Sport and Exercise Science undergraduate students using a Lode exercise bike

Sport and Exercise Science BSc

Medical School Building and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

If you are interested in sport, exercise and biomedical sciences, this course will provide you with scientific knowledge into why and how the body functions during and after sport and exercise.

Unlike most other sport and exercise courses, this degree has a strong scientific focus. 

You will enhance your employability through your Personal Development Portfolio. For this you will complete 100 hours of placement and profession-related activities that are tailored to individual career goals and we have a dedicated placements manager to support you every step of the way. 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Fundamentals of Cell Biology

Mandatory

Year 1

Mechanics for Sport and Exercise Science

Mandatory

Year 1

Human Physiology

Mandatory

Year 1

Core Skills in Sport and Exercise Science

Mandatory

Year 1

Professional Development Portfolio (mandatory for all students)

Mandatory

Year 2

Biomechanical Analysis of Human Motion

Mandatory

Year 2

Functional Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System and Applied Sports Medicine

Mandatory

Year 2

Applied Sports Psychology

Mandatory

Year 2

Cardiorespiratory and Environmental Physiology

Mandatory

Year 2

Muscle Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism in Exercise

Mandatory

Year 2

Professional Development Portfolio (mandatory for all students)

Mandatory

Year 3

Biomechanics

Mandatory

Year 3

Research Methods and Statistics in Sport and Exercise Science

Mandatory

Year 3

Applied Exercise and Health Psychology

Mandatory

Year 3

Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease

Mandatory

Year 3

Project and Dissertation

Optional

Year 3

Applied Physical Performance Physiology

Optional

Year 3

Biology of Ageing

Optional

Year 3

Cardiovascular Adaptation and Control in Exercise and Disease

Optional

Year 3

Physical Inactivity, Health and Chronic Disease

Optional

Year 3

MRI in Sport and Exercise

Optional

Year 3

Drugs in Sport and Exercise Science

Optional

Year 3

Psychology of Elite Performance

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Friday 9 August 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

You will learn through a variety of methods depending on the module. Practical sessions are also held in the David Ross Sports Village which contains purpose-built Biomechanics and Exercise Science labs. We also use the anatomy suites in the Medical School to assist with functional anatomy and sports medicine teaching.

Teaching methods

  • Anatomy sessions
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Placements
  • Practical classes
  • Problem-based learning
  • Self-study
  • Seminars
  • Small group learning
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • eLearning
  • Clinical relevance sessions

Assessment varies on the module being studied, but is typically a combination of the types below.

Personal Development Portfolio

All students will be required to complete a Personal Development Portfolio during their studies. This mandatory portfolio includes undertaking work placements within the University and UK. The experience you gain will be extremely value for your future career.

Assessment methods

  • Case studies
  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Formative assessments
  • Lab reports
  • Literature review
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical exams
  • Practical write-ups
  • Presentation
  • Verbal exam

Approximately 16-18 hours of contact time per week and 18 hours of private study. Class sizes vary with module.

As a graduate, you’ll have a broad range of skills valued by employers in a variety of sectors. In addition to knowledge of sport and exercise science, you’ll have transferable skills in communication, presentation and problem solving. The Graduate Entry Medicine course is an available pathway for our graduates.

A few examples of job titles advertised in 2018 that you would be eligible to apply for after completion of this degree.

  • First Team Analyst
  • Health Advisor
  • Health and Wellbeing Coach
  • Health Screening Specialist
  • High Performance Sports Assistant
  • Junior Physiologist
  • Performance Sport and Fitness Officer
  • Research Assistant – developing a home-based exercise programme and app
  • Sports Scientist - professional football club academy
  • Food and Drink Industry research assistant
  • Pharmaceutical Industry research assistant

 

Average starting salary and career progression

93.90% of undergraduates from the School of Life Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993.*


*HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Open Day June 2022