Program Overview

Introduction to BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning)

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) program at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sport science, with a focus on distance learning. This flexible program allows students to study at their own pace, making it ideal for those who are in full-time employment, sports performers, coaches, or exercise professionals.

Program Overview

The program is taught mainly through distance learning, with an initial compulsory attendance at the induction and two mandatory five-day residential sessions at the Certificate and Diploma levels. The program has a strong applied focus, drawing on students' experiences of exercise, sport, fitness, and physical activity to form a context for their learning.

Course Structure

The program is structured over six years, with students completing levels 4, 5, and 6. Each level provides a comprehensive introduction to the core disciplines of physiology, psychology, and biomechanics, as well as practical and professional skills.

Level 4

• Fundamentals of Physiology and Exercise Metabolism DL: This module provides an introduction to exercise physiology and metabolism, including anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and neural systems, as well as bioenergetics and metabolism.
• Fundamentals of Human Movement DL: This module provides an introduction to human musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanical principles relevant to human movement during sport and exercise.
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology DL: This module provides an introduction to the theories and principles of sport and exercise psychology.
• Practical and Professional Skills 1: This module provides an introduction to the practical laboratory skills relevant in sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics, and psychology.

Level 5

• Applied Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise DL: This module explores biomechanical principles relevant to human movement during sport and exercise.
• Applied Exercise Physiology and Nutrition DL: This module explores how knowledge of the fundamental physiological systems and metabolism can be applied to analyze and evaluate performance in sport and exercise.
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology DL: This module explores how the theoretical underpinnings of sport and exercise psychology can be applied to analyze and evaluate across themes such as expertise and skill learning, performance in health contexts, psychophysiology, and how these are integrated into understanding behavior and informing evidence-based practice.
• Practical and Professional Skills 2: This module advances practical laboratory skills for application to different sport and exercise science contexts.

Level 6

• Individual Project in Sport and Exercise DL: This module focuses on the key skills for conducting a project, culminating in a comprehensive body of work that includes a literature search and review, methodology, data collection and analysis, data interpretation, and discussion.
• Planning Projects in Sport and Exercise DL: This module focuses on the key skills for planning research, including searching and reviewing literature, and analysis of research methods in sport and exercise science.
• Option Modules:
  • Multidisciplinary Strategies for Sports Performance DL: This module integrates the key disciplines of physiology, psychology, and biomechanics to enhance sporting performance in a variety of contexts.
  • Sports Conditioning and Performance Analysis DL: This module explores the relationship between performance analysis and strength and conditioning in enhancing sport performance.
  • Public Health Nutrition and Exercise Prescription DL: This module examines the theory and application of public health, nutrition, and promotion within the context of changing individual and population behaviors to improve societal health.
  • Exercise Science for Clinical Populations DL: This module develops an interdisciplinary understanding of health and clinical applications within exercise science.

Study and Assessment

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study, with an emphasis on coursework assessment.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be considered individually on the basis of their ability to complete the course successfully. Many applicants will typically be in employment as professional or voluntary coaches, in the fitness industry, or at an elite level of sport. International students must meet the English language requirements, with an IELTS score of 6.0.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized. Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

Graduates of the program can pursue a range of career paths within sport governing bodies, clubs, organizations, schools, research centers, academic institutions, as well as hospitals and medical centers specializing in health, fitness, and rehabilitation. The university's Careers Service provides support and encouragement to help students get ready for further study or working life.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) program at Manchester Metropolitan University offers a comprehensive and flexible education in sport science, with a strong applied focus and a range of career opportunities. With its emphasis on distance learning and coursework assessment, this program is ideal for students who are looking to balance their studies with other commitments.