BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science Bachelor's degree at Loughborough University
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University. Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough combines scientific understanding of human performance with hands-on investigation of how the body responds to physical activity.
About this course
Entry requirements A*AA - AAA Full entry requirements Start date September 2027 September 2026 UCAS codes 4 years full-time with placement year: C600 3 years full-time: CX63 Fees for 2027-28 (per academic year) UK: £10,050 International: Awaiting formal approval Fees and funding About this course Sport and exercise sci From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Loughborough University. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Anatomy, physiology and pathology graduates from this provider, 92% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,500. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 92% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 97% (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
- 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.
- Integrated, Professional and Applied Skills in Sport and Exercise ScienceCompulsory
Module details
The aims of this module are for students to: Be introduced to topics, concepts and ways of thinking that require an integration of knowledge from different areas of sport and exercise science. Have an opportunity to work on topics of personal interest, allowing prior knowledge to be recognised and contributing to contextual learning across modules. Develop curiosity and enthusiasm to discover how knowledge can be applied to real-world issues. Cultivate a questioning and problem-solving mind-set,
- Introduction to Sport Biomechanics and KinesiologyCompulsory
Module details
The aims of this module are to develop students' theoretical and practical understanding of the mechanics of human motion, especially as related to sporting performance; and the anatomical structures of the body and the ways that the muscular and skeletal systems interact during motion.
- 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.
- Foundations of Sport and Exercise PsychologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of some of the key concepts underpinning the psychology of sport and exercise participation and performance.
Year 2 8 modules
- 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.
- Physical Activity and Health (SES)Compulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is for students to develop knowledge, critical understanding and skills relating to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health.
- Human Nutrition and Exercise MetabolismOptional
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
- Physiology of Exercise and TrainingOptional
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.
- Biomechanics of SportOptional
Module details
The aims of this module are for the student to: Develop an understanding of the mechanical principles governing human movement. Be introduced to the mathematical modelling of sports movements. Be introduced to biomechanical data acquisition techniques and their use in mechanical analysis of sports movements.
- Motor Control and Motor LearningOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of key theoretical and practical factors governing the acquisition and performance of human movement skills.
- Expert Performance in SportOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is to further students' understanding of the major psychological determinants and perceptual-cognitive factors underpinning sport expertise.
- Current Themes in Sport and Exercise PsychologyOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop students understanding of key theoretical and empirical perspectives that explain contemporary sport and exercise psychology topics.
Final year 9 modules
- Final Year 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.
- 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.
- Advanced Sport BiomechanicsOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is for the student to develop an understanding of theoretical and experimental approaches to biomechanical analyses underpinned by the relationships between forces, motion, and the human musculoskeletal system during dynamic activities in sport.
- Advanced Motor Control of Sport MovementsOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the theoretical and practical approaches to the study of human movement control with particular reference to sports movements.
- Sport, Climate Action and NatureOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the multi-disciplinary intersection between sport, climate action, and nature. It explores the impact of climate change on sport, the impact of sport on climate change, and the interdisciplinary approaches required to address the challenges stemming from these impacts.
- Applied Exercise PsychologyOptional
Module details
The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the theories, strategies and interventions which underpin the real-world application of exercise psychology.
- Applied Psychology in Competitive SportOptional
Module details
The aims of this module are for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the psychological approaches, issues, strategies, and skills that are relevant in applied practice; and to explore the professional characteristics and vocational skills required of an effective sport and exercise psychologist.
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
You'll study how the human body adapts to exercise and training. A course like this typically begins with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology, sport psychology and practical coaching skills. You'll usually progress through Year 2 to biomechanics, physiology of training and research methods. Later years introduce specialist options such as strength & conditioning, nutrition, sport psychology, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, alongside applied placement work with teams, athletes or schools. You'll complete an independent research project, either laboratory- or field-based.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you've found science engaging at A-level and want to understand the mechanisms behind athletic performance, fitness and health. You should be comfortable with both laboratory work and data analysis, yet keen to see how that science translates into real-world applications, whether in clinical settings, elite sport, or public health. A methodical approach to problem-solving and curiosity about human physiology will serve you well. Expect a blend of lectures, practical sessions and independent research as you progress.
Careers & job market
Across Sport and Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Starting salaries typically fall between £22,000 and £30,000. After five years, graduates in the field earn between £23,375 and £33,000. Around 62% of working graduates move into highly skilled roles or further study. Career paths span clinical exercise physiology, sports performance analysis, research, and health and fitness sectors.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time Bachelor's degree (BSc Hons) at Loughborough University, a public university in Loughborough. Teaching is in English. The university holds Gold status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised.
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 | 93% |
| a Baccalaureate | 3% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| another higher-education qualification | 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. 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 | £25,500 | £24,000 – £30,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £27,000 | £23,500 – £32,000 | 65 |
| 5 years after | £35,000 | £29,000 – £46,000 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
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. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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.
- Sports and fitness occupationsSOC 2020 343 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £13,819
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
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: 140; 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
92% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,500. 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 9.2 out of 10: NSS 85.9% · in work or study 92% · continued 97%.
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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