BSc
Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc (Hons)
Gain an understanding of both the traditional and cross-disciplinary sport and exercise sciences. This degree will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to step into a rewarding career within the fast-moving sport and exercise industries.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
C606
Course length
3 years
Typical offer
AAB
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £29,000 per year
Overview
Are you fascinated by the relationship between exercise, performance, physical activity and health? Would you like to embark on a BSc that is aligned with industry developments and the latest research? With an emphasis on employability, there are opportunities for you to develop your transferable skill set and take a placement module in a sport or exercise vocational setting, as well as 'open modules' from other departments. You also have the choice of applying to add an industry placement year or a study year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. The final-year Independent Research Project is an opportunity to engage in deeper investigation of a sport or exercise topic that particularly interests you. Our approach to learning, teaching and assessment links academic knowledge with real-world examples and practices in sport, exercise, physical activity and health. This is brought further to life in our dedicated Human Performance Laboratory, which is equipped with the latest in exercise physiology and nutrition equipment and technology that you will learn to use in our guaranteed 'hands on' learning experience. Studying Sport and Exercise Sciences you will develop intellectual capacities and personal qualities, while acquiring a broad range of practical, professional and employability skills that can be applied to a range of careers in the sport, leisure, health sectors and beyond. Our students graduate with the skill set to take on challenging roles across a wide range of these and other industries.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
C606
Course length
3 years
Typical offer
AAB
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £29,000 per year
What you'll study
Here at Durham, our expertise across the Department prepares you to tackle traditional and emergent sport and exercise problems from a variety of academic disciplines and perspectives. With a curriculum developed and delivered by an academic team actively involved in world-leading research, you’ll build a firm foundation of knowledge in traditional sport, exercise and health sciences, including: physiology; psychology; physical activity, nutrition and health. The course is unique in also offering flexibility to select modules from cognate disciplines, such as: Sociology of Sport; Sport, Health and the Environment; and Sports Development, so that you develop a broader, more holistic knowledge across the wider field of sport and exercise.
Core modules
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Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise Sciences
develops the essential academic skills required for degree-level study in the sport and exercise sciences, as well as the workplace. You will develop skills in personal effectiveness, verbal and written communication, collaborative working, critical thinking and problem-solving, information and research, numeracy, and digital literacy.
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Introduction to Anatomy and Exercise Physiology
familiarises you with the basic anatomical and physiological functions of the human body in the context of exercise. The module includes an examination of the cellular, nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and thermoregulatory systems.
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Introduction to Physical Activity, Diet and Health
provides you with an introduction to the key theories, debates and issues for physical activity, diet and health in the UK.
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Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
familiarises you with major theories, intervention strategies and methods of data collection used in the field of sport and exercise psychology.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Introduction to Sport and Exercise IndustriesIntroduction to Sociology of Sport
Core modules
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Advanced Sport and Exercise Physiology
increases your understanding of the current methods used to enhance athletic performance in an applied setting. Using a mix of taught and laboratory sessions you will investigate areas such as hydration; the validity and reliability of laboratory and field-based testing; lactate threshold testing; maximal and sub-maximal exercise and power and strength adaptations through training.
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Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology
examines the psychological theories behind participation in sport and exercise. You will develop a critical awareness of the strengths and limitations of psychological research and theory, and apply this knowledge and understanding in a real-world context. The module covers stress and resilience; mental health and well-being; and evidence-based interventions in sport and exercise. By the end of the module, you will develop the skills required for effective one-to-one psychological consultations.
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Research Skills for Sport and Exercise Sciences
develops conceptual knowledge and understanding of the qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods used in sport and exercise sciences. This includes an understanding of ethics, designing a research study, collecting and analysing data, and developing abilities in statistical analysis, preparing you for your Independent Research Project in final year.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Nutrition for Sport and HealthSport, Health and the EnvironmentSports DevelopmentAdvanced Sociology of Sport
Core modules
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Applied Exercise Physiology in Sport and Health
applies your previous learning to critically examine the role of exercise and physical activity in a variety of populations, from elite sport performance to clinical populations. You will cover the principles of exercise prescription; the role of exercise and physical activity in the management of health and performance; advanced assessment and support of clinical and athletic performance; and the underpinning physiology of health and performance.
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Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
applies your acquired sport and exercise psychology knowledge to complex sport performance and physical activity/health contexts. You will develop a critical understanding of the application of psychological sciences within complex and dynamic, and often politicised, consultancy contexts, such as high-performance sport and other health and exercise settings. Attention is also given to issues of ethical and professional conduct in the practice of sport and exercise psychology.
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Independent Research Project
is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of sport and exercise sciences. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions. The 6,000–8,000-word project, supported by a 750-word critical reflection, is worth one-third of your final-year marks.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Active Communities PlacementFutures in Sport, Exercise and HealthApplied Sociology of SportPhysical Activity, Sport and Inequalities
Learning
Learning comprises of lectures, small-group seminars, workshops and laboratory work. Practical lab sessions provide a real 'hands-on' experience of the type of work and testing performed by sport and exercise science professionals. Workshops allow you to develop knowledge and skills through investigating real-life sport and exercise issues and undertaking practical tasks, such as working with different client groups, designing diet plans, and infographic design to promote healthy lifestyles. Our emphasis on small-group and practical teaching, supported by one-on-one guidance and self-directed learning, is embedded into the learning experience, so you gain more from your studies. As you move into your final year, the focus on self-directed learning and independent research increases, particularly around your final year research project. Teaching and learning are centred around the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, a vibrant learning environment, which is home to a lively research community. This innovative research is fed directly into the curriculum, challenging you intellectually and keeping your learning relevant to the world around you.Assessment
Your degree is assessed through a diverse combination of coursework and practicals, which may include: psychological profiling of sport performers, oral presentations, exercise prescription for clinical and athletic populations, reports on physiological testing undertaken in our Human Performance Laboratory, and practical lab skills. Methods of assessment vary between modules and have been designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of course material, test critical thinking skills, enhance written and verbal communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues within sport and exercise settings. The final-year Independent Research Project project enables you to undertake in-depth exploration of a specific topic that you are passionate about.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£9,535 per year
International / EU Students
£29,000 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £ per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £ per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out more
The highlight of the course for me is getting to bring its theoretical components to life through exciting physiological practicals, group presentations, and volunteering opportunities. Michael Berendt The best thing about my course is that it’s enjoyable because you get to explore various aspects of Sports and Exercise Science, from physiology to sociology. These areas often interconnect in unexpected ways, which is one of the reasons I find Sports and Exercise Sciences so fascinating. Deborah Fatoke
Department Information
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Durham University's Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is a welcoming and vibrant community. We are passionate about the benefits of sport and physical activity for all, from recreational participation through to competitive and high performance sport. Both the BA and BSc qualifications examine the connections between exercise and issues such as inequality, lifestyle and discrimination. These lines of study, which closely align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are woven through everything we do from undergraduate through to research level. Our staff are known around the world for the work they pioneer, using findings from their research to inform the undergraduate curriculum and keep it relevant to the real world. This approach gives you a valuable insight into developments in the sector and the confidence to put your developing knowledge to use in analysing, engaging with and enhancing real-world practices across the sport and exercise industries. Our courses also offer the flexibility to tailor your study to your interests and career goals. This includes offering a wide range of option modules and the chance to spend a year working in industry or studying abroad. You will also benefit from our commitment to small group learning which enables a more personalised approach and individualised support from staff. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
The academic study of sport and exercise is closely linked to sport and exercise in practice. Facilities within the Department include the Human Performance Laboratory which houses a range of exercise and monitoring facilities that analyse our responses to exercise and nutrition. These facilities, which support researchers, undergraduate students and athletes alike, were built as part of the University's £33m investment in the Sports and Wellbeing Park at Maiden Castle. Alongside these facilities are an indoor cricket hall, a 12-court multi use sports hall, a fitness centre, a high-performance weights room and a range of outdoor sports pitches.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22:
90%
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
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