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UWS's BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science / Sport & Exercise Science (Physical Activity & Health) prepares you for a career where you will learn how to support athletes in maximising their performance.
This degree focuses on the science behind high-performance sport and physical activity for the promotion of health.
The teaching on programme is research-led and promotes both health and performance elements of sport and exercise science.
Hosting the only British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (CASES) accredited lab in Scotland, we can offer lab-based and practical tuition. Assessments are a key feature of this programme and will develop your hands-on skills and sport and exercise knowledge.
Students in their final year of study will have a wide range of optional modules to select from which best suit their interests and career ambitions. A dedicated Physical Activity & Health pathway is available to 4th year students who wish to take a focused set of modules specific to that field of study.
Please note: This programme is not available to International applicants from outside the EU.
UWS offers opportunities for our students to study abroad via our exchange programmes.
Study abroad is extremely beneficial to personal and professional development and research has shown that worldwide employers value graduates with intercultural awareness and global competences.
In years 2 and 3 you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement with a relevant employer. These placements are specifically designed to develop your skills and experience in the workplace, enhancing your job prospects within the sports industry upon completion of your degree.
student satisfaction with learning resources on the course (National Student Survey 2025)
This degree is offered at UWS’s state-of-the-art Lanarkshire Campus
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.
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.
This programme is also endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) through their Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (CUES).
The CUES awards endorsement to sport and exercise science degree courses that provide undergraduates with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills essential to enter into the profession. It is now the recognised standard for all sport and exercise science undergraduate degree programmes in the UK.
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.
DDD (72 UCAS Tariff points) including a science subject (Biology preferred) or PE
H3 H4 H4 H4 including a science subject (Biology preferred) or PE
24 points including 3 subjects at H4 including a science (Biology preferred)
Sport Coaching & Development with grade B
BBB (120 UCAS Tariff points) including 1 science subject (Biology preferred) and PE
Full T Level with Grade B (120 Tariff points) in relevant subject
30 points (136 UCAS Tariff points) with 3 subjects at H4, including English, PE and 1 science subject
(HNDs with 2 Graded Units – min 4 points. Must have Bs. HNDs with 3 Graded Units – 5 points across 3 Graded Units (A = 3, B = 2, C = 1). Must have Bs in all level 8 Graded Units)
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.
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:
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).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
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).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
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:
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:
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:
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:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
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
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
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. UWS courses available are:
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 languagesThe UWS BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science provides a broad understanding of the principles and application of sport science. 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.
In Year 1 you will develop a basic understanding of Sport Development, Sport Coaching and Sport and Exercise Science. Subjects include: Introduction to Sport Coaching, Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise and Introduction to Sport Science.
In Year 2 you will develop your understanding of specific areas of sport and exercise science. Subjects include: Principles of Sport and Exercise Physiology, Skill Acquisition and Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
In Year 3 you will study The Psychology of Sport, Sport Research and Evaluation, Being a Sport Professional, Physiological Adaptations to Exercise and Sport Conditioning and Biomechanics. Optional modules include Measurements in Sport and Exercise or Physical Activity in Health.
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 Sport and Exercise Science degree uses a variety of assessment methods. The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect:
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.
CAREERS
This programme will prepare you for a successful career in sport and exercise science. Graduates have gone on to work in a broad range of roles, including:
As a sport and exercise scientist you could:
A number of graduates are successful in applying for further postgraduate study such as taught Masters (MSc) courses or research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD) in sport, exercise or health areas.
“UWS is very student-orientated and accepting of all students, no matter their background. And that’s something that really stood out to me. It’s such a good feeling to feel welcomed somewhere.”
Alesha, Sport & Exercise student
£1,820 per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£18,000 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£3,000 per module (20 credits)
£1,820 per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£18,900 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,630 per module (20 credits)
£1,630 per module (20 credits)
£3,150 per module (20 credits)
Estimated cost per year of study.
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 on UCASAll 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.
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.
UK students
Our enquiry team is here to help: ask@uws.ac.uk
International students
Contact our dedicated international team: international@uws.ac.uk
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.