BSc (Hons) Human Biology Bachelor's degree at Loughborough University
BSc (Hons) Human Biology at Loughborough University. Fascinated by how the human body works, evolves and adapts to life's physical challenges? This course delves into the biological mechanisms that shape human function, from cellular processes to whole-body systems.
About this course
Are you interested in the human body? Intrigued by how humans have evolved? How we’ve adapted to life stressors? You’ll love our BSc Human Biology degree. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Human Biology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Loughborough University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Biological and sport sciences graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 35% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,500. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (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
- Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to further student understanding of the fundamental aspects of biochemistry and cell biology that underpin the wider study of human biology.
- Human Evolution and AdaptationCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is for the student to develop an understanding of: Biological classification and diversity and how the patterns of relatedness are linked to evolution. Natural selection, survival and reproductive fitness in human and primate populations. Principles of molecular evolution, human evolution and human adaptation to the environment from a biological and cultural perspective.
- Laboratory Skills 1Compulsory
Module details
The aims of the module are: To develop students understanding of practical biological experiments. To develop students competency in a wide range of practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. To guide students to understand the applications of modern laboratory techniques. To prepare students to undertake laboratory-based research within the biological sciences.
- Genetics and Molecular BiologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to establish a basic understanding and application of prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology and genetics and how they aid the understanding of Life Sciences.
- Anatomy and PhysiologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop the students' understanding of the structure, function and homeostatic regulation of the human body with reference to integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, endocrine and reproductive systems.
- Academic Skills and Data DescriptionCompulsory
Module details
The aims of this module are: To support students' transition into and progression through university education by developing the core academic and vocational knowledge and skills required for their programme and future careers. To introduce the use of basic research methods relevant to students disciplines. To enable students to become aware of and develop their academic, professional, social and personal skills.
Year 2 9 modules
- Human Nutrition and Exercise MetabolismCompulsory
Module details
The aims of this module are for the student to: Acquire knowledge on the principles of human nutrition, including the concept of energy (calorie) requirements and energy balance, and the main functions of macronutrients and their metabolic and physiological roles. Appraise human nutrient requirements, including the use of dietary reference values and government recommendations for population health. Acquire knowledge on the effects of macronutrients on cellular and whole-body metabolism. Und
- Research Methods: Data AnalysisCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to build on basic research design and statistical skills learnt in PSA701, to understand basic quantitative research design and statistical analysis principles for human biologists, bio-scientists and sports scientists.
- GenomicsCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of a range of molecular biology, genetic analysis and bioinformatic techniques and illustrate how these can be, and have been, applied and adapted to answer major questions in the biological sciences.
- Growth Development and AgeingCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to understand human growth, development and ageing. This includes learning about the physiological, and social changes that occur throughout the lifecourse, considering conception, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood using a biocultural approach. It explores human variations in patterns of growth, development and ageing across populations, taking into account intergenerational, epigenetic, endocrine and environmental effects. It introduces demography and mecha
- Physiology of Exercise and TrainingCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to further students' understanding of the acute physiological responses to exercise and chronic physiological adaptations to exercise and training in humans and how these responses are regulated. The influence of environmental factors and fatigue on physiological processes are also examined. A further aim is to develop students' practical laboratory/experimental skills in human and exercise physiology.
- Interdisciplinary ScienceOptional
Module details
The aims of this module are: To introduce students to concepts of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary working. To introduce students to the issues involved in the conception, design and execution of research projects. To develop essential science communication skills for interdisciplinary working. To develop students' skills to define and interrogate scientific problems within a multidisciplinary team. To present students to cutting edge research across the physical sciences.
- Laboratory Skills IIOptional
Module details
The aims of the module is: To develop competency in a wide range of advanced practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology. To advance students knowledge and understanding of the laboratory practices associated with biological research and to apply this knowledge to practical biological experiments. To rapidly and efficiently organise their own critical evaluation of the biological/scientific approach and alter experimenta
- Psychology and HealthOptional
Module details
The aim is for students to develop knowledge related to the relationship between psychology, health, and disease by learning about how different diseases and health-related conditions affect/are affected by underlying psychological processes. Students will also develop their ability to examine and understand how psychological theory could potentially be translated into practical applications which could have health benefiting implications.
- Cellular Signalling and TransportOptional
Module details
The aims of this module are to further the understanding of: The different mechanisms by which cells respond to external stimuli. Thus, understanding the steps involved in cellular signal transduction mechanisms, from arrival of signal at the cell membrane to alterations in cell structure with or without concomitant changes in gene expression. Comparative aspects of signalling processes in organisms from different kingdoms with the major emphasis on contemporary eukaryotic cell signal transducti
Final year 6 modules
- ProjectCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and opportunity to select, organise and conduct an enquiry-based project in a topic relevant to their development and programme.
- Body Composition and Physiological MeasurementOptional
Module details
The aims of this module are for the student to understand the biological bases and methods for assessing the composition and function of the human body and to critically evaluate the reliability and validity of techniques and their applicability in different populations.
- Physiology of Exercise and HealthOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the physiological and metabolic underpinnings of exercise as a therapy to prevent and manage chronic metabolic disease.
- Sport and Exercise NutritionOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the impact of diet and nutritional supplements on human performance and health.
- Applied Physiology of Sport PerformanceOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the physiological limitations to performance in sport and the characteristics that determine elite sport performance.
- Public and Global HealthOptional
Module details
This module will offer an opportunity to explore globalisation in health and healthcare from the perspective of individuals, communities and population using a variety of social theories. Students will examine epidemiology, the science that underpins public health, and the roles of different professionals and professional bodies in identifying health inequalities, addressing health inequalities, promoting health and preventing ill-health.
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
If you're interested in how the human body works and adapts to physical demands, you'll explore these questions throughout this degree. A course like this typically begins with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology and sport psychology, then moves through biomechanics, training physiology and research methods. In the final year, you'll choose specialist pathways such as strength & conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, sport psychology, coaching or PE teaching. You'll combine practical coaching sessions, laboratory testing of athletes, and video analysis of technique with growing independence in research and experimentation. Your degree culminates in an applied placement with teams or clients and a dissertation based on your own research project.
Who it's for
You're someone drawn to understanding human physiology, genetics and evolutionary adaptation. You think clearly about how biological systems interact, enjoy laboratory work and practical investigation, and want to develop research skills alongside professional knowledge. Studying this course means spending time in labs and field settings, analysing data, reading primary literature and eventually designing and running your own study. It suits people who are curious, methodical and committed to deepening their understanding of human biology through evidence and experiment.
Careers & job market
Graduates in Sport and Exercise Science nationally report earnings of £22,000–£30,000 at 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes). By five years, this rises to £23,375–£33,000 nationally. Around 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 62% in highly skilled roles or continuing postgraduate study. The course is recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for associate membership, which supports professional development in biological careers.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) Human Biology is studied full-time over 3 years at Loughborough University, a public university founded in 1909. Teaching is in English. The degree is recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for associate membership. Loughborough University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; its degrees are nationally recognised. The university achieved a Gold rating 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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Access Loughborough Contextual Offer. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. 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 | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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. 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 Loughborough 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 | £28,500 | £24,500 – £32,000 | 75 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £22,500 – £35,000 | 345 |
| 5 years after | £33,500 | £27,000 – £45,500 | 370 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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.
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.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
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: 45; response rate: 50%. 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.
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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,500. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 88% · in work or study 80% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Loughborough 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 Loughborough University
1,024 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 Loughborough University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Loughborough 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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Loughborough University
Common questions
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