Your 2027 Prospectus
Want to find out more about the wide range of courses, student support and more available for students at University Centre Leeds?
Check out the 2027 University Centre Leeds Prospectus now.
Ready to turn your passion for sport and exercise into a rewarding career? Our Sports Performance and Exercise Science degree is designed to give you the expertise to help others improve their physical capabilities. From professional sports teams to community-based fitness programmes, you'll gain the skills needed to excel in a variety of performance and exercise-related roles.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)
GCSE English: 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: will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course.
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 is required.
The BSc Sports Performance and Exercise Science programme combines academic study with practical learning to deliver well-rounded sports knowledge to ensure that students progressively develop the industry-specific skills, professional behaviours, and practical experience needed to succeed in diverse roles within the sports, exercise, and fitness sectors gained through accessing current science-based technologies and equipment within a laboratory setting, you will become confident at assessing the needs of others and obtain the skills and capabilities to prescribe strategies for performance enhancement. You will explore themes linked to performance and exercise across psychology, physiology, nutrition, analysis and health.
The programme has been purposefully designed to develop a broad range of transferable skills and professional behaviours including developing effective communication which underpins success in all aspects of sports performance, coaching, and exercise delivery. Across all three years, students will refine their verbal and non-verbal communication skills by actively engaging in a variety of sports-specific contexts, such as delivering pre-competition team talks, providing real-time technical feedback to athletes, or conducting client-focused fitness consultations.
The programme will equip graduates with the skills for success not only in sports performance and exercise science but across diverse roles in the wider sports, health, and wellbeing sectors, and to ensure that graduates leave with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in employment or further study.
This course is subject to validation by Luminate Education Group
We're still accepting applications for 2026 entry. You can also start your application for 2027 on UCAS now, although applications for 2027 can't be submitted until September.
Select your college for more information on how to apply and the exclusive benefits available to you.
Modules may include:
You will develop your understanding of the relationship between physical activity, health and wellbeing. By exploring the benefits of participation, factors influencing behaviour, and barriers to being more active, you learn how to encourage physical activity across different populations and settings in constructive ways.
Principles of Psychology in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
How psychological principles affect participation and performance is explored, across topics including motivation, confidence, attention and pressure. You will develop an understanding of how psychological factors influence experiences and behaviours, and consider their application in different sports settings.
Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
Understanding the structure and function of the human body is fundamental to knowing about human movement. You will explore the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, alongside how energy is produced and used. You will learn how these systems work together to support movement and respond to the demands of movement.
Research Methods (20 credits)
This module introduces the academic approach within sport and exercise, and covers some aspects of professional development. You will explore research questions, methods, and collect measurements. You will also learn about ethical principles, evidence, whilst developing the skills, professionalism, and ability to thrive in the sports sector.
Practical Methods in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
Practical methods is all about getting hands-on with our testing equipment. You will gain experience in selecting tests, following procedures, and recording and interpreting data. You will consider safe practice, accuracy and consistency, developing the practical skills needed to investigate movement, performance and responses to exercise.
Principles of Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
Understanding the mechanical principles that explain human movement is also important. You will explore concepts including force, motion, balance and rotation, and consider how these influence sports. Through movement analysis, you will develop an understanding of how biomechanics can inform technique and performance.
You will develop your understanding of common sport and exercise injuries and the principles supporting rehabilitation, and the scope and responsibility of different practitioners. You will explore injury mechanisms, tissue healing and the role of exercise within recovery, and consider how rehabilitation activities can be used to support return-to-play.
Performance Analysis in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
How methods are used to analyse sporting and exercise performance is covered. You will explore how observation, video and performance data can identify patterns, strengths and areas for development. You will gain experience in communicating findings to support informed decisions within applied performance settings.
Nutrition in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
The role of nutrition within sport, exercise and health is explored. You will learn about energy requirements, nutrients, hydration and nutritional considerations surrounding activity and recovery. You will evaluate evidence and consider how nutritional principles apply to individuals with different demands and participation goals.
Independent Study (20 credits)
This is an opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest within sport. With the guidance of your tutor, you will define a focused area to look at, identify relevant evidence and develop an way of investigating your topic. The module will improve your ability to work independently, as well as your critical thinking and ability to communicate.
Energy Metabolism and Bioenergetics (20 credits)
This is all about how the body produces and uses energy during sport and exercise. You will explore the metabolic pathways supporting activity of different intensities and durations, alongside factors influencing fatigue and recovery. You will apply this knowledge to explain the demands of different activities.
Strength and Conditioning in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
Principles and practical approaches used within strength and conditioning are explored. You will learn about needs analysis, exercise selection and how programme design can support physical development. You will gain experience in evaluating technique and considering how activities can be adapted and progressed.
This is your opportunity to undertake an independent research project within an area that interests you. With supervisor support, you will develop a research question, evaluate relevant literature and carry out an investigation. You will analyse, interpret, and communicate your findings and their practical significance.
Applied Performance Planning (20 credits)
You will develop your ability to integrate knowledge from different areas of sport and exercise into performance planning. You’ll evaluate individual needs, activity demands and contextual factors, considering how plans can be implemented, monitored then adapted, using evidence to justify your decisions and evaluate their effectiveness.
Health and Well Being (20 credits)
You will critically evaluate the role of sport and exercise in supporting health and wellbeing. By exploring the needs of different populations and considering the social, behavioural and environmental factors influencing health and participation, you will apply evidence to evaluate approaches that support improvements in wellbeing.
Sport Business and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
You will gain an understanding of business and entrepreneurial opportunities in sport. You will explore how ideas can be developed in response to client and industry needs, considering aspects relevant to sport and exercise business. You will apply these principles to evaluate opportunities and communicate a proposal.
Applied Physiology in Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
You will apply physiological knowledge to sport and exercise contexts. You will explore how the body responds and adapts to different demands, considering individual variation and factors affecting performance. You will evaluate physiological evidence and measurement approaches, using your understanding to inform practice.
The assessments within the programme have been designed to emulate the requirements of employment in the sports industry and to assess students' competence in the coaching the skills needed for practical delivery and planning. The assessment process has been an essential element of the programme design, which aims for students to demonstrate industry required competence in practical sessions, yet the academic dexterity to formulate, research and problem solve in a written or verbal manner.
Successful completion of the course will provide you with an Active IQ Gym Instructing Level 2 qualification and a STATS Performance Analysis Level 1 qualification which are extra benefits of studying this programme.
Additionally, you will develop a range of academic and employability skills as well as the subject-specific knowledge and skills required to succeed in the sports sector. You will develop your leadership, communication and analytical skills as you learn how to deliver safe gym-based activities and use STATS software to analyse sporting performance.
You will also sharpen your academic skills such as presenting, referencing, academic writing and research, becoming a resilient individual with a breadth of skills that are desired by employers.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)
A levels: 2x D grades, one of which needs to be in a relevant subject.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects.
Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject.
T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.
GCSE English: 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: will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course.
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 is required.
Progression from this course may include further study at Master’s level or employment in the sports performance and exercise sector.
Job opportunities may include:
For the latest version of the University Centre Leeds regulations please click here.
There is an additional cost of £200 to cover the required student kit.
Applications are open for 2026 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please 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)
For 2026 Entry: Scholarship available £4,000 (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.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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Open DaysWant to find out more about the wide range of courses, student support and more available for students at University Centre Leeds?
Check out the 2027 University Centre Leeds Prospectus now.
