BSc (Hons) Exercise and Sport Sciences Bachelor's degree at the University of Exeter
BSc (Hons) Exercise and Sport Sciences at University of Exeter. Exercise and Sport Sciences at Exeter draws on the university's strength in this field, giving students a course grounded firmly in the science of human performance and health.
About this course
Explore what Exeter graduates do | Career Zone | University of Exeter Section links Career Planning Reflect on yourself Explore your options Exploring Postgraduate Study Employment Sectors Explore what Exeter graduates do Anthropology Arab and Islamic Studies Archaeology Art History and Visual Culture Biosciences Class From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Exercise and Sport Sciences is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Exeter, based in St Luke's Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Medical sciences graduates from this provider, 91% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 76% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,000. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 91% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 93% (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 7 modules
- Human Anatomy and KinanthropometryCompulsory15 credits
- Human PhysiologyCompulsory15 credits
- Foundations of Human MetabolismCompulsory30 credits
- Foundations of BiomechanicsCompulsory15 credits
- Sports Training PhysiologyCompulsory15 credits
- Foundations of Exercise and Sport PsychologyCompulsory15 credits
- Introduction to StatisticsCompulsory15 credits
Year 2 26 modules
- Exercise PhysiologyCompulsory15 credits
- Biomechanics and KinesiologyCompulsory15 credits
- Research Methods and Analytical ProceduresCompulsory30 credits
- Sport Psychology 2: Skill AcquisitionCompulsory15 credits
- Study Abroad (HLS)Compulsory120 credits
- Professional PlacementCompulsory120 credits
- Independent Research ReviewCompulsory30 credits
- DissertationCompulsory45 credits
- Dissertation (Physiology)Compulsory45 credits
- Leadership: Challenges and PracticeOptional15 credits
- Measurement of Physical Activity, Exercise and SportOptional15 credits
- Motor ControlOptional15 credits
- Strength and Conditioning PhysiologyOptional15 credits
- Sports Nutrition and MetabolismOptional15 credits
- Nutrition ScienceOptional15 credits
- Nutrition, Physical Activity and HealthOptional15 credits
- Employability and Career DevelopmentOptional15 credits
- Sustainable NutritionOptional15 credits
- Nutrition for High PerformanceOptional15 credits
- Advanced Strength and Conditioning PhysiologyOptional15 credits
- Paediatric Exercise PhysiologyOptional15 credits
- Sport, Physical Activity and HealthOptional15 credits
- Biomechanical Analysis of Human MovementOptional30 credits
- Clinical Exercise Prescription - Cardiac RehabilitationOptional15 credits
- Physiological Determinants of Exercise PerformanceOptional30 credits
- Sport Psychology 3: Needs AnalysisOptional15 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
The course is structured to build knowledge and skills progressively. Early study concentrates on core theory across the exercise and sport sciences, giving students a solid grasp of anatomy, physiology, psychology and the biomechanics of movement. Alongside this sits dedicated teaching in research and methods, so that by the time students reach later stages of the course they are comfortable designing studies, collecting data and interpreting results with rigour. Applied practice runs throughout, translating theory into practical skills relevant to sport, exercise and health settings. As the course progresses, students choose from specialist options, such as areas of performance, health or coaching science, allowing them to shape their studies around their own interests. Professional skills are woven in throughout to prepare students for the workplace, and the course culminates in an independent project, giving students the chance to investigate a topic of their own choosing in depth and demonstrate the full range of skills they have developed.
Who it's for
This course suits someone who is curious about how the human body works and performs, and who enjoys getting to grips with scientific detail rather than just watching sport from the sidelines. It will appeal to students who like a mix of practical, hands-on work and more analytical, data-driven study, and who are happy moving between a laboratory, a sports setting and a lecture theatre. A genuine interest in health, physical activity or athletic performance helps, as does a willingness to ask questions and test ideas methodically. Students who thrive here tend to be organised enough to manage independent research towards the end of the course, but also comfortable working alongside others in applied and practical sessions. Whether the eventual goal is a career working directly with athletes or clients, a role in research, or further study, this course rewards those who want to understand the "why" behind physical performance and health, not just the "what".
Careers & job market
Nationally, across Sport & Exercise Science courses, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, and 62% of those in work are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. These are national Graduate Outcomes figures for the subject area, not specific to Exeter, but they give a general sense of where graduates in this field tend to end up. National earnings data for the same period show starting salaries 15 months after graduation ranging from £22,000 to £30,000; this widens over time, with reported earnings of £19,125 to £27,000 after three years and £23,375 to £33,000 after five years. These figures are national averages drawn from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data for the subject, not a guarantee of what any individual graduate will earn, and outcomes vary depending on the specific career path chosen. Nationally, 80% of students on these courses continue past their first year, either still enrolled or having completed their studies, which is a useful indicator of how manageable and engaging students generally find courses in this area.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Exercise and Sport Sciences is a three-year, full-time course taught in English at the University of Exeter's St Luke's Campus. Exeter is a public, research-intensive Russell Group university founded in 1955, and it holds a Gold award in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality; it is. Most entrants come with A-levels or equivalent, 94% of accepted students in recent years, and the most common UCAS tariff among those accepted falls between 144 and 159 points, reflecting typical entrant profiles rather than a fixed requirement. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, the university's qualifications are 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.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Professional 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 | 94% |
| a Baccalaureate | 3% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| 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 University of Exeter →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 | £29,000 | £25,500 – £34,000 | 55 |
| 3 years after | £33,500 | £27,500 – £40,000 | 55 |
| 5 years after | £40,500 | £33,000 – £45,500 | 60 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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.
- Other Health ProfessionalsSOC 2020 225 · 23% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Conservation and environment professionalsSOC 2020 215 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
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: 445; response rate: 53%. 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
91% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,000. 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 9.0 out of 10: NSS 84.9% · in work or study 91% · continued 93%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Exeter
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 St Luke's Campus
2,062 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 University of Exeter from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Exeter; 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 University of Exeter’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 University of Exeter and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Exeter
Common questions
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