)

• Careers in sport, public health and rehab

Europe

• Often called Human Movement Sciences or Sports Sciences

• Courses available in English in countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Spain

• Affordable tuition in some countries

• Varies in focus: some are more coaching-based, others more research-driven

Final Thoughts

Sport and Exercise Science is a versatile degree with a strong scientific core. It suits people who:

• Are curious about how the human body performs and adapts

• Enjoy working with others to improve performance or health

• Want to mix theory with practical, hands-on learning