Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This top-up course explores the impact of physical activity on the human body. Apply scientific principles to enhance performance, aid recovery, and promote long-term health and well-being, and develop knowledge and skills relevant to roles in sport, fitness, and well-being.

Explore the physiological, psychological and biomechanical factors that influence human performance. Develop verbal, non-verbal and active listening skills, and have the opportunity to apply your learning in sport and exercise contexts.

Develop your skills and ability to prescribe exercise programmes, and then evaluate and monitor their effectiveness on the human body.

What will I study?

This top‑up degree course is designed for learners who already hold a relevant foundation degree, HND, or equivalent qualification and wish to progress to a full honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science. You will study a focused and advanced range of sport and exercise‑related subjects, including physiology, psychology, nutrition, and interdisciplinary approaches to exercise and health.

The course explores contemporary issues in sport, exercise, and physical activity, building on prior study to deepen your understanding of how scientific theory informs professional practice in applied sport, exercise, and health settings.

You will further develop advanced academic writing, research, numeracy, and independent study skills through project‑based learning and an independent research project. This top‑up year strengthens your scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and professional awareness, preparing you to engage confidently with current challenges and developments within the sport and exercise sector.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• Project Development
• Interdisciplinary Approaches in Exercise & Health
• Independent Research Project

Optional Modules

• Contemporary Issues in Physiology
• Nutrition in Sport and Exercise
• Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Contemporary Issues in Biomechanics
• Coaching Applied Strength and Conditioning

How will the student be taught and assessed?

Students will be assessed through a mixture of written assignments, presentations, and research tasks designed to build confidence and academic skills. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, providing learners with regular feedback and support. Some modules also include practical demonstrations, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in applied, sport‑related contexts.

Entry requirements

A Level 5 Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Science or Sports Coaching and Development

GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths (or willingness to work towards)

All applicants will be interviewed to check eligibility.

Why should I choose USP College?

At USP, our in‑person sports degree combines small class sizes, expert teaching, and outstanding facilities to provide an accessible and affordable route into higher education.

Taught in small class sizes, the course provides personalised support, regular contact with tutors, and a supportive learning environment. You will develop practical, applied skills using industry‑standard sports equipment and our brand‑new MedTech Sports Lab, covering areas such as fitness testing, performance analysis, biomechanics, and coaching practice.

With significantly lower tuition fees than many universities, this degree offers excellent value for money while maintaining high academic standards. Guest speakers, skills workshops, and strong progression routes into sport‑related careers and postgraduate study further support your success.

Additional costs

You will need to purchase basic stationery such as pens, notebooks, folders, and organisers to support your studies throughout the course. While no single textbook covers all areas of the degree, you may find it useful to purchase or access introductory or recommended undergraduate‑level sport and exercise science texts; however, these are not essential, as core learning resources will be provided.

There may also be small additional costs for optional enrichment activities, such as visits to partner universities, guest lectures from industry professionals, workshops, or skills‑based practical sessions designed to enhance your learning experience and employability.

What could I do next?

This Sport and Exercise Science degree provides a strong academic and practical foundation for a wide range of sport-, exercise-, and health‑related career pathways, as well as opportunities for further postgraduate study. Graduates may progress into roles across the sport, fitness, health, and wellbeing sectors, including careers in sports coaching, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, fitness and wellbeing delivery, exercise referral, community sport, and professional or semi‑professional sport environments. The degree also supports progression into postgraduate study in areas such as sport science, sports therapy, physiotherapy, sport and exercise psychology, and related disciplines (subject to entry requirements). The course equips you with the knowledge, practical skills, and applied experience needed to pursue a rewarding and meaningful career supporting physical performance, health, and wellbeing across a range of populations.

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