Sport and Exercise Science (with foundation year) BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 72 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): C603
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Four years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
Introduction:
Your foundation year is the start of your journey where you’ll be introduced to scientific aspects of sport, exercise, and physical activity for health. You’ll take part in lots of practical sessions to apply your theory, developing skills sought by employers and preparing you for potential postgraduate study.
Building on your passion for sport and exercise, we’ll support you in understanding the how and the why of optimising athletic performance.
The course covers various disciplines, including psychology, physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis and nutrition. You’ll get hands-on and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges in our excellent lab facilities.
More than 30 sports and leisure organisations support this course, including the British Olympic Association, Derby Rugby Club, and
the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science. These links get you valuable industry experience alongside learning the theory.
Sport and Wellbeing Academy
Each year a number of our Sport Science students get the chance to work in our Sport and Wellbeing Academy. This exciting opportunity allows you to apply some of the theory you've learned in a real-world environment and develop the skills needed for working in industry. Working alongside our experienced Senior Exercise Practitioners you'll have the opportunity to deliver exercise programmes to help improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.
You can also work with local schools to implement 'The Daily Mile' which improves the fitness and concentration of their pupils. NTU's sports teams are currently in the top ten in the BUCS league (British Universities and Colleges Sport). Our aim is to reach the top and working in the Academy gives you the opportunity to work with our teams on their training, performance and nutrition to make this dream a reality. Find out more about the Academy...
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100% of our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Sandwich) students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21). -
Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality in Sport Science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024) -
Top 10 University for Sport in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Championship
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Get work experience in our Sport and Wellbeing Academy. You'll work on improving the health and wellbeing of the local community, schools and our sports teams.
What you’ll study
During your first year you’ll be introduced to key topics in sport and exercise science, such as anatomy and physiology, psychology of health and wellbeing, and current topics in sport. There’s also a focus on developing your academic and professional skills. These are year-long modules which will really set you up for success in your degree and your career after graduation.
Sport and exercise scientists improve performance, and at NTU that's what we are passionate about. We help sportsmen and women raise their game while keeping them healthy and limiting the risk of injury. Just as sportsmen and women need the support of sport scientists, industry, healthcare, education and the public sector need conscientious, critical thinkers who know how to interact well with others, set and achieve goals and enthuse those around them. We will teach you how to do all of this and more.
Who will teach me?
The Sport Science team addresses contemporary issues within sport, exercise and physical activity. We take a reality-based approach to education where you are encouraged to put theory into practice. We provide you with multiple opportunities for hands-on learning through innovative teaching methods, lab work, industry placements and consultancy.
Sport at NTU
As well as offering a wide range of sporting activities organised by the Students' Union, the NTU is in the top 10 of all UK universities competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league, which take place on Wednesday afternoons throughout the year. From rugby and football to swimming and rowing, there is chance to get involved with sports at all levels. Find out more about the sport and lifestyle programmes at NTU.
Fitness, Training and Testing
Learn how to assess fitness levels, gauge training effectiveness, and pinpoint areas for improvement. Perform these tests, prioritize client needs, and communicate key findings while recommending training techniques for better performance.
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Understand the body's major physiological systems in relation to sport and exercise through practical experiments. You’ll learn anatomical terminology and the locations of organs, muscles, and bones.
Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise Science
Develop your key academic skills such as writing, research, and collaboration. You’ll gain valuable research skills and learn how to critically use and evaluate information sources.
Professional Skills for Sport and Exercise Science
This module runs for the whole of your foundation year and focuses on enhancing your professional skills through learning tasks. It emphasizing the importance of engaging in extra and co-curricular activities for professional growth.
Current Topics in Sport
You’ll be introduced to current topics in sport science, coaching, management, nutrition, and health. Exploring current research, you’ll write a persuasive article that addresses one of the current topics introduced in this module.
Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
Explore the impact of exercise on health and wellbeing in this module. Study evidence showcasing psychological benefits of physical activity. You’ll gain practical insights into applying theories to promote physical activity, focusing on strategies and interventions for improved health and wellbeing.
Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology
This module provides the foundations of the key human systems (both anatomical and physiological) and their responses and
adaptations to sport and exercise.
Foundations in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Examine the psychological consequences of engaging in sport and exercise, as well as the mental factors that impact on quality
sport and exercise experiences.
Introduction to Human Movement Science
Learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of biomechanics relevant to understanding motion of the human body and the forces generated or experienced by the human body.
Sport, Culture and Society: a Critical Introduction
Explore the importance of the social sciences in the understanding of sport and in the education of every sports professional.
Foundation Nutrition
Learn the essential principles and concepts of nutrition, focusing upon the structure and function of nutrients, the effects of
consumption and the methods for assessing nutritional intake and status.
Developing Academic and Research Skills
Get an overall perspective of the research process in the context of sport, exercise, health and leisure management, and learn the research skills necessary to successfully complete your studies.
Core modules
Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
Through theoretical and practical study, you will learn how bouts of physical exercise alter the body’s structures and functions and how these concepts can be applied to training.
Practical Applications in Sport and Exercise Psychology
This module introduces the concept of evidence-based practice and frameworks of assessment, intervention and evaluation to address issues in sport, coaching, and social and exercise psychology.
Analysis of Human Movement
Building on the biomechanical principles studied in Year One, you will develop the skills required to explain measurable human
movements and forces using biomechanical theories.
Integrated Applied and Professional Skills
Using enquiry-based learning, you will continue to learn about the research process and gain an understanding and experience of how research is conducted within sports and exercise science.
Optional modules - choose one:
Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Develop the fundamental knowledge and understanding that underpins the relationship between nutrition and exercise performance.
Observational Analysis for Sport
Learn the key concepts, skills and techniques for observational sports analysis, including match analysis, motion analysis and techniques analysis.
Optional modules - choose one:
Exercise and Health Physiology
Develop your understanding of how disease states affect physiological processes to impede exercise capacity and how exercise training can improve health and wellbeing.
Sociology of Sport, Health and the Body
Develop a critical understanding of the active body in society by connecting fundamental theories and concepts with personal experiences, professional challenges, and popular cultural examples.
Core modules
Sport Project and Dissertation
You will produce an original and independent piece of work in a specialist area of sport and exercise science depending on your focus of study.
Applied Sport Science
Adopt a multidisciplinary approach to sport and exercise science and develop case studies that apply at disciplines of sport and exercise science science.
Optional modules - choose one:
Contemporary Issues in the Sociology of Sport: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
This module seeks to situate sport within a broad consideration of global processes, practices and consequences.
Sport, Exercise and the Brain
You'll explore how psychological factors, such as self-control, affect exercise adherence and sporting performance. Additionally, you will examine how physical activity and exercise affect psychophysiological outcomes, such as cognitive function and mental health.
Strength, Power and Endurance for Sport and Exercise
This module typically focuses on six topics related to applied exercise physiology and strength and conditioning research.
Physical Activity for Health
This module will cover general exercise testing and prescription principles, paediatric, geriatric, and gender-specific conditions.
Talent Development in Sport
This module will explore a critical view of the role of talent development in sports, focusing on the psychosocial, environmental, and personal factors that can influence the talent development process.
Optional modules - choose one:
Child and Adolescent Growth, Health and Performance
The module will describe and critically evaluate the processes of growth and development in humans and the potential impact of these on the current (and future) health and performance of the growing child and adolescent.
Advanced Topics in Sport and Exercise Psychology
You will become familiar with selected areas such as motivational climate, athletic identity, mental toughness, psychology of injury and morality in sports. The emphasis of this module will be placed on current primary research.
Applied Human Movement Science for Sport
This module addresses, in the context of biomechanics, how to improve and / or optimise human performance and to understand how human performance can be affected by or result in dysfunction.
Current Topics in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
This module provides the fundamental knowledge and understanding that underpins the relationship between nutrition and exercise performance.
Hormone and Immune Function in Sport and Exercise
This module will introduce you to the endocrine and immune systems, exploring how they operate as separate entities and looking at areas where they overlap. Using this knowledge, you will then be introduced to exercise immunology and endocrinology, considering the physiological and molecular mechanisms that determine the function of both systems.
Optional modules - choose one:
Performance Skill and Expertise in Sport
This module outlines how human movement and motor programs are initiated, controlled, learned, taught and performed.
Challenging Critical Issues in Sport
You'll analyse complex problems such as sports injury, drug use in sports and inequality and develop potential solutions using positive social changes.
Environmental Sports Physiology
This module outlines some physiological adaptations that occur when the human body is exposed to an extreme environment.
Illness and Injury in Sport and Exercise
Investigate injury management and illnesses that occur in sports and exercise. You'll examine the epidemiology, mechanisms and risk factors and the use of strategies to avoid and lessen the occurrence of sports injuries and illnesses.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you’re taught
You will learn through traditional lectures and seminars, practical workshops and external visits. The remainder of your time will be a self-guided, independent study.
How you’re assessed
You’ll take a wide range of assessments on your foundation year which will prepare you for assessments as you move onto BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science in your second year.
You will be assessed using a variety of methods relevant to the specific modules; these include:
- coursework: (assignments, group projects, dissertation, case studies)
- practical: (oral presentation (individual and group), laboratory assessments / reports)
- written: (exams, written tests)
Careers and employability
Your career development
This course will enable you to develop and apply a range of essential, transferable management skills greatly respected by employers.
Our recent BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- NHS
- Northampton Saints Rugby Club
- Derby College
- Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur Football Clubs
- Excel Sport Coaching
- International Football Association
- David Lloyd
- Ministry of Defence
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles, including:
- Respiratory Physiologist
- Assistant Performance Analyst
- Sales and Marketing Consultant
- performance analyst
- Community Football Programme Worker
- Junior Sports Science Intern
You can also undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
Throughout your time with us, you will have many opportunities to:
- put theory into practice
- gain valuable experience
- develop the skills that will prepare you for the career of your choice.
Placements
Top 10 for the number of sport science students on year-long placements (HESA 2021/22)
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with various career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you a chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent Engineering students have taken placements across a wide range of companies, including the NHS, Nottingham Forest Academy, Leicester Tigers Rugby, local councils, and swimming clubs. They secured varied roles such as Physical Activity Coordinator, Trainee Sports Scientist, Performance Analyst and Strength Conditioning Coach.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
Throughout your time with us you will have many opportunities through the placement and consultancy projects to put theory into practice, gain valuable experience, and develop the skills that will prepare you for the career of your choice.
Currently, over 30 sport and leisure organisations support this course, providing you with invaluable industry experience, including:
- British Olympic Association
- England Hockey
- Nottingham Forest Football Club
- Derby Rugby Club
- British Association for Sport and Exercise Science.
As well as the new placement option, you will undertake research and consultancy projects with various leading organisations and agencies during this course.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their businesses.
Campus and facilities
Where will I study?
Teaching events are held across Clifton Campus, and include interactive workshops in spaces specifically designed for collaborative, hands-on learning.
We have the stimulating and creative environment needed to equip students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd. We provide first-class facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research, these include:
The University has a wide range of sporting and health-related facilities across three of our campuses. You will have access to:
- sport coaching
- sports injury clinics
- fitness suites
- specialist facilities
- more than 40 sports clubs.
Sport, Exercise and Health Physiology Laboratories
Our laboratories are fully equipped with specialist facilities. You will find high-quality, dynamic learning environment to cater for different types of exercise testing and physical activity.
British Olympic Association (BOA) Approved Environmental Chamber
This chamber enables us to simulate climates anywhere in the world, from Everest to Egypt. Olympic athletes have used the chamber to acclimatise to extreme competition environments.
Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Suite
Our Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Suite includes isokinetic and isometric dynamometers for assessment of force produced by muscle groups of the body. You will also find a 3D camera motion analysis system.
Culinary Skills Teaching Kitchen and the Clifton Sports Hub Nutrition Suite
You will have the opportunity to develop your cooking skills and deliver cook and eat sessions in our Culinary Skills Teaching Kitchen and the Clifton Sports Hub Nutrition Suite.
IT, Sport Psychology and Management Suites
The School also features IT, Sport Psychology and Management Suites. These are used for analysing following:
- matches
- statistics
- nutrition
- coaching
You will also have a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.
Entry requirements
- 72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-level or equivalent
- GCSEs
- English grade C / 4
- Maths grade C / 4
- PE or Science grade C / 4
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-level or equivalent
- GCSEs
- English grade C / 4
- Maths grade C / 4
- PE or Science grade C / 4
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made following our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
You may be interested in this course if you want to study sport science but haven’t studied a PE or Science subject at A-level or equivalent, or if you don't meet the entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students purchase. Book costs vary, and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available to buy from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students earn a salary whilst on placement, which can help cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance, please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs of approximately £20 - £30.
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5)
CIMSPA Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer qualification - if you choose to take this qualification alongside your degree there will be a small fee to register with CIMSPA. For guidance in 2023 the fee was £75.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, contact our Student Financial Support Service by telephone at +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have the offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students purchase. Book costs vary, and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available to buy from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students earn a salary whilst on placement, which can help cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance, please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs of approximately £20 - £30.
CIMSPA Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer qualification - if you choose to take this qualification alongside your degree there will be a small fee to register with CIMSPA. For guidance in 2023 the fee was £75.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the application instructions. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement.
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only decide based on what you tell us. So include your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After applying, we’ll send you important emails throughout the application process, so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After applying, we'll send you important emails throughout the application process, so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.