Sport Development
Award
BSc (Hons)
Duration & study mode
4 years full-time
School
Health & Life Sciences
Location
Lanarkshire
Ucas code
C600
Course starting dates
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Lanarkshire: September
Last updated: 26/02/2026
Apply now for September 2026
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Overview
The BSc (Hons) Sport Development degree at UWS prepares you to drive positive social change through sport and physical activity. You’ll gain a strong foundation in sport development - learning how to promote social inclusion, improve health, and engage communities to lead active and fulfilling lives.
With a global, interdisciplinary approach, this programme combines sport and physical activity with insights from sociology, psychology, and business. You’ll explore how to tackle key social challenges such as reducing youth crime, addressing health inequalities, supporting mental wellbeing, and narrowing educational attainment gaps.
Practical experience is central to the course. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in work placements, internships, and community projects, helping you apply your learning to real-world contexts. The broad skillset you’ll develop will prepare you for a wide range of roles, including community sport management, sport and health policy advisory, event management, and grass-roots coaching.
Transform Lives Through Sport
Join the BSc (Hons) Sport Development degree and become part of a community committed to promoting health, inclusion, and social impact.
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practice of sport development
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Tailor your Honours year to reflect your personal interests and career aspirations
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Benefit from strong industry connections with partners including SPFL football clubs, Active Schools, and local authority organisations
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Study at our state-of-the-art Lanarkshire Campus, with specialist facilities also delivered at the nearby Jock Stein Centre
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Develop a global perspective through elective international study opportunities — previous students have visited organisations such as FC Barcelona, the Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch, and St George’s Park, the FA’s National Football Centre
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Gain professional recognition aligned with industry standards, enhancing your employability from day one.
More Information
Study Abroad
UWS offers students the chance to study abroad through our international exchange programmes.
Studying overseas is a transformative experience that builds global awareness, confidence, and intercultural communication skills — all highly valued by employers.
Our BSc (Hons) Sport Development students have completed successful exchanges with universities in the USA and Spain, gaining valuable insight into international approaches to sport, physical activity, and community engagement.
Placement Opportunities
Placement learning opportunities are a key feature of the programme. They provide hands-on experience, enhance professional networks, and develop employability skills highly sought after in the sport development sector.
You’ll have opportunities to work directly with our partner organisations that are shaping the future of sport and physical activity, including SPFL football clubs; Active Schools programmes; and local authority sport and leisure organisations.
Students are also encouraged to identify their own placement partners, aligning their experience with personal interests and career goals.
97%
student satisfaction with academic support on the course (National Student Survey 2025)
94%
student satisfaction with teaching on the course (National Student Survey 2025)
Professional Recognition
Through the University’s membership of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), this course provides a foundation for learners to gain the professional status of an Advanced Practitioner.
By meeting CIMSPA’s professional standards for the below, the course provides knowledge and skills development that supports students to access a career in the sector and achieve a higher level of professional status.
- Gym Instructor
- Personal Trainer
- Safeguarding and Protecting Children
- Coaching Assistant
- Working with Inactive People
- Aspiring Manager
A recognition of expertise, professional status is used in job descriptions and understood by employers as a mark of quality. Having a professional status issued by the sector’s chartered professional body helps individuals to stand out and easily demonstrate their understanding and commitment.
By meeting these professional standards, this course moves students towards a clear and rewarding career pathway through professional status, opening up opportunities to become a Senior or even Chartered Practitioner.
Entry Requirements
What qualifications do you need?
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.
Year 1
Scottish Highers
- Standard Entry Requirements: BCC (69 UCAS Tariff points) including a Science (Biology preferred or PE
- Minimum Entry Requirements: CCC (63 UCAS Tariff points) including a Science (Biology preferred) or PE
- Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points), including a Science (Biology preferred) or PE plus successful completion of one of the following:
- UWS Foundation Academy
- Foundation Apprenticeship
- UWS Next Steps to University module
- Top-Up
- LEAPS
A levels
DDD (72 UCAS Tariff points) including a Science (Biology preferred) or PE
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3 H4 H4 H4 including a Science subject (Biology preferred) or PE
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
24 points including 3 subjects at H4 including a Science or PE
SQA HNC
- Coaching & Developing Sport
- Sport Coaching & Development
- Fitness, Health & Exercise
- Applied Sports Science
- Applied Sports & Exercise Science
- Physical Activity & Health with B in Graded Unit – TBC, School will review in line with offer numbers
Scottish Wider Access Programme
- Access to STEM
- Access to Humanities
- Access to Life Sciences
- Access to Health & Biological Sciences with Grades BBB
Year 2
A levels
BBB (120 UCAS Tariff points) including Science and PE
T LEVEL
Full T Level with Grade M (120 Tariff points) in relevant subject
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
30 points (136 UCAS Tariff points) with 3 subjects at H4, including PE or a Science.
SQA HNC
- Coaching & Developing Sport
- Sport Coaching & Development
- Fitness, Health & Exercise
- Applied Sports Science
- Applied Sports & Exercise Science
- Physical Activity & Health with A in Graded Unit
SQA HND
- Sports Therapy (with B in Graded Unit)
- Applied Sport Science
- Coaching & Developing Sport
- Fitness Health & Exercise
- Sport Coaching & Development
- Physical Activity & Health with CB/CA (HNDs with 2 Graded Units) or CAA/CAB/CBB (HNDs with 3 Graded Units)
Year 3
SQA HND
- Applied Sports Science
- Coaching & Developing Sport
- Fitness, Health & Exercise
- Sport Coaching & Development
- Physical Activity & Health with BB/BA/AB/AA or BBB/BAA/BBA/AAA/ABA/ABB (double or single graded units respectively)
Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG)
Successful applicants who gain a place on this course will need to register on the PVG Scheme, managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. An application form will be sent from the University once you have accepted your offer. The fee for joining the scheme is £59.
Visit the Disclosure Scotland website for more information on the PVG scheme.
English Language Requirements
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from English language requirements include:
- native speakers of English
- Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise)
- non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification)
- students whose previous degree-level study has been taught and assessed in English in what UK Visas and Imigration (UKVI) define as a majority English speaking country
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
UWS & INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST SYSTEM (IELTS)
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
Undergraduate (bachelor's - BA, BAcc, BEng, BSc etc.) degrees and postgraduate (master's - MA, MBA, MSc etc.) taught degrees
- the CEFR equivalent requirement is normally an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent), with a score of no lower than 5.5 in any of the four elements (listening, speaking, reading and writing)
Postgraduate research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA etc.)
- the CEFR equivalent requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent), with a score of no lower than 6.0 in any of the four elements (listening, speaking, reading and writing)
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
IELTS SCORE EXCEPTIONS (RESEARCH DEGREES, BIOMEDICAL & PARAMEDIC SCIENCE DEGREES, MIDWIFERY DEGREES WITH NMC REGISTRATION, SOCIAL WORK DEGREES, CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, ETC.)
RESEARCH DEGREES
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
- overall score of 6.5
- no sub-test score of less than 6.0
MIDWIFERY AWARDS
For Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
- overall score of 7.0
- score of at least 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and
- score of at least 6.5 in writing
PARAMEDIC SCIENCE DEGREE
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
- overall score of 7.0
- no sub-test score of less than 6.5
BIOMEDICAL DEGREES
For our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
- overall score of 7.0
- no sub-test score of less than 6.5
SOCIAL WORK DEGREES
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
- overall score of 7.0
- no sub-test score of less than 7.0
CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
- overall score of 5.0
- no sub-test less than 4.5
OTHER IELTS EQUIVALENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTS
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
ENGLISH LANGUAGE HIGH SCHOOL QUALIFACTIONS ACCEPTED FOR NON-EU APPLICANTS
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES AT UWS
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
- 10-week pre-sessional - entry criteria UKVI IELTS 5.0 with no element below 4.5.
- 5-week pre-sessional - entry criteria UKVI IELTS 5.5 with no element below 5.5.
- English Language for University Study - entry criteria UKVI IELTS with an overall score of 4.0, plus a score of 4.0 in all sub-tests (10-month course), or an overall score of 4.5, plus no score below 4.0 in all sub-tests (7-month course).
Learn a Language
Why not add language modules in BSL, French or Spanish to your studies which can count towards your degree or as extra modules? Go on! Broaden your horizons, extend your international perspective and enhance your CV.
Study languagesCourse details
The UWS BSc (Hons) Sport Development provides a broad understanding of the principles and application of sport development.
Students follow a defined degree path in years 1-3. In year 4, students have the opportunity to tailor their learning to their interests and career options, and complete a dissertation in their own area of interest.
Year 1
In Year 1, students gain foundational understanding of the key principles and practices underpinning the sport & leisure industry, including sport science, sport psychology, sport coaching, sport development, and health & fitness. The curriculum also introduces core academic, personal, and professional development skills to support effective learning and future career progression.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
- Scheduled learning: 22%
- Independent study: 78%
ASSESSMENT:
- Practical: 22%
- Coursework: 78%
Year 2
You will develop your understanding of sport policy, and consider psychosocial aspects related to sport and exercise. You will cover content related to sport event management and coaching theory and practice that you will utilise in your first industry partner placement.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
- Scheduled learning: 22%
- Independent study: 74%
- Placement: 4%
ASSESSMENT:
- Written: 7%
- Practical: 20%
- Coursework: 73%
Year 3
You will begin to specialise in sport development, putting theory into practice. You will study modules including social issues in sport, learn more about sport provision in schools, and be introduced to sport management principles. You will also take part in your second placement with an industry partner and learn research skills that will prepare you for your Honours year.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
- Scheduled learning: 24%
- Independent study: 71%
- Placement: 5%
ASSESSMENT:
- Written: 18%
- Practical: 14%
- Coursework: 68%
Year 4
YYou will consolidate the theory you have gained by completing modules covering global issues in sport development and sport business operations. You also undertake elective modules related to your career plan, with options covering interventions in sport & physical activity; talent development in sport; exercise referral in special populations; mental health & physical activity; and developing outdoor sport. There is also the opportunity to undertake an applied international field trip. You will also complete a final year dissertation in a sport-related topic of your choice.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
- Scheduled learning: 24%
- Independent study: 76%
ASSESSMENT:
- Practical: 40%
- Coursework: 60%
Teaching and Assessment
This degree will be taught through a combination of learning methods including tutor-led lectures, tutorials and seminars, practical workshops and exercises in a simulated work environment, small group teaching and group project work. Independent, online and peer-to-peer learning is an important element of this course.
Our BSc (Hons) Sport Development degree uses a variety of assessment methods. The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect:
- group and individual work
- multiple-choice exams
- reflective practice reports
- essays
- case study deconstruction
- practical examination
- research production
- journal reviews
Course Structure
UWS Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors
Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.
Career prospects
The course provided me with a platform into the sport development industry. The variety of modules allowed me to explore where my passion lay within sports.
Preeti Jassal, Marketing & Fundraising Manager, Scottish Sports Futures
Jobs
Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Sport Development are prepared for a wide range of roles across sport, leisure, and education sectors, including:
- Sport Coaching and Development with clubs, governing bodies, local authorities, and community organisations
- Active Schools coordination and coaching roles
- Health and Well-being Coordination in public or private sector organisations
- Sport and Leisure Management with local authorities and enterprises
- Event Management in the sport and leisure sector
Further Study
Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study, including:
- PGDE (Secondary) Physical Education (Ayr)
- MSc Sport Coaching (UWS Lanarkshire)
Others go on to lead or contribute to funded research projects with partner organisations.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for this course 2025/26
Scottish
£1,820 per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
All other UK & Republic of Ireland
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
Channel Islands & Isle of Man
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
International (all other EU plus Non-EU)
£18,000 per year of study
Tuition fees for this course 2026/27
Scottish
£1,820 per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
All other UK & Republic of Ireland
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
Channel Islands & Isle of Man
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
International (all other EU plus Non-EU)
£18,900 per year of study
Additional course costs
Estimated cost per year of study.
- Textbooks (also available in library and as e-books for most textbooks) (Optional, Years: 1-4): £50-£200
- Branded sports kit (Optional, Years: 1-4): £20-£100
- Stationary – notepads/pens/highlighters (Optional, Years: 1-4): £20
- Travel costs for placements and research projects (Mandatory, Years: 2-4): £50-£75
- Year 4 (Level 10) Field Trip module [optional 10-credit module]. (Optional, Years: 4): £625
- Travel costs to external facilities used for teaching (Mandatory, Years: 1-4): £50-£75
- Not completing the Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) application on two occasions. (Mandatory, £60
- Completing a PVG if not already a member (Mandatory): £59
- Failure to submit your returned Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) certificate detail to UWS (Mandatory): £18
- Printing & photocopying (Optional, Years: 1-4): £20
- CIMSPA Membership (Optional, Years: 1-4): £36
Apply via UCAS
Ready to apply? All UK & EU Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS. Further information for international, part-time and exchange applications can be found below.
Apply through UCASFurther information
Full-time (domestic & EU/EEA)
All UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS. You can find out more about applying for this undergraduate course on UCAS.
Full-time (non-EU/non-EEA), Part-time & Online (all students), Erasmus & International Exchange
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Get in touch
UK students
Our enquiry team is here to help: ask@uws.ac.uk
International students
Contact our dedicated international team: international@uws.ac.uk
Life at UWS
Going to university is about much more than getting a qualification, it’s also the chance to enjoy an exciting social life, gain some independence and make the most of the new opportunities available.
DiscoverWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.