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Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year) at Northampton. Sport and exercise science is built on scientific rigour. This course investigates the biomechanics, physiology and psychology that shape athletic performance and physical wellbeing.
About this course
Explore the scientific principles that underpin sport and exercise on this course at UON, including biomechanics, physiology and psychology. Apply now! From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Sport and exercise sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 72% (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
- Physiological Function and ResponseCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental aspects of pertinent areas of physiology. Recent years have seen a rapid rise in the application of scientific principles to sport performance and within this module links are made between these aspects and exercise performance.
- Introduction to Fitness Training MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is provide an introduction to fitness training methods. It is specifically designed to provide an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of the components of health and fitness, the associated training principles and the methods used to train these components for a variety of populations (sedentary to athlete).
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Sport and exercise psychology is an exciting discipline area providing the opportunity to explore the psychological influences on human behaviour. The module offers an introduction to key psychological theories and concepts relevant to sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching contexts.
- Introduction to Applied Sport ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces key concepts and practices in applied sport science, developing students¿ academic, research, and professional foundations. Through lectures, practical workshops, and independent tasks, students build understanding of core disciplines, apply basic technical skills safely, interpret evidence effectively, and begin reflective development to enhance professional practice and employability.
- Introduction to Research Methods and Academic SkillsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to the principles and practices of research in sport and exercise science. It develops foundational skills in designing, conducting, analysing, and presenting research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Students will learn to identify research questions, review relevant literature, and apply suitable methods to study topics related to sport performance, physical activity, sport performance and health. Emphasis is placed on building basic academic, an
- Anatomy and Biomechanics of MovementCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is provide an introduction to the anatomy of the neuromusculoskeletal system of the human body and how movement is achieved. The broad knowledge base of this subject will be applied to underlying principles of human movement, ranging from the miscroscopic to macroscopic level. The module will help students to develop a hollistic understanding of anatomy and biomechanics of movement varying from athletes to clinical populations.
Year 2 8 modules
- The Physiological Basis of Sport and ExerciseCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build upon the basic introduction to the physiological function of an athlete or individual and the associated responses to exercise gained in level four. It will further develop the theories surrounding the acute response of physiological systems to exercise and then introduce the theories associated with chronic adaptations.
- Biomechanical Basis of Sport and ExerciseCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of the biomechanical factors that influence movement, performance and injury risk. It will provide a further understanding of the mechanical principles involved in sport and exercise activities, mechanical properties of the musculoskeletal system and the analyses used to understand movement, performance and injury in sport and exercise environments.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Exercise and SportCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The aim is to provide students with an understanding of the contribution of psychology to the academic study of sport and exercise and provide a basis for subsequent work at level 6.
- Research and Academic Skills for SportCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop students¿ knowledge and understanding around scientific and statisitcal approaches used to design, conduct and analyse research. Students will develop skills across quantitative and qualitative traditions to enhance their academic literacy and application of research within the context of the subject area.
- Fitness Training MethodsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role and application of the assessment of sport and exercise specific fitness components. It will further explore the complex issues surrounding overall design and monitoring of individual¿s training programmes in the context of sports performance or special populations. It will also provide the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the different m
- Health PhysiologyOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the physiological aetiology and epidemiology of "lifestyle" diseases and the role of physical activity in ameliorating morbidity associated with a sedentary lifestyle. It will explore the complex issues surrounding prescribing exercise as medicine, in the context of the potential role physical activity/exercise/physical fitness can have in reducing the risk of poor physical health.
- Psychology of Sport PerformanceOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop students¿ knowledge of theory and research explaining performance-related emotions and psychological constructs important to the understanding of peak performance in sport. Further, this module aims to provide students with an awareness of key psychological skills utilised to inform applied practice with athletes.
- Applied Sport ScienceOptional20 credits
Module details
This module provides hands-on experience in professional sport science settings through a substantial placement. Students engage in real-world projects and collaborate with practitioners while applying knowledge in nutrition, biomechanics, physiology, and psychology. Emphasis is placed on developing research and evidence-informed practice skills essential for effective sport science application.
Year 3 3 modules
- DissertationCompulsory40 credits
Module details
The dissertation provides an opportunity for sport students to apply knowledge, concepts, and research techniques to a question or problem in sport, exercise, or physical activity. The dissertation builds and expands on students' prior knowledge of research acquired at levels four and five. It aims to foster the development of expertise in methodology and skills in the planning, conducting, and writing up of research reports. This form of independent, experiential learning will require students
- Applied Sport PsychologyOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding of sport psychology from previous modules at levels four and five. There will be a focus on the role of the sport psychologist and an application of psychological skills theory in relation to enhancing sport performance and well-being.
- Psychology of Exercise and HealthOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build upon and further develop knowledge of previous modules (SPO1024, SPO2058) concerning the role of exercise in the development and maintenance of physical and mental health. With growing evidence that exercise participation can have psychological benefits on an individual's health and general wellbeing, the opportunities for careers in health and wellbeing are vast.
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 explores the scientific principles underlying sport and exercise, including biomechanics, physiology and psychology. You'll usually begin with foundations in anatomy and exercise physiology, sport psychology and practical coaching skills. The course then progresses to more advanced study in biomechanics, physiology of training and research methods. In the later stages, you'll typically choose specialisations such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, alongside applied placement work with teams, clients or schools. You'll complete the degree with an independent research project or dissertation, drawing together your learning in a practical investigation.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding why athletes move as they do, how training changes the body, or what psychology reveals about performance. You're curious about science but want it to connect to real sport and exercise. You work well in practical sessions and laboratories, and you're keen to ask questions. If your prior science experience isn't quite where you'd hoped, the foundation year gives you space to build your confidence. You aim toward roles that blend scientific thinking with the sport, health or fitness world, whether that's coaching, injury prevention, performance analysis or research. You're prepared for coursework, experiments and independent thinking.
Careers & job market
Across Sport and Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. Of those working, 62% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Early career earnings (15 months after graduation) typically range from £22,000 to £30,000 nationally; after five years, £23,375 to £33,000. Specific destinations depend on your specialisation, internships and professional networks. Graduate Outcomes and LEO data reflect national figures and vary by individual career choice.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Northampton, studied at Waterside Campus. Instruction is in English. The course includes a foundation year to prepare for degree-level study. The University of Northampton is a nationally recognised degree-awarding body. It holds a Silver award for teaching quality from 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.
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 | 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £28,000 | £23,000 – £30,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £21,500 | £18,500 – £25,000 | 70 |
| 5 years after | £27,500 | £23,000 – £31,500 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; 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: 20; 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.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
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: 95; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year) worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year) earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. 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 95.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 72%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
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 Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 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 Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 Northampton’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 Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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