Develop the skills you’ll need to lead individuals and communities towards healthier lifestyles through physical activity and sport.
Explore the scientific, sociological, managerial and political concepts that underpin physical activity, sport and health.Undertake and participate in innovative research and engage with critical evaluation.Apply your knowledge, skills and understanding to real-world settings.Reflect on your personal development of professional practice.Have the opportunity to work abroad – with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.  You’ll enhance your understanding of exercise physiology, psychology, nutrition and research methods through theoretical study and practical exercise. You’ll learn to communicate information and ideas clearly in different formats, preparing you for a successful career in the field.The foundation year is suitable for applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for an honours degree or who wish to have further preparation before starting a degree course. You will undertake study in relevant areas of science or social science to provide you with a grounding knowledge and prepare you for progression onto your chosen degree pathway.

There’s a mandatory six-week (minimum) placement in an appropriate setting, which is a significant component of the course. Here you’ll have the opportunity to apply theory to real-world practice, further enhancing your employability and professional skills. You'll also have chances to undertake additional placements, internships and volunteer roles. 

There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities – with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.  

Previous students have worked as 

• physical activity referral specialists 
• community health assistants 
• gym instructors 
• cardiac rehabilitation assistants 
• project assistants at the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

In your foundation year, you will study 4 modules that have been specially designed to prepare you for the degree pathway in your chosen area. The assessments for the course have also been designed with flexibility in mind and allow you to complete assessments on topics that you are interested in and relate closely to your chosen degree pathway.

You're taught by a team of skilled lecturers who offer industry and academic experience. Staff have published work on the psychology of motivation in exercise and health, physical activity participation in older adults, exercise and appetite, the effects of exercise on metabolism in diabetes, as well as perceptions and participation in physical activity during pregnancy. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct your own enquiries into a range of themes around physical activity.

You learn through

• lectures
• seminars and workshops
• laboratory practical classes
• sport and fitness practical classes
• online learning activities
• off-site visits (physical activity organisations, schools)
• work placements
• research projects

This course prepares you for career opportunities in

• health promotion 
• exercise science
• physical activity development
• wellbeing consultancy
• exercise referrals
• personal training and fitness instruction
• research in physical activity and health
• teaching and lecturing
• health training
• GP referrals
• business enterprises in physical activity, sport and health

UCAS points

• 64

This must include at least 24 (Grade D) from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:

• DDE at A Level.
• MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Science at grade C or 4 or equivalent

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.