GCSE requirements
- GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)
Sport (Sports Performance) FdSc
2 years with option to progress to one-year BSc, starting in September 2025
Combine your practical sports expertise as an athlete, coach or practitioner, with the advanced study of factors that influence high-performance sport.
If you have experience of, and aspirations to work in, high-performance sport, this course is designed for you.
You’ll merge the study of high-performance sport with your own experience as an athlete, coach or practitioner. This will develop your theoretical knowledge of the subject alongside building your practical skills and experience at one the UK’s top sports universities.
Throughout the FdSc, you’ll explore sports performance subjects, including:
- physiology
- psychology
- coaching
- sports development
This will develop your knowledge in areas such as training principles, sport career transitions, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning.
BSc (Hons) one year
On successful completion of the FdSc at the required academic standard, you will have the option to continue your studies and progress to the one-year BSc (Hons) Sport (Sports Performance) course.
This builds on the FdSc, allowing you to develop analytical and reflective skills often valued by employers. You'll continue to use your own experiences, as either an athlete, coach or practitioner, as you critically analyse sports performance.
Should you decide not to continue your studies, you will graduate with an FdSc Sport (Sports Performance).
Taking part in our sports
The University of Bath is home to many athletes and competitors across a range of sports, as well as National Governing Bodies (NGBs). Many students compete within our priority sports teams, and have shown exceptional achievement and potential in both their academic and sporting performance.
Acceptance to this FdSc does not guarantee you a place within our priority sports teams. If you take part in a non-priority sport, then you may consider joining any of the existing Students’ Union sports clubs.
Develop your professional skills
We work to provide you with the skills and support to prepare you for employment and further study, such as:
- communication and interview skills
- CV and cover letter writing
- networking
- career planning
Informed teaching to advance your learning
You’ll learn from experts in sports performance and sports science. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.
Staff across our Department for Health have specialisms in areas such as:
- sport and exercise science
- nutrition and metabolism
- sport management, marketing and media
- coaching and sport performance
- sport policy and international development
- health and physical activity
- research methods
Specialist facilities for your learning and training
Our £35 million Sports Training Village contains some of the UK’s best sport and exercise facilities, accommodating more than 50 sports. We regularly host major international competitions and provide a dedicated sports training space.
You’ll have access to our biomechanics and physiology suites, containing:
- biochemical analysis equipment
- blood lactate monitors
- force platforms
- gas analysers
- jump mats
- motion analysis equipment
- performance analysis systems
Prepare for your future
Many of our sport, exercise and health graduates have gone on to work in sport science, public health, exercise medicine and rehabilitation, sports management and sports coaching.
Examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include:
- Amazon
- Bristol City Football Club
- BUPA
- Confederation of British Industry
- EY
- IntoUniversity
- Razor Research
- Southampton City Council
- Two Circles
2025/2026 Academic Year
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
Course structure
This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
Compulsory course units
These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.
Year 1
You’ll study 60 credits of compulsory units.
Year 2
You’ll study 40 credits of compulsory units and 20 credits of optional units.
Year 3 (BSc route)
You'll study 30 credits of compulsory units and 30 credits of optional units.
Optional course units
You'll choose from a range of optional units in Year 2 and the optional BSc year.
Year 2 optional units
In your FdSc Year 2, you will study 20 credits of optional units. You will study two 5 credit optional units in semester 1 and two 5 credit optional units in semester 2.
These options will cover a range of sport, exercise and health topics, such as:
- sports psychology
- coaching
- sports nutrition
- sports development
- strength and conditioning
- performance analysis
Year 3 (BSc course) optional units
If you choose to continue to the BSc year, you will study 30 credits of optional units. You will select three all-year 10 credit optional units.
These options will cover a range of sport, exercise and health topics, such as:
- advanced sport coaching
- advanced sport psychology
- advanced sport physiology
- applied sports development
The options available to you may depend on the optional units you studied during the FdSc.
Learning and assessment
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Assessment breakdown
You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.
In the FdSc, 80% to 90% of assessment will be through coursework, this may include written assignments and presentations. The remaining 10% to 20% will be through examinations.
In the BSc year, 100% of assessment will be through coursework. This will include written assignments, oral presentations, and your dissertation.
The balance of assessment methods may vary throughout your degree.
You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Contact hours and workload
Contact hours
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of laboratory sessions, lectures, practical sessions, seminars, tutorials and workshops, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 11 and 12 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
Independent learning
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 25 to 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year. You’ll be expected to work both on your own and as part of a group.
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘Most of our lecturers have played high level sport, so they understand if you get injured or have a have a bad training day. They are there to support you.’
—
Jemma Nightingale
FdSc/BSc (Hons) Sport (Sports Performance) (Graduating year, 2023)
Entry requirements
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying sports performance.
As this course is intended for student athletes performing at a very high standard, and your performance in sport will form part of the selection decision. Your application should include details of your current sporting level in your chosen sport(s).
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
Origin of qualifications
British qualifications
A level Typical offer
CCCCCC in three A levels.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.
International Baccalaureate Typical offer
28 pointsInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
28 points overall.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
International Baccalaureate Certificates
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer
MMM or DDBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)
MMM in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF).
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF).
You do not need additional study alongside you Diploma for this course.
Read more about our approach to BTEC Diplomas.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificates
We accept Level 3 Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
OCR Cambridge Technical Typical offer
MMM or DDCambridge Technical Extended Diploma
MMM in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
Cambridge Technical Diploma
DD in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma.
You do not need additional study alongside you Diploma for this course.
Read more about our approach to BTEC Diplomas.
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificates
We accept Level 3 Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider Cambridge Technical Extended Certificates.
T Level Typical offer
Merit overallWe are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Education and Childcare or Digital Production, Design and Development.
Scottish Highers Typical offer
CCCC in two Advanced Highers.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least CCCCC in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Access to HE Diploma Typical offer
21 credits at MeritA pass the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 21 credits awarded at Merit or Distinction.
Combinations of qualifications Typical offer
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
English language requirements
Category C
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
- TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
- Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
- LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Sport (Sports Performance) FdSc with option to progress to one-year BSc
Fees
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusTuition fees
Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
Extra costs
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
You may be required to pay for a DBS check depending on any week long work placements you undertake. This will be payable at the end of the first year at an approximate cost of £55.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansScholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsOther payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsBudgeting
You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
Application information
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Course titleSport (Sports Performance)
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Final awardFdSc
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Mode of studyFull-time
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Course codeJ130
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Institution codeB16
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Department
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LocationUniversity of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY -
Home application deadline29 January 2025
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Overseas application deadline29 January 2025
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Application eligibilityHome and Overseas students are eligible to apply
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Regulator
Selection process
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application, including details of your sporting performance. You may be invited to attend a trial for your chosen sport as part of your application.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Immigration requirements
If you need a Student visa to study in the UK, you will not be able to join this course.
If you are an EU or EEA national (except an Irish citizen), you will only be able to join this course if you have Settled or Pre-Settled status in the UK (or hold other relevant immigration permission that allows you to study without a Student visa).
If you join this course on immigration permission which subsequently expires and you are unable to secure a suitable alternative, you may be unable to complete your course or receive a final qualification.
If you have any concerns regarding this please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice.
Course enquiries
Undergraduate Selection
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