Overview
Our Brunel Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences BSc is designed for students interested in learning how sports science can be used to optimise athletic development, sports performance, as well as how it enhances health and wellbeing.
You’ll learn how the human body works on physiological, biomechanical and psychological levels and how to apply this knowledge to training methods, mental techniques and nutritional strategies that enable people to consistently perform at the upper ranges of their abilities. Crucially, you’ll gain insight into how the mind and body respond to the demands of sport and exercise and how they react under intense conditions such as strenuous physical activity or competition.
This course is endorsed by The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
At Brunel, you'll be part of a university with a rich sports heritage, including several Olympians: James Cracknell (Rowing), Heather Fell (Modern Pentathlon), Kate Walsh (Hockey), Bryony Pitman (Archery), Montell Douglas (Running), and Toby Olub (Bobsleigh), as well as Paralympians Tom Aggar (Para-rowing), James Fox (Para-rowing), and Natasha Baker (Para-equestrian). If you want to see what our alumni are capable of, don’t forget to check out Montell and Toby on the TV show Gladiators, and also cheer for Montell on Strictly Come Dancing 2024.
Why study with us?
Brunel is the second-ranked university in London for Sports Science (Complete University Guide 2025).
Learning and sports facilities to study, train and keep active
Your studies will be supported by some of the best teaching and sports facilities in the UK including;
- state-of-the-art physiology, biomechanics and psychology laboratories
- world-class indoor athletics centre
- international-standard 400m six-lane athletics track with full-field event facilities
- large indoor netball hall
- multi-use sports centre equipped with squash, basketball and netball courts, as well as a superb climbing wall
- members-only fitness suite featuring treadmills, cycles and rowing machines
- a weight-training area with free and fixed weights
- grass and third-generation (3G) all-weather pitches
- outdoor tennis courts
You'll have the opportunity to carry out a placement as part of your degree
Our Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences BSc offers a one-year placement between years two and three of the four-year degree, giving you the experience to create a stand-out CV.
Flexible study options
As well as our full-time degree, you have the option of studying over two years to gain a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE). You can find out more about this route and apply through UCAS
![Logo for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) says 'Endorsed Course'.'](/study/images/Sport/BASES-endorsed-logo-H95px-2020.xa516c3c9.jpg)
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
The course is designed to give you a solid understanding of the physiological, biomechanical and psychological factors that influence human movement and how these relate to sports performance, fitness and wellbeing. It will not only prepare you for jobs in the sports and health industry, but could also help you set new personal bests in your sport of choice.
In your first year, you’ll study core modules that will give you a fundamental knowledge across all the broad disciplines within sports, health and exercise sciences.
In year 2, you’ll start to specialise in the areas of psychology, biomechanics and physiology. However, the flexibility of this course means that if you change your mind about the programme you wish to study, you can switch over to our Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (Physical Education, Coaching and Social Issues) BSc programme in the second year if you wish.
You’ll be able to select specific modules to focus on during your final year to further specialise your learning. You'll also carry out a major project in a topic of your choice.
Compulsory
- Introduction to Academic and Personal Development
This module supports students’ effective transition from prior learning and work-based contexts into the higher education environment and the Brunel learning community. You will reflect on and develop you study skills and learn the fundamentals of effective academic practices.
- Introduction to BiomechanicsThis module enables students to gain an understanding of the fundamental biomechanical principles underpinning human movement, and how measurement devices can be used to obtain key measures of movement. Students will be able to apply biomechanical principles at a basic level in sport, health and exercise scenarios, and appreciate the use and limitations of common biomechanical measurement devices.
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and PhysiologyThis module will provide you with a foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in relation to sport, health and exercise contexts, raise awareness of key theories, principles and processes as that you can apply to sport, health and exercise-related activities. You'll also learn to engender an appreciation of how learned theories, principles and concepts may be applied in an interdisciplinary manner.
- Introduction to Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing
This module introduces students to selected theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to promoting, delivering and measuring physical activity for health and wellbeing. You will also develop your problem-solving skills as you consider approaches for improving health and wellbeing through physical activity.
- Introduction to the Psychology of Sport and ExerciseThis module aims to equip students with a preliminary understanding of key psychological concepts in relation to sport and exercise contexts; including how factors such as anxiety, motivation, and confidence impact sports performance. During laboratory-based sessions, students are encouraged to analyse, evaluate, create and apply knowledge to hypothetical and/or real-world scenarios.
- Pedagogy and Policy in Sport and Physical EducationStudents will be introduced to a range of issues relating to Physical Education teaching and coaching practice, including: the history and aims, pedagogical concepts, principles of inclusion and the relationship between policy, curriculum and practice. The module also introduces the theoretical concept of physical literacy through a range of practical contexts and explores how it underpins lifelong participation in physical activity.
- Sport Development Issues and PolicyThis module aims to encourage students to identify and understand social phenomena associated with sports in contemporary society. Students are introduced to social and management theories as well as different political and cultural ideologies, and how they relate with the world of sport.
Compulsory
- Biomechanics of Human MovementThis module aims to allow students to gain proficiency in calculating and explaining common biomechanical measures that are used to assess human movement. Students will be introduced to biomechanical concepts and gain hands-on experience with measurement equipment and analysis techniques related to the assessment of human movement.
- Developing Research Methods and Data Analysis SkillsThe aim of this study block is to develop students’ understanding of the nature of different research models as well as their quantitative and qualitative research skills. Students will have the opportunity to formulate research questions and determine appropriate methods that are related to their final-year project.
- Graduate and Transferable SkillsThe aim of this module is to introduce a range of knowledge and skills expected within working environments. Students will develop their ability to engage in self-appraisal through a personal development plan to identify learning needs in the context of work settings.
- Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing in the Life Course
This module introduces students to selected theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to promoting, delivering and measuring physical activity for health and wellbeing. You will also develop your problem-solving skills as you consider approaches for improving health and wellbeing through physical activity.
- Physiology of Sport and ExerciseThe aim of this module is to provide an overview of the body’s immediate response to, and recovery from, a single bout of exercise. Students will critically analyse and interpret experimental data. This will illustrate how the physiological systems of the body respond over time and adapt to the stress of repeated bouts of exercise, including how the body adjusts to environmental extremes (e.g. heat, cold and altitude).
- The Application of Sport Science to Coaching: Working with IndividualsThe aim of this module is to promote students’ understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of coaching and their ability to apply theory to sports coaching practices, contexts and performers; specifically relating to the individual needs of sports performers, at different stages of learning and development. Students will learn performance analysis skills and how these relate to the coaching process.
- The Psychology of Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity: Theory and ApplicationThis module supports students to synthesise and critically evaluate contemporary sport and exercise psychology research. Topics covered include individual differences, exercise and cognitive function, decision-making and attention. Students also have the opportunity to showcase their own research project, for which they collect data as part of a team.
Compulsory
- Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis: Final Year ProjectStudents will carry out an individual, original piece of academic work within an area of personal interest in a particular topic within the context of sport, health and exercise sciences. Students can choose their own approach to the project, which is most suited to their skills, interests and subject focus.
- Employability and Professional DevelopmentThe aim of this module is to continue to improve students’ professional development and employability through critical reflexive practice, personal responsibility and autonomy. Specifically, the module encourages the development of leadership and management skills that are valued in graduate-level employment contexts and enable students to produce strong applications for graduate-level jobs and/or courses of further study.
- Issues in Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing in the Life CourseThe aim of this module is to select, critically analyse and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and methods to understanding physical activity, health and wellbeing. The module encourages students to engage in detailed critical analysis of current policy research and practice in the field of physical activity, health and wellbeing.
Optional
- Advanced Biomechanics of Sport, Exercise and Physical ActivityStudents will gain extensive hands-on experience in using the four main types of biomechanical analysis techniques (video motion analysis, force platform, electromyography, and isokinetic dynamometry). Students will develop skills in data analysis and interpretation, and graphical presentation of data through experiments carried out in the laboratory.
- Applied Sport and Exercise PsychologyThe aim of this module is to familiarise students with contemporary topics in applied sport and exercise psychology (e.g. imagery, anxiety and performance and exercise as a mental health intervention), as well as encouraging deep thinking about the links between research and applied practice. The content covers relevant concepts, theories and research to derive applied interventions.
- Physiological Limitations to Exercise PerformanceThe aim of this module is to provide sound knowledge of the physiological determinants of exercise performance, specifically focusing on the high-performance athlete. Students engage in detailed study of the physiological limitations to exercise and critically assess the influence of environmental extremes on exercise performance.
- The Application of Sport Science to Coaching: Working with TeamsThis module aims to develop an understanding of effective team coaching and enhance awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary sports coaching. Specifically, students will discover the multidisciplinary needs analysis of a team, and to propose a viable intervention to address those needs. Skills acquired within this module relate to performance analysis and how this links to the coaching process.
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This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
Our staff have national and international reputations for their research, publications and applied work. Many are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which enables them to work with high-performance athletes from a wide variety of sports – and many of them do. This means that your education will be at the forefront of theory and practice, covering the most up-to-date industry knowledge which will prepare you for a career in a variety of fields.
You may wish to continue your education further by studying a postgraduate course. This programme is the ideal stepping stone to progress to postgraduate courses and a career in academic research. You could even choose to progress to a postgraduate course to become a physiotherapist.
Or, as this course equips you for pursuing a career in the clinical side of sport, you may want to work for the NHS or in any number of fitness-related careers.
Alternatively, you could find your career in coaching, consultancy, fitness testing and training, sport development or sport management from grassroots to elite sport level. Examples of graduate schemes include the Greenwich Leisure Limited Trainee Manager Graduate Scheme or the Police Now National Graduate Leadership Programme.
UK entry requirements
2024/25 entry
- GCE A Level AAB-BBB, including either Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Maths, Human Biology, Psychology, Sport Science, Sport Studies, Sociology, Physics, or PE.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science, Sport, Sport and Physical Activity or Sport and Exercise Science.
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in Applied Science, Sport, Sport and Physical Activity or Sport and Exercise Science with an A Level at grade B in any subject.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Distinction in Applied Science, Sport, Sport and Physical Education with two A Levels at grades BC.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points including 5 at Higher Level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Maths, Physics, Human Biology, Psychology, Sport Science, Sociology or PE. GCSE English equivalent Standard Level 5 or Higher Level 4 and Mathematics Standard Level 4 or Higher Level 4
- Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Bioscience, Health, Forensic Science, Nutrition, Psychology, Science or Sport course with 45 credits at Level 3.
- T levels : Merit overall
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 or above are also required, including English Language and Maths.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria above, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Life Sciences at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences BSc.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£21,260 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Our programmes will be delivered primarily through in-person, on-campus activities; students are expected to attend all these sessions. In-person, on-campus teaching will consist, among other elements, of interactive lectures, small class tutorials and/or seminars, workshops and lab-based practical sessions. In-person sessions will, accordingly, take place on the Brunel University London campus in Uxbridge. To promote active learning, communication and team collaboration, regular team-based activities will be a feature across our modules.
There will be occasions where online teaching takes place. Online activities may consist of synchronous (e.g. seminars) and asynchronous activities (e.g. pre-recorded and lecture-recorded materials and quizzes).
Synchronously online Lectures/seminars/tutorial/practical
The Division will deliver the core teaching content for all modules through in-person, on-campus lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Occasionally, some additional activity will be delivered online, depending on intended learning outcomes and the nature of the topic being taught. Such online sessions will likely be taught as seminars or group / individual tutorials. Where delivery is made through this approach, it is expected that you log in and engage with the tasks and any ensuing discussions.
You'll also be asked to engage with other materials and tasks delivered online (such as reading, pre-recorded videos or quizzes) often with follow-up interactive activities (e.g. discussion forums, application exercises or collaborative tasks) planned to support student learning.
To supplement our full timetable of on-campus teaching, learning will be supported with a range of resources on our new Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) including (e.g. videos, interactive activities and quizzes). Module / block leaders may offer additional briefings, revision and/or Q&A sessions on online platforms where appropriate.
Feedback and Consultation Hours, Personal Tutoring Hours, and Project Supervision discussions will be offered both in-person on-campus and via online platforms. This will allow you to easily receive feedback, advice and guidance without having to travel to campus on a day that you might otherwise not be attending.
Please note that while recordings and online resources will help if you're unable to attend a particular teaching session, learning from the online materials only will not be an adequate substitute for certain aspects of the in-person learning experience. Keep in mind that this is a campus-based degree programme, not an online programme – and attendance on campus will be essential for some events (e.g. gaining hands-on experience with our equipment and learning different analysis techniques).
Coursework will be submitted via Wiseflow and exams may be on-campus, in-person invigilated written exams and/or be presented in an online open-book style.
Support/resources
Recorded materials, as well as other teaching resources (including e-textbook chapters, articles, podcasts, videos, online quizzes, etc.), will be available online (on Brightspace) prior to and/or following timetabled sessions. Post-session recording availability will depend on the nature of the taught content and will be restricted primarily to lectures.
For academic guidance and pastoral care, timetabled individual and small group tutorials will be delivered in-person on-campus or online by Personal Tutors.
During term time, all Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences lecturers will be available for in-person on-campus or online one-to-one meetings during their weekly ‘Consultation and Feedback Hours’.
Extra-curricular/Co-curricular activities
We encourage you to gain as much additional experience as possible, either independently or through our work placement year, between Level 5 and Level 6. We encourage you to participate in Continuous Professional Development and gain additional industry-relevant qualifications (such as coaching awards) when this fits with your career aspirations. We also require you to be involved in the research taking place in the Division, particularly as part of the Level 5 module Graduate and Transferable Skills. We promote a culture of research involvement throughout levels of our degree (e.g. at Level 6 for students’ Major Project).
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
You'll benefit from a ‘blended learning’ approach, which includes a combination of online and face-to-face learning opportunities, such as:
- lectures (also available online and often accompanied with online preparatory activity)
- seminars and laboratory-based workshops which incorporate team-based and problem-based learning
- independent tasks with guided discovery.
Our teaching is research-led, which draws on our internationally renowned expertise, to introduce you to research processes early in your degree and continue to build on this throughout, so you'll be effectively prepared for your final year project.
Assessment and feedback
We assess modules through a combination of critical reviews, lab reports, case studies, presentations, and exams. You'll also complete an e-portfolio that will promote your personal and professional development and enhance your digital literacy. And, in your final year, you'll write a dissertation.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.