Sport, PE and Coaching Science BSc

Where are you applying from?

Ranking
2nd
in the UK
Ranking details
UCAS code
C6L4
Start date
September 2026
Duration
3 years
Award
Bachelor of Science
Entry requirements
AAB-ABB
Full requirements
Fees (UK/Ireland)
£9,535*
Fee details

Course overview

Under the guidance of experts transform your future with our dynamic three year BSc course. Build professional competency with practical, transferable skills, and emerge as an innovative, collaborative leader in your field.

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.

As a coach and teacher, the course helped me realise the barriers that many people face into living healthy, active lives and the unique ways we can combat these.
Adam Willets
Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science BSc

2 students walking in front of green space with clock tower in the background

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Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.

Book your Open Day Make an enquiry

Join our three-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.

Year 1

In Year 1, you’ll build knowledge and confidence in the fundamentals of teaching and coaching and sports science. Delve into topics such as sport business management, sport psychology and movement and learning. Immersing yourself in the school research environment, you'll discover how to become an effective researcher.

Year 2

In Year 2, you'll extend your knowledge of sport and exercise pedagogy, sports development, business and management, sport psychology and research methods. Gain hands on experience in our placement module in either an educational setting or sport, physical activity, leisure or community context.

Year 3

In year 3, embark on an engaging final year project and pick from a broad range of advanced module choices. From Exercise as Medicine to Global Challenges in Sport and Physical Education, you'll be free to follow your aspirations and master the topics you are most passionate about.

Course highlights

Outstanding facilities include Sport Sciences building and state-of-the-art Sport & Fitness Centre.
Ranked 8th globally for sports-related subjects (QS World Rankings).
Gain experience through placements and expert-led teaching in a vibrant research environment.
School ranked 6th in UK for research (REF).
Work with partners like One Dance UK, FA, and UK Athletics.
Study Abroad for a year in Australia, Canada, or the USA.
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

Meet Olympian Ollie | Built in Birmingham

Ollie studies BSc Sport, PE and Coaching Science at Birmingham. He competed during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, highlighting his status as one of Britain's leading swimmers. Ollie credits the university's emotional and financial support for helping him achieve his dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer.

Transcript

My name is Ollie Morgan.
I'm a student here at the University of Birmingham studying sports, PE and coaching science, and I also competed at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

My first experience of coming to the University of Birmingham was to visit my older sister, who was doing her undergrad here as well, and I was just really impressed with the facilities and the staff and, you know, the whole buzz around the place. And yeah, it's just a great place to be to train and to study as well.

So I competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the summer just gone. Competed in the 100 and 200 backstroke as well as the medley relay. We came fourth in the medley relay, which was really exciting, you know, to be so close to the medals. And then I also came eighth in my 100, which was my first international final that I've ever made. So, to do it on the biggest stage that I've ever swam in was, yeah, really exciting. And it was quite an achievement for me. And yeah, also doing it while studying as well, in my undergrad is quite impressive for me as well. You know, it's a hard thing to balance. So, to be able to do that and compete, you know, at the highest, highest sporting thing in the world, it's, yeah, really impressive.

Joining University, my kind of sporting ability wasn't as high as it is now, obviously been on quite the journey since joining Uni and yeah, it's been really special to, you know, be put on the scholarship programme in my second year of Uni, and it's given me that flexibility that I need and that support, you know, to be an elite athlete whilst also being able to study. It's a dual career pathway. So it's really exciting to be able to, you know, progress as a person in terms of my studies, but also as an athlete.

Something I'm really proud of, whilst I've been studying here at Uni, is to be able to share my experiences of, you know, going to the Olympic Games and also my day to day life of training and competing and sharing that with local schools and other swimming clubs or, you know, athlete centers where those, those people and those kids don't have those experiences yet. So, yeah, it's really, really nice to be able to go out and share those experiences that I've had with local schools and teachers and things to inspire the next generation.

My advice to current students that are looking to join the University of Birmingham would be to plan ahead to look into those, you know, goals that you want to set yourself, whether it be as an athlete, as a student, that's going to set you up for the future, planning those day to day, week by week, month by month, things that you need to achieve those goals. It's really important to stay consistent, stay motivated and be dedicated to what it is you want to do. Those days that you don't want to do it or you don't want to study or you don't wanna, you know, get in the pool or the gym, they’re the days that really count, it's best to think of that end goal. You know, for me, it was making the Olympics, and there's nothing as an athlete you want more than to, you know, compete in Olympic Games. So the days where it's dark and cold and you don't want to get out of bed, they’re the days that, you know, you think of that end goal and that's what really motivates you.

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Course delivery

Your learning will be delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, small group seminars, computer-based learning, practical classes in both laboratories and the sports centre, and practical placements.

Lecture

Seminar

Projects

Laboratory

Lectures delivered in modern, accessible spaces by passionate staff and guest speakers.
All lectures are recorded - ideal for revision.
Seminars offer focused learning through discussion, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Practical classes use labs and Sport & Fitness Centre’s specialist facilities.
Facilities include 50 m pool, studios, gym, and squash courts.
Gain industry experience through placements and real-world projects with professionals.
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.

Assessment methods and feedback

Sport, Physical Education and Coaching 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

The following must be taken:

Becoming a Researcher	20	Semester 1
Introduction to Teaching and Coaching	20	Semester 1
Movement and Learning	20	Semester 1
Introduction to Sports Science	20	Semester 2
Principles of Sport Business Management	20	Semester 2
Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology	20	Semester 2

Year 2

The following must be taken:

Research Methods and Data Analysis	20	Semester 1
Sport Development	20	Semester 1
Development of Teaching and Coaching	20	Semester 2

Optional modules:

Innovation and Professional Practice in Sport	20	Semester 1
Applied Exercise Physiology	20	Semester 2
Applied Professional Practice	20	Full Term
Event Management and Marketing in Sport	20	Semester 2
Marketing & New Technology	20	Semester 2
Sport Nutrition	20	Semester 2
Sport and Performance Psychology	20	Semester 2

Final year

You must select one of the following options:

Professional Dissertation	40	Full Term
Project	40	Full Term

Optional modules include:

Exercise as Medicine	20	Semester 1
Analysis of Motor Performance	20	Semester 1
Global Challenges in Sport and Physical Education	20	Semester 1
Strategic and Innovation Management	20	Semester 1
Athletic training and conditioning	20	Semester 2
Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation	20	Semester 2
Applied Teaching and Coaching: Swimming	20	Semester 2
Moral Behaviour and Doping in Sport & Exercise	20	Semester 2
Sport and Mental Health	20	Semester 2

Teaching staff

Dr Kyriaki Makopoulou
Lecturer in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
Dr Kyriaki Makopoulou, teaches on the SPECS (Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science) undergraduate programme in the School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK

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.

Additional requirements for

A Level
AAB - ABB dependent on the number of preferred subjects included
IB
6,6,5 - 6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall, dependent on the number of preferred 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

AAB–ABB

A level requirements dependent on the number of preferred subjects being offered. Some offers of ABB will be made to those applicants with multiple A levels from the preferred list and an exceptional supporting statement.

Preferred subjects: Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Government and Politics, History, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Sport Studies, Statistics

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 grade requirements are dependent on the number of preferred subjects being studied (please see A Level subject list above)

Accepted BTEC 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, Sport and Physical Activity (Cam Tech).

BTEC Extended Diploma (18 units) - Considered with D*DD
BTEC Diploma (12 units) - Considered with D*D plus grade A or B in an accepted A Level subject.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (6 units) - Considered with a D and 2 A Levels at AA to BB grades.

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.

Presessional English course page

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.

Students and their families visiting University of Birmingham campus on a sunny day in the Green Heart

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
BBB-BBC dependent on preferred subjects included
Contextual Offer
ABB-BBB dependent on preferred 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.

Fees information for:

£9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
More about tuition fees

*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.

Scholarship information for:

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.

Learn more about loans

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.

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.

Standard requirements for

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.

Undergraduate application info

Career opportunities

Throughout your studies—and even after you graduate—you’ll benefit from expert career advice and support. Graduates from our Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences course are highly sought after, with the University of Birmingham ranked as the top UK university targeted by leading employers (High Fliers Graduate Market 2025).

Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of sectors, including elite sport, healthcare, and higher education. They pursue roles such as Director of Sport, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, and Performance Physiologist. Others become Physiotherapists, Project Managers, or take on leadership positions like Director, CEO, and Commercial Director. Some graduates also continue their studies with postgraduate courses in medicine, physiotherapy, dietetics, and occupational health.

They’ve secured roles at leading organisations within the following sectors:

Universities & Education

University of Birmingham
University of Hertfordshire
University College London Hospitals NHS Trust
Chichester College Group

Healthcare & Life Sciences

NHS Blood and Transplant
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Novo Nordisk

Professional & Elite Sport

Derby County Community Trust
Coventry City Football Club
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Southampton Football Club
British Cycling
Ladies European Tour
Srixon Sports Europe Ltd
Positive Intelligence

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.

Careers and employability

Elle speaking to her employees at PepsiCo.

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.

Read our graduate stories

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.

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.

Explore our flexible programmes

Aerial view of University of Birmingham campus

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Sport, PE and Coaching Science BSc

Page contents

Course overview

Book your Open Day or Make an enquiry

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Course highlights

Meet Olympian Ollie | Built in Birmingham

Transcript

Talk to our students

Course delivery

Support during your studies

Contact hours

Assessment methods and feedback

Module information

Year 1

Year 2

Final year

Teaching staff

Dr Kyriaki Makopoulou

Entry requirements

A Level

GCSE requirements

BTEC qualifications

English language requirements

Presessional English courses

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Core Maths qualification

Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?

Alternative Offers

Our Contextual Offer scheme

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate loans

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

Financial support for Home students

Financial support for International students

Application process

Career opportunities

Careers Network

Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.

Related courses

Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Physiotherapy

Student experience

Accommodation

Living in Birmingham

Student support

Campus life

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Take a virtual tour