Sport and exercise science
- For applicants
- Open days - NEW videos added
- National Student Survey Results 2008
- Applications & entry requirements
- Programme structure
- Placements & study abroad
- Career destinations
- Sports facilities and scholarships
- Why study at Bath?
- Programme specifications and handbooks
- FAQs
For applicants
Ranked the top Sports Science course in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2009) our BSc in Sport and Exercise Science draws upon the extensive expertise at the University of Bath to provide a novel and supportive environment for the study of sport and exercise from a scientific perspective.
The curriculum is informed by current research taking place globally and within the University, and offers generic and specific knowledge and skills, whilst allowing for depth and specialism in the final year. The core disciplines of biomechanics, physiology and psychology are covered within a social context and are applied within a broad range of sport and exercise science themes. All programmes follow a semester-based structure, with 10 units of study per year. For further details, see the programme structure.
The majority of the units taken in the first two years are compulsory, to ensure that students are well prepared before they embark on the sandwich route or final year of study.
One of the attractive features of all the degree programmes at the University of Bath is the opportunity to follow ‘free units’ in Management Studies or Languages during the first two years.
The final year is common to all programmes, and is undertaken either immediately following the first two years, or on completion of the placement or study abroad experience. A major component of the final year of study is the research project. Students can then select units in two of the three main sport and exercise disciplines alongside inter-related science units.
For information on research activities and specific interests of the Sport and Exercise Science team, please visit our research page.
BSc in Sport and Exercise Science open days will be held at the University of Bath:
- 18 February 2009
- 25 February 2009
- 04 March 2009
NB: These are for those potential students who have applied to the course and have received conditional / unconditional offers. Attendance to these events is by invitation only. Contact the admissions team for details.
NEW! If you cannot attend campus on the above dates then you can now watch the open day presentation video.
National Student Survey Results 2008
Sport & Exercise Science*
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Area of Programme
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2008 Results
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Teaching on my course
|
82
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Assessment and feedback
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66
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Academic support
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74
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Organisation and management
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91
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Learning resources
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93
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Personal Development
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87
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Overall satisfaction with course
|
93
|
Applications and entry requirements
UK and overseas students
Students should apply through UCAS, quoting the appropriate UCAS code for the chosen programme. There is some opportunity to change between programmes at the end of the first year.
Students should be enthusiastic about extending their knowledge of scientific aspects of sport and exercise and ideally should be interested in a wide range of sporting activities. Elite performers may be eligible for Sports Scholarships or Bursaries, and we welcome applications from overseas students who should apply, if possible, through UCAS.
Number of places per year: 60
UCAS codes
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Institution Code Name: Bath - Institution Code: B16
3 Year Full Time - Course Code: BC17
4 Year with Placement - Course Code: BCC7
Number of places: 60
To apply for the BSc in Sport and Exercise Science contact UCAS, quoting the appropriate code.
UCAS homepage
Entry requirements
Minimum requirement:
Grade B in Maths and English Language and at least one Science subject at GCSE
A level:
AAA at A2 level. One grade A in a science subject (Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Human Biology).
AAB offer to National/ International athletes only. One grade A in a science subject (Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Human Biology).
ABB Overseas students (also includes Isle of Man & the Channel Islands). One grade A in a science subject (Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Human Biology).
AVCE: We will accept double awards, to a Grade A or B level as part of the overall profile.
Please note, that for all the offers above, Physical Education and Psychology are NOT recognised as Science subjects.
Scottish Highers:
5 Higher passes at A or B, with A grades in 2 'science' subjects plus two Advanced Highers at A grade, with at least one 'science' subject.
International Baccalaureate:
36 points in total - to include bonus points.
High points required in science-related subjects (including Maths) - these will be stipulated in the offer.
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Six approved subjects at a higher level. (Science subjects must be amongst those ‘approved’).
Example offers:
3A's and 3B's - traditional offer
4A's and 2B's - high offer, or
2A's and 4B's (if high science content across subjects taken).
BTEC National Diploma:
Full Distinction profile (Distinction in all 18 units) in a science-related discipline (e.g. Sports Science, NOT Sport Development or Sports Studies).
Considered entry onto the First Year of the degree programme.
BTEC National Certificate:
Distinction profile in a science-related discipline (e.g. Sports Science, NOT Sport Development or Sports Studies).
One A2 subject - preferably a science subject, grade A.
Considered entry onto the First Year of the degree programme.
Mature students:
Must have a minimum requirement of grade B in Maths and English GCSE.
Science background/experience.
CV needed by Admissions Tutor for initial appraisal of suitability (before applying through UCAS).
Interview may be required.
Access course: must be in a science-related discipline.
International students (overseas):
Demonstration of appropriate level of English Language.
Demonstration of strong science background.
IELTS 6.0
TOEFL 580 (paper test)
TOEFL 237 (computer test)
Foundation Years / Access Course
The School for Health does not currently offer a Foundation Year of study, or an access programme for entrance onto the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree programme.
Some mature student applicants will enrol and complete an access course of study as part of a general application to our programme. It must be stressed that the access course MUST reflect a strong science-based interest area. A high-grade profile of achievement throughout the Access course is also desired. In addition, the access course will form part of a larger application, which must also demonstrate interest and experience in science, and minimum entrance requirements of GCSE (grade B) in Maths and English Language.
Placements and study abroad
At the end of their first year, students have the opportunity to choose between the 3 year full time programme or one of the 4 year sandwich programmes in Sport and Exercise Science. The placement year (which is taken at the end of the second year) can be one of the following:
- a professional placement in a sport and exercise science related company; this may be in the UK or overseas
- a period of study abroad at an approved university or institution
- a combination of professional placement and study abroad
Performance on placement does not count towards the degree classification, but is recognised by an appropriate endorsement on the final degree transcript.
Outstanding opportunities
The placements and study abroad opportunities offered by the Sport and Exercise Science programme are outstanding, in terms of the experience that the student can gain and in the organisations and locations that students can visit.
We have developed a number contacts around the globe. Placements are for a year, although this can be broken down into two 6-month placements. A number of students have been offered permanent jobs when they have completed their placements, once they have finished their degree programme.
Find out from the students themselves the experiences they have gained from the professional placements, by viewing the testimonials.
Current placement opportunities include*:
*Please note: there is no guarantee that all of these listed placements will be available in future.
There are also opportunities for students to spend either one semester or one academic year with partner Universities overseas:
Current study abroad opportunities include:
Southern Cross University, Australia
University of Saskatchewan, Canada
University of Western Australia, Australia
Wide–ranging experiences and career enhancement
The placement or study abroad opportunities can enhance academic and personal profiles and make a real difference in the increasingly competitive market for Sport and Exercise Scientists.
Career destinations
The market for Sport & Exercise Science graduates continues to grow. The influence of the National Lottery funding for sport has created a significant number of new opportunities. Career choices include sport and exercise science research, lecturing and teaching in higher and further education, fitness testing/instructing, coaching, health and lifestyle consultancy within the leisure industry, careers in national governing bodies, UK Sport and the UK Sports Institute and local authorities, and other roles within the rapidly expanding structure of professional sports.
Within all programmes there is an additional emphasis on personal and transferable skills such as communication, group working, problem solving and ICT that equip the graduate to compete effectively in the general employment market.
A further advantage of studying at the University of Bath is the opportunity to follow ‘free units’ in Management Studies or Languages during the first two years, which may enhance your CV in specific areas for your chosen career path.
Since 2000, over 200 students have been awarded the BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science. Visit the testimonials page to find out read about the experiences of our alumni.
Undergraduate students may wish to pursue further studies within the field of Sport and Exercise Science and can apply to join postgraduate research programmes. Find out more about research opportunities within the School for Health.
Sports facilities and scholarships
The University of Bath has world-class sporting facilities and is used as a training base for many elite clubs and athletes in a wide range of sports from the UK and abroad. The Sports Training Village has recently been massively expanded to offer first class facilities, with funding of over £23million from a lottery award from Sport England, the Lawn Tennis Association and the University. It is also the centre for the South West Region of the English Institute of Sport.
sports facilities at the University include:
- 8 Lane Outdoor 400m athletics track
- Indoor running track and athletics facilities
- 8 court indoor tennis centre - cushioned acrylic
- Indoor 50m 8 lane swimming pool
- Indoor 25m swimming pool
- Judo dojo
- Fitness and conditioning suite
- Hydrotherapy pools
- Two sand based astro turfs – floodlit
- Sports halls for badminton, netball and basketball
- 150sqm weight training facility
- 4 squash courts
- Gymnasium
- 10 outdoor tennis courts
- Sports injuries and physiotherapy clinics
TeamBath encompasses a wide range of sports squads, and is unique in British sport. Over 80% of students freely take part in sport and share these facilities with the local community, as well as the elite athletes.
There are over 50 sports clubs represented with the Students’ Union, visit the web page for further information.
Sports scholarships
For the past 25 years, the University of Bath has offered sports scholarships, designed to enable undergraduates and postgraduates to extend their period of study to allow them time to train and compete at a high level whilst gaining their degree. Funding is also available to students of national and international standard in their chosen sport to help with high level coaching and training, competition and medical back-up.
Partnership agreements exist with a range of national governing bodies of sport and sponsors to support the University’s scholarship and bursary arrangements. Candidates must have acceptable academic entry qualifications and will be expected to maintain a satisfactory academic standard throughout their course.
For further information regarding sports scholarships please contact the recruitment and admissions office.
Programme specifications and handbooks
Programme specifications for first year students 2008-9 (pdf document)
Programme specifications for second year, placement year and final year students 2008-9 (pdf document)
Student handbook for first year students 2008-9 (pdf document)
Student handbook for second year, placement year and final year students 2008-9 (pdf document)
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do I apply to study Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Bath?
A. All applications to study Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Bath need to be made via the UCAS application system. For information on what this entails, please check their web site www.ucas.co.uk. We receive approximately 1,200 applications to study Sport and Exercise Science each year, from which we select an intake of approximately 60 students.
Q. What is a typical A' level offer for the Sport and Exercise Science degree programmes?
A. A typical offer for an A' level applicant is AAA. At least one science subject is required at grade A, chosen from Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. In addition, we expect all candidates to have successfully passed GCSE Mathematics, English Language and at least one science subject at grade B or above.
Q. Will an A' level offer be expressed in terms of tariff points (combining AS and A2 scores), or in Grades required?
A. If you are a successful applicant, we will make you a conditional offer based on three A' level subjects (preferably completed in one sitting). This will be expressed as a total of 360 tariff points (i.e. grades AAA). We do not make conditional offers that reflect a combination of tariff points from AS and A2 subjects. In addition, the conditional offer we make you may express specific grades that we want you to score in your subjects. For example, if you are studying A' levels in Biology, Geography and Physical Education, we will stipulate in your offer that you must achieve a Grade A in Biology.
Q. Do you consider my AS scores, and GCSE's when making an offer?
A. We make conditional offers after scrutiny of the whole of your UCAS application form, including your overall performance at AS level, GCSE results, extra-mural achievements and the reference. At the end of all this, our offers are expressed in grades and points from three A' levels (including at least one science subject) obtained at one sitting. While we do consider your achievements at the AS level, these are not included in the conditional offer we may make you.
Q. Are there any subjects that you consider essential for acceptance onto the Sport and Exercise Science degree programme?
A. The BSc degree programmes in Sport and Exercise Science are concerned with science as it relates to exercise, health and sport. Because of this emphasis, it is essential that you have studied at least one science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics) to the advanced level. The inclusion of one science subject in your A' level profile is the only essential requirement that we stipulate. Other desirable subjects would include physical education/sport science and psychology. However, these are ‘desirable’ subjects, and not ‘essential requirements’.
Q. Do I have to be good at sport to apply for one of the Sport and Exercise Science degree programmes?
A. Not at all! The sporting facilities at the University of Bath are indeed excellent, and are well used by the students who study here. However, while our programmes are related to exercise, health and sport, they are first and foremost academic programmes of study and are very strongly science based. Applicants do not have to present any particular sporting ability. We are more concerned with students' academic abilities than their sporting achievements.
Q. I am not studying A' levels - what other profiles will you consider for entrance?
A. We consider applications from candidates offering Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, HND, GNVQ, BTEC or ACCESS qualifications. Entry requirements for these qualifications can be viewed online. Each application is considered individually on its own merit, but the subject(s) studied need to reflect an advanced level of science content. We will consider mature applications on a variety of criteria including experience and scientific background. With all of our applicants, we are looking for a candidate to express a background level of knowledge and experience in a science-related field.
Q. How can I visit the University and/or Sport and Exercise Science?
A. The University of Bath holds centrally organised Open Days twice a year (one in June or July, and one in September). These are open to anyone interested in studying at the University, and are usually well attended by organised school visits. Information on these Open Days can be found on the University of Bath website www.bath.ac.uk.
In addition to the centrally organised visit days, the Sport and Exercise Science team will invite successful applicants to attend an Open Day. The purpose of the Sport and Exercise Science Open Day is to show applicants the facilities of Sport and Exercise Science and of the University of Bath, to let them meet some members of staff and current undergraduates, to tell them more about our programmes, and to answer any questions they may have. Open Days are generally by invitation only, and take place between November and March. In 2008 these take place on Wednesday 23 January and Wednesday 23 March.
We do not conduct one-off visits by interested applicants. We are unable to accommodate drop-in visits, and will strictly operate pre-arranged visits by overseas students only.
Q. Do you hold interviews as part of the selection process for entrance?
A. Because of the high volume of applications that we receive each year, Sport and Exercise Science does not generally interview applicants. However, mature student applicants may be invited to meet with the Admissions Tutor to informally discuss their background experience, and suitability for an undergraduate science programme.
Q. What do you look for on a UCAS form when making your offers?
A. When offers are made, the UCAS form as a whole is considered, including:
GCSE & AS results
A' level subjects studied, and predicted grades (or equivalent qualifications)
References
Personal statement - including commitment to further study in science
Q. What happens if I drop a grade in my A level performance?
A. The majority of the places taken up each year are by students who have met the grades that we have requested of them in a conditional offer. However, if you obtain points equivalent, or just fail to obtain the grades required, it is likely that you will still be offered a place, but this depends on how well other applicants have performed. The best advice, in any eventuality, is for you to contact us when your exam results are known.
We always fill our places of study with those students to whom we have already made an offer. We do not recruit students using the UCAS clearing system.
Q. What about students who may consider taking a gap year before commencing their undergraduate studies?
A. Because of the high number of applications we receive each year, Sport and Exercise Science prefers all applicants to apply to study within the year they wish to take up a place. However, it is possible for an applicant to defer their year of entry, but we would like to know as soon as you have decided and before the A' level or other results are released.
Q. How can I find out more about the degree programmes (such as the units I will study at each level, and how they are assessed)?
A. Information about studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Bath can be attained via one of the following methods:
- Attending a University Visit Day
- Attending a Sport and Exercise Science Open Day
- Looking at the information available on the University and on this page
- Emailing the admissions tutor with a specific question to be answered sportscience@bath.ac.uk
Q. How do I find out more about being a student at the University of Bath (e.g. accommodation, student support services, clubs & societies, etc.)?
A. Once you have taken up a place to study at the University of Bath, you will automatically receive information about accommodation and general induction programmes. However, lots of useful information and advice can be found on the University's website.
Prospective Students will find the following links useful in any choices regarding the Sport and Exercise Science Degree at the University of Bath, as well as links to major governing bodies within the field.
Q. I am an overseas student, can you offer me any specific advice?
A. The International Office provides specific advice and support for overseas students, and carries out a number of visits to various international locations each year. Why not attend one of the events to meet members of the University of Bath, and ask any questions you may have? To find out when International Office will next be visiting your region, visit the webpage.
You can also view testimonials from International students who are studying the Sport and Exercise Science programme, and if you would like to be put in touch with someone from the School who can provide informal advice, please email us.
Links to internal sites
UCAS home page
University of Bath Open Days
University of Bath Central Admissions
University of Bath International Office
University of Bath Students’ Union Home Page
University of Bath Student Support Services
Links to external UK sites
SPORTS SCIENCE on-line
BASES - The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science
UK Sport
Sport England
Sport Scotland
Sports Council for Northern Ireland
Sports Council for Wales
UK Athletics
British Gymnastics
The Football Association
England Squash
British Cycling Federation
British Judo Association
Amateur Swimming Association
England Hockey
Major List of British Sports
Links to international sites
International Society of Biomechanics (ISB)
International Society of Biomechanics in Sport (ISBS)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
The Physiology Society
European College of Sport Science (ECSS)
Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology(AAASP)
International Society of Sports Psychology
FIFA
International Tennis Federation
World Swimming Federation
World Squash Association
International Cycling Union