BSc (Honours) Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year

Camera on tripod
Year of Entry 2024/25
BSc (Honours)

Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year

Apply the cutting edge science of sport and exercise to real-world situations, from improving the performance of athletes to optimising health and wellbeing in diverse populations.


Everything you need to know...

What is the fee? Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £16,655 per year
How long will I study? 4/5 Years
Where will I study? Collegiate Campus
What are the entry requirements? 64 UCAS Points
What is the UCAS code? A105
When do I start? September 2024
Placement year available? Yes

Course summary

  • Investigate the scientific methodologies and theories of sport and exercise science
  • Promote exercise, inclusion and positive behaviours for better overall health
  • Enhance your practical and lab skills in physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition
  • Work with renowned sports organisations and elite clubs to enhance athletic performance 
  • Stand out by applying your learning to work experience opportunities and live projects

Join us to enhance your scientific and analytical understanding of sport and exercise – ultimately aiming to improve both performance and health. 

You’ll explore a wide range of captivating topics – from anatomy and biomechanics to physiology, psychology and nutrition.

The foundation year is suitable either if you don’t meet the entry requirements for the degree, or if you’d like further preparation before you start. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence you need to progress onto the course.

UG open day 2022

Come to an open day

Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.

Learn more
Accredited by
  • Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
  • British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES)
The course meets the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity’s professional standards for the Gym Instructor award. The degree provides the knowledge, application, and skill development to allow students to gain this industry qualification. The award is optional, with additional assessments needed to prove that the standards have been met. This is an entry level fitness qualification which is a requirement to gain employment within practical exercise settings.

How you learn

Watch lecturer David Rogerson talk about this course.

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. 

Throughout the course, you will acquire knowledge about how the body responds to and adapts to exercise. You’ll learn through teaching, working and doing – learning strategies to optimise sports performance and understanding techniques that promote positive behavioural changes for better overall health.

You’ll learn from accomplished staff who are actively engaged in research across all levels of sport. Because Sheffield is home to sports clubs in every major sport in the UK, you will benefit from our fantastic local ties with elite clubs and organisations. From football to ice hockey, basketball to rugby, Sheffield offers a diverse sporting landscape.

You learn through:

  • Lectures, seminars and workshops 
  • A virtual learning environment (VLE) 
  • Work-based learning experiences
  • Placements
  • Field trips 
  • Practical activities in both simulated and in-situ environments 
  • Independent study 
  • Research opportunities

Key themes

You’ll explore theoretical, philosophical and practical aspects of sport and exercise science, offering insights into graduate roles in sports, physical activity and other professional settings. You’ll study topics like physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, coaching and physical activity – as well as key skills in digital capability and critical thinking.

This degree is aligned to the jobs market and growth in the sector. Performance analysis, strength and conditioning are all areas with growing career opportunities, so you will gain in-depth knowledge in these areas.

With flexible course pathways and assessments, you’re able to customise your studies based on your future career aspirations.  Then in your final year, you can really focus on where your passions take you. Build your learning around your aspirations.

Course support

The course is designed to help you demonstrate your learning outcomes – with authentic assessment activities relating to real-world scenarios, your specific goals and your skills development. 

Throughout your studies, support will be available through various individuals who will enable you to reach your potential through academic, professional and personal development.

These support roles include: 

  • Course and Module Leaders
  • Your Academic Adviser 
  • Your Student Support Adviser
  • Your Employability Adviser 
  • Central services like counselling, Library and IT

Course leaders and tutors

Gabriella Penitente
Gabriella Penitente
Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics

Staff profile for Gabriella Penitente, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics.

Applied learning

Work placements 

There’s a mandatory short placement at the end of your third year. Over a minimum of 120 hours, you will be learning while you work and preparing to progress into employment after you graduate.

Previous examples of placements have been taken at British Diving, Sheffield Eagles, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Basketball England.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements between your third and final years. This gives you further valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. 

Field trips 

On field trips you will be able to understand how your learning is applied first-hand to real-world situations, gaining valuable insight into working practice.

Networking opportunities 

Your employability is enhanced by the involvement of employers and industry partners – from the real-world projects you complete to the opportunities to build networks at careers fairs and workshops.

We invite specialist industry experts to deliver guest lectures and share context-specific examples of the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will need. And our ties to various sporting organisations and facilities both locally and nationally will give you superb opportunities to gain industry connections as you prepare for your career.

We have previously provided the opportunity to attend conferences e.g. the BASES student conference, where students can present their work and network with students, applied scientists and academics from around the world.


Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in: 

  • Applied sport and exercise science  
  • Sports science support
  • Strength and conditioning  
  • Physical activity coordination
  • Sports nutrition 
  • Performance analysis  
  • Health advisory positions
  • Exercise referral  
  • Sports development
  • Personal training
  • Research and further study 

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for: 

  • The UK Sports Institute 
  • Higher education and further education institutions  
  • Governing bodies and federations of sport 
  • Professional sports teams 
  • The National Health Service 
  • Primary and secondary education establishments

You’ll enhance your professional standing, as this degree aligns with the standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for Gym Instructors and working with individuals with long-term conditions.

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


Collegiate Campus map
Location

Collegiate Crescent
Sheffield
S10 2BP

Get directions
Students outside Collegiate Library
Collegiate library

Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Learn more

Equipment and facilities

Students have access to world-leading facilities and equipment to explore physical activity, sport and health, and help develop their practical skills. Our sport-specific training facilities and research laboratories include:

  • The UK Sports Institute
  • The Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park
  • Physiology and biomechanics lab
  • A strength and conditioning teaching lab
  • A physical activity suite
  • A performance analysis suite
  • An environmental chamber
  • Sport psychology consultation rooms

Learn more about your department

Find out about the Sports and Physical Activity subject area at Sheffield Hallam University.

Find out more about the centre

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.
  • Pass overall from a T level qualification with D or E from core.
  • 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.

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.

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.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules
Module Credits Assessment
Module: Foundations Of Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 60 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Introduction To Investigating Contemporary Issues In Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 60 Assessment: Coursework
Practical

Year 2

Compulsory modules
Module Credits Assessment
Module: Coaching Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Scientific Principles For Health Credits: 40 Assessment: Coursework
Practical
Module: Scientific Principles For Sport Credits: 40 Assessment: Coursework
Practical
Module: The Impact Of Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework

Year 3

Compulsory modules
Module Credits Assessment
Module: Applied Sport And Exercise Science Credits: 40 Assessment: Coursework
Practical
Module: Multidisciplinary Approaches To Sport And Exercise Credits: 40 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Optimising Wellbeing Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Elective modules
Module Credits Assessment
Module: Alternative Physical Activities Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Analysis Of Sport And Games Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Event Management For Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Exercise Prescription For The Prevention Of Disease Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Sport As A Tool For Social Change Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Sports Club Development Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Sports Facility Management Simulation Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Technology For Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Testing And Analysis In Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework

Year 4

Optional modules
Module Credits
Module: Placement Year Credits: -

Final year

Compulsory modules
Module Credits Assessment
Module: Independent Project In Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 40 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Interdisciplinary Approaches To Sport And Exercise Science Credits: 40 Assessment: Coursework
Practical
Elective modules
Module Credits Assessment
Module: Approaches To Talent Development Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Coach Education And Development Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Economics And Finance Of Sport Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Entrepreneurship And Innovation For Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Exercise Prescription For Long Term Conditions Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Health Promotion Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Innovative Practical Pedagogy Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Major Sport Events Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Nutrition For Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Performance Analysis Of Sport Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Programming And Prescription Of Training In Sport And Physical Activity Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Sport And The Media Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Sport, Brands And Culture Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical
Module: Sport Data Analytics Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Sport Injury Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Sport Journalism Credits: 20 Assessment: Coursework
Module: Teaching As A Profession Credits: 20 Assessment: Practical

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/2025 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/2024 is £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 2024/25 is £16,655 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Students sat on a sofa

Financial support for home/EU students

How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.

Learn more

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, 432.5KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

 

How do I apply?

Apply now via UCAS

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

Come to an open day Ask a question

Why choose us?

A trophy icon

Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

A bed icon

Accommodation

We guarantee to find you an affordable place to live that’s close to campus and comes with all bills included

A head and shoulders icon

Employment

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Where next?

Want to know more about Sheffield Hallam? Get your questions answered with our tips, guides and information.

Image of students in a UG open day

Come to an open day

Meet our students and staff, see our campuses and accommodation, and get all the information you need.

Book now
UG prospectus

Order a prospectus

Find out everything you need to know about studying at Sheffield Hallam.

Order undergraduate prospectus
Accommodation buildings

Find accommodation

We guarantee accommodation for all first year students. All of our halls are in popular student areas, and close to our campuses.

Find your home from home

Cancel event

Are you sure you want to cancel your place on Saturday 12 November?

Close