Details
Throughout the course you will be engaged in practical sessions to develop your laboratory skills. The lab sessions complement lectures and seminars and provide a firm grounding in scientific method. As you move through the programme there are options to specialise in different areas of study.
Course structure
This is a flexible course that offers you greater choice in the range of modules you can opt for. This provides you with the opportunity to study in both scientific and applied perspectives by having the choice to take some optional modules from the BSc Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science degree. You can shape your degree to suit you.
First year
Your first-year modules are the platform for future years and provide basic information in human physiology, psychology, anatomy, biomechanics and biochemistry, as well as an introduction to research methodology and laboratory skills.
Second year
Your second-year modules extend your knowledge of exercise physiology, applied sports and exercise psychology, laboratory practical skills and research methods, with additional modules integrating the basic science with applications in sport.
Third year
In your third year you plan and carry out a research project, analysing the data and presenting the results. There are also many optional modules providing detailed understanding of the application of physiological, behavioural and social science approaches to specific topics in exercise, sport and health and rehabilitation.
Third year students describe their research projects at Poster Presentation Day
Video transcript here
Why study this course
Our school is ranked first in the UK for our excellence in world class research (Research Assessment Exercise 2008) and this research influences the teaching that takes place at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. You are taught by academics who are experts in their fields, investigating the frontiers of their subjects.
Thanks to a £16.4 million investment, we have the largest custom built Sport and Exercise Sciences facility in the UK. This includes teaching and research laboratories for physiology, biochemistry, psychophysiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, motor skills, immunology, muscle mechanics and the neurophysiology of movement
We are ranked in the top 5 in the Complete University Guide for Sport and Exercise Sciences: see the subject table for 2012
2012 National Student Survey "An overall student satisfaction score of 95% puts us first in the Russell group universities for our Sport Sciences course"
What our students have to say about our degree course
Ben Woods, 2nd year student "It’s honestly such a good course. The lecturers and students that you have the opportunity to work with are all great! You know you are working somewhere great when elite athletes and international sports people are using your facilities."
Vanessa Say, 2nd year student "If you are truly interested in science and looking for a degree which will enable you to explore and strengthen your understanding of the many different scientific areas this degree covers; from physiology and anatomy to biomechanics and statistical techniques involved in experimentation, then this is a brilliant course for you. Not to mention, that the University of Birmingham is an amazing University with a diverse range of students and that Birmingham itself is a fantastic city that must be experienced."
Selina Norris, 3rd year student "The staff is helpful, friendly and approachable. In addition to the building and amazing facilities, the vast amount of opportunities available to all students is remarkable. As an undergraduate I could not wish for more support from the school."
Modules
Download Undergraduate course module descriptions - School of Sport and Exercise Sciences (PDF 842Kb)
Year 1
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Human Physiology
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Biochemistry and Cell Physiology
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Research skills
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Psychological Foundations of Sport and Exercise
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Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport
And one optional module from:
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Sport & Exercise Pedagogy
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Sport Policy and Management
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Teaching and Coaching: Games and Athletics
You will also be offered the opportunity to study a Module outside the Main Discipline (MOMD). An MOMD is a module in a subject which is not normally a part of your main degree programme but which may be taken for to enhance and broaden your study. This is available to replace any optional module during your degree programme.
Year 2
Your second-year modules extend your knowledge of exercise physiology, applied sports and exercise psychology, laboratory practical skills and research methods, with additional modules integrating the basic science with applications in sport.
Year 3
You plan and carry out a research project, analysing the data and presenting the results. There are also many optional modules providing detailed understanding of the application of physiological, behavioural and social science approaches to specific topics in exercise, sport and health and rehabilitation.
Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: AAA–AAB
Required subjects and grades: All applicants must offer at least one of these preferred subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Human Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sport Studies/Physical Education or Statistics. GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English, Maths and a Science.
General Studies: We do not accept General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society and World Development
Additional information:
Some offers of ABB will be made to those applicants with multiple A levels from the preferred list and an exceptional supporting statement.
BTEC: We consider students with a BTEC in a science-related discipline, with the following requirements:
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18 units: Distinctions in all 18 units plus an A level at Grade B in any subject except those in the excluded A level list
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12 units: Distinctions in all 12 units plus an A level at Grade A in any subject except those in the excluded A level list
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6 units: Distinctions in all 6 units plus 2 A levels from the preferred list at Grade A in any subjects except those in the excluded A level list
BTEC SPORT
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18 units: Distinctions in all 18 units plus an A level at Grade B from the preferred list
In addition, all BTEC applicants must have a strong GCSE profile including minimum grade B in Mathematics, English and a Science.
Other qualifications are considered – Please contact the School's Student Recruitment Manager for advice on whether your particular qualifications, or combination of qualifications, will meet the entry requirements.
International students:
International Baccalaureate: 35-36 points to include a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology). Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay points are not considered. 5 points in each of SL English and Maths if not offered at GCSE or equivalent.
Standard English language requirements apply
Learn more about international entry requirements
Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in the Birmingham Foundation Academy, a specially structured programme for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on the foundation academy web pages.
How to apply
Key Information Set (KIS)
Key Information Sets (KIS) are comparable sets of information about full or part time undergraduate courses and are designed to meet the information needs of prospective students.
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The development of Key Information Sets (KIS) forms part of HEFCE’s work to enhance the information that is available about higher education. It will give you access to robust, reliable and comparable information in order to help you make informed decisions about what and where to study.
The KIS contains information which prospective students have identified as useful, such as student satisfaction, graduate outcomes, learning and teaching activities, assessment methods, tuition fees and student finance, accommodation and professional accreditation.