Overview
The Brunel Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (Physical Education, Coaching and Social Issues) BSc is for students who are interested in working in physical education or youth sport, developing sport in communities, helping individuals fulfil their potential in sport and health, as well as those seeking to gain a strong understanding and application of sports coaching principles and practices.
You'll explore the sociological, political, pedagogical and psychological factors that influence participation in physical education and sport, and how these relate to sports performance, physical activity, health and wellbeing.
You'll learn how to plan, deliver, manage and evaluate high-quality activities and events aimed at encouraging and enabling people to get involved in sport and physical activity, from grassroots to elite level.
You’ll also explore social issues in physical education such as gender, race and religion and inclusive practice. In addition, you'll learn historical and philosophical aspects related to PE.
Your studies will be supported by some of the best teaching and sports facilities in the UK that include;
- 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 also have the opportunity to carry out a placement as part of your degree. This will give you the type of experience that will enable you to create a standout CV. Our Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (Physical Education, Coaching and Social Issues) BSc offers one year placement between years two and three, as part of a four year degree.
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
Brunel is the second-ranked university in London for Sports Science (Complete University Guide 2025)
Course content
This course is designed to prepare you to work in physical education, coaching or sport development. You’ll gain a solid grounding in the sport and exercise sciences and learn to plan, teach and assess physical activities and programmes.
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 education, social issues in sport and the policies and practices within physical education, sport development and coaching.
However, the flexibility of this course means that if you change your mind about the areas you wish to study, you can switch over to our Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences BSc programme in the second year if you wish.
During your final year, you’ll be able to select specific modules to focus on, to further specialise your learning. You'll also carry out a major project in a topic of your choice.
Compulsory
- 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 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 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Policy and Practice in Physical Education, Sports Coaching and Sport Development (Macro Analysis)During this module, students will develop their understanding of different policy instruments and processes and how different people engage with and interpret macro level policy. Students will consider the issue of inclusion and exclusion in Physical Education, youth sport and sports development from a policy and practice perspective.
- Sport, Social Issues and Video Production
Students will learn to use theory and research to explain and evaluate contemporary social issues in sports. Students learn about all phases of video production and create a short film using state of the art camera and video equipment.
- Pedagogy, Social Psychology and Learning in Sport
This module enables students to develop their understanding of physical literacy as well as effective learning environments and motivational climates that support the development of lifelong participation in physical activity. Students will gain understanding of the effects of children’s experiences and movement competence on their lifelong participation in physical activity.
- 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.
Compulsory
- 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.
- 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.
Optional
- Policy and Practice in Physical Education, Sports Coaching and Sport Development (Micro analysis)This module introduces the policy context of physical education, sports coaching and sports development and aims to build an understanding of different political ideologies, policy instruments and process. Students will critically analyse how people engage with and interpret meso- and micro-level policy. This is developed through a broader social context that explores issues of identity and power, considering how they relate and influence policy and practice.
- Critical Issues in SportThe aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to critically evaluate social problems/issues associated with sports in contemporary society and apply social theories/research to critically analysing these issues. A particular focus is given to the role of the media in (re)producing social phenomena.
- Critical Pedagogy and Learning in Sport
The aim of this module is to explore how diverse learners experience Physical Education and youth sport, and to consider the application of critical pedagogy to support effective learning environments. Additionally, the module encourages students to examine how contemporary cultural issues related to technology, health and embodiment impact learners and pedagogy in sport. Students will investigate the challenges, choices and constraints faced by Physical Education teachers, coaches and learners in present and future learning environments.
- 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.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
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
The academic and practical skills you'll gain from your Brunel degree will open doors to careers in teaching, coaching, sport development, community sport and health and fitness or to postgraduate study.
This could be your first step to becoming a PE teacher or a PE specialist. You could also find yourself beginning a career as a multi-sport community coach, graduate football coach or an academy coach.
Alternatively, graduates from this course are well equipped to become a performance analyst, or work for the local council or in social media to promote the importance of physical education for youngsters today.
There are also opportunities in the growing sector of sport development. With increased awareness of the positive effects of sport on lifelong health and well-being this area of sport science offers a gateway into a range of different careers. You may want to work as a sport development officer, a manager for a sport and leisure centre or a team and event manager.
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.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 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 National Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Health and Social Care, or most variations of Sport
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Health and Social Care, or most variations of Sport AND an A Level grade B in any subject.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Distinction in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Health and Social Care, or most variations of Sport AND 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, Health and Human Science, Forensic Science, Nutrition, Psychology, Science or Sport with 45 credits at Level 3.
- T levels : Merit overall in Health or Science
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 (Physical Education, Coaching and Social Issues) BSc.
EU and International entry requirements
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 will 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 of 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 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 also 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, films, podcasts, 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.