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Overview

The BSc Sport Development degree at UWS prepares you to drive positive social change through sport and physical activity. You'll gain a solid foundation in sport development, learning how to promote social inclusion, improve health, and engage communities.

With a global, interdisciplinary approach, the programme blends physical activity with insights from sociology, psychology, and business to address key social challenges such as reducing youth crime, addressing health inequalities, and reducing educational attainment gaps. This equips you to create adaptable, impactful initiatives across diverse cultural contexts.

Practical experience is central, with opportunities for work placements, internships, and community projects. The diverse skill sets developed through the course allows graduates to pursue roles in community sport management, sport and health policy advisory, event coordination, and grass-roots coaching.

Start your journey to transform lives through sport with UWS.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

You’ll gain a broad understanding of the principles and application of sport development.
In your Honours year, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning to align with your interests and career goals.
The degree is delivered at our new, state-of-the-art Lanarkshire Campus with elements also delivered at the Jock Stein Centre, located a short walk from the campus.
There is the opportunity to visit an international destination to experience first-hand what it is like to operate in a successful sports-related industry in another country. Students have visited world-leading organisations including FC Barcelona; the Museu olimpic i de l’esport Joan Antoni Samaranch; and the FA’s National Performance Centre – St George’s Park.

More Information

Study Abroad

UWS offers opportunities for our students to study abroad via our exchange programmes.

Study abroad is extremely beneficial to personal and professional development. Research has shown that worldwide employers value graduates with intercultural awareness and global competences. Our BSc (Hons) Sport Development students have completed successful exchanges with universities in the USA and Spain.

Placement Opportunities

There is a strong emphasis on placement learning and developing the modern sport development industry. We have excellent links with a number of clubs and organisations, including SPFL football clubs, Active Schools, and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, which provide work-based learning opportunities.

We also encourage our students to identify organisations that can provide appropriate placement opportunities and that they are interested in working with as part of the course.

Professional Recognition

UWS have worked with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) to achieve endorsement against industry professional standards for its undergraduate degree programmes in sport.

UWS joined CIMSPA as a higher education partner in June 2022 to further enhance students' employability. This programme has been endorsed against several professional standards:

Gym Instructor
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Coaching Assistant
Working with Inactive People
Aspiring Sport Manager

100%

of students agreed staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)

96%

of students are satisfied with the teaching on the course (National Student Survey 2024)

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
- Routes for All
- Top-Up
- LEAPS

A levels

DDD (72 UCAS Tariff points) including a Science (Biology preferred) or PE

T Level

Full T Level with Grade P (A* - C) (96 Tariff points) in relevant subject

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 or Sport Coaching & Development or Fitness, Health & Exercise or Applied Sports Science or Applied Sports & Exercise Science or Physical Activity & Health (with B in the Graded Unit)

Scottish Wider Access Programme

Access to STEM or Access to Humanities or Access to Life Sciences with grade BB and PE, Communication 4 and Literature 1 units required at SCQF Level 6

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

SQA HND

Sports Therapy (with B in the Graded Unit) or Applied Sports Science or Coaching & Developing Sport or Fitness, Health & Exercise or Sport Coaching & Development, or Physical Activity and Health (CA/CB for HNDs with 2 Graded Units) (CAA/CAB/CBB for HNDs with 3 graded units).

Year 3

SQA HND

Applied Sports Science or Coaching and Developing Sport or Fitness, Health & Exercise or Sport Coaching and Development or Physical Activity & Health (BB/BA/AB/AA for HNDs with a double graded unit) (BBB/BAA/BBA/AAA/ABA/ABB for HNDs with three graded units).

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, NURSING & 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

HEALTH & MIDWIFERY AWARDS

For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Adult Nursing, MSc Adult Nursing, BSc Mental Health Nursing, MSc Mental Health Nursing, BSc Midwifery and MSc 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).

Find out more about our English language Courses.

Course details

The UWS BSc (Hons) Sport Development provides a broad understanding of the principles and application of sport development.

In Years 3 and 4, students will 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

This provides an overview of the academic study of sport. You will be introduced to a range of interesting topics related to sport coaching, sport development, and sport & exercise science. You will also develop generic study skills that you will use throughout your time at UWS.

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: 17%
Independent study: 78%
Placement: 5%

ASSESSMENT:

Written: 18%
Practical: 14%
Coursework: 68%

Year 4

You 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; 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: 18%
Independent study: 82%

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.

View our Programme Specifications & Module Descriptors

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

The programme will prepare you for a successful career in sport development but also sport, leisure and education settings in general. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills to find opportunities in a wide range of roles, including:

Local authorities
Active Schools
Enterprise and management
Sport, physical activity and health and education programmes
Sport coaches
Health and well-being officers
Fitness club managers

Further Study

Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate courses in PE teaching, including the PGDE (Secondary) Physical Education and Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Physical Education at UWS Ayr, or the MSc Sport Coaching at UWS Lanarkshire. Others take part in or lead funded research projects with partner organisations.

Graduates will be able to pursue opportunities such as UWS's MSc in Sport Coaching, Physical Education teaching, and PhDs.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for this course 2024/25

Scottish

£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)

All other UK & Republic of Ireland

£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750

Channel Islands & Isle of Man

£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750

International (all other EU plus Non-EU)

£18,000 per year of study

Modular Tuition Fees (20-credit points) 2024-25

Scottish

£305 per module (20 credits)

All other UK & Republic of Ireland

£1,550 per module (20 credits)

Channel Islands & Isle of Man

£1,550 per module (20 credits)

International (all other EU plus Non-EU)

£3,000 per module (20 credits)

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

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 UCAS

Further information

Clearing runs from 5 July through to 20 October. Spaces are limited, therefore we encourage application as soon as possible.

Full-time (domestic & EU/EEA)

If you are using Clearing to apply for University for the first time, you’ll need to register with UCAS and submit an application.

Find out more about applying through Clearing.

A small number of courses will require applications to be made directly to UWS. This will be noted where required.

Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA .

For applications and more information on applying, please visit www.ucas.com

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

Got your results and ready to apply?

Complete our Clearing Application form

Waiting for results?

You can also phone us on 0800 027 100

Unistats

Unistats draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Key Information Set.

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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.

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We 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.