BSc (Hons) Science of Sport Performance Bachelor's degree at Leeds Beckett University
BSc (Hons) Science of Sport Performance at Leeds Beckett University. You'll study biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and psychology, the disciplines that underpin elite performance.
About this course
Unlock the science behind elite performance. Combine biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and psychology to develop the expertise to power athletic success. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Science of Sport Performance is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Leeds Beckett University, based in Headingley Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Sport and exercise sciences graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £25,000. (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.
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)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 84% (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 1 6 modules
- Human Movement20 credits
Module details
Discover the key concepts in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology that will serve as a solid base for further studies and practice within sports performance. You'll explore important mechanical and physiological principles as they apply to the human motion in sport, as well as functional anatomy.
- Physiology of Testing & Training20 credits
Module details
This module will cover four fundamental areas in sport and exercise physiology; cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal muscle and energy metabolism. It will teach you about the functionality of each of these topics. You'll build your understanding of how human performance can be tested and how exercise training theory is applied to improve exercise capacity. You'll also develop laboratory and practical skills in data collection and analysis.
- Human Behaviour in Sport, Exercise & Health Science20 credits
Module details
Develop your understanding of key psychological theories and research in sport, exercise, and health settings. You'll explore how thoughts, emotions, and motivation influence participation and performance, and how physical activity affects mental health, wellbeing, and cognitive function. Through discussion of foundational and contemporary perspectives in sport and exercise psychology, you'll examine how individuals shape, and are shaped by, their sport and health behaviours. By the end of the m
- Nutrition & Biochemistry20 credits
Module details
Explore the fundamentals of nutrition for health and performance. You'll gain an understanding of nutritional biochemistry and energy metabolism. On completion of this module, you'll understand the concept of energy and how the body utilises energy. By studying metabolism and the process of energy utilisation, you'll develop an appreciation of food as energy. You'll also begin to understand the importance of adequate nutrition in maintaining body functions during rest and activity.
- Personal, Professional & Academic Development in Sport Performance20 credits
Module details
Develop your knowledge, understanding and application of personal, professional, and research-related skills that will help you successfully complete your degree. You'll build a range of transferable skills, including written communication, basic research methods, critical thinking and self-reflection that will be useful in every module you study.
- Young Athlete Development20 credits
Module details
The development of young athletes, specifically growth through and for sport, is an increasingly hot topic in the science of sports performance. Athlete identification, development and optimisation processes have significant implications for health, wellbeing and performance of young athletes; yet they remain the subject of significant confusion. This module delves into the various physical, motor control, skill acquisition, psychosocial and behavioural elements of young athlete development. You
Year 2 6 modules
- Science of Physiological Adaptations20 credits
Module details
Learn to explain and understand the physiological and metabolic responses to maximal, intermittent and prolonged exercise. You'll start to identify and analyse the adaptations of physiological functions during both aerobic and anaerobic
- The Developing Strength & Conditioning Coach20 credits
- Athlete Lifestyle & Career Support20 credits
- Biomechanics & Performance Analysis20 credits
- Professional Development in Sport, Exercise & Health Science20 credits
- Research in Practice for Sport Performance20 credits
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 biomechanics, physiology, nutrition and psychology to develop expertise in athletic performance. You'll usually begin with foundations in how the body moves and adapts to training, alongside sport psychology covering motivation and performance under pressure. Practical coaching and applied skills sessions run throughout. In year two, you'll progress to biomechanics, analysing technique using lab and video methods, physiology of training, and research design in sport science. By year three, you'll specialise in areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching, undertake an applied placement with teams or clients, and complete an independent research project or dissertation.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding how bodies work at their peak, and you want to apply that knowledge practically. Whether you're fascinated by the mechanics of movement, the physiology of training adaptation, or the psychology of performance, this course suits people who combine curiosity about science with a genuine interest in sport. You'll thrive if you enjoy lab work and data alongside real-world scenarios, and if you're willing to engage critically with research to solve performance puzzles. This is ideal if you're considering careers in sports science, athlete support, coaching science, or research in exercise and health, or if you simply want to deepen your understanding of the science beneath what you see on the pitch or track.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Starting salaries typically fall between £22,000 and £30,000, rising to £23,375–£33,000 after five years. About 62% of working graduates in the field move into highly skilled roles or pursue further study, reflecting the depth of expertise the subject demands. Pathways include sports science support roles, coaching science, strength and conditioning, research positions, and health-related professions, though individual outcomes vary by specialism, location, and employer.
University & format
This is a full-time, three-year Bachelor's degree (BSc Hons) taught in English at Leeds Beckett University, a university based at Headingley Campus. The degree is a recognised UK qualification and carries national recognition. The university holds a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 94% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| another higher-education qualification | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C610). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Leeds Beckett University →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
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.
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.
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
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £22,000 – £30,000 | 4405 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £18,500 – £26,000 | 905 |
| 5 years after | £28,000 | £23,000 – £33,500 | 985 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 4,405. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
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.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 4,405. Cohort 2021-22. 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.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
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.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Sport CoachAspire PeopleSport Science LeadBiolyz FlexCoBTEC Tech Awards Sept 22 - Sport - ExaminerPearsonEquine Vet: Independent Clinic for Leisure & Sport HorsesBritish Veterinary LGBT+Learning Mentor (PE/Sport)Prospero TeachingCasual Youth Worker: Sport, Community Growth & BelongingActive Herefordshire & WorcestershireIs 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
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £25,000. 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 8.6 out of 10: NSS 87.9% · continued 84%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Leeds Beckett University
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Headingley Campus
800 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
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 Leeds Beckett University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Leeds Beckett 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 Leeds Beckett 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 Leeds Beckett University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Leeds Beckett University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
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