BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year

Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year

Overview

This foundation year programme will provide a solid foundation and pathway into our Sport and Exercise Science degree programme. The key areas of study will be effective communication and study skills and you will be introduced to basic theories and concepts within the discipline.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time
• Course: Four year
• Next enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

This foundation year programme will provide a solid foundation and pathway into our Sport and Exercise Science degree programme. The key areas of study will be effective communication and study skills and you will be introduced to basic theories and concepts within the discipline.

You will:

• Develop the skills and knowledge to successfully study at Level 4
• Learn about the basic theories and concepts relating to Sport and Exercise Science
• Be taught by a multi-disciplinary programme team with experience in a range of professional health care, sports and exercise settings

Course Structure

Foundation Year

• Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription
  • This module will provide a firm grounding in both testing and prescription principles applied in sport and exercise science contexts.
  • Assessment: Written examination
• University Life
  • This module has been designed to promote a positive and supportive transition from further to higher education, focusing initially on the importance of wellbeing to successful study.
  • Assessment: Written portfolio
• Introduction to Applied Sciences
  • This module will provide a firm grounding in the key applied sciences needed to study for a degree in a range of professions.
  • Assessment: Two-hour multiple choice exam
• Introduction to Exploring Evidence
  • Introduction to Exploring Evidence will build on the knowledge and understanding acquired in trimester one and will prepare you for your Level 4 studies and beyond.
  • Assessment: Written coursework
• Foundations of Mental and Physical Health
  • This module will introduce you to the concepts that underpin physical and mental health.
  • Assessment: Written coursework

Year One

• Human Physiology
  • Investigate the function of major organ systems and how they regulate homeostasis.
• Bioenergetics and Nutrients
  • Gain a fundamental understanding of energy metabolism and nutrition in human performance.
• Principles of Training: Health and Performance
  • This module covers key training principles for sports performance and health.
• Introduction to Sports Science
  • This module introduces you to the field of sports science and the competencies required as a Sport Scientist.
• Introduction to Sport Psychology
  • Explore key psychological theories related to motivation, confidence, and individual differences in sport.
• Introduction to Sports Biomechanics
  • Learn core principles of mechanics and biomechanics, collecting and analysing movement data to optimise human performance.
• Digital Tools and Skills for Sport and Exercise Science
  • This unique module supports your transition into higher education, focusing on study skills, digital literacy, and career exploration.

Year Two

• Exercise Physiology
  • Build on first-year foundations to explore the acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise.
• Research Methods and Study Design
  • Develop essential research skills for both academic and professional contexts.
• Sports Nutrition
  • Gain a strong theoretical and applied understanding of sports nutrition.
• Biomechanics and Performance Analysis
  • Apply biomechanics and performance analysis concepts to assess and improve sports performance.
• Psychological Assessment and Strategies for Athletes
  • This module will focus on psychological assessment and strategies for athletes.
• Applied Strength and Conditioning (optional module)
  • This module provides you with an applied understanding of the theoretical principles of training to enhance athletic performance.
• Lifestyle Medicine 1 (optional module)
  • Explore health and exercise applications beyond performance settings.

Year Three

• Dissertation
  • Undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice, working closely with a supervisor.
• Placement
  • Gain practical experience in a vocational setting, applying sport and exercise science theories to real-world challenges.
• Your choice of career-focused module from:
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Practice
  • Advanced Strength and Conditioning
  • Advanced Performance Analysis
• Your choice of optional modules: one per semester
  • Lifestyle Medicine 2
  • Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology
  • Applied Sports Psychology with Teams
  • Advanced Topics in Sports Nutrition
  • Advanced Biomechanics
  • Critical Issues and Topics in Sport Psychology

Assessment

• 70% Coursework assessments
• 30% Exams

Teaching

A wide range of teaching methods is used according to the nature of the module e.g. lectures, seminars, reflective practice, guided study, teamwork, and oral presentations.

School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.

Human Performance Laboratory

Our world-class human performance laboratory contains almost every type of physiological, performance analysis and biomechanical testing equipment.

Requirements

• GCSE
  • English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
• UCAS Tariff points
  • 80 UCAS Tariff points
• A Level
  • UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of two A2 subjects
• BTEC National Extended Diploma
  • MMP
• Scottish Highers
  • UCAS Tariff points
• Irish Leaving Certificate
  • UCAS Tariff points including:
    • English - Higher H6 (D3), Ordinary O5 (C3)
    • Maths - Higher H6 (D3), Ordinary O5 (C3)
    • Science - Higher H6 (D3), Ordinary O5 (C3)
• International Baccalaureate
  • UCAS Tariff points
• Access to HE
  • UCAS Tariff points. Health and Science based subjects preferred

Alternative Entry Requirements

• The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
  • The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) (both Certified Prior Learning and/or one Prior Experiential Learning) is used as per the university’s Admissions and Retention Policy.

Tuition Fees

• Type of study | Year | Fees
  • Full-time home | 2025/26 | £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years
  • Full-time home | 2026/27 | £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.