Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year
Course summary
- Explore the scientific, sociological, managerial and political concepts that underpin physical activity, sport and health.
- Undertake and participate in innovative research and engage with critical evaluation.
- Apply your knowledge, skills and understanding to real-world settings.
- Reflect on your personal development of professional practice.
- Have the opportunity to work abroad – with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.
You’ll enhance your understanding of exercise physiology, psychology, nutrition and research methods through theoretical study and practical exercise. You’ll learn to communicate information and ideas clearly in different formats, preparing you for a successful career in the field.
The foundation year is suitable for applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for an honours degree or who wish to have further preparation before starting a degree course. You will undertake study in relevant areas of science or social science to provide you with a grounding knowledge and prepare you for progression onto your chosen degree pathway.

Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
In your foundation year, you will study 4 modules that have been specially designed to prepare you for the degree pathway in your chosen area. The assessments for the course have also been designed with flexibility in mind and allow you to complete assessments on topics that you are interested in and relate closely to your chosen degree pathway.
You're taught by a team of skilled lecturers who offer industry and academic experience. Staff have published work on the psychology of motivation in exercise and health, physical activity participation in older adults, exercise and appetite, the effects of exercise on metabolism in diabetes, as well as perceptions and participation in physical activity during pregnancy. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct your own enquiries into a range of themes around physical activity.
You learn through
- lectures
- seminars and workshops
- laboratory practical classes
- sport and fitness practical classes
- online learning activities
- off-site visits (physical activity organisations, schools)
- work placements
- research projects
Applied learning
There’s a mandatory six-week (minimum) placement in an appropriate setting, which is a significant component of the course. Here you’ll have the opportunity to apply theory to real-world practice, further enhancing your employability and professional skills. You'll also have chances to undertake additional placements, internships and volunteer roles.
There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities – with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.
Previous students have worked as
- physical activity referral specialists
- community health assistants
- gym instructors
- cardiac rehabilitation assistants
- project assistants at the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Future careers
This course prepares you for career opportunities in
- health promotion
- exercise science
- physical activity development
- wellbeing consultancy
- exercise referrals
- personal training and fitness instruction
- research in physical activity and health
- teaching and lecturing
- health training
- GP referrals
- business enterprises in physical activity, sport and health
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work in specialist facilities including a
- biomedical lab
- psychology consultation booth
- exercise fitness suite
Learn more about your department
Find out about the Sports and Physical Activity subject area at Sheffield Hallam University.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
This must include at least 24 (Grade D) from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- DDE at A Level.
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Science at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.
If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Year 1
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Contemporary Issues In Health, Sport And Social Care | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Module: Foundation Project In Health, Sport And Social Care | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Personal And Professional Skills For Health, Sport And Social Care | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Applied Science For Health, Sport And Social Care | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Introduction To Social Science For Health, Sport And Social Care | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 2
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Developing Professional Skills In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Foundations Of Physical Activity, Sport And Health | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Foundations Of Physiology And Nutrition For Physical Activity And Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Foundations Of Research In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Principles Of Programming In Physical Activity And Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Understanding Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Alternative Physical Activities | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Applied Professional Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Enterprise And Innovation | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Physical Activity, Health And Disease | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Physical Activity Programming In The Treatment Of Disease | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Research Methods In Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Issues In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Prescription Of Physical Activity For Complex Medical Conditions | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Project In Sport | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Working With Aging Populations | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Managing Sporting Enterprises | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Sport, Brands And Culture | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/2023 are £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Sport and physical activity courses (PDF, 255.9KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.