Ranking
2nd
in the UK
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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.
Meet Ollie. 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
- 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.
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?
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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.
- £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.
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.
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.
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.