Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc (Hons)

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Available with:

  • Foundation Year

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Course Summary

Sport and Exercise Sciences prides itself on its approachable staff and varied teaching strategies, which external examiners and current students praise highly. In using a student-centred approach, we produce graduates with subject expertise and career potential. The practical and applied nature of the course is a major feature. 

In recent years, the sports, recreation and leisure industries have shown continuous growth. International success and the growing health agenda have ensured that investment and interest in sport and exercise in the UK continues to increase substantially. 

Therefore, the course is designed with two core principles in mind. Firstly, the development of knowledge, applied skills and analytical techniques in the conventional subdisciplines of sport and exercise sciences. Secondly, the orientation of studies around vocational opportunities and practices, including:

  • PE
  • Sports management
  • Coaching
  • Health promotion
  • Leisure
  • Recreation
  • as well as sport science support and sport and exercise sciences generally. 

We have a wide range of facilities including:

  • Performance Analysis
  • Muscle Function laboratories
  • Sports Biomechanics laboratories
  • Gyms
  • A swimming pool
  • A floodlit 3G MUGA pitch
  • Sprint track
  • Tennis courts and more. 

We additionally offer curriculum support materials for post-16 A Level PE and BTEC Sports students. Visit Sports Week Subject Activities.

Why you’ll Love it

Student satisfaction

Our students value their experience and appreciate how much variety, support and opportunities are available to them during their degree.

Hands-on learning

Small lectures, seminars, lab-based and coaching practicals, and work/sport science support placements enable students to get their “hands dirty” and acquire academic expertise and applied skills.

A group of students taking part in a practical exercise.

Staff go the extra mile

External examiners’ reports repeatedly refer to the way tutors go the “extra mile” to support students, with unparalleled access to staff and detailed feedback on all aspects of students’ work.

A group of students around a laptop
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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences

What you'll Study

The BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences course contains core modules at Level 4 and both core and optional modules at Levels 5 and 6. The course is very practical, and students will be able to both know and demonstrate how their knowledge of sport in a multi-disciplinary course can help them in their graduate careers.

At Level 4, students are introduced to the multi-disciplinary and practical nature of the course, covering key physical and social sciences components of sport and exercise.

Level 5 builds upon this foundation with more detailed learning that encourages students to develop their understanding and the application of knowledge in both an applied and research context in sport, exercise and health. Students can focus more specifically on physical or social scientific applications of study during this year.

At Level 6, students will enhance and extend their skills. They will integrate the knowledge and experience they will have acquired throughout their studies with a focus on employability characteristics. In the final year of this degree, they will fulfil the requirements for their chosen careers in sport, exercise and health settings and beyond.  

Work placement opportunities are built into the course at Levels 5 and 6 to enable students to apply a ‘real-world’ understanding of their knowledge and skills.  

There is also the option to study a University language module at Level 4 and spend a term abroad at Level 5 to broaden experience and support future career choices. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How you’ll Learn

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Curriculum developed to match workforce priorities

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This course is designed around in-person study

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You will be assessed in a variety of ways

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There may be some online learning activities

The course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, students study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately 10 and 15 hours per week depending upon Level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered in person where students can expect to take part in practical sessions (including practical laboratory sessions), seminars, lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars. 

Students should expect to spend an average of 25-30 hours per week on independent study which might include independent research, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. 

Teaching will be delivered by experienced, well-published academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of tasks they might encounter in the workplace, whether in professional sport settings, exercise and health promotion settings or beyond. These will include assessments in the form of practical lab assessments, lab reports, written work (both long and short form e.g. reports, reflections), portfolios and presentations. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate-level employment. 

Students will incur travel costs to and from work placements at Level 5 and 6. Work placement modules are mandatory, and students are required to participate in order to successfully complete the course. 

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Entry requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

International Baccalaureate

26 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4

Scottish Highers - BBBB

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diplima: DMM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in A level

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4

Scottish Highers: CCDD

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall

T Level

T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and funding

£9,250per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Carmel Edwards

Senior Lecturer
Dr Carmel Edwards

Professor Daniel Bloyce

Head of Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing
Professor Daniel Bloyce

Professor Jamie Highton

Professor Jamie Highton

Dr Edd Thomson

Senior Lecturer
Dr Edd Thomson

Dr Nollaig McEvilly

Senior Lecturer
Dr Nollaig McEvilly

Dr Nicola McWhannell

Senior Lecturer
Dr Nicola McWhannell

Suzy Twist

Lecturer
Suzy Twist

Paul Humphries

Senior Lecturer
Paul Humphries

Jason Clare

Senior Lecturer
Jason Clare

Professor Paul Worsfold

Professor Paul Worsfold

Dr Grace Smith

Senior Lecturer
A dark grey silhouette on a light grey background

Gareth Williams

Senior Lecturer
Gareth Williams

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Support Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness Facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Your future Career

Job prospects

We have a very good track record in terms of our graduates gaining suitable employment in the sport and exercise employment sector. The applied focus of the degree is most useful when it comes to gaining employment. Previous graduates work in professional sports clubs and organisations as sport science support staff, others have gone into health promotion, sport management, and teaching amongst other areas. Many of our graduates have also gone on to do further study upon completion of their undergraduate course. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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