BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence provides the perfect place for you to study and kick-start your career in sport with our Sport and Exercise Science course.
Key facts
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2022
- Duration 48 months
- Mode of study Part-time, Full-time, Campus based
- UCAS Code CC61
- Study abroad opportunities
Accreditations
Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
Overview
Find out more about Changes at Stirling, including how you'll be taught, start dates and how we're making campus safer.
Become a Sport and Exercise scientist with our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree and you can transform lives and sporting careers.
As Scotland’s official University for Sporting Excellence, we place Sport and Exercise Science at the heart of everything we do. We prepare athletes for success on the world stage and improve the health of the nation through physical exercise. It’s why we're 1st in Scotland for sports research (REF2014).
Study our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree and you’ll learn from our experts in sport and exercise physiology, nutrition, genetics, medicine, health and physical activity.
Our research and performance analysis laboratories enable you to develop your scientific and practical skills in a world-class learning environment. Our course will prepare you for the many career opportunities available in Sport and Exercise Science. Our research ranges from molecular mechanisms through to the whole body level.
Our campus features a 50m swimming pool, ten tennis courts and seven sports pitches all on site. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide named us Sports University of the Year in 2020.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
Our our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
Entry requirements
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only. Please check the SWAP progression routes document for details.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics
Advanced entry
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may by possible depending on your qualifications. To find out more go to our advanced entry page.
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics
Additional information
General entrance requirements apply
If you’ve taken exams over two sittings, repeated an exam, or been upgraded, the entrance requirements may be higher.
Other routes of entry
If you’re an international student and don’t meet the required academic and English-language criteria for entry onto this degree, there are other options. You could take our International Foundation in Science, Computing and Engineering which prepares you for entry onto our degrees. Delivered by INTO University of Stirling on our Stirling campus, you can benefit from excellent teaching and supportive English language training. Successful completion of the International Foundation in Science, Computing and Engineering provides guaranteed progression to the BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS: 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 with minimum of 162 in each skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 with minimum 162 in each skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): 54 with 51 in each component
- IBT TOEFL: 80 with no subtest less than 17
If you are from India, Bangladesh, Ghana or Nigeria please also check your country/region specific page for any additional, or changes to, English language requirements.
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
Our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree is delivered jointly by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport and the Faculty of Natural Sciences, combining a wide range of expertise to ensure an unrivalled student experience.
The course provides you with the knowledge and experience to become a sports and exercise scientist and work in areas such as sport, health or science disciplines, or to pursue a career in research or teaching.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
You'll study the structure and function of the major physiological systems in humans including exploration of the response of humans to particular stimuli and integrated understanding of physiological control mechanisms.
Biomechanics and Motor Control
You’ll learn the anatomy of the human musculoskeletal system and the biomechanics of human movement including assessment of gait and factors influencing control of muscle movements in relation to sport and the general population.
Psychology
You'll be introduced to psychological techniques that can be used to improve performance in competitive sport, and to promote behaviour change to e.g. for example increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time.
Sports Medicine and Nutrition
Various modules in the programme provide an understanding of the role of exercise and nutrition in developing a healthy lifestyle and consider other health and medical aspects related to diet and exercise that are important for maintaining health while participating in sport and exercise at all levels.
Physiology of Sport and Exercise
You'll develop an understanding of the regulation and integration of multiple physiological systems during exercise. You’ll study in detail how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, neuromuscular system and skeletal muscle systems respond and adapt to exercise and environmental stimuli.
Applied Exercise Physiology
You will gain both an understanding and practical experience of laboratory-based exercise physiology assessments for athlete performance assessment as well as understanding functional capacity in patient or general populations.
Cell and Molecular Physiology
Throughout the degree, you'll study the internal structure of animal cells, focusing on the roles of organelles in specific aspects of cellular function, discuss how hormones and other signals influence cellular activity through the activation of signal transduction pathways and develop practical skills in modern molecular biological techniques.
Specialisation and independent research project
You'll gain a broad perspective of these themes throughout your degree programme and in the final year you can specialise with chosen readings modules leading to the final semester when you will complete an independent research project.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
Teaching
The University of Stirling achieved five stars for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2021. In addition to conventional lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and laboratory practical sessions, web-based technology is used to support the teaching course.
Assessment
Assessment is by a combination of coursework, group project work, group and individual presentations and examination.
Mode of study
Full-time (three modules per semester).
Part-time (one or two modules per semester).
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad through Stirling's well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| Academic year: | 2021/22 | 2022/23 |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish students | £1,820* | £1,820 * |
| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| European Union students | £17,900 | £18,800 |
| Overseas students (non-EU) | £17,900 | £18,800 |
Scottish students
* This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, students domiciled in Scotland can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on their behalf. If you’re unsure of your fee status, you can check your eligibility.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you’ll be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, Islands or Ireland and are starting a course of study in Scotland in session 2021/22 will be entitled to apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for funding. See more information on the SAAS website.
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities below for more information.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
For EU students starting studies in academic year 2022/23, we will award an automatic scholarship of up to £30k over the duration of your course. This is subject to eligibility criteria.
Students from the Republic of Ireland should see the fee and funding information under England, Wales, NI and Republic of Ireland.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding opportunities
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students domiciled in Scotland
The University of Stirling offers undergraduate funding opportunities for students domiciled in Scotland. To find out if you’re eligible to apply for an award, use our scholarship finder.
EU students
For EU students starting studies in academic year 2021/22, we will award an automatic scholarship of up to £30k over the duration of your course. This is subject to eligibility criteria.
Students domiciled in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
The Undergraduate Choice Scholarship provides a £1,000 cash award to all students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland who meet the conditions of their offer and select the University of Stirling as their Firm or Insurance choice on UCAS.
The University also offers the Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, which is awarded to selected students and provides a £1,000 cash award per year for years 1-3 of study. To be considered for the Merit Scholarship, students require a minimum of AAB at A-level or equivalent.
In addition, students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland who enter in year 1 and progress successfully through years 2 and 3 will receive our Honours Year Scholarship, which covers the cost of undergraduate tuition fees in the Honours year of study.
You don’t need to apply for the awards listed above - we'll automatically identify your eligibility as part of the admissions process.
To explore other scholarships and learn more about funding opportunities, use our scholarship finder.
Students domiciled overseas
The University of Stirling offers generous undergraduate funding opportunities for overseas students. To find out if you're eligible to apply for an award, use our scholarship finder.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
EU and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Sport and Exercise Science higher education provision leads to £3.9 billion in added income to the UK economy each year; the equivalent of over 147,300 jobs. (Sport and Exercise Science Education: Impact on the UK economy, May 2019 report)
Students who graduate from our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree are prepared for many career opportunities working in sport, exercise, science and beyond.
What jobs can you get with a BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree?
- Sports science support of athletes
- Health and fitness monitoring
- Physical activity promotion
- Coaching
- Teaching
- Physiotherapy, dietetics and other allied health professions
Other employers who have benefitted from Stirling graduate expertise include local authorities, commercial and voluntary sport organisations and governing bodies of sport.
Graduates have gone on to postgraduate taught (Masters/MSc) and research degrees (MPhil/PhD).
- More than 95% of all undergraduates were in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020, HESA)
Discover Uni
Discover Uni provides official data on each university's undergraduate courses, including satisfaction scores from the National Student Survey, details of graduate jobs and salaries, and other key information for prospective students.
What our students said
Scotland
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Read Danielle's storyI wanted to continue swimming whilst studying and knowing Stirling was the University of Sporting Excellence made me want to study here.
South Africa
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Read Markus's storyThe ability to shape your own career using the skills taught at Stirling is such a valuable asset
Northern Ireland
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Read James's storyI was initially attracted to the University of Stirling due to the world renowned reputation for sports and exercise science, alongside amazing sports facilities. Once I came to the open day and saw the campus, I knew where I’d be going!