Year of entry
- 2026
UCAS code
- C600
Duration of study
- 3 years or 4 years with international or placement year
Sport and Exercise Science - BSc (Hons)
Course summary
Why study Sport and Exercise Science at Keele University?
Our rich, diverse and individualised programme enables you to pursue specific interests through elective options that support your desired career path or further academic aspirations Develop the ability to apply academic knowledge and practical skills within a real-world experiential setting Gain broad, transferable employability skills, as well as those specific to careers that support the performance, health and lifestyle of individuals, teams and communities Benefit from our established links with athletes, teams, and community partners Make a personal contribution to sport and exercise science research or applied practice, through a research or applied project in an area of your choosing
Course overview
Sport and exercise scientists are in increasing demand given the efforts of health officials to encourage participation in exercise and physical activity, and the drive of professional athletes to maximise their potential.
What is Sport and Exercise Science?
Sport and Exercise Science is the application of the scientific principles to sport and exercise contexts. Sport and Exercise Scientists are interested in using these scientific principles to answer important questions that can have a significant and positive impact on individual performers, teams, and wider society. For example, sport and exercise scientists are interested in answering questions such as:
- How do athletes prepare for competition?
- What happens to the body during exercise?
- Why are some injuries a common occurrence in certain sports?
- How can physical activity support the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases?
In the first year of our Sport and Exercise Science degree, you will undertake a suite of compulsory modules focused on the core sport and exercise disciplines of anatomy, biomechanics, coaching, nutrition, and physiology, and a course specific skills module, designed to develop your academic, research and professional skills competences. Alongside this, there is the opportunity to undertake an optional module of your choice or participate in the university’s Global Challenges Pathway.
The second year builds upon the knowledge and practical experiences you have acquired, to start to explore the scientific applications underlying human engagement and performance in sports, exercise, and health-based activities. During this year, you will continue to study the disciplines of biomechanics and physiology through two discipline-specific 15-credit modules, alongside 30 credits of psychology-specific content. Again, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 15-credit optional module of your choice or continue your journey along the Global Challenges Pathway.
During the final year we will challenge your knowledge and skillset further, in order to encourage and nurture the experience and confidence needed to secure graduate employment. To facilitate this, you will complete five compulsory 15-credit modules and a 15-credit optional module. Alongside these this you will complete a 30-credit project. This yearlong project module allows you to combine your academic development with a personal area of interest, through a research project or case study, carried out with the support of a member of the academic team.
Studying abroad
You may choose to spend a semester or year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to experience different cultures and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.
Work placement year
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Our programme offers the opportunity for you to gain familiarisation with the professional working environment, develop professional contacts and apply the skills and theories you have learnt.
Student support
You will be supported through every stage of your studies. You will be allocated an academic mentor tutor who will be your first point of contact for advice and guidance and as a first year student, you are also offered a student mentor. You will have access to a dedicated Student Experience and Support Officer who supports students from the School of Allied Health Professions. As part of Keele’s student services, they work collaboratively with other teams across the university to enable you to easily access the support you need.
There is peer support, and additional help available from the School's Disability Inclusion Tutor who provides an additional layer of support for all students, particularly for those who have special learning needs.
You will have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele which include;
- Learning Support and Academic Guidance
- Disability Support and Inclusion
- English Language Unit
- Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
- Student Support Services
- Occupational Health Department
Related courses
Our expertise
Based within the School of Allied Health Professions and the wider Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, you will have the opportunity to learn from sport, exercise and health experts from disciplines including physiology, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, and physiotherapy. Our academic staff are also active researchers and scholars whose work has been widely published in books, research monographs, and leading international journals. This research and scholarship culture informs the teaching that takes place within the School. Additionally, some of our staff actively research teaching and learning within Higher Education, so how we teach is also at the forefront of Higher Education practice.
Course structure
Modules for Sport and Exercise Science
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are subject to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework
Keele is one of only 15 broad-based universities in England - out of over 100 - to have been awarded Gold in both the 2017 and 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercises, demonstrating our consistent teaching excellence.
Additional opportunities
Foundation year 
Learn a language 
Placement year 
International year 
Study abroad 
GCP Elective Pathways Explore moreThere are a range of additional opportunities for this course.
Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.
Entry requirements
These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBB in three A levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
Contextual Offer: BCC in three A levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science.
Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one Science A Level from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in any A Level.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Merit in Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in any two A Levels.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
T Level
Merit in any of the following T levels: Health, Healthcare Science, or Science.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
International Baccalaureate Diploma
555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or 30 points including 5 in one Higher Level Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels including 5 in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or 28 points including 5 in one Higher Level Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
122 UCAS points in a Computing, Engineering, Health, Nursing, Medicine, Science, or Sports Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBCC in five Highers including one Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including one Higher or Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including one Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in one subject from the Science or Applied Science Groups.
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
China - Gaokao
73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
India - Standard XII
Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Germany - Abitur
2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below).
France - Baccalaureate
13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12.5 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Design and Applied Technology, ICT or Physical Education.
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Industrial Technology or ICT.
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
80% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths, Physics, Natural Science, Geography, Physical Education, or ICT.
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Geography, Maths, Physical Education or Physics.
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Portugal
Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Computer Applications, Psychology, Physical Education.
You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Canada - Diploma
65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions, Biology, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths of Data Management or Physics.
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
444 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry, Calculus (either), Physics (any), Biology, Computer Science (either), Environmental Science, Psychology or Statistics.
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBB in three Advanced Levels including B in Combined Maths, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, Biology or Agricultural Science.
You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Malaysia - STPM
BBB in three Principal subjects in the STPM including B in Maths, ICT, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, or Sports Science.
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBB in three H2 Levels including B in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Maths, Further Maths or Geography.
You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
European Baccalaureate
72% overall with 7 in Chemistry, Maths (3 or 5 period), Physical Education, Biology (2 or 4 period), Geography (2 or 4 period), or Physics.
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List. Grade C in EAP English Language module.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Biology, or Geography.
You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Additional Maths, Agriculture, Animal Science, Biology, Building Technology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Crop Science, Food Technology and Design, Geography, Horticulture, Mechanical Maths, Metal Technology and Design, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Sport Science and Technology, Statistics, or Technical Graphics and Design.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
English language requirements
All our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.
General information
The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.
Social life, societies and sports
Find out moreAccommodation
Find out moreLocal area and travel
Find out moreBoost your employability
Find out moreGain external qualifications
You will have the opportunity to attain external qualifications studying a parallel award, including the CIMSPA Level 2 Fitness Instructing award and the CIMSPA Level 3 Personal Trainer award. These parallel awards are funded by the University to enhance graduate employability.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
- International: Band 2, £20,200 for the 2025/26 academic year
Please note, our 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set. We set our fees on an annual basis and they will be updated here once set.
For Home students, the University's fees are regulated by the UK Government and may be subject to change in subsequent years of your course in-line with government policy or legal requirements. For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPI, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For details of our international fee bands visit our Undergraduate tuition fees page.
Going to university can be daunting as well as exciting. It's important to understand the costs and financial support available.
Our Student Financial Support team offers confidential advice and guidance to help you manage your money, resolve issues with Student Finance, create a budget, explore your options if you're facing financial hardship, and access any funding you are eligible for, such as bursaries and scholarships.
For more information visit our undergraduate fees and funding pages.
Your future career
On successful completion of this programme you will be prepared for employment or further study in a wide range of sport or exercise contexts. You will develop an in-depth understanding of how the human body responds to physical activity, exercise, and training to enhance performance and improve health. The design and delivery of the programme includes opportunities for self-selected industry-based, experiential learning in the second and third year. It also reflects the real-word, diverse professional contribution within the wider sport, health and physical activity sector; providing you with an opportunity to not only shape yourself in terms of personal and professional development, but also to contribute to the development and future growth sport and exercise science in the UK.
Careers related to this programme include:
- Cardiac exercise physiologist
- Dietitian
- Health and wellbeing practioner
- Occupational health technician
- PE Teacher
- Performance data analysist
- Performance nutritionist
- Researcher
- Respiratory physiologist
- Sport and exercise scientist
- Sport / Exercise biomechanist
- Sport / Exercise psychologist
- Strength and conditioning coach
To explore more career opportunities with a degree in sport and exercise science, why not look through the BASES Career Guide.
Enhance your employability
Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.
Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
Across the programme, you will experience a range of different learning and teaching methods. Each module has different prescribed learning activities, including taught classes and seminars, discussion with staff, and practical work. You will gain valuable hands-on experience of research design, critical reviewing, planning, analysis, and interpretation with a combination of tutor-led sessions, group discussions, practical activities, and individual feedback.
Methods of teaching include:
- Tutorials and seminars - consisting of small classes of 30 or less, these methods of teaching will provide you with the opportunity for skills development and more in-depth discussion
- Laboratory classes - provide an opportunity for you to explore concepts and develop key practical skills necessary to conduct sport and exercise support and/or research
- Flipped learning - material is provided in advance of a class to provide a background on a topic
- Asynchronous learning - you will receive activities to complete outside of class
- Independent study - independent study encourages reflection and responsibility
- Final Year Project - you will have the opportunity to undertake a supervised, independent piece of research or client case-study
Assessment
Our authentic, employability focused assessments develop the skills employers seek, such as intervention proposals, and campaign reports. Many of the assessments will require you to respond to an authentic situation, such as a real sport or exercise intervention to support individual athletes, teams or coaches.
Methods of assessment include:
- Coursework
- Critiques and reviews
- Designing interventions
- Interactive practical assessment
- Lab reports
- Oral and poster presentations and reports
- Research project
- Written examinations and assignments
Foundation year
Foundation year overview
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.
On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
Student life at Keele is vibrant, diverse, and packed with opportunities to make the most of your time at university.
We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.
Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.
Our Sport and Exercise Science BSc is designed to challenge you to examine the fascinating role science plays within sport and exercise. As one of a handful of sport and exercise degree programmes delivered within a Faculty of Medicine in the UK, you will have the opportunity to study within an academically rigorous environment, that nurtures the merging of scientific knowledge, hands-on practical experience, and professional practice. Through a combination of theory and practice, this course will enable you to develop real-world, lab-based practical skills in preparation for employment in the sport, exercise, and health sector.
Endorsement for this programme is being sought from the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).