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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Sport and Exercise Sciences - BSc (Hons)
Overview
To lead, inspire and shape the future of sport.
Summary
Sport and Exercise Science is becoming one of the most popular subjects for undergraduates and provides excellent career opportunities. Advances in the sports industry and the growth of competition have made a scientific approach to sport fundamental to monitoring and improving performance.
Award
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Faculty
Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
School
School of Sport and Exercise Science
Campus
Belfast campus
UCAS code
C600
Start date
September 2025
With this degree you could become:
- PE Teacher
- Performance Analyst & GPS
- Sports Coach
- Sports Scientist Professional
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Sports Nutritionist
- Sport Psychologist
Graduates from this course are now working for:
- Institutes of Sport
- NGBs of Sport
- Performa Sports
- STATSports
- Various Leisure Centres
- IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
- PwC
About this course
This programme allows you to use a scientific approach to analyse performance in sport and exercise and to develop academic and professional skills which you can use to find employment in this expanding field. Science subjects studied include physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
- Foundations for Future Success
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic Biomechanics
- Sport in Practice
- Principles of Coaching, Instructing and Teaching
Associate awards
- Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
- Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
- Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Attendance
Students should be available to attend lectures, seminars and practical classes as timetabled, during weekdays. The programme duration is three years or four years including optional placement year.
Start dates
- September 2025
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Teaching and learning occur in larger and small groups in which the emphasis is placed on a welcoming environment that promotes student responsibility, empowerment and confidence.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Belfast campus
Accommodation
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Student Wellbeing
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
A level
AAB including
- A-Level Essential: One Grade A from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Sports Studies, Sport Science & Leisure Industry, Life & Health Sciences, Applied Science, Double Award Life & Health Sciences (Grades AB) or Double Award Applied Science (Grades AB).
Applied General Qualifications
- RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 suite)
- Award profile of DDD
Irish Leaving Certificate
136 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Scottish Highers
Grades ABBBC to include a grade A from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, PE, Physics, Sport Studies, Double Award Applied Science or Sport Science and Leisure Industry.
Scottish Advanced Highers
Grades ABC to include a grade A from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, PE, Physics, Sport Studies, Double Award Applied Science or Sport Science and Leisure Industry.
Access to Higher Education (HE)
Overall average of 73% to include 73% in each level three module. To include two level three modules from the following: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Psychology or Sport Studies.
GCSE
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Mathematics and one Science subject.
English Language Requirements
- English language requirements for international applicants
- The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Additional Entry Requirements
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
- Pass HND in Sport or Science (as accepted by the University) with overall Distinction to include 90 distinctions in level 5 credits
- Pass HNC in Sport or Science (as accepted by the University) with overall Distinction to include distinctions in ALL level 4 credits
Exemptions and transferability
Foundation Degree in Sport, Exercise and Fitness (Sports Science pathway); pass at commendation level (65% in level 5 modules) allows advanced entry application to year 2 to be considered.
Careers & opportunities
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course are now working for:
- Institutes of Sport
- NGBs of Sport
- Performa Sports
- STATSports
- Various Leisure Centres
- IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
- PwC
Job roles
With this degree you could become:
- PE Teacher
- Performance Analyst & GPS
- Sports Coach
- Sports Scientist Professional
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Sports Nutritionist
- Sport Psychologist
Career options
Career Destination Statistics indicate a significant number of sports graduates go on to study the PGCE in Physical Education, while a further 5 – 10% pursue other postgraduate qualifications both at Ulster University and at other institutions in the UK and abroad.
Work placement / study abroad
The School of Sport and Exercise Science continues to work towards developing its industrial placement programme due to the recognised value of offering students such an experience.
Professional Recognition
Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations.
British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES)
Recognised by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for the purposes of endorsement by the BASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (BUES).
Fees and funding
Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees
£4,855.00
England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees
£9,535.00
International Fees
£17,010.00
Annual Increase Disclaimer
Important Notice: Annual Fees Increase
Scholarships, awards and prizes
Dame Mary Peters prize for the highest aggregate mark in final year.
Additional mandatory costs
Additional Costs - Sports Kit, Access NI, Performance analysis Software.
Terms and Conditions
- We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate.
- The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.
- At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible.
- The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.
- If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University.
- If you do not agree that the changes are fair, you can seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedures.
- Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University.
- The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
- Further information can be found in our terms and conditions.
Student Terms and Conditions
The full Student Terms and Conditions 24/25 is now available.
Sustainability at Ulster
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
Faculty of Life and Health Sciences – Sustainability in Focus
Learning and Teaching
Our Faculty is dedicated to integrating sustainability across our curriculum, preparing students to address global environmental challenges.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Our Faculty has key centres of research excellence within all Schools and our interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from diverse fields to develop impactful solutions.
External Partnerships
Collaboration is key to driving sustainability. Our Faculty partners with external stakeholders including professional bodies and learned societies to enhance the sustainability journey for all our students and to promote sustainable practices.