Sport and Exercise Science
University of Portsmouth
UCAS Code: C600 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, with 32 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies).
112-122 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Sport or Science).
Cambridge Pre-U score of 46-50, to include a minimum of 2 Principle Subjects, including a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) at M3.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
5 GCSEs at grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science or PE/5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English, Mathematics and Science or PE.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
25 points from the IB Diploma, to include 3 Higher Level subjects, with 5 points from a Higher Level in a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies). 4 points from Standard Level English and Mathematics (if not passed at GCSE grade C or above).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4-H3,H3,H3,H3,H3
To include a Higher Level Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) at H3.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a Sports related subject.
112-120 Tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers, with a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) at grade D.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
T Level
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science
UCAS Tariff
112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies).
112-120 points from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate including 1 A level, with 32 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies), plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**This is a Connected Degree**
Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.
**Overview**
Pushing boundaries. Breaking records. Competing in extreme environments.
On this BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree, you’ll learn to apply scientific principles that help athletes perform at their best.
But it's not just elite sportspeople who will benefit from your knowledge and skills. Become a passionate advocate for the essential role sports science plays in society as you uncover ways everyone can use physical activity to boost their health and wellbeing.
- Put your learning into practice in our advanced sports science facilities including three climatic chambers, a swimming flume and motion capture systems
- Be taught by expert staff who are actively engaged in research projects that inform the future of sport and exercise science
- Enhance your CV as you gain valuable experience through our ties with local sports and healthcare providers
- Gain first aid, national coaching and specialised gym instructor qualifications
- Set yourself up for a career in professional sport, healthcare or education
**Careers and opportunities**
In today's health-conscious world, the sports and health industries continue to expand. Sport and exercise scientists have a vital role in keeping sportspeople, athletes and the general population in peak physical health.
**What jobs can you do with a sport and exercise degree?**
Roles our graduates have gone onto include:
- PE teacher
- personal trainer
- clinical physiologist
- NVQ coordinator
- sports development officer
- sports and exercise scientist
- sports therapist and physiotherapist
- cardiac rehabilitation technician
**Graduate destinations**
Organisations our graduates have gone on to work in, include:
- Crystal Palace Football Club
- Portsmouth Tennis Academy
- Bupa
- Nuffield Health
**Placement year (optional)**
Either before or following your third year, you have the option to choose a work placement year to gain valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
**Potential placement roles**
Previous students have taken on placement roles including:
- sport for development project officer
- performance analyst
- assistant sports therapist
- women's sport engagement officer
- physical technician
- academy coach
- PE teacher
- physiotherapist assistant
- rugby development coach
- nutritionist
**Potential placement destinations**
Previous students have completed placements in the following organisations:
- Reading FC
- Pompey in the Community
- Exeter City FC
- Sussex County Cricket Club
- Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)
Modules
Year 1
Core
Introduction to Sport and Exercise Biomechanics - 40 credits
Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology - 40 credits
Introduction To Sport And Exercise Psychology - 40 credits
Year 2
Core
Advanced Exercise Physiology - 20 credits
Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise - 20 credits
Preparing Research Innovation or Enterprise Projects - 20 credits
Psychology of Sport and Exercise - 20 credits
Optional
Exercise in Different Environments - 20 credits
Nutrition For Sport Exercise And Health - 20 credits
Physical Activity and Exercise for Healthy Ageing - 20 credits
Principles of Performance Analysis - 20 credits
Principles of Skill Acquisition - 20 credits
Strength and Conditioning for Sport Exercise and Health - 20 credits
Modern Foreign Language (Institute-Wide Language Programme) - 20 credits
Placement year
Optional
Sandwich Year (Study Placement) - 120 credits
Sandwich Year (Work Placement) - 120 credits
Year 3
Core
Project - 40 credits
Optional
Advanced Sports Nutrition - 20 credits
Advanced Strength and Conditioning - 20 credits
Applications of Exercise Physiology - 20 credits
Applications of Sport and Exercise Psychology - 20 credits
Applied Skill Acquisition - 20 credits
Biomechanics in Practice - 20 credits
Biopsychosocial Approaches to Physical Activity and Health Promotion - 20 credits
Environmental Physiology - 20 credits
Introduction to Teaching - 20 credits
Professional Development - 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed through written exams, essays and lab reports, individual or group presentations, practical exercises.
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Portsmouth
Faculty of Science and Health
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Anatomy, physiology and pathology
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Sport and exercise sciences
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Anatomy, physiology and pathology
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Sport and exercise sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
One of the fastest growing subjects in the country, the number of sports science graduates went from under 3,000 in 2003 to over 10,000 in 2013. Numbers have fallen slightly since 2015, but we still have over 9,000 graduates in the subject. However, the good news is the country's appetite for good health and fitness - and the adaptability of graduates in the subject - means that sports science grads are less likely than average to be out of work. Sports science graduates, not surprisingly, tend to get jobs in sport, fitness and health - coaching and teaching especially - but they're found all over the economy. Management and business are also popular options for graduates from this subject — and sports science graduates are particularly found where drive, determination and physical fitness are an advantage.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Anatomy, physiology and pathology
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£26k
£31k
£33k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Sport and exercise sciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£17k
£23k
£29k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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