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Sport and Exercise Science BSc Honours

With access to our brand-new facilities at StoneX Stadium, we'll help prepare you for a fulfilling career in sports performance, working with everyone from Olympic athletes to enthusiastic gymgoers
Code
C615
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Steve Williams

Develop your understanding of biomechanical and physiological theories, as well as your psychological skills.

Why choose Sport and Exercise Science BSc Honours at Middlesex?

The London Sport Institute is top in London for Sport Exercise Science and Rehabilitation – Guardian League Tables 2023.

This means we'll help you thrive in a variety of professional sports coaching roles. this course is taught by active sports professionals involved in coaching, sports rehabilitation and performance.

The course is based in our modern facilities at StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens Rugby Club. You’ll have access to the brand new £23 million redevelopment project of the West Stand, offering state-of-the-art facilities as a top educational and high-performance centre for teaching and research excellence. With some of the most advanced equipment in the UK, you will be able to utilise the new specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs, plus much more.

What you will gain

You’ll develop the skills needed to support athletes to perform at their peak while reducing the risk of injury. You’ll integrate professional practice into your studies as you complete 50 hours of placements every year. This is a crucial opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge by working with athletes.

You will graduate, armed with the knowledge and understanding of the research methods and processes relating to exercise and health. You will be proficient in the techniques and procedures used to analyse and interpret human movement and to assess and interpret physical fitness and well-being. You will have an understanding of sports psychology and how to work effectively with sportspeople.

A sports and exercise degree sets you up for a fulfilling career or you can study further and specialise at the postgraduate level. Previous graduates have gone on to work as lifestyle coaches, sports managers, sports development officers and more.

What you will learn

This degree offers a broad scope of study, giving you the opportunity to create your own course as you study all aspects of sports science. Studying a combination of sports and exercise sciences will give you a wide range of knowledge and understanding regarding scientific methods used in sports science.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • High satisfaction for support and teaching staff
    97% of students were positive about the level of support from teaching staff – National Student Survey 2023
  • Build career-enhancing connections
    We work closely with prestigious sports organisations like Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and Saracens Rugby Club, enabling you to build professional contacts while you study
  • Access state-of-the-art facilities
    You'll have access to our state-of-the-art facilities at the Hendon campus and StoneX Stadium, in partnership with Saracens rugby club - with specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs and much more

Study at our world-class facilities: The London Sports Institute


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At the centre of this course lies the scientific approach to supporting athletes to perform at their peak while reducing the risk of injury. You'll develop an in-depth understanding of physiological, psychological and biomechanical theories, and how they can be used to assist performance enhancement, health and fitness. A large part of your studies will be practice-based at our West Stand facility and you will take part in 150 hours of clinical practice throughout your degree (50 hours per year).

Year 1

This aims to teach you fundamental sport and exercise science knowledge. You'll achieve this through gaining a range of specialised practical and laboratory skills, underpinning the ability to plan, develop and implement solutions to a variety of sporting problems.

Year 2

This year aims to build on core theories and examine your ability to apply knowledge in a variety of practical tasks. An emphasis on research skills will support critical thinking and formulate an individual research project.

Year 3

You'll work collaboratively with peers, industry professionals and athletes to apply advanced sport and exercise science principles. To be effective you'll have to critically review literature independently, applying best practices to holistically improve sporting performance. The opportunity to gain industry-specific work placements during this year will develop skills needed in the professional domain.

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Fundamentals of Research Methods in Sport & Exercise Science (15 credits)

      This module will provide a broad understanding and the fundamental knowledge of the key academic skills required for you to successfully complete your undergraduate degree. You will know the underlying core and theoretical frameworks for research methods and academic writing by demonstrating your understanding of data collection and analysis, literature, sourcing literature, the components of research and by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

    • Fundamentals of Physical Education and Sports Coaching (15 credits)

      This module provides a broad understanding of learning theories and coaching styles in a variety of sporting situations. Students will know the underlying theoretical concepts of how to plan, deliver, evaluate and modify coaching sessions, whilst understanding the national curriculum and the differences between the pedagogy at various key stages. Students will work effectively on complex coaching sessions both individually and as a group to enhance their interpersonal and communications skills.

    • Movement Analysis (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide students with a broad knowledge of anatomy to develop an understanding of the principals of movement. Students will explore the function of the skeletal system and identify the joints range of movement and type structuring the human skeleton. This will provide a platform to understanding how bones interact with muscles in order to produce primary movement at joints. Students can then utilise the knowledge gained and apply this to advancing their coaching skills across a wide range of sports.

    • Fundamentals of Training Principles in Sport and Exercise (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to introduce the underlying theoretical frameworks of health and fitness, to provide students with the confidence and practical skills to deliver effective training sessions. Students will develop their coaching knowledge through a variety of topics, ranging from the benefits and risks of physical activity, the development and maintenance of health, fitness, and understand how to optimise and monitor sports performance. The theoretical sessions will support students to undertake complex and routine practical performance tasks, orientated around developing effective coaching skills, both on an individual and group basis.

    • Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      To introduce and apply key scientific concepts and principles across the three main sports science disciplines of physiology, psychology and biomechanics. Students will gain a broad understanding of human movement, physiological mechanisms that underpin these movements and core psychological concepts that affect health and sporting performance. Students will learn how to work effectively in a team by carrying out practical investigations in all three sport and exercise disciplines.

    • Made in Middlesex Expansion Module (Cognitive Me) (15 credits)

      This module is aimed at transforming the personal and professional outcomes of undergraduate students at Middlesex University. By working in partnership within and beyond sporting disciplines, learners will be challenged to transfer skills and harness free-thinking knowledge from a range of inter-related sectors. Utilising multi-department collaboration, students will harness expansive information from experts within Support and Wellbeing, Employability, Learning Enhancement and the Students Union through a practice-oriented educational environment. Through applying broader educational principles, students will have new opportunities to develop innovative skills that inspire a life-long aptitude for individually and co-operatively solving problems within inclusive socio-economic development, the sustainability of communities and the underlying concepts of equity, health and wellbeing.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Made in Middlesex Expansion Module (Associative Me) (15 Credits)

      This module builds on the personal and professional outcomes of undergraduate students that were secured at level 4. By continuing to work beyond sporting disciplines, learners will be challenged to provide opinions and back this up with reasoning and evidence throughout a range of inter-related sectors. Utilising multi-department collaboration, students will appraise, assess and critique the information from subject experts within Support and Wellbeing, Employability, Learning Enhancement and the Students Union.

      Through comparing broader educational principles, students will further develop innovative skills that inspire a life-long aptitude for individually and co-operatively solving problems within inclusive socio-economic development, the sustainability of communities and the underlying concepts of equity, health and wellbeing.

    • Applied Sport Psychology (30 credits)

      This module teaches you how applied techniques and practices can be utilised to positively impact the psychological constructs associated with sport, for example, how mental imagery can be used to enhance an individual’s confidence.

      Students will be taught theory related to mental skills training and psychological maladaptation in sport.

      This will enable you to understand how an athlete’s performance and wellbeing can be supported through the use of psychological skills and the construction of performance environments.

      Upon completing this module, you will be able to plan and deliver a mental skills training sessions and understand how to identify antecedents and symptoms of psychological maladaptation.

    • Applied Performance Analysis (15 credits)

      This module will provide students with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis concepts and practical skills to prepare them for work in an applied performance analysis environment.

      Learning to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis can be utilised in sport.

      They will learn the roles and responsibilities of the performance analyst, developing and adapting interpersonal and communication skills to a range of sporting scenarios and audiences.

    • Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition (15 credits)

      To provide detailed knowledge of key concepts and theories of sport and exercise nutrition that can influence sporting performance. Students will explore the physiological and biochemical basis of sport & exercise nutrition and develop their understanding of applied strategies to enable an adaptation in sporting performance.

    • Applied Physiology and Biomechanics (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to provide detailed knowledge of key biomechanical and physiological theories and concepts that can affect sport and exercise.

      You will explore the mechanical basis of human movement and develop your understanding of the chronic physiological adaptations that occur during sport and exercise.

      You will interact effectively within a team through physiological and biomechanical laboratory and field based measurements to interpret and analyse your findings through a scientific report.

    • Research Methods (15 Credits)

      This module will provide the students with the skills to analyse a range of academic information, comparing alternative methods and techniques. This will involve them collecting and synthesising this information to inform a subject specific research question. The student will have knowledge of well-established research methods and concepts evidenced by the awareness of inconsistencies, gaps, and limitations within literature.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Dissertation (30 credits)

      This module aims to synthesise existing learning from the students' undergraduate programme, providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth.

      It fosters academic curiosity; requiring students to use an inquiry-based approach, for the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of higher level of theorising.

      Students will select a topic relevant to their degree on which they wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. Students will judge the reliability, validity and significance of the evidence to support conclusions and/or recommendations.

    • Advanced Sport Psychology (15 credits)

      This module aims to give the students advanced knowledge of applied sport psychology theories and techniques that can be utilised to positively impact clients.

      Students will develop an understanding of a variety of psychological frameworks and approaches that can shape the direction of needs analysis and intervention protocols.

      Upon completing the module students will know how to structure needs analysis and be able to develop theoretically framed intervention strategies that are underpinned by research.

    • Advanced Biomechanics (15 credits)

      This module provides students with a systematic understanding of human movement.

      Students will apply an understanding of specialist concepts to assess and critically analyse the causes of human movement, synthesise their ideas and be able to produce a theoretical model for a chosen sport.

      Working effectively within a team, students will identify, select, and apply a variety of biomechanical tests for critical analysis that affect sporting performance.

    • Advanced Physiology (15 credits)

      This module aims to explore unfamiliar populations and investigate physiological strategies and techniques to undertake critical analysis, evaluation and outcomes in sport performance, health and monitoring.

      Students will demonstrate their in-depth knowledge of advanced physiology through successfully identifying and executing appropriate methods, analysis, evaluation and dissemination of information.

    • Advanced Sport and Exercise Work Based Practice (15 credits)

      This module develops the student’s ability to apply the in-depth knowledge and skills gained from prior learning in relation to a professional practice environment.

      Students will be required to reflect and evaluate their working practice and be able to adopt a problem-solving approach to practice and a working environment.

      There is a compulsory placement module where students will be encouraged to seek short term (minimum of 50 hours) of work experience in a suitable Sport and Exercise Science, environment determined by your programme; this should be supervised by a suitably qualified practitioner. Suitability of the placement and supervisor is dictated by the programme leader.

      The availability of placements is subject to the co-operating organisation, and we are working closely with our partners to make as many as possible available even during the pandemic. We also have provisions in place to help you acquire the employment skills you need

    • Advanced Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      This module develops advanced sport science concepts in an interdisciplinary method. Students will examine and analyse their role in optimising sports performance and/or health in a field setting.

      You must demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of how the theoretical principles of coaching, biomechanics, physiology, psychology and strength and conditioning can be integrated and applied to working with a client in the field.

      This module will enable you to experience and apply appropriate interdisciplinary knowledge, tools and procedures in working with both elite athletes and general populations.

To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the Sport and Exercise Science BSc (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Assessment and feedback

Facilities

Our sport and exercise science facilities are based nearby to our Hendon campus in StoneX Stadium, offering unique access to elite athletes and coaches.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

An athlete running in front of motion capture cameras

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

  1. UK entry
  2. International
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free e-books and e-journals for key course texts
  • Free access to everything on your reading list
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

How can the BSc in Sport and Exercise Science support your career?

The range of careers open to Sports and Exercise Science graduates is vast. You could find yourself working in a range of exciting settings.

  • Health and fitness club management
  • Fitness consultancy
  • Weight management
  • Health promotion
  • Personal fitness training
  • Corporate health advice
  • Sports or physical activity development
  • National Governing Bodies
  • Medical sales
  • High-performance sports
  • The armed forces.

Graduate job roles

Previous graduates have also found success as lifestyle coaches, sports managers, sports coaches, physical trainers, sports science technicians and sports development officers.

Further study?

This degree is also the ideal basis for specialising at the postgraduate level.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money 2023 and a top 10 university for producing CEOs (Novuana, 2023).

MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

Work placement

Placements and work experience will give you excellent opportunities to gain hands-on and real-life experience. You will complete 150 hours of clinical practice throughout your degree (50 hours per year). You will receive help and support in identifying a suitable placement as well as with applications if required. The placement opportunities could take place in sports clubs, university sports clubs, or local sports development projects.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Our specialist employability service will help you find placement opportunities.

  • Christopher Varnavas

    Sport and Exercise Science (Sport Performance) BSc student

    This course has allowed me to gain up-to-date scientific knowledge whilst also teaching me how to apply this knowledge to the real world. I have really enjoyed learning about both the theory and practical elements involved in sport and exercise science. As a regular football and gym enthusiast I am able to apply what I have learned on the course into my own training regime which has been very beneficial.

    The sport facilities are amazing, especially at the newly built human movement lab where various testing occurs. These are exciting times for anyone involved in sport at Middlesex.

  • Jacob Waldron

    Sport and Exercise Science BSc student

    I have enjoyed the practical elements to the course, undertaking and learning how to administer laboratory fitness tests such as running economy tests and VO2 Max tests. It's also great having the opportunity to choose your own pathway in the 3rd year to focus your attention on specific areas you wish to specialise in.

    I am passionate about continuing my professional development in the sports industry, working my way up a national governing body (NGB) of sport and ultimately working in a key role within an organisation such as Sport England. I am currently employed by England Athletics, the NGB for athletics on a part-time basis, as a 'Run England Activator' for south west London; actively engaging the community into recreational running in line with the national project to get the whole nation running.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching) BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: C60F

Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: CQ00

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