BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Nottingham
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at University of Nottingham covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Unlike most other sport and exercise courses, this degree has a strong scientific focus and includes an emphasis on medical aspects such as nutrition, health and ageing, as well as areas of biomechanics and the psychology of sport. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Nottingham. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Biological and sport sciences graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; 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 one 5 modules
- Human Cellular and Molecular BiologyCore
Module details
Explore the fascinating world of cellular and molecular biology. Delve into topics such as the intricate structure and function of cells and their organelles, the workings of proteins and enzymes, and the essential roles of DNA, transcription, and translation. Examine how genes are organised and regulated, alongside the metabolism of macromolecules and the architecture of cell membranes. Practical classes complement the theoretical content.
- Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life SciencesCore
Module details
Introduce you to the essential skills required for your career and provide hands-on experience of the basic techniques required for life scientists. Cover statistical methods for data analysis, introduction to digital competencies for life scientists and ethical standards in research. Explore data acquisition techniques and enhance ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature. Emphasises effective communication of scientific material through various media and reflective practic
- Anatomy and PhysiologyCore
Module details
Dive into the fascinating interplay between physiology and metabolism in animals, including humans. Explore major organ systems in the body including cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems, learning how energy metabolism and body temperature are carefully regulated. Through practical sessions, gain hands-on experience examining how physiological and metabolic processes control organ systems. Uncover the biochemical basis of ordinary life activities and see how these mechanis
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise ScienceCore
Module details
Provide the opportunity to study the fundamental principles in: Exercise Physiology (including basic cardio-respiratory and muscle responses to exercise, nutritional requirements of exercise, and the basic anatomy of the heart and lungs); Psychology (including fundamentals of individual and population group processes in sport and exercise); Functional Anatomy (focussing on the integration of the anatomy of bones, joints, muscle, ligaments and tendons with the biomechanics of human movement); Bio
- Introduction to Human Nutrition and MetabolismCore
Module details
Explore how the human body processes the nutrients it needs to function. From obtaining and digesting to absorbing and metabolising macronutrients and micronutrients, gain a solid understanding of these essential processes. Examine the interaction of nutrition and energy metabolism and how it impacts on energy balance, body weight regulation, and body composition. Investigate the tissue-specific regulation of macronutrient metabolism.
Year two 6 modules
- Functional and Clinical Musculoskeletal AnatomyCore
Module details
Provide a comprehensive and hands-on approach to human musculoskeletal functional anatomy. Develop spatial awareness of structures and expands on their role in day-to-day activities and sporting performance. Using real sporting scenarios and descriptions of injury and compensatory mechanisms, understand the relationships between anatomical structures by integrating a combination of cadaveric donor specimens, 3D models and group modelling tasks.
- Applied Sport PsychologyCore
Module details
Get a detailed understanding of the role of a sport psychologist and the psychological approaches to enhance engagement, performance and athlete wellbeing. Develop core skills required by sports psychologists, including: working with athletes; experimental design; data handling and analysis; scientific presentations
- Further Key Skills in Life SciencesCore
Module details
Focus on advancing the essential skills needed by life science students for your academic and professional development. Building on fundamental skills training in year one, it develops understanding of experimental design, statistical methods for data analysis, enhances digital competencies relevant to life sciences, and continues to examine ethical standards in research. Delve deeper into data acquisition, computational techniques, and the critical evaluation of research and scientific literatu
- Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism in ExerciseCore
Module details
Enable you to develop a strong understanding of how the human body responds acutely to exercise and adapts to chronic exercise intervention. Include integrated responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory-renal systems and skeletal muscle to acute exercise and training. Focus on energy and fuel metabolism, alongside the impacts of nutrition and pharmacological interventions aimed at impacting exercise performance, metabolic and physiological adaptations.
- Nutrition for Life in Health and DiseaseOptional
Module details
Examine the intricate connection between human nutrition and physiological function, building on the foundational knowledge from earlier studies. Explore how nutrients shape metabolic processes, influence body systems, and contribute to overall health. Investigate the role of nutrition in managing health conditions and preventing disease, integrating key concepts from nutrition and physiology. Equip you with the tools to support evidence-based approaches in health and wellness, providing a compr
- Biomechanical Analysis of Human MotionOptional
Module details
Introduce you to the measurement and analysis of human movement, with a focus on understanding the technologies used to assess sports performance and their practical limitations. Learn how to define joints for biomechanical analysis, explore different modes of data collection in sport, and work with kinematic techniques such as video analysis, marker‑based motion capture and inertial measurement units. Develop skills in data and signal processing, clinical gait analysis terminology, kinetic meas
Year three 7 modules
- Health, Ageing and DiseaseCore
Module details
Explore the biological processes of ageing and disease, and their impacts on human physiology, disease, and frailty. Delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing and their effects on whole body function, with a focus on age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and liver diseases. Investigate the interplay of nutrition and exercise in regulating human metabolism and mitigating disease risks. Examine the dual role of exercise and nutrition
- ProjectCore
Module details
Year-long level three module. Undertake detailed research on a chosen topic in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, or psychology with close supervision from an academic member of staff. Each project will involve collection of experimental data, their analysis and interpretation in the context of previous published work, and the completion of a written dissertation.
- Innovation for the Future: Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and Engagement in ScienceCore
Module details
Explore the dynamic relationship between science and society, delving into how scientific advancements influence and are influenced by the world around us. Examine the ethical frameworks that shape the practice of science in modern societies and consider the pathways by which discoveries are transformed into commercial or therapeutic applications. Investigate how scientific knowledge is communicated to the public and its role in addressing pressing global and societal challenges of the 21st cent
- Clinical Exercise PhysiologyOptional
Module details
Get a comprehensive understanding of clinical exercise physiology. Practical classes will develop your skills in the undertaking and interpretation of relevant physiological assessments in the context of human health and chronic disease progression.
- Human Environmental Physiology and ExerciseOptional
Module details
Provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how environmental conditions influence human physiology and exercise performance. Examine the body's acute and long‑term responses to factors such as heat, cold, hypoxia, pollution and immersion, and consider the implications these have for health, adaptation and performance in both athletes and the general population. Through workshops and case‑study activities, apply your knowledge to real‑world scenarios where environmental stressors shape hum
- Physical Activity and Behaviour ChangeOptional
Module details
Explore significant societal issues of physical activity, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour, and its relation to health and chronic disease. Include an epidemiological understanding between physical inactivity, health and disease, along with mechanistic insight into the effects of inactivity and sedentary behaviour. Cover the psychological determinants of exercise and health in different populations. Use psychological theories to discuss health promotion and adherence, the relationship
- Psychological and Physiological Approaches to PerformanceOptional
Module details
Examine the psychological and physiological principles that underpin elite performance, giving you a detailed understanding of how athletes think, respond and adapt in high‑pressure environments. Explore topics such as stress in high‑performance settings, attentional processes in sport, applied physiological testing and the considerations involved in working with diverse athlete populations. Place a strong emphasis on applying contemporary research to practice, enabling you to critically evaluat
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 degree distinguishes itself through a strong scientific focus, particularly on medical aspects such as nutrition, health and ageing, alongside biomechanics and sport psychology. You'll usually begin with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology and sport psychology, combined with practical coaching experience. In your second year, a course like this typically progresses to biomechanics, physiology of training and research methods, building analytical and technical skills. By your third year, you'll move towards specialisations such as strength & conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, whilst undertaking an applied placement and independent dissertation project. Throughout, you'll develop both laboratory and field-based competencies in sport science.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Recent accepted students typically held a UCAS tariff of 128–143 points.
Careers & job market
Across Sport and Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 62% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months after graduation) typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, rising to £23,375–£33,000 after five years. First-year retention stands at 80% of students still enrolled or having completed the course.
University & format
The University of Nottingham is a public Russell Group institution founded in 1881. The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science is a full-time, 3-year degree taught in English and leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's qualification. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Bursaries and scholarships are offered; check the university's funding pages for details.
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.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Integrated year in industry. 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 | 95% |
| a Baccalaureate | 5% |
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 (code C600). 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 University of Nottingham →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 | £26,500 | £24,500 – £30,000 | 60 |
| 3 years after | £26,000 | £20,500 – £32,000 | 305 |
| 5 years after | £32,500 | £26,500 – £43,500 | 345 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Sports and fitness occupationsSOC 2020 343 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £13,819
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: 75; 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.
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
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
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,500. 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 9.5 out of 10: NSS 92% · in work or study 100% · continued 93%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Nottingham
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 The University of Nottingham
844 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 Nottingham from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £27,563 / 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 University of Nottingham’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 Nottingham and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Nottingham
Common questions
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What are the entry requirements?
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What will it cost me?
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