Ranking
2nd
in the UK
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Course overview
Study at one of the world's highest ranked universities for sport-related subjects. You’ll learn how to enhance sporting performance, uncover how the body responds to exercise, and discover ways to boost both physical and mental health. Our course emphasises practical experience, research and critical thinking. Our graduates leave ready to address global challenges such as obesity, inactivity, and unhealthy ageing.
Two of our students talk about why they chose to study in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at Birmingham, and what they love most about it.
The lecturers are genuinely passionate about the subject which they are teaching, providing an engaging environment to learn and challenge ourselves.
Join our three-year programme consisting of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying. Please note that a ‘Year in Psychology’ is available during the third year for eligible students already enrolled on the programme. This can be taken at our Edgbaston or Dubai campuses.
Year 1
Year 1
In Year 1, you will develop a strong foundation through core modules, including Human Physiology and Exercise, Functional Anatomy, Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology, and Exercise Biochemistry, while gaining practical experience in laboratory settings. Additionally, you will be introduced to the world-class research conducted within our School and begin building essential skills in scientific and professional communication.
Year 2
Year 2
In Year 2, you will integrate fundamental scientific principles with their practical applications in sport, exercise and health. You can choose optional modules in areas such as physiology, metabolism, human movement and psychology that align with your strengths and interests, allowing you to tailor your learning experience. Additionally, placement opportunities in real-world professional settings will enhance your practical knowledge and skills.
Year 3
Year 3
In Year 3, choose from an extensive selection of advanced modules tailored to your interests, ranging from Performing in Extreme Environments, Sports Injury Rehabilitation, Athletic Training and Conditioning, Sport and Mental Health and Exercise Prescription. You will also undertake an extended research project in the topic you are most passionate about or gain hands-on experience in a professional placement.
Course highlights
- Facilities include custom-built Sport Sciences building and state-of-the-art Sport & Fitness Centre.
- Ranked 8th globally for sports-related subjects (QS World Rankings 2025).
- First-year Lake District residential: 4-day field experiment and interdisciplinary activities.
- Work with partners like NHS, Swim England, Age UK, and British Gymnastics.
- Study Abroad for a year in USA, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, or New Zealand.
- Optional Year in Industry.
- 2nd
in the UK for sports-related subjects
QS World Rankings 2025
- 4th
in the UK for Sport, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
The Complete University Guide 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You will experience a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, small group seminars, computer workshops, practical classes in both laboratories and the sports centre, placement opportunities and research projects.
Lecture
Seminar
Projects
Laboratory
- Lectures delivered in modern, accessible teaching facilities engaging academic staff and external speakers.
- All lectures are recorded - perfect for revision.
- Seminars offer focused, small-group learning through discussion and collaboration.
- Practical classes use labs and Sport & Fitness Centre with 50m pool, gym, and squash courts.
- Gain real-world experience via placements and industry-linked projects.
- Optional Year in Industry available through internal transfer in third year.
Support during your studies
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal tutors - will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
Wellbeing officers - provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.
Academic Skills Centre - helps you become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support, with workshops on topics such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
Student experience team - will help you get the most out of your academic and social experience, including research opportunities, study skills support and preparing for your post-university careers.
Contact hours
Throughout your degree you can expect an average of 12 hours of contact time per week made up of 10 hours of lectures or seminars and 2 hours of practical classes
Assessment methods and feedback
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year 1
Year 1
The following must be taken:
| Becoming a Researcher | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Clinical and Exercise Biochemistry | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Functional Anatomy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human Physiology and Exercise | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Scientific and Professional Communication | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
The following must be taken:
| Research Methods and Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 1 |
You must choose three or four from the following optional modules:
| Applied Exercise Physiology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Control Of Human Movement | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Exercise Metabolism | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sport and Performance Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Optional modules include:
| Applied Professional Practice | 20 | Full Term |
| Sport Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sport Nutrition | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 3
Year 3
One of the following must be taken:
Project - You will plan and carry out a research project, analysing the data you will collect and presenting the results. You will produce a poster and you will write a dissertation to present your project.
or
Professional Dissertation - You will apply your theoretical knowledge and skills, to an authentic challenge, in collaboration with a community organisation by undertaking voluntary placement work. The focus of the placement could be based on research on an area of concern, evaluating existing provision, or designing resources for an organisation. Before the start of the project you will produce a project proposal and timeline, and following its conclusion you will create one multimedia presentation summarising your findings and recommendations, as well as a report for the organisation.
Optional modules include:
| Analysis of Motor Performance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Athletic training and conditioning | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Global Challenges in Sport and Physical Education | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Strategic and Innovation Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Metabolic Perspectives in Exercise and Nutrition | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Moral Behaviour and Doping in Sport & Exercise | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Performing in Extreme Environments | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sport and Mental Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Sport and Physical Activity Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year in Industry
Year in Industry
A year in Industry will be available via an internal transfer for third year students.
Teaching staff
Dr Carl Hulston
Admissions Tutor
Carl Hulston joined the University of Birmingham as an Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Nutrition in 2023.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAA - ABB dependent on the number of preferred science subjects included
- IB
6,6,6 - 6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall, dependent on the number of preferred science subjects as defined for the A-level qualification.
- BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma in science related subject will be considered. BTEC Diploma accepted in combination with an A level. BTEC Subsidiary Diploma accepted in combination with two A levels.
Number of A levels required: 3
A Level
AAA–ABB
A level requirements are dependent on the number of preferred science subjects included. Some offers of ABB will be made to those applicants with multiple A levels from the preferred list and an exceptional supporting statement.
Preferred Science Subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Maths, PE/Sports Studies, Psychology, Physics, Statistics, Geology
Specified subjects excluded for entry: Applied Science, Citizenship Studies, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Moving Image Arts, Science in Society, Use of Maths and World Development.
GCSE Requirements
GCSE Mathematics, English and a science at a minimum of grade 4/C.
BTEC Qualifications
A level requirements are dependent on the number of preferred science subjects included.
- BTEC Extended Diploma (18 units): D*DD
Accepted subjects: Applied Human Biology, Applied Science, Equine Management, Health and Social Care, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sport, Fitness and Personal Training, Sporting Excellence and Performance, Sports Coaching and Development.
- BTEC Diploma (12 units): D*D plus grade A or B in an accepted A Level subject.
Accepted subjects: Applied Human Biology, Applied Science, Equine Management, Health and Social Care, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sport Performance and Excellence, Sport Development Coaching and Fitness, Sport, Fitness and Personal Training.
- BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (6 units): D and 2 A Levels at AA to BB grades.
Accepted subjects: Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Applied Science, Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Equine Management, Health and Social Care, Personal and Business Finance, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sport and Outdoor Activities, Sport, Fitness and Personal Training, Sporting Excellence and Performance, Sports Coaching and Development.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
ABB-BBC dependent on preferred science subjects included
- Contextual Offer
AAB-BBB dependent on preferred science subjects included
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Intercalation at Birmingham
Medical students in the UK who wish to intercalate may be eligible to apply for this programme. Register your interest to receive more information about our intercalation opportunities or contact mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk for details on how to apply.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are highly sought after, with Birmingham being the top UK university targeted by top employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2025’ report). You'll have access to our expert career advice and support during your degree and after graduation. Our Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences graduates go on to excel in a diverse range of career settings such as Teaching, Data Analyst, Events Management, Occupational Therapy, Strength and Conditioning Coaching, Research, and Performance Physiologist. All of which can be found in a variety of sectors like Elite Sport, Healthcare and Higher Education. Our students have the opportunity to go on to study Postgraduate courses including Medicine, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Occupational Health.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:
- NHS Blood and Transplant
- Coventry City Football Club
- British Cycling
- Ladies European Tour
- Novo Nordisk
- Southampton Football Club
Their job roles include:
- Director
- Physiotherapist
- CEO
- Project Manager
- Mental Fitness Coach
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.