BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology with foundation year · Coventry UniversityBachelor's degree · 4 years
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Coventry University · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology with foundation year Bachelor's degree at Coventry University

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology with foundation year at Coventry University covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.

BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
88%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

CU Coventry is committed to high quality, cost-effective learning opportunities. We are also committed to keeping our pricing structure simple, transparent and easy to understand. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology with foundation year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in CU Coventry. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Psychology graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 43% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.1
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong79

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent88

Stronger evidence Published sample: 100. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 88% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong77

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 77% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year one 4 modules
  • Biological Basis of BehaviourCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module explores the relationship between behaviour and biology, examining how the nervous and other biological systems may help explain topics such as sleep, addiction and behavioural genetics. You will have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills and apply them through problem-based learning approaches within the context of biological psychology, with a focus on strengthening your understanding of quantitative research methods.

  • The Psychology of Human InteractionCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module focuses on human interaction within both individual and group contexts. You will examine traditional and contemporary social psychology theories that aid in underpinning real-world issues such as aggression and gender identity. Through problem-based learning, this module aims to help you improve your understanding of the complexities of human interaction while developing your qualitative research method skills.

  • Mental Processes: From Thought to ActionCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module offers insight into the complexities of cognitive processes and how our minds function. Explore the core principles of cognitive psychology, including attention, memory and decision-making. Learn how cognitive psychology underpins everyday actions and decisions through quantitative research methods and solution-focused learning.

  • Development Across the LifespanCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module gives you the opportunity to explore psychological development across the lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. You will examine cognitive, emotional and social milestones, considering how developmental psychology can be applied to real-world issues such as education and cognitive decline in later life. You should learn to explore and analyse the dynamic processes that shape human growth and change.

Year two 4 modules
  • Developing Self and Identity in the Social WorldCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to deepen your understanding of social and developmental psychology, exploring how thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships and identity are shaped by social influences and developmental stages. You will examine group dynamics, interpersonal relationships and cultural differences, using qualitative research methods and a problem-based learning approach to help develop your research skills.

  • Science of the MindCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Enhance your knowledge of biological and cognitive psychology, exploring brain function and mental processes and their impact on behaviour. You will study neuroanatomy, experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience and see how they apply to global topics like behavioural disorders. This module aims to use more advanced quantitative research methodologies and analysis to examine these concepts.

  • Applied Sport and Exercise PsychologyCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces psychological theory and research in sport and exercise to enhance health and performance. Content includes covering needs analyses, mental skills training, and intervention implementation and evaluation. Examining contemporary case studies, you should develop a critical analysis of psychological skills training for athletes and design interventions promoting exercise for various populations.

  • Psychology in Motion: Tracing the Path of Sport and ExerciseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module explores the development of Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) from historical research to modern applications. It examines limitations of mainstream psychology perspectives in SEP, contemporary applications, and theory. Critically analyse strengths, limitations and ethical considerations, and learn how mainstream psychology informs SEP's future growth, and contemporary and historical ethical issues.

Placement year 2 modules
  • UK Work PlacementOptional
    Module details

    This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

  • International Study/Work PlacementOptional
    Module details

    This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Final year 5 modules
  • Project Planning and Ethics in PsychologyCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    You will start your independent research project process, with support from your project supervisor, in this module. You will apply knowledge of research methods and theory to design an independent research project to address an appropriate psychological research question. Learn about ethics across Coventry University (CU Ethics) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) before completing an online Coventry University research ethics application.

  • Independent Research ProjectCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module helps you develop skills and behaviours expected in professional settings. You'll learn to carry out empirical research and write an independent piece on it with support from your project supervisor. You should develop a critical and further enhanced understanding of psychological research methodology.

  • Multi-disciplinary Sport and Exercise PsychologyCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module focuses on enhancing performance, promoting physical activity adherence, and facilitating health in sport and exercise. It explores the impact of psychological state and well-being on athletic performance, achievement and general health. Engage with advanced theories and practical interventions. Learn the skills needed to assess requirements, develop strategies and support diverse clients.

  • Change in Sport and Exercise PsychologyOptional30 credits
    Module details

    This module covers psychological principles and theories of behavioural change in sport and exercise. It includes key theories (for example, Behaviour Change Wheel, Transtheoretical Model) and techniques (for example, imagery, self-talk). Learn to design interventions, set goals, maintain motivation and evaluate physical activity interventions. Practical applications and case studies are explored to enhance performance and exercise adherence.

  • Neuropsychology in Sport and ExerciseOptional30 credits
    Module details

    This module explores neural mechanisms of cognitive and affective processes in sports and exercise psychology. Critically evaluate scientific reports on neuropsychology research to understand neurological mechanisms of thinking, feeling and behaviour. Gain in-depth knowledge of neuroimaging techniques and their application in sport and exercise contexts.

Foundation year 4 modules
  • Skills for Professional DevelopmentCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Become familiar with the professional and regulatory standards relevant to professional roles across the wider health, education and social care sectors. Explore the importance of effective communication and the purpose and benefits of self-evaluation and reflection in a variety of professional contexts. Consider the impact and influence of personal and professional values on practice and be provided with the opportunity to examine the barriers and facilitators to effective practice in your pref

  • Psychology of Learning and DevelopmentCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Examine lifespan development and supporting psychological theories to develop an understanding of human behaviour. Understand the importance of psychology in the context of learning and behaviour and its application to enhance relationships with service-users. By understanding the factors that influence people's behaviours we can provide interventions that will help people change their lifestyle choices. With this in mind, you will cover essential topics such as psychological perspectives, stage

  • Health and DiseaseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces you to the fundamental knowledge of anatomy and physiology and its relationship with health and disease. You will learn to apply this knowledge and understanding of the working of the human body to explore how health and care interventions can address disease, along with how individual choices and health management decisions can affect overall health status.

  • Promoting Health and WellbeingCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    After identifying the concepts of inequality in society and the resulting impact, you'll practice assessing, planning and implementing health promotion. You'll take into account various approaches such as social change and empowerment and consider current programmes including national campaigns, social marketing and mass media. Showcase your understanding of health and wellbeing by producing your own health campaign. At the end of this module, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and c

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This course combines sport and exercise science with applied psychology. You'll usually start with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology and an introduction to sport psychology, covering how motivation and confidence affect performance. Year 2 typically moves into biomechanics, the physiology of training, and research methods. From Year 3 onwards, you'll specialise in areas such as strength and conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, and undertake an applied placement with teams, clients or schools alongside an independent research project. The foundation year provides additional grounding before the main degree begins.

Who it's for

This course suits students interested in understanding how psychology shapes athletic performance, exercise participation, and mental health. It's designed for those considering careers in sports psychology, exercise science, coaching, or related fields where psychological insight is valuable. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 112–127 points. The foundation year makes this accessible to those needing additional preparation before degree-level work.

Careers & job market

Across Sport and Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of working graduates, 62% are in highly skilled work or further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months after graduation) typically fall between £22,000 and £30,000, rising to £23,375–£33,000 after five years. These figures reflect the broader labour market for the field, not a guaranteed salary. Career paths include sports psychology roles, exercise prescription, performance coaching, research, and health promotion.

University & format

Coventry University is a University located in Coventry offering this course in full-time study over 4 years, taught in English. The degree is recognised by the UK's degree-awarding body framework, and holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
83%
Learning opportunities
82%
Assessment and feedback
80%
Academic Support
83%
Organisation and management
62%
Learning resources
90%
Student voice
75%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

AccreditationBPS

Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysBook an Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent80% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Coventry University's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent80%
another higher-education qualification11%
No / unknown prior qualifications4%
Other2%
a previous degree1%
an Access course1%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Coventry University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at Coventry University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Coventry University funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£24,000£21,000 – £26,000100
3 years after£21,000£16,000 – £26,000190
5 years after£26,500£21,000 – £32,000220

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 100. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

88%
in work or further study 15 months on
43%
in highly skilled work or study
77%
continue past their first year
79%
find their work meaningful
68%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000
£22,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£21,000
£19,125 – £27,000
After 5 years LEO
£26,500
£23,375 – £33,000
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,000 – £34,000

National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

88 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

69% working13% working and studying6% in further study43% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 100. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.

This course £26,500Peer median £27,500Middle 50% £26,000–£30,000
30th percentile

Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 12% of published destinations
  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 435; response rate: 53%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
62%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
80%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Sports clubs & NGBs
  • Leisure providers
  • Schools
  • The NHS

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 79.3% · in work or study 88% · continued 77%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Coventry University

All students29,505
International45.1%
Aged 25+30.6%

Biological and sport sciences across the UK

Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around CU Coventry

2,605 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 1033Shoplifting 357Public Order 186Other Theft 179Criminal Damage Arson 161

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by Coventry University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Psychology graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 43% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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