BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science · University of AberdeenBachelor's degree · 4 years
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University of Aberdeen · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Aberdeen

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at University of Aberdeen. You'll develop expertise across core theory, research methodology, and applied practice, supported by specialist options that let you follow your particular interests.

BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Aberdeen, based in Foresterhill,Old Aberdeen. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Biological and sport sciences graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, 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.

9.1
/ 10
Exceptional
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional92

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

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100

Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (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 9 modules
  • Introduction to Medical SciencesCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    Topics covered in this course span medical science through the ages; from ancient civilizations to the modern day science of genomics and synthetic biology. Alongside lecture material, in depth practical classes will cover biomedical measurement techniques, forensic science and a research-based mini project.

  • Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and HealthCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    this course introduces core concepts of physiology, sport science and biomedical science and sets foundations for further study of these topics; the course uses responses and adaptations to exercise and physical challenges to integrate and highlight links between biomedical subjects like anatomy, nutrition, pharmacology or bioenergetics; the course uses a streamlined modular system to deliver and assess the course content and fortnightly online assessments ensure effective learning and are highl

  • The CellCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    Cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science. This course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies. All practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molec

  • Fitness, Performance and SurvivalCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    this course further develops and integrates core concepts of physiology, sport science and biomedical science and expands foundations for more advanced study of these topics; the course integrates various subjects of biomedical science such as Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry or Sport Sciences to understand responses and adaptations to exercise and physical challenges; the course uses a streamlined modular system to deliver and assess the course content and fortnightly online assessments ensu

  • Getting Started at the University of AberdeenCompulsory
    Module details

    This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term. Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.

  • Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and TheoryOptional15 credits
    Module details

    PS1009 introduces you to major concepts and theories in psychology to provide you with a strong understanding of the human mind and behaviour. You will attend lectures on biological, social and cognitive psychology and participate in tutorials where you will work with peers to discuss topics related to the lecture materials. Studying psychology is beneficial to a wide range of careers including management, education, and counselling, to name a few.

  • Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and TheoryOptional15 credits
    Module details

    PS1509 introduces you to major concepts and theories in psychology to provide you with a strong understanding of human mind and behaviour. You will attend lectures on evolution & emotion, lifespan development, and sensation & perception and participate in tutorials where you will work with peers to discuss topics related to the lecture materials. Studying psychology is beneficial to a wide range of careers including management, education, and counselling, to name a few.

  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1Optional15 credits
    Module details

    This course covers the foundations of chemistry that underpin the life sciences at a molecular level and is suitable for students with different backgrounds including little or no previous study of chemistry. The basic concepts of quantitative chemistry will be covered, along with the different types of organic molecules, acids and bases, and the principles of kinetics and thermodynamics. The relevance of the course materials to life science is emphasised throughout. Laboratory classes introduce

  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2Optional15 credits
    Module details

    Chemistry plays a vital role in the life sciences, explaining the properties of biomolecules and how biological processes work at a molecular level. Organic reaction mechanisms give insight into how different types of molecules can be synthesised and methods of chemical analysis introduce other important topics linking the chemical and life sciences. The relationship between energy, entropy and equilibrium in driving reactions will be covered and the course concludes with a survey of the molecul

Year 2 7 modules
  • Physiology of Human CellsCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    Physiology is the science of understanding life. It allows you to explore and understand why your body does what it does and how it does it; This introductory physiology course explores living processes at the level of cells and molecules; The course lays down many of the fundamental concepts of physiology required to appreciate advanced study of many of the medical science disciplines; You will gain practical experience and understanding of electrophysiological techniques required for the study

  • Foundation Skills for Medical SciencesCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    this course is the cornerstone to all the advanced science courses in later years and provides you with key skills for success in science; feedback from employers drove the course design to give specific and focused science skills to enhance your employability; numerical, analytical, data interpretation, experimental design and problem solving skills are core elements that are essential for any graduate career portfolio; this course and the additional specifically developed online resources have

  • The Science of Sports PerformanceCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    understanding the fundamental factors that limit exercise performance is of great importance for human health and athletic performance; this course integrates the knowledge in biomechanics, physiology, psychology and pharmacology in order to build a comprehensive understanding of physical activity and exercise performance in humans; this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study of sports and health sciences; you will also participate in practical series focussed on energy expenditure

  • Physiology of Human Organ SystemsCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    The Physiology of Human Organ Systems course aims to develop and integrated understanding of human organ structure and function through: innovative teaching approaches covering the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and reproductive systems; participation in practical classes where students act as subjects and investigators. These will reinforce lecture material, develop scientific acumen and build team working skills; focussed and interactive problem solving sessions applying knowled

  • Research Skills for Medical SciencesCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation; it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance; you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint pres

  • Exercise and HealthCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    this course covers many ways in which exercise can be a useful tool in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health; examples of the areas covered include cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, cancer, ageing, psychological conditions and immune dysfunction. The pathophysiology underlying these conditions will be introduced and how exercise can be a modulating factor; this will prepare you for further study in clinical exercise physiology; practical classes will deliver hands on sci

  • Energy for LifeCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    understanding the fundamental workings of cells is important to a wide range of scientific disciplines; this course integrates the key metabolic and biochemical processes that underpin human, animal and plant life in relation to health and disease; this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study in all areas of life sciences and has wide ranging applications; you will also participate in an award winning practical series focussed on drug discovery

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

A Sport and Exercise Science degree at Aberdeen builds your understanding of how the body works, moves and adapts to training. You'll usually start with core anatomy and exercise physiology alongside sport psychology and practical coaching skills. In year two, you'll move into biomechanics, analysing technique using lab and video methods, whilst studying training physiology and research methods. From year three, you'll choose specialist options such as strength & conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, undertake an applied placement with teams or schools, and complete an independent research dissertation. Throughout, you'll combine laboratory and field work with practical experience.

Who it's for

You're curious about how the human body responds to exercise and competition, and you want to understand the science behind performance and health. You'll suit this course if you're analytical, capable in sciences, and interested in working with people, whether in laboratories, sports environments, or clinical practice. You're comfortable with both theoretical study and practical work, and you're drawn to careers where rigorous evidence informs real-world decisions.

Careers & job market

Graduates pursue careers in clinical exercise physiology, sports performance analysis, fitness instruction, occupational health, and research. Nationally, 90% of Sport & Exercise Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 62% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows graduates starting at £22,000–£30,000, rising to £23,375–£33,000 after five years.

University & format

The University of Aberdeen is a public university founded in 1495, located in Foresterhill, Old Aberdeen. This BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree is a 4-year full-time course taught in English. It is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the university is. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.

Student satisfaction

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

The teaching on my course
98%
Learning opportunities
87%
Assessment and feedback
83%
Academic Support
96%
Organisation and management
93%
Learning resources
98%
Student voice
86%

Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 79%.

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

Applicant information

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

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

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

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

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

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

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

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

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

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

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 208 - 223 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Aberdeen's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

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

UCAS tariff of entrants

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

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent95%
another higher-education qualification5%

Entry & your chances

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

Competitive entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

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

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

How to apply

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

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeC600quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C600). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

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

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

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

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

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

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

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

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

Fees & funding

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

Tuition per year

International£24,800 / yr

Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.

Check fees at University of Aberdeen →

If you normally live in Scotland

For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.

Check the current amounts with SAAS →

Paying for it

  • SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
  • Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
  • Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Aberdeen funding →

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.

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Still deciding what to study?

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

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

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

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£25,000£23,000 – £28,00025
3 years after£24,000£19,500 – £36,500170
5 years after£32,000£24,000 – £41,500175

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

100%
in work or further study 15 months on
55%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
90%
find their work meaningful
55%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

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

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£22,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£24,000
£19,125 – £27,000
After 5 years LEO
£32,000
£23,375 – £33,000
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,000 – £34,000

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

Work out your pay

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

What happened to 100 students?

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

100 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

70% working0% working and studying30% in further study55% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. 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.

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 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £13,819
  • Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
  • Medical PractitionersSOC 2020 221 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £71,918
  • Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
  • Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297

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: 35; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

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

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

How AI is changing the work

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

What AI takes off your plate

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

More human than ever

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

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

Roles & employers

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

Where they work

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

Is this course right for you?

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

💷

Student finance

Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.

📈

Where graduates go

100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 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 9.1 out of 10: NSS 91.6% · in work or study 100% · continued 80%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Aberdeen

All students13,930
International18.8%
Aged 25+29.2%

Biological and sport sciences across the UK

Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

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 University of Aberdeen from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £24,800 / 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

University of Aberdeen offers the Aberdeen Global Scholarship (£6,000/yr) for international students, see Scholarships above.

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 University of Aberdeen and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 208 - 223 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Aberdeen. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Biological and sport sciences graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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