This popular course scored 100% for academic support and for student voice in the National Student Survey 2024. It offers state-of-the-art sport and exercise science equipment, a British Association of Sport and Exercise Science accredited lab and work-based learning options.
Three A-levels at grades BBC or above
Or BTEC triple grades DMM or above
Or Access 30-42 with 18D
Or T level M
And GCSE English Language at grade 4 or grade C or above
Non-traditional learners are encouraged to apply and we will consider their work experience and ability to work at this level
We will accept 2 AS levels in lieu of one A level but must be accompanied by 2 A Levels or BTECs (General Studies is excluded).
UCAS points 112
UCAS code 5A8R
UCAS institution code P63
Duration Three years full-time or six years part-time with the option to specialise in strength and conditioning, physical activity and health or nutrition.
In addition, preference will be given to applicants with the following:
Contact Tara Godber, our Applicant Support Coordinator, if you have any questions. Email applicantsupport@marjon.ac.uk and Tara will get back to you.
Our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). To go on to become an accredited sport scientist you need a BASES endorsed sports science degree. In addition this course can be taken as a part-time route, and this option is popular with Public Services and Military personnel.
This inspiring, varied sports science degree enables students to explore the impact of sport and exercise science on optimising athletes’ performance in competitive sport and exercise. It addresses the importance of sport and exercise scientists in the preparation of athletes for the competitive environment. It looks specifically at how they can have a significant impact on maximising performance outcomes, highlighting just how rewarding a sports science career can be.
Studying the core disciplines of sport and exercise physiology, psychology, biomechanics and technique analysis, the course prepares sport and exercise graduates to work effectively in this challenging and demanding industry.
As students' progress through the course they can focus on the core disciplines or opt to specialise in strength and conditioning, physical activity and health or nutrition.
State of the art BASES accredited lab
Practical hands on experience working with athletes and patients in our health clinics
Real life experience and placements with a range of organisations including professional sports teams and public services
Gain Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications (at no extra cost)
Field trips to observe sport and exercise science in practice inclusive of a world class performance setting
Option to study in the USA
“ In our first year we learnt the basics that underpin the whole of sport and exercise science. We learnt about how a sportsperson’s mentality can affect performance. We also spent time in the sports science lab performing practical tests on athletes to assess performance. In the second year we’re learning about strength and conditioning and how bodies move during sport. We’ll build on our anatomical knowledge by learning about how bodies can be used efficiently. In the third year we will focus on how to apply our skills to work with professional and amateur athletes.”
Please note: optional modules are marked with an *
鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed the opportunities that make you 鈥榳ork ready鈥 when you graduate. I worked with Plymouth Raiders planning and running sessions aimed at improving their overall strength. I was thrown in at the deep-end, leading these sessions from the get-go, but it allowed me to get stuck in and come up with my own session ideas, which has been hugely rewarding. I鈥檝e learnt so much since I started working with Raiders, and a lot of it I wouldn鈥檛 have learned without getting hands-on experience.鈥
"The lecturers are supportive and will help at any opportunity and they have a genuine love of what they teach, which they impart to you. I鈥檝e developed through working in the labs, gaining a Personal Trainer qualification and expanding my coaching experience. I feel ready to go into any sport and exercise field once I graduate and I鈥檓 assured and confident in the skills I鈥檝e gained here.鈥
鈥淚 like the wide variety of modules and the opportunities to work with both athletes and clinical patients. I鈥檝e gained in confidence from working with a variety of people and applying what I鈥檝e learnt. I鈥檝e also been able to get a large amount of practical experience in the lab.鈥
Will your running style improve if you run with no shoes?
What does it feel like to perform at altitude? Find out in our climatic chamber.
Does an athlete need to be big to be strong?
Can I play a role in helping to reduce the number of people who get diabetes?
Are athletes born or made?
When should athletes retire and can you delay the ageing process of muscles with exercise?
鈥淪tudying at Marjonhelped me develop the skills I need to succeed in the workplace. You need to be able to apply your knowledge across all sports, understanding the differences and similarities. The opportunities and teaching at Marjonencourage you to do this regularly, increasing confidence in the transferability of you skills. This means, despite starting a job in a completely different field, Marjongave me confidence to know I can apply the knowledge and skills I learnt while studying.鈥
James is an Associate at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).
鈥淥n a daily basis I use my degree knowledge to explain the fitness levels firefighters require. Marjondeveloped my time management skills immensely, which I was able to transfer into working life. Working my own timetable, I can effectively train, test and network within the service. The number of people I met created a large network, which has continued to help me throughout my work, accessing useful contacts and knowledge which further my personal development and my working relationships.鈥
Bow is Fitness Advisor for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.
鈥淚 work with students, researchers and elite athletes on a daily basis covering exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology. With a keen interest for sport and exercise, studying at Marjonprovided the foundations required to kick-start my career. With a range of modules available, I gained knowledge in relevant disciplines and tailored my career towards exercise physiology. Simultaneously, I gained practical qualifications such as the FA Level 1, allowing me to coach 鈥榮occer鈥 in America.鈥
Luke is Assistant Laboratory Manager and a PhD student in Exercise Physiology at the University of Exeter.
Many graduates go on to work in the sport and fitness sector for employers such as Exeter Chiefs, Plymouth Argyle, the Royal Marines, the NHS and Virgin Active. Others go on to work in schools, in roles ranging from sports coach to sport and exercise scientist at a specialist sport academy. Graduates have also pursued postgraduate studies in health and exercise science, nutrition and education.
This course is endorsed by BASES, professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK. BASES regard it to provide the sufficient opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills essential to become a practicing sport and exercise scientist or to progress to postgraduate study.
CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK鈥檚 sport and physical activity sector, committed to supporting, developing and enabling professionals and organisations to succeed and, as a result, inspire our nation to become more active.
Includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory experience with access to high-specification physiology and biomechanics laboratories. Work based learning placements will also be undertaken.
Mainly based on the production of lab reports, practical assessments, essays, presentation, e-portfolio and website development.
Ben, currently undertaking a PhD specializing in vertical jump force-time analysis; monitoring and enhancing performance. He is also a Sport Science Officer lecturing in applied biomechanics and strength & conditioning.
Fees UK students: 拢9,535 per annum
Fees for International students: 拢14,600 per annum
This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.
A DBS check is required.
Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.
Learn moreBen, currently undertaking a PhD specializing in vertical jump force-time analysis; monitoring and enhancing performance. He is also a Sport Science Officer lecturing in applied biomechanics and strength & conditioning.
Melissa has research interests that include increasing self-awareness and positive growth and mental health, developing confidence and emotional control, reducing anxiety, and facilitating communication.
Sophie, who plays pool for England, teaches sport and exercise psychology principles and how these can be applied to improve sport performance and wellbeing.
Ben has more than twenty years of experience working in various health and fitness roles. In this time he has worked with more than a thousand participants and helped train hundreds of fitness professionals.
Joe has 20 years experience within the area of health and exercise physiology and researches health care interventions, physiology and metabolism. He previously worked as an Occupational Physiologist and Researcher for the UK Ministry of Defence and the Netherlands National Research Office.
Chris is Manager of the Sport and Health Science Laboratory.
Chris has been involved in community football for over 20 years. He oversees the sport science support programme for Plymouth Argyle FC Youth Academy and the operational management for their Centre of Excellence. He helps students to gain volunteering and placement opportunities. He is a Coach Mentor for the FA and as part of the degree programme; students can apply to become part of the FA Young Coach Development Team to develop their theoretical understanding and coaching practice. His other interests include performance analysis, physiological testing and the development of football within the wider community.
Studying the following modules will allow you to graduate with a specialism in:
Find out more:
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