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Sport Performance and Exercise

BSc (Hons) (Top-up)

Apply now for 2025

Study Sport Performance and Exercise at University Centre Leeds

You will learn how to help athletes and clients reach their peak performance through this exciting top-up degree. The practical, industry-focused programme brings coaching, physiological, nutritional and performance analysis methods into study, allowing you to guide others to the top. It also integrates an additional qualification to further progression.

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Venue: Mabgate Campus
  • Fee: £8,745 full-time (per academic year for UK students)
     
    International Fee: £14,000 full-time (per academic year) £3,000 Scholarship available
  • UCAS Course Code(s): 2C45
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Validated By: This course is validated by The Open University

Entry Requirements

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

HND: Merit grade in a relevant subject.

English GCSE:English Language grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2,
Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

GCSE Maths: Maths grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: We welcome applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their
suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

DBS checks: Students will also be required to complete the Disclosure
and Barring Service process (DBS) prior to commencement on placement. The department will cover the cost.

References: An appropriate reference required, to evidence previous
experience and suitability for the course. 

Sport Performance and Exercise

Do you think you have what it takes to maximise athlete performance and carry out sport performance analysis? You’ll design, educate and lead clients with medical conditions through manageable exercise programmes, using STATS Perform software to analyse activities.

You will develop your sports knowledge, while gaining vital experience of working both with teams and individuals to improve fitness levels and sports performance. You will also build on your knowledge of the benefits of regular exercise, as well as how to deliver safe physical activity sessions for those with medical conditions.

Previous students have gone on to employment with Opta Sports, the Premier League, or further study to achieve a REPS and CIMSPA-recognised Level 3 Diploma in GP Exercise.

This course is validated by The Open University 

The Open University Logo

How to Apply

Applying to more than one institution?

For full-time courses, if you have applied or intend to apply to any other higher education institution as well as University Centre Leeds, you'll need to apply through UCAS.  

Apply through UCAS

Applying to University Centre Leeds only?

If you know you’ll be applying for a course at University Centre Leeds only, you can apply either using our Direct Application Form, or via UCAS.

Note: If you have already made an application via UCAS, or intend to, you must apply via UCAS and not direct. 

Apply direct

  1. Register for an Account: Click the link below and use the "Create a New User" facility to register for an application account. An email will be sent to the address you provide, with a verification link.
  2. Verify Your Email: Click the verification link in the email to confirm your account.
  3. Complete Your Application: Once your account is created, you can start your application. You can save your progress and return to it later if needed. Your username will be the email address you used to register.

To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.

 

Please Note: The 'Apply direct' link works for direct applications to this course only. For each course you wish to apply for, you will need to find the course on our website and use the ‘Apply direct’ button on the correct page for that course.

Course Information

Developing the Talented Performer – 20 credits

  • Gain insight into the physiological, psychological and sociological interplay when working with players or athlete
  • Apply coaching principles to creative positive change with clients, athletes or teams
  • Learn about practical application of recommendations and the effect on clients with medical conditions

Health and Wellbeing across the Lifespan – 40 credits

  • Based on research-led recommendations for exercise adherence, nutritional intake and physical activity
  • Develop essential knowledge across exercise, health and wellbeing
  • Consider practical application of recommendations and the effects on clients with medical conditions

Performance Analysis – 20 credits

  • Gain real insight on performing in-depth, detailed sports analysis
  • Use industry-leading STATS Perform software to code and analyse professional football matches
  • Opportunity to achieve STATS Performance Level 2 qualification on completion

Independent Major Study – 40 credits

  • Opportunity to demonstrate your critical writing ability and independent research skills
  • Write your own journal article on a topic of your choice

  • Undertake a research project on a topic of your choice, with support from a personal tutor – including tutorials and project development planning
  • Develop real-world clinical skills
  • Broaden your knowledge of sport and exercise recommendations to improve performance and health
  • Prepare for REPS and CIMSPA-endorsed courses, such as GP Exercise Referral Level 3 and Personal Trainer Level 3
  • Opportunity to gain additional STATS Performance Level 1s and 2 in Performance Analysis – allowing you gain employment with big-name companies such as OPTA
  • Build leadership, communication and analysis skills
  • Develop key academic skills – including presenting, referencing, academic research, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Gain essential time management, leadership, communication and teamwork skills

The course consists of 80% coursework and 20% presentations, and students will be assessed by:

  • Case studies
  • Presentations
  • Essays
  • Written reports
  • Research project
  • Research proposal

Students will be subject to the DBS (Disclosure of Barring Services) process which will be applied for at the start of the course. The department will cover the cost.

All applicants will be interviewed to assess their suitability for this programme of study and may be asked to provide evidence to support their application (for example, Foundation degree certificate or accredited qualifications from sporting National Governing Bodies).

This course will be delivered at University Centre Leeds’ higher education sports department. The department also works in collaboration with the University of Leeds, and many practical sessions will be delivered at the university’s Edge and Gryphon sports halls – giving fantastic access to some of the city’s top facilities.

All students will be provided with a Chromebook and enjoy access to specialist software such as SPSS Statistics, PitchVision, Nacsport and STATS Perform.

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

HND: Merit grade in a relevant subject.

English GCSE:English Language grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2,
Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

GCSE Maths: Maths grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: We welcome applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their
suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

DBS checks: Students will also be required to complete the Disclosure
and Barring Service process (DBS) prior to commencement on placement. The department will cover the cost.

References: An appropriate reference required, to evidence previous
experience and suitability for the course. 

  • Employment as a sports nutritionist, sports coach, personal trainer or exercise referral specialist
  • Progression onto a relevant Master’s degree programme

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For the latest version of The Open University regulations please click here.

The sports department has created a kit bundle of embroidered Under Armour items, which may be available to buy individually. It is anticipated you will need to wear an embroidered T-shirt during practical sessions.

Information for International Students

Applications are open for 2025 entry.

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.

You can also apply through UCAS.

For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.

Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)

Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.

For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.

Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student

International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.

  • 1 hour cultural studies
  • 2 hours academic study skills
  • 2 hours English studies

For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.

Go to International site

Unistats

 

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