September 2025

Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)

Honours Degree, Undergraduate, September 2025

Key Details

  • C601 Course Code
  • 3 Years
  • 112 Typical UCAS Tariff
CIMSPA logo

On a course with small class sizes that’s personalised to your interests, you’ll explore the theoretical and practical factors that influence sports performance, health and wellbeing. You’ll learn how scientific principles can improve health and elite performance – while seeing for yourself how the latest technological innovations can support these improvements. You’ll gain the real-world experience, inspiration and skills you need to progress in sports & exercise science, education and research.

You’ll learn and train in sophisticated facilities on one campus – from our sports hall and conditioning suites to our full-size outdoor 3G pitch – and our small class sizes mean you’ll have great access to them. The Human Performance Lab is where you’ll spend most of your time – fully-equipped with 3D analysis, integrated force plates, gas & bloods analysis, heart rate and GPS monitoring. Our brand-new performance analysis suite provides an added dimension to your learning experience. It’s an elite setup allowing you to analyse sports performance from a multi-disciplinary perspective, specifically designed to support your learning on your way to a range of possible careers.

  • Expert staff with international reputations in their fields who support elite athletes and have wide industry networks.
  • Personal Trainer qualification embedded in your course* which means you could be working in your field of interest gaining valuable experience even before you finish your course.
  • Wide range of the latest equipment and systems giving you industry experience while you study.
  • A range of practical assessments designed to help you develop skills required in industry.

During your first year of study, you will start to develop a theoretical understanding of the sub-disciplines of sport and exercise science (physiology, biomechanics and psychology) and explore the key practical skills in these areas. You will also examine some wider issues related to sport and health and also learn and refine the research and key skills you will require to succeed on your course. In this first year you will start work towards your personal trainer qualification.

In the second year you will enhance your knowledge and skills of the sub-disciplines that will then lead into interdisciplinary study of distinct topics such as exercise nutrition, performance analysis and strength and conditioning. There will also be a continued focus on data collection, processing and analysis. You will also get an opportunity to experience industry through your work placement module. It is expected by the end of the 2nd year that you will have completed your personal trainer qualification.

In the final year of the course, you will study an advanced level of the sub-disciplines you want to specialise in and areas you want to learn more about that are contemporary and current. This will also be the year when you embark on your dissertation which is an independent piece of research. Typically, on this course this involves collecting data on human participants in a variety of settings and producing new knowledge. You will get the opportunity to present this at a conference at Newman.

By the end of your course, it is our aim to have produced an individual with a range of knowledge, skills and experiences that creates work ready students for the 21st century.

Typically, 12 hours a week of contact time.

Assessment is by a combination of online quizzes, presentations, assessed coursework and practical work. The coursework may include a working portfolio, laboratory manuals, reports and essays. 

As a Birmingham Newman Sports & Exercise Science graduate, you will be well-equipped for a wide range of careers in sports science, coaching, education and related areas, including positions supporting elite athletes and teams. You could also be making a difference to real everyday lives by providing interventions for the sedentary, obese, elderly and ill. You will be well-prepared to continue your studies at postgraduate level to obtain higher degrees and acquire further specialist skills. In addition, the generic employability skills you will develop over the course of the 3 years will support opportunities to explore a wide range of careers. 

Birmingham Newman University is proud to be the first West Midlands partner of CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) a professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. CIMSPA works with over 300 partners across the sport and physical activity sector, meaning students can be assured they are working with a university that is contributing, not only to teaching sport but, to developing the professional standards for the industry. We are currently working towards full accreditation of course, thus eventually our courses will be recognised by CIMSPA as equipping students with the skills that employers are looking for.

Hear Stefan Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Health, talk in more detail about Newman University’s partnership with CIMSPA.

The Sport and Health team at Newman University pride themselves on their ongoing involvement in sport, health and physical education research. Staff are actively contributing in the following four areas of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) —Physical Activity and Health, Sport Performance, Mental Skills Training and Sport in Society. The team regularly publishes their research in industry journals, and present at international sport, health and physical education conferences. Our ‘Meet The Sport Team’ page details the specific areas of research that the team have been, or currently are involved in.

As a student at Newman, you will be taught by research-active staff, who are actively contributing to the latest developments across a wide-range of disciplines within the sport and health industry and the physical education sector. Staff bring the latest knowledge and expertise to the classroom, laboratory and sports field, enhancing your learning experience. At Newman you get the benefit of our staff’s cutting-edge knowledge combined with a focus on your needs, in a student-centred University where you are our priority. Our staff expertise, and their links with external agencies will maximise your University experience and hopefully provide you with opportunities as you consider your career paths for the future.

We encourage our students to proactively explore research during their studies. As a science-based discipline, you will be conducting research throughout a range of modules under the supervision of expert staff.

Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.

Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Dining out

Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).

Entertainment

Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!

Location

Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!

Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?

Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.

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Entry Requirements

UK home students

Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 112

International students

If you are an international student, please get in touch with our International team who will be able to advise on entry criteria and admissions processes for this course. Email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441218160449.

Please note that courses with a professional placement are not available to International students.

Course Fees

UK home students

The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £9,250 per year.

International students

The full-time course fee, for International students, for September 2025 is £14,000.

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

Additional Costs

The programme team advises students to purchase a Newman University sports polo shirt.  This is so students can wear the shirt when representing the university externally (e.g., on placements) and have appropriate sportswear during laboratory and coaching practicals. The cost is £19.99 (based on 2019/20) with additional option pieces of branded clothing range from £19.99 – £29.99.  Payment of these optional clothing items are due in the first year of study or second year of study (placement).

Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.

Modules

Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes of Module Changes page.

Timetables: find out when information is available to students

 

  1. This module aims to develop knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, systems and their responses to exercise both acute and chronic from a physiological perspective. You will learn about human anatomy, function, systems in relation to both performance and health. This will include applied work in a laboratory environment to develop proficiency in measurements methods related to exercise physiology.
  2. This module aims to develop knowledge of anatomy and function of the musculo-skeletal system during movement and apply them to exercise performance and injury. Students will also be introduced to biomechanical principles underpinning the practical analysis of human movement, considering the role of analysis in sport and in movement. It will serve to widen the students' knowledge base and will provide a firm basis for working at a higher level in the discipline of sport and exercise biomechanics. Relevant risk assessment and health and safety protocols will be adhered to within the human performance laboratory.
  3. This module will introduce key pedagogical theories and concepts related to Physical Education and sports coaching. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the role of Physical Education teachers and sports coaches. Throughout the module, there will be opportunities to apply theoretical constructs to practical situations.
  4. The module looks to develop students understanding and knowledge of key training principles that underpin physical preparation for training and injury prevention. Students will develop the theory and practical skills to apply training principles to healthy individuals.
  5. This module offers students an opportunity to be introduced to contemporary and fundamental concepts within sport and exercise psychology. Students will consider the underpinnings of human psychology and how this influences participation and engagement in various physical activity contexts.
  6. This module is focuses on exploring sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching. Introducing and developing the skills you need to be successful in Higher Education. The module will allow you the opportunity to reflect on your skills and development needs, as well as enhancing your knowledge and skills in this area.
  1. This module provides students with theoretical underpinning and practical experience of quantitative and qualitative research methods. It offers the opportunity for students to acquire the necessary skills to conduct independent research in sport, exercise and physical activity.
  2. The module explores the theoretical and practical application of late stage to return to play management of musculoskeletal injuries. This is underpinned by anatomy; advanced physiology and you are expected to critically analyse a variety of strategies in the development of physical performance and the management of late stage to return to play of musculoskeletal injuries.
  3. This module offers students an opportunity to explore some major personality and social-psychological constructs and theories that can be used to explain behaviour and performance in sport and exercise settings. Students will develop an understanding and critical awareness of how specific psychological principles can influence participation, well-being and performance in sport and exercise contexts.
  4. This module offers students the opportunity to learn about the determinant of exercise performance and bodily responses to exercise and the implications for health and performance. Students will also learn how exercise metabolism allows for and limits exercise of different durations and intensities. This will lead into the exploration of how nutrition influences exercise metabolism and the implications for exercise performance. Students will also gain practical laboratory experience related to exercise performance, metabolism and nutrition. 
  5. This module aims to extend the students' knowledge and practical skills in the application of biomechanics to specific sport and exercise activities. The emphasis will be on the application of biomechanics in the assessment, evaluation and improvement of technique in a range of sports. Practical experiences will include the role of biomechanical kinetic and kinematic assessment in the analysis of sport and the application of hand and computerised notation systems to individual and team sports.
  6. This year-long module offers learners the opportunity to apply and explore knowledge within a work-based context, through the mode of workplace learning. The placement supervisor in the workplace will negotiate the focus for the learner’s role on placement, with the learner. Students complete 100 hours in the work setting. The learner will reflect critically on different dimensions of the workplace setting.
  1. This module explores the application of psychological profiling and intervention techniques in a variety of sporting situations. It seeks to develop a critical and evidence-based approach in the selection of specific strategies for individuals and groups. It further seeks to provide a basis for appraising and critically evaluating the impact of any intervention strategies employed with reference to their effectiveness, appropriateness, and ethical use.
  2. This module aims to build on key concepts in exercise training and monitoring from level 5. Students will explore the development of physiological capabilities but also the acute and chronic optimisation of these capabilities. The underpinning science behind preparation for and recovery from performance will be explored in traditional and contemporary contexts alongside introduction and evaluation of contemporary training methodologies
  3. The module explores a diverse range of topics in sport. The module explores the theoretical and practical implication and application of working with special populations, and contemporary issues. The purpose of the module is to equip students with thorough knowledge of issues relating to sport and exercise therapy, sport & exercise science, and coaching that are particularly relevant and high profile in society or science at the time of delivery. Students will develop their ability to make informed decisions based on the evidence and to communicate findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  4. This module builds on key areas of sport and exercise biomechanics delivered at level 5. The emphasis is to provide a critical, theoretical and practical understanding of the major applied techniques used in the biomechanical analysis of sporting activity and how these maybe used to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury. Students will develop understanding of biomechanical assessment procedures, data analysis, interpretation and laboratory skills with particular emphasis on 3D motion analysis, advanced analysis of force using force platforms and the analysis of muscle activation using electromyography. In addition, the relationship between the biomechanist and coach will be explored. Relevant risk assessment and health and safety protocols will be adhered to within the human performance laboratory.
  5. This module builds on prior learning and offers students the opportunity for further development of their skills, knowledge and understanding through conducting an independent research project. The project is regarded as an important exercise for developing students’ abilities to formulate appropriate research design and procedures, to collect and present in an appropriate and meaningful way, to conduct a critical analysis of relevant literature, and to demonstrate their understanding and application of theoretical principles. The research focus must be specific to their chosen degree.