BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to understand how sport, exercise, and physical activity influence human health, performance, and wellbeing. It combines scientific theory with applied learning, making it ideal for those aiming for careers in sport science, coaching, rehabilitation, or health-related industries.

You can study this programme over 3 years full-time, or choose a 4-year option with an optional placement or study abroad year to gain valuable real-world experience and strengthen your career prospects.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you develop a strong foundation in sport and exercise science through modules such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Foundations of Exercise Science, and Introduction to Sport Performance Analysis. This stage focuses on understanding how the human body works and responds to physical activity, while introducing core scientific principles used in sport and health contexts.

Year 2
In Year 2, you move into more applied learning with modules such as Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, and Sport and Exercise Psychology. You begin to explore how movement, performance, and behaviour are analysed and improved in real sporting and health environments.

Placement / Study Abroad Year (Optional – Year 3 for 4-year route)
If you choose the 4-year route, this year is spent gaining real-world experience through an industrial placement or studying abroad at a partner university. This helps you apply your academic knowledge in professional settings, build industry contacts, and develop practical skills that enhance employability.

Year 4 (Final Year – 4-year route) / Year 3 (3-year route)
In your final year, you specialise further and complete advanced study such as Advanced Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, and a Sport and Exercise Science Research Project. This year focuses on applying scientific knowledge to real-world performance, health, and rehabilitation challenges while developing independent research skills.

Focus areas

Exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, human anatomy, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, health and wellbeing, physical activity science, sports performance, movement science, research methods, fitness training, applied sport science

Learning outcomes

Understand human responses to exercise, apply scientific principles to sport performance, analyse movement and biomechanics, evaluate training and performance strategies, conduct independent research in sport science, apply psychological principles to performance, develop laboratory and field-based practical skills, communicate scientific findings effectively, support health and performance improvement

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This programme is not linked to a specific professional accreditation body, but it is designed to develop industry-relevant skills for careers in sport science, health, rehabilitation, coaching, and performance roles.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and is well regarded for sport and exercise science, with strong graduate employability outcomes and high student satisfaction in science-related subjects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences programme at the University of Exeter is strongly focused on practical, hands-on learning, helping you apply scientific knowledge in real sport, health, and laboratory environments. From the beginning of the degree, you will work in specialist teaching spaces and use advanced equipment to understand how the human body responds to exercise and how performance can be improved. You also have opportunities for placement or study abroad, giving you valuable real-world experience alongside your academic studies:

Dedicated laboratories for exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport and exercise psychology, supporting practical experiments and applied learning.
Life Sciences Resource Centre with anatomical models and specialist resources to strengthen your understanding of human structure and movement.
Specialist labs using industry-relevant tools and software such as Nutritics for nutrition analysis and ActiLife/GeneActiv for monitoring physical activity and movement.
Human performance and movement science facilities including motion capture systems, treadmill testing equipment, and virtual simulation tools for analysing biomechanics and performance.
University Sports Park facilities with performance analysis suites, strength and conditioning areas, and elite training environments for applied sport science learning.
Independent research project in your final year, where you design and conduct your own study under academic supervision.
Optional placement year or study abroad year to gain professional experience in sport, health, or exercise science settings.
Teaching supported by lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and input from industry professionals and guest speakers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Exeter develop strong scientific knowledge and practical skills that open up a wide range of careers across sport, health, fitness, rehabilitation, and performance. Many go on to roles such as sport scientist, strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, performance analyst, and health or wellbeing practitioner, working with athletes, sports organisations, healthcare services, or community health programmes.

From graduation, your career development is supported through a mix of university guidance, industry exposure, and research-led learning:

Access to the University of Exeter Careers Service, offering one-to-one advice, CV and interview support, and tailored guidance for sport and health-related careers.
Strong graduate outcomes with students progressing into roles across sport, health, education, research, and related professional sectors.
Links with sport, healthcare, and research organisations, with opportunities for placements, internships, and industry experience through optional placement or study abroad pathways.
Development of transferable skills such as data analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and scientific communication, valued across multiple industries.
A research-driven curriculum that builds strong analytical and laboratory skills, supporting both employment and postgraduate study options.
Opportunities to engage with employer events, guest speakers, and alumni networks connected to sport, health, and exercise science fields.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue into postgraduate study such as MSc programmes in areas like exercise physiology, sport and exercise medicine, strength and conditioning, performance psychology, physiotherapy, or sports rehabilitation. You may also progress into research degrees such as MRes or PhD, or move into professional training routes depending on your chosen career path.