To lead, inspire and shape the future of sport.
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.
In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.
This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.
Sport and Exercise Science is becoming one of the most popular subjects for undergraduates and provides excellent career opportunities. Advances in the sports industry and the growth of competition have made a scientific approach to sport fundamental to monitoring and improving performance.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This programme allows you to use a scientific approach to analyse performance in sport and exercise and to develop academic and professional skills which you can use to find employment in this expanding field. Science subjects studied include physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Students should be available to attend lectures, seminars and practical classes as timetabled, during weekdays. The programme duration is three years or four years including optional placement year.
Teaching and learning occur in larger and small groups in which the emphasis is placed on a welcoming environment that promotes student responsibility, empowerment and confidence. The emphasis on a welcoming environment can be seen in the interaction that occurs between students, and between staff and students, in large group/lecture environments such as interactive discussions promoting dialogue, the use of various media and online technologies and the use of real-life problem-based tasks/scenarios to promote interdependent learning. We also promote the experience of interdependent learning in small group environments through peer teaching and coaching, oral and poster presentations. The assessment methods employed within the course are directly underpinned by the course team's awareness of the kinds of knowledge and skills which graduates need in the vocational and professional practice of sport.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
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The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
The purpose of this module is introduce the students a range of the disciplinary and practical areas of study and to extend their thinking about sport and fitness both practically and theorectically adn with a specific focus on developing understanding of gender issues/bias in sport
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will assist first-year students to prepare for success in their university studies and success in the planning of their future careers.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to the best practice principles of teaching, instructing, coaching in relevant contexts. It will involve the examination of basic theory into basic coaching/teaching practice and the optional acquisition of formal sports/fitness coaching qualifications at UKCC level 1 or equivalent.
Year: 1
Status: C
Through a series of lectures and tutor-led seminar sessions, students will understand the theoretical and practical importance of sport and exercise psychology to enhancing performance.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module provides students with a foundation of anatomy and physiology that is relevant to higher level study within physiology and other related interdisciplinary subjects within sport and exercise science. In addition, the module seeks to establish basic measurement, evaluation and writing skills that are pertinent to discipline.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides key introductory knowledge and practical experiences in the basic biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise motion and equips the student to apply theoretical knowledge to the basic understanding of performance.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with a grounding in the theoretical constructs underlying contemporary issues in the domain of sport and exercise psychology. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate competing theoretical accounts of psychological phenomenon. They also gain an understanding of the measurement of different concepts and constructs. ?
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to introduce both the practical and conceptual understanding of research methodologies within sport, exercise and leisure research.
Year: 2
Status: C
Through a series of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will understand the theoretical and practical considerations associated with analysing a human movement and/or a sporting skill. Completion of this module will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and tools to analyse and evaluate a movement skill.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module considers the acute and chronic adaptations of exercise on the physiological systems. The effects of the environment and nutrition on sport and exercise performance will also be discussed. Practical experience of the use of contemporary sport and exercise physiological techniques is also provided. The knowledge and skills obtained from this module will be pertinent for related sport, exercise, and health modules available in final year.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides students with theoretical knowledge of the sports industry as well as case study examples and guest lectures to allow the students to appreciate the management of sports development work in practice.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides students with the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities to physically prepare athletes to meet the demands of competitive sport. A special emphasis is placed on the development of the student's practical proficiency.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Through a series of lectures and tutor-led practical sessions, students will be able to critically reflect on the theoretical and practical importance of motor learning and performance. Students will also develop experience delivering a movement skills programme to their peers.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Through a series of lectures, workshops, tutor-led and participant led practical sessions students will develop a clear understanding of the essential components of the coaching process while developing competence in planning, implementing and evaluating effective coaching sessions.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module introduces the student to the factors and policies which impact the design and delivery of physical education in schools at home and aborad and theories that underpin effective learning and teaching in key stages 1 and 2 and 3. Students are given the opportunity to discuss and apply theory to practice in practical teaching scenarios in seminars, workshops and micro teaches/practicals.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will provide students with a basic understanding of the concepts underlying notational analysis systems .It will also provide practical skills to help them provide analysis that can be applied to a practical coaching and service provider environment to enhance the coaching process.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module develops some of the main concepts relating to resources management in the Sport and Leisure setting introduced in Year 1, as part of the Sports Policy and Planning module. In the sport and leisure industry, the manager must be have an appreciation of the different resources, human, financial and facilities/plant, at her/his disposal and how best to manage them in order to maximise their expense. A review of the theories and concepts present in resource management will enable the student to gain an underpinning knowledge of this subject area and thus equip she/he to make informed decisions within the workplace. This module provides students with a strong grounding in the area of Sports resource and facilities management, enabling students to progress with knowledge and confidence to undertake an Industrial Placement or alternatively advance directly to a final year module entitled Sports Strategic Management.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
Structured work experience helps students to appreciate the discipline and demands of the workplace and consolidate knowledge and skills acquired during the first two years of the course. The work placement also provides the opportunity for the development of personal attributes to enhance a student's employability.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
In this module, students may undertake a study programme in a university abroad to develop their academic, professional, cultural awareness, global mobility, personal capabilities and future employability.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides knowledge, practical opportunities and desirable research skills through an independent piece of research in the sport and exercise sciences.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores the background, principles and practices of the strategic management process, which sports and leisure organisations employ to ensure competitive advantage over their competitors. The module is designed to ensure the students gain the underpinning knowledge and competencies to become potential managers in the fastest growing global industry of the 21st Century.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will provide an overview to an exciting new area of exercise science, and will provide the student with an opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body during conditions of exercise stress.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will use a mix of formal lectures and practical workshops to introduce advanced biomechanical principles and methods commonly utilised in sports biomechanics. This module draws upon the student's previous knowledge and skills to ensure an holistic approach to collecting accurate data with the view to thoroughly assess human movement patterns.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is primarily concerned with investigating the evolution of sports development and examining the many different strands of the profession. The module will also highlight the role of government and key agencies in the formulation of policy and strategies that impact upon the sports development domain and seek to develop key vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will involve students in the critical appraisal of recent research, educational policy and education initiatives and their impact on the subject area of physical education and school sport and its effective delivery in the school context.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of theory, research and practice in the field of applied sport psychology. Students will develop an understanding of the sport psychology consultancy process and ethical principles and guidelines relevant to working in the field. This module takes students beyond understanding what is done in 'Applied Sport Psychology' to understanding how sport psychology service is delivered.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Society is faced with an inexorable rise in chronic disease development, often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and physical inactivity. This module equips students with a critical understanding of the role of exercise in the prevention of such diseases, by exploring the underlying physiological mechanisms, and the importance of health promotion in target populations.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module considers the relationship between nutrition and exercise performance. The module provides the student with the opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body and how appropriate nutritional practices can be effective for exercise performance and overall health and wellbeing.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will provide students with an in-depth knowledge and the practical skills required to evaluate the impact of performance analysis theories, principles and concepts on sporting performance and how these can be applied to a coaching, teaching and service provider environment.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will explore the link between research- and science-based concepts of athlete monitoring with practical strategies to use with athletes and clients.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
AAB including
A-Level Essential:
One Grade A from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Sports Studies, Sport Science & Leisure Industry, Life & Health Sciences, Applied Science, Double Award Life & Health Sciences (Grades AB) or Double Award Applied Science (Grades AB).
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2012 Suite)
Award profile of D*DD in Sport or Science
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2016 Suite)
Award profile of DDD in Sport or Science
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of D*D in Sport or Science plus A Level Grade A
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DD in Sport or Science plus A Level Grade B
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of D* in Sport or Science plus A Level Grades AB (where only the BTEC/OCR can cover the subject requirement)
OR
Award profile of D in a non Sport/Science subject plus A Level Grades AA (where one of the A Levels must meet the A level subject requirement as shown in the A Level section above)
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate(2016 Suite)
Award profile of D in Sport or Science plus A Level Grades AB (where only the BTEC/OCR can cover the subject requirement)
OR
Award profile of D in a non Sport/Science subject plus A Level Grades AA (where one of the A Levels must meet the A level subject requirement as shown in the A Level section above)
136 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject requirements:
This course also requires you to achieve H2 in two of the following subjects: Physical Education, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Physics & Chemistry
If Mathematics is not passed at H2 you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level in addition to two of the subjects above.
Grades ABBBC to include a grade A from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, PE, Physics, Sport Studies, Double Award Applied Science or Sport Science and Leisure Industry.
Grades ABC to include a grade A from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, PE, Physics, Sport Studies, Double Award Applied Science or Sport Science and Leisure Industry.
Overall average of 73% to include 73% in each level three module. To include two level three modules from the following: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Psychology or Sport Studies. To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma. (120 credit NI Access course)
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Mathematics and one Science subject.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Please note however that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND in Sport or Science (as accepted by the University) with overall Distinction to include 90 distinctions in level 5 credits
Pass HNC in Sport or Science (as accepted by the University) with overall Distinction to include distinctions in ALL level 4 credits
Successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching & Fitness (previously known as the Foundation Degree in Sport, Exercise & Fitness) with an overall mark of 65% in level 5 modules allows advanced entry to Year 2 to be considered.
Applicants should note that, as they will be engaged in 'regulated activity' involving children or vulnerable adults as part of their course, there is a compulsory, legal requirement to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from AccessNI. The cost for this is payable by the applicant. More information on Enhanced Disclosures may be accessed by http://www.accessni.gov.uk
In addition to the AccessNI check, all candidates are required to undergo a health screening check.
Foundation Degree in Sport, Exercise and Fitness (Sports Science pathway); pass at commendation level (65% in level 5 modules) allows advanced entry application to year 2 to be considered. This collaborative provision is only offered at the following colleges: Northern Regional College (NRC), South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and North West Regional College (NWRC).
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Career Destination Statistics indicate a significant number of sports graduates go on to study the PGCE in Physical Education, while a further 5 – 10% pursue other postgraduate qualifications both at Ulster University and at other institutions in the UK and abroad. A growing number of graduates gain employment in the leisure industry, with a significant proportion of each cohort embarking on careers in areas unrelated to sport. The extensive placement programme allows the course team to remain in touch with the needs of employers. Students completing this programme would be equipped to undertake postgraduate study on a growing number of taught MSc's in the sport and exercise sciences. Opportunities for MPhil/DPhil level studies may be available for those who demonstrate the requisite abilities.
The School of Sport continues to work towards developing its industrial placement programme due to the recognised value of offering students such an experience. Increasing numbers of students on this undergraduate programme have chosen to spend a placement year between their second and final year, leading to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) or a Diploma in Academic Studies (DIAS). Currently around 75% of students undertake such placements. However, we have chosen to keep placement optional as we take cognisance of the fact that many of our students gain employability skills and work experience in their paid or voluntary part- time work, or in the case of our mature students, prior to entering their course.
Recognised by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for the purposes of endorsement by the BASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (BUES).
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
Dame Mary Peters prize for the highest aggregate mark in final year.
Additional Costs - Sports Kit, Access NI, Performance analysis Software.
As part of entry to your course, you will be required to purchase 2 items from a selection of branded Ulster School of Sport sports wear and have access to a suitable laptop/desktop PC.
AccessNI check will cost approx £33-45.
For those who choose performance analysis, the software typically costs around £60-80 per annum.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
School of Sport Graduate Profiles & Testimonials:
Stephanie Ingram: Performance Nutritionist Ulster Rugby
Brendan Connor: National Strength & Conditioning Coach Cricket Ireland
Carol Duffy: Teacher of Physical Education
Lisa Costley: Strength & Conditioning Sports Institute Northern Ireland
Ryan Dennison: Assistant Performance Analyst Ulster Rugby
Chris Hagan: Senior GPS & Analyst Ulster Rugby
Blaine McKenna: Football Coach & Coach Educator China Football Club
Ciara Campbell: Senior Associate PwC
Helen Kerr: Business Development WOMEN’STEC
Peter Weir: Teacher of Physical Education
Ruth Neill: PhD Researcher
