Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) | University of Nottingham

International student

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 and includes an emphasis on medical aspects such as nutrition, health and ageing, as well as areas of biomechanics and the psychology of sport.

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.

How you will learn

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

How you will be assessed

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

Contact time and study hours

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

Modules

5 modules

Human Cellular and Molecular Biology

In this module, you’ll explore the fascinating world of cellular and molecular biology. You’ll delve into topics such as the intricate structure and function of cells and their organelles, the workings of proteins and enzymes, and the essential roles of DNA, transcription, and translation. You’ll also examine how genes are organised and regulated, alongside the metabolism of macromolecules and the architecture of cell membranes. 

To deepen your understanding, practical classes will complement the theoretical content, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a hands-on setting. This combination of detailed study and experiential learning will equip you with a solid foundation in cellular and molecular biology. 

Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences

This module will introduce you to the essential skills required for your career and provide hands-on experience of the basic techniques required for life scientists. We’ll cover statistical methods for data analysis, provide an introduction to digital competencies for life scientists and investigate ethical standards in research.

You will also explore data acquisition techniques and enhance your ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature. The module emphasises effective communication of scientific material through various media and will encourage reflective practice in the development of these, and other skills.

The module will also explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, considering global challenges through scientific innovation and responsibility.

Anatomy and Physiology

In this module, you’ll dive into the fascinating interplay between physiology and metabolism in animals, including humans. You’ll explore major organ systems such as the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems, learning how energy metabolism and body temperature are carefully regulated. This provides a foundation for understanding how animals adapt to their environments and maintain metabolic balance for survival.

Through practical sessions, you’ll gain hands-on experience, examining how physiological and metabolic processes control organ systems. You’ll also uncover the biochemical basis of ordinary life activities and see how these mechanisms are affected under pathological conditions. This blend of theory and practice offers a well-rounded understanding of systems physiology and metabolic homeostasis.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science

This module will provide the opportunity to study the fundamental principles in:

Exercise Physiology - including basic cardio-respiratory and muscle responses to exercise, nutritional requirements of exercise, and the basic anatomy of the heart and lungs
Psychology – including fundamentals of individual and population group processes in sport and exercise
Functional Anatomy - focussing on the integration of the anatomy of bones, joints, muscle, ligaments and tendons with the biomechanics of human movement
Biomechanics - including the mathematical foundation for understanding and characterising movement

Introduction to Human Nutrition and Metabolism

In this module, you’ll explore how the human body processes the nutrients it needs to function. From obtaining and digesting to absorbing and metabolising macronutrients and micronutrients, you’ll gain a solid understanding of these essential processes. You’ll also examine the intricate relationship between nutrition and energy metabolism, delving into their effects on energy balance, body weight regulation, and body composition.

The module further investigates the tissue-specific regulation of macronutrient metabolism, giving you deeper insights into the complexities of the human body. By building this foundation, you’ll be better equipped to understand the science behind nutrition and its role in maintaining health and well-being.

4 modules

Functional and Clinical Musculoskeletal Anatomy

This module provides a comprehensive and hands-on approach to human musculoskeletal functional anatomy.

You’ll develop spatial awareness of structures and expands on their role in day-to-day activities and sporting performance. Using real sporting scenarios and descriptions of injury and compensatory mechanisms, you’ll understand the relationships between anatomical structures by integrating a combination of cadaveric donor specimens, 3D models and group modelling tasks.

Applied Sport Psychology

In this module, you’ll get a detailed understanding of the role of a sport psychologist and the psychological approaches to enhance engagement, performance and athlete wellbeing.

You’ll develop core skills required by sports psychologists, including:

working with athletes
experimental design
data handling and analysis
scientific presentations

Further Key Skills in Life Sciences

This module focuses on advancing the essential skills needed by life science students for your academic and professional development. Building on fundamental skills training in year one, it develops understanding of experimental design, statistical methods for data analysis, enhances digital competencies relevant to life sciences, and continues to examine ethical standards in research. You will delve deeper into data acquisition, computational techniques, and the critical evaluation of research and scientific literature.

The module places a strong emphasis on effectively communicating scientific concepts across various media while fostering reflective practices for skill development. Additionally, it addresses global challenges through the lens of scientific innovation and responsibility. Practical and workshop classes will provide hands-on experience with techniques essential for life science professionals. Teaching sessions and assessments will be tailored to different student degree groups: Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Sports & Exercise Science.

Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism

In this module, you'll develop a strong understanding of how the human body responds acutely to exercise and adapts to chronic physical training. You'll explore the integrated responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory-renal systems, and skeletal muscle to exercise and training. The module will also cover metabolic nutrition and fuel oxidation, examining how nutrition and pharmacological interventions impact exercise performance and adaptations.

By studying these topics, you'll gain insights into the physiological mechanisms behind exercise and training, and how they contribute to overall health and fitness. You'll learn to apply this knowledge to optimise exercise performance and understand the role of nutrition and pharmacology in enhancing physical adaptations. This module will equip you with the skills to analyse and improve exercise outcomes, preparing you for a career in sports science, health, and fitness.

2 modules

Nutrition for Health

In this module, you’ll examine the intricate connection between human nutrition and physiological function, building on the foundational knowledge from earlier studies. You’ll explore how nutrients shape metabolic processes, influence body systems, and contribute to overall health. This advanced exploration will deepen your understanding of how the body processes and responds to dietary intake and how specific nutrients impact physiological functions.

You’ll also investigate the role of nutrition in managing health conditions and preventing disease, integrating key concepts from nutrition and physiology. By bridging these areas, the module equips you with the tools to support evidence-based approaches in health and wellness, providing a comprehensive insight into the science behind nutrition’s impact on the human body.

Biomechanical Analysis of Human Motion

This module covers the measurement and analysis of human movement with a focus of understanding the technologies (and their limitations) used to assess sports performance. It will include:

Anatomical terminology and functional movements, including how to define joints for biomechanical analysis
Different modes of data measurement in sports analysis
Kinematic measurement techniques (video, marker-based motion capture, and Inertial Measurement Units)
Data and signal processing
Clinical gait analysis terminology and applications
Kinetic measurement techniques
Inverse dynamics for predicting muscle forces via musculoskeletal modelling
Professional use of biomechanics labs, and general review of how to conduct research in this field
Data collection during gait analysis sessions and hands-on experience with motion capture suits

3 modules

Health, Ageing and Disease

In this module, you’ll explore the biological processes of ageing and disease, and their impacts on human physiology, disease, and frailty.

Delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing and their effects on whole body function, with a focus on age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and liver diseases.

We’ll also investigate the interplay of nutrition and exercise in regulating human metabolism and mitigating disease risks. A key component examines the dual role of exercise and nutrition in influencing disease prevention and progression and serving as therapeutic interventions.

You’ll also have the opportunity to evaluate strategies to promote healthy ageing, and disease prevention and management.

Project

This is a year-long level three module. You will undertake detailed research on a chosen topic in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, or psychology with close supervision from an academic member of staff. Each project will involve collection of experimental data, their analysis and interpretation in the context of previous published work, and the completion of a written dissertation.

Innovation for the Future: Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and Engagement in Science

In this module, you’ll explore the dynamic relationship between science and society, delving into how scientific advancements influence and are influenced by the world around us. You’ll examine the ethical frameworks that shape the practice of science in modern societies and consider the pathways by which discoveries are transformed into commercial or therapeutic applications.

You’ll also investigate how scientific knowledge is communicated to the public and its role in addressing pressing global and societal challenges of the 21st century. This module encourages a critical perspective on science's impact, offering valuable insights into its potential for both progress and controversy.

6 modules

Physical Activity and Behaviour Change

You’ll explore significant societal issues of physical activity, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour, and its relation to health and chronic disease. This will include an epidemiological understanding between physical inactivity, health and disease, along with mechanistic insight into the effects of inactivity and sedentary behaviour.

You’ll also cover the psychological determinants of exercise and health in different populations. We’ll use psychological theories and to discuss health promotion and adherence, the relationship between physical activity, mental health and well-being, and evaluation of psychological interventions and public health programmes.

Innovation in Anatomical Sciences

In this module, you'll delve into the intersection of anatomical sciences and innovative technologies, designed specifically for third-year students. You'll deepen your understanding of human anatomy while developing expertise in the use of cutting-edge tools and techniques. This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of anatomical structures and functions, integrating advanced technological methods to enhance your learning experience.

By exploring the latest advancements in imaging and diagnostic technologies, you'll gain practical skills in applying these tools to anatomical studies. You'll learn how innovative technologies can be used to investigate and understand complex anatomical systems, preparing you for a career in medical research, healthcare, or related fields. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to leverage modern technologies in the study of human anatomy.

Human Environmental Physiology and Exercise

In this module, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors affect human physiology and exercise. You'll explore the impacts of various conditions such as heat, cold, hypoxia, pollution, and immersion on the body's responses and performance.

You'll learn to analyse and interpret the physiological changes that occur under different environmental conditions. You'll also develop strategies to optimise exercise performance and safety in challenging environments.

Illuminating Life: Advanced Imaging Technologies

This module explores the principles, applications and advancements in imaging technologies across biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll understand the theoretical knowledge and applications of imaging techniques used in research and industry. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating the role of imaging in advancing our understanding of life sciences.

Psychological and Physiological Approaches to Performance

The module will provide you with an understanding of elite performance psychology and applied physiology for performance. You’ll gain a knowledge of topics such as being a high performer, perception for performance sport, applied testing practices and working with a range of athlete populations.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

In this module, you’ll get a comprehensive understanding of clinical exercise physiology. Practical classes will develop your skills in the undertaking and interpretation of relevant physiological assessments in the context of human health and chronic disease progression.

Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

AAA

34 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

At least two from biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, PE, and psychology.

A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

GCSEs

GCSE at grade 4 (C) in maths and English

Those who wish to apply for this course, but do not meet the entry requirements, or have alternative qualifications to A levels should consider applying for the Science Foundation Year. This additional year will give you the necessary academic knowledge to progress onto a science course of your choosing, including Sport and Exercise Science BSc.

IB requirements

IB score

34 points overall or 6,6,6 in three HL certificates

IB requirements

HL6 and HL6 in two of biology, chemistry, maths, physics, psychology

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Core Maths

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Level 3 Core Maths

If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma D plus two A levels grades AA in two of biology, chemistry, maths, physics, PE, and psychology (a BTEC in sport, sport science or related subjects will not be accepted alongside A level PE)
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A levels grades AA in two of biology, chemistry, maths, physics, PE, and psychology (a BTEC in sport, sport science or related subjects will not be accepted alongside A level PE)

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit. 15 Level 3 credits must be in biological science and 15 Level 3 credits must be in chemistry.

Foundation progression options

If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year BSc or Science with Foundation Year MSci course. Students successfully completing and meeting the specific progression requirements of the Science with a Foundation Year course are guaranteed progression on to a selection of undergraduate courses. Please note progression to some courses may require meeting additional criteria such as a successful interview.

You can view all pathways and progression criteria in our progression table.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Placements

All students will be required to complete a Personal Development Portfolio during their studies. This mandatory portfolio will include undertaking work placements within the university and UK.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Sports scholarships

Financial support is available for the brightest and best talents in the sporting world through our sports scholarships.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

34 points overall

A levels

AAA

IB requirements

IB score

34 points overall or 6,6,6 in three HL certificates

IB requirements

HL6 and HL6 in two of biology, chemistry, maths, physics, psychology

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

At least two from biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, PE, and psychology.

A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

GCSEs

GCSE at grade 4 (C) in maths and English

Level 3 Core Maths

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma D plus two A levels grades AA in two of biology, chemistry, maths, physics, PE, and psychology (a BTEC in sport, sport science or related subjects will not be accepted alongside A level PE)
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A levels grades AA in two of biology, chemistry, maths, physics, PE, and psychology (a BTEC in sport, sport science or related subjects will not be accepted alongside A level PE)

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit. 15 Level 3 credits must be in biological science and 15 Level 3 credits must be in chemistry.

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Foundation progression options

If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.

Mature students

Placements

All students will be required to complete a Personal Development Portfolio during their studies. This mandatory portfolio will include undertaking work placements within the university and UK.

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Sports scholarships

Financial support is available for the brightest and best talents in the sporting world through our sports scholarships.

Careers overview

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. Examples of graduate destinations include:

Allied healthcare professions (such as Cardiac Support Officer, Respiratory Physiologist, Chartered Psychologist via MSc Psychology, Physiotherapy via MSc Physiotherapy)
Medicine via Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM)
Research and sales roles in pharmaceutical and nutritional companies
Postgraduate education (taught MSc and research PhD)
Teaching via a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
Professional services (recruitment, human resources, sales, IT, management)
Applied roles within professional sport (Sports Scientist, Strength and Conditioning)

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

The average starting salary for life sciences undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £27,563 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Careers advice

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 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

Welcome to your campus

Located at Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK's largest and busiest hospitals, the Medical School offers an exceptional learning environment. You’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities and learn from leading clinicians and researchers, enjoying easy access to University Park for a full campus experience.

Sport and Exercise Science - U6USPEXS

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

5 modules

Human Cellular and Molecular Biology

Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences

Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science

Introduction to Human Nutrition and Metabolism

Core modules

4 modules

Functional and Clinical Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Applied Sport Psychology

Further Key Skills in Life Sciences

Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism

Optional modules

Core modules

3 modules

Health, Ageing and Disease

Project

Innovation for the Future: Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and Engagement in Science

Optional modules

Language study as part of this degree

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£9,535 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£33,000 per year

Careers

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