Employability
97% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating (2019/20 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £15,860 per year
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Gain knowledge and understanding of how scientific methods can be used in sport, exercise and health.
- Explore a range of theories and concepts in sport and exercise science.
- Develop important laboratory skills in physiology, psychology and biomechanics.
- Have the opportunity to work abroad – with the possibility of Erasmus funding being available for European placements.
Work with well-known sporting organisations and examine how the disciplines of scientific research can be used to improve the performance of athletes. You’ll explore how important physical activity and exercise are for a healthy lifestyle in different populations. Performance analysis, strength and conditioning are all areas with growing career opportunities.
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.
Student View
Watch student Liam Oliver talk about what it’s like to study on this course.
How you learn
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.
The course is specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and attributes you’ll need for a professional career within sport or the wider employment sector.
You may also be able to work or study abroad with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.
You learn through
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- project supervision
- demonstration
- practical classes and workshops
- workshop or studio time
- field trips
- external visits
Course leaders and tutors
Gabriella Penitente
Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise BiomechanicsStaff profile for Gabriella Penitente, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics.
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.
Previous students have worked as strength and conditioning coaches, applied sports scientists, cardiac rehabilitation assistants, physical activity referral specialists and as a performance analyst for a professional sports team. Many of our students choose to complete their placement abroad, at a range of sporting organisations around the world.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- applied sports science
- strength and conditioning coaching
- performance analysis
- exercise referral
Student Success Story
'I found a new passion for developing athletes like myself.' BSc Sport and Exercise Science graduate Will now works as a Sport and Excercise Scientist at Barnsley FC after starting as an intern.
Accreditation
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.
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 with
- world-class facilities at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield
- our £5m Sports Park and City Athletics Stadium
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
- 112-120
From at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications one of which must be in Physical Education, Sport Studies or a Science subject (such as Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology). We do not accept General Studies. For example:
- BBC- BBB at A Level including relevant subject(s).
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject(s).
- Merit overall from a T level qualification from Health or Science qualification.
-
Distinction overall from a T level qualification from Health care Science.
- A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s) which may include AS levels or EPQ.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
• Approved Access to HE Diploma in a sport science or science-based course. Normally we require 15 of the level 3 credits to be graded at distinction level with 6 of these distinctions from science units.
You also need to demonstrate an ability to
• study academic subjects at degree level
• debate topics and issues
• draw on conclusions from written material
• study independently as well as a member of a group
• use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
• successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations
This is normally achieved by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.
* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent
• equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.
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.
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
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Developing Professional Skills In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foundations Of Applied Physiology And Nutrition For Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foundations Of Biomechanics In Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foundations Of Physiology And Nutrition For Physical Activity And Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foundations Of Psychology In Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foundations Of Research In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applied Professional Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Biomechanics Of Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Physiology And Nutrition Of Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Psychology Of Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Enterprise And Innovation | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Physical Activity And Health | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Principles Of Conditioning For Sport Performance | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Sport And Exercise Analysis | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Year 3
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Issues In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Project In Sport | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applied Analysis Of Performance In Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Applied Biomechanics Of Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Applied Physiology And Nutrition Of Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Applied Psychology Of Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Managing Sporting Enterprises | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Physical Activity Programming For Special Populations | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Strength And Conditioning For Sport Performance | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy. 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 2023/24 is £15,860 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, 233.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
