BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

You’ll study on a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recognised programme which will allow you to complete the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist qualification near graduation. During your time with us, you’ll cover the three main disciplines of sport science: physiology (including nutrition), biomechanics and psychology. You’ll learn about human anatomy, sports performance, and strength and conditioning. You’ll use the performance labs to learn how to assess and improve sporting performance. What’s more, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge on the role exercise plays in improving health and wellbeing.

Many of your lecturers are accredited or chartered with professional bodies. These include the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and the British Psychological Society (BPS). This means you’ll learn from lecturers who are recognised for their high standards of knowledge and skills. They’ll be there to ensure those standards are transferred to you. You’ll spend around eight hours in lectures per week, and eight hours in practical sessions. Some of these will take place in our labs, others are interactive workshops and seminars. We’re rated TEF Gold, making us one of the best universities for teaching and support.

Our graduates progress to a wide range of careers which reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the degree programme.

Our graduates have gained employment with elite athletes, professional sports teams, health clubs and within the National Health Service. Also, in the leisure industry, military, fire service and as coaches. They have progressed to study for a Master’s degree, PhD or teacher training qualification.

Job titles of recent graduates include:

Community Rugby Coach, Sports Lecturer, Police Officer, NHS Trainee Cardiac Physiologist, Special Needs Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Fire Brigade Fitness Advisor, Health and Fitness Coach, IT Support Officer, Learning Support Assistant, PE Technician, Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor, Pharmaceutical Production Technician, Sport Science Support Officer, Lecturer in Sport Science in Further Education, Physiotherapy Assistant, Fitness Instructor, Recreation Assistant, Swimming Coach, Lifestyle Consultant, and Mental Health Physical Activity and Nutrition Advisor.

UCAS points 104
A Level BCC:

Including at least one Science A level preferably Biology and/or PE
(acceptable A levels: Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sports Science)

All our sport and exercise science courses are endorsed by the governing body, the British Association of Sports Science (BASES). You'll learn the core principles underpinning sport and exercise science and graduate with the professional requirements of being a sport and exercise scientist. You'll also have the opportuntiy to undertake a range of optional modules and extra-curricular activities which have been highlighted by BASES as they provide you with better employability prospects after graduation.
The BSc(Hons) Sports and Exercise Science is also a pre-approved degree for eligibility to the ACSM - Certified Exercise Physiologist qualification (*specific module options required) and is also recognised by the NSCA Educational Recognition Programme.

Benefit from specialist labs and facilities
You’ll have access to two dedicated sports science and therapy laboratories on campus. They are equipped with a state-of-the-art grail treadmill, force plates, a bod pod and a climate chamber. You'll be able to use specialist physiology, biomechanical and biochemistry equipment, for example, online gas analysers. You’ll even be able to do blood analysis to test for blood lactate and cholesterol. Or use the running treadmills, cycling and rowing ergometers to measure physiological processes. You’ll use specialist arthrometric equipment, dynamometers and weight-lifting equipment. There is even an indoor putting green for psychological and biomechanical analysis.

You’ll be able to get a membership with the University’s £15 million Hertfordshire Sports Village (HSV) on the de Havilland campus. It has a 25-metre swimming pool, a 12m climbing wall and a gym. The gym has both strength and cardio equipment, such as rowing machines, cable stations and a free weights area. There is a smaller 24-hour gym on the College Lane campus.