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Sport and Exercise Science MSci (Hons)

4 years, starting in September 2025

This course is closed to applications from Home students for September 2025 entry. We are still accepting applications from Overseas students.

Develop your biomechanics, physiology and psychology knowledge. Explore and understand how humans function in sport, physical activity and health environments.

This degree has three core strands:

  • Biomechanics: explore how humans create and control movement including athletes’ technique
  • Physiology: learn about the structure, function, regulation and performance of bodily systems
  • Psychology: examine the role of thoughts, feelings and behaviours in sport and exercise settings

Through these core strands, you'll apply your knowledge to sports performance and exercise participation. This will develop your understanding of the relevance of sport and exercise science to current practice.

Along with the core study of biomechanics, physiology and psychology, examples of other topics you will cover include:

  • biochemistry
  • motor control
  • nutrition and metabolism
  • research methods
  • sports medicine
  • strength and conditioning

In Year 1, you'll develop your functional anatomy knowledge and link it to basic concepts of biomechanics. You’ll build on your understanding of human physiology and psychology, and their application to sport and exercise. You will also develop your skills in research design and statistics.

Through Year 2, you'll advance your knowledge of biomechanics and explore interdisciplinary studies in connection with nutrition and psychology in sport. You’ll apply your biomechanics, physiology and psychology knowledge to sport and exercise medicine, and develop practical skills that relate to sport and exercise science data collection and interpretation.

BSc route

In your final year, you'll design and carry out a year-long research project and study in-depth issues in sport and exercise science. You’ll also be able to tailor your profile towards specific disciplines and choose an area of interdisciplinary study.

MSci route

In your final two years, you will design and carry out an extended, independent research project and study advanced units covering key topics in sport and exercise science at master’s level. You’ll also be able to tailor your profile towards specific disciplines and choose an area of interdisciplinary study.

Use specialist facilities

You'll have access to facilities that support your learning. These contain specialist equipment and the latest technology, including:

  • Applied Biomechanics Suite
  • Applied Physiology Laboratory
  • Biochemistry Laboratory
  • Metabolic Research Laboratory

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

Undergraduate master's

A Master in Science (MSci) degree is an integrated undergraduate degree. This degree provides you with an opportunity to deepen and advance your knowledge with an extended dissertation, while gaining a master’s level qualification.

Our innovative and stimulating curriculum builds seamlessly on your prior learning and ensures an integrated transition through master’s level.

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
Find out what our graduates go on to do

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 4 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2029. 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.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Applied practice in sport and exercise

    15 credits

  • Functional anatomy and biomechanics

    10 credits

  • Human biochemistry

    5 credits

  • Human physiology

    10 credits

  • Research and study skills for sport, health and exercise scientists

    10 credits

  • Sport and exercise psychology

    10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Biomechanics and motor control

    15 credits

  • Physiology of health, exercise and nutrition

    15 credits

  • Research skills and statistics for sport, exercise and health scientists

    5 credits

  • Sport and exercise medicine

    10 credits

  • The psychology of sport and exercise participation

    15 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Advanced quantitative and qualitative data analyses

    7.5 credits

  • Research project design and preparation

    10 credits

  • Tackling Interdisciplinary challenges

    5 credits

Options

  • Penultimate Year Options

    37.5 credits

Year 4

Compulsory units

  • Research project

    30 credits

Options

  • Final Year Options

    30 credits

Placement


We also offer this course with a professional placement or study abroad option in Year 3. This allows you to take advantage of our links with a range of organisations in different sectors, experience a new culture, or even combine the two.

A professional placement is a great way to get insights into the career path you want; contribute to projects and services; have fun, make friends and build your professional network; and even earn a salary.

If you decide to study abroad, you will spend time at one of our partner institutions across the globe. During this time, you will study a course that complements your existing learning while experiencing a new culture.

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.


Learning

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Examinations
  • Presentations
  • Report

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.

Learning and teaching

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 around 15 and 17 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 18 to 25 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.

Assessment breakdown

You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.

30% to 40% of your course will be assessed through examinations.

60% to 70% will be assessed through coursework, reports, and presentations.

The balance of assessment methods may vary throughout your degree.

The final degree classification is determined by your second, third and final year marks and each contributes 16%, 34% and 50% respectively.

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. 

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.

‘The research-led teaching is amazing, because you are already talking to the lead researchers in the field. They are actually teaching you.’
Bruno Spellanzon BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with professional placement or study abroad (Graduating year, 2024)

Entry requirements


Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying topics in sport and exercise science, such as human anatomy, the science of high performance or sport psychology. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience or involvement in sport clubs or teams.

You will need a strong performance in a core science (or Psychology) or mathematics subject as part of your entry qualifications. We cannot accept Geography or PE in place of a science subject for this degree.

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

AAA or A*AB

AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in one of: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics.

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.

A level Contextual offer

ABB

ABB in three A levels including B in one of: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

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.

A level Alternative offer

AAB

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

AAB in three A levels including A in one of: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
  • grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Mathematics or Statistics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

AABB in three A levels and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales including A in one of: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in one science or mathematics subject.

We accept the following Higher Level science or mathematics subjects for this course:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretations
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

Standard Level in science

If you are not studying one of the required science subjects at Higher Level we may be able to consider a Standard Level subject in its place. In this case the typical offer is 36 points with 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects plus 7 in one Standard Level science or mathematics subject.

We cannot consider Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations in place of a Higher Level science subject.

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.

For this course you will typically need to study a science or mathematics course from our accepted list (see IB Diploma requirements) at Higher or Standard Level or sufficient science content in your vocational study.

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.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

Your qualifications will need to include sufficient science content.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

6, 5, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 5 in one science or mathematics subject.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We accept the following Higher Level science or mathematics subjects for this course:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretations
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Standard Level in science

If you are not studying one of the required science subjects at Higher Level we may be able to consider a Standard Level subject in its place. In this case the contextual offer is 36 points with 6, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects plus 6 in one Standard Level science or mathematics subject.

We cannot consider Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations in place of a Higher Level science subject.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

DDD

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

We are able to consider the following BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas (RQF):

DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in Sport and Exercise Science. You must be studying and achieve a Distinction in at least two of the following units: 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7.

DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in Applied Science.

DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in Health and Social Care (Health Studies). You must be studying and achieve a Distinction in least two of the following units: 3, 11, 13 or 24.

If you are studying towards a BTEC qualification in Sport or another subject-area, we are only able to consider an application from you if you are also studying an A level in Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. You may also wish to consider our Sport Management and Coaching or Health and Exercise Science courses.

We prefer you to have achieved grade 6 or B in GCSE English, Maths and science qualifications.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and 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 BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

Your qualifications will need to include sufficient science content.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC QCF Typical offer

D*DD

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF)

We are able to consider the following BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas (QCF):

D*DD in a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) in Sport and Exercise Science, Applied Science and Health and Social Care (Health Sciences). You must be studying and achieve a Distinction in at least 7 science-related units.

If you are studying towards a BTEC qualification in Sport or another subject-area, we are only able to consider an application from you if you are also studying an A level in Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. You may also wish to consider our Sport Management and Coaching or Health and Exercise Science courses.

We prefer you to have achieved grade 6 or B in GCSE English, Maths and Science qualifications.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and 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 BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

Your qualifications will need to include sufficient science content.

OCR Cambridge Technical Typical offer

D*DD plus grade A in one A level

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

D*DD in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma plus grade A in one science or maths A level

If you are studying towards a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma, we are only able to consider an application from you if you are also studying an A level in Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics.

We prefer you to have achieved grade 6 or B in GCSE English, Maths and Science qualifications.

Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and 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 OCR Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

Your qualifications will need to include sufficient science content.

T level Typical offer

T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AA in Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including one science or mathematics subject.

Psychology is accepted as a science subject for this course.

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 AAAAB in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

36 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 36 credits achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include at least 12 credits achieved at Distinction in a science subject.

We are able to consider the Access to HE Diploma for entry. You should be studying graded units worth at least 12 credits (preferably more) in at least one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics).

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

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.

To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include sufficient science content.

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity Typical offer

D* plus grade A in one A level

D* in the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity plus grade A in one science or maths A level

If you are studying towards a NCFE qualification in Sport and Physical Activity, we are only able to consider an application from you if you are also studying an A level in Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics.

We prefer you to have achieved grade 6 or B in GCSE English, Maths and Science qualifications.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
  • GCSE in one of Combined Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics grade 4 or C
  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

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

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Sport and Exercise Science MSci (Hons)


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 status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

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 loans

Scholarships 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 scholarships

Other 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 options

Budgeting

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


  • Course title
    Sport and Exercise Science
  • Final award
    MSci (Hons)
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    J102
  • Institution code
    B16
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Overseas application deadline
    30 June 2025
  • Application eligibility
    Only Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.

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.

Course enquiries


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