Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Sport and Exercise Science
Unlock the science behind peak performance with Sport and Exercise Science.
Taking part in sport can be life-changing and so can a degree in sport and exercise science. Gaining the skills to boost elite athletes’ performance, improve fitness in the general population or support people with ongoing health conditions opens up rewarding career options.
You’ll be joining a school that’s passionate about sport – playing it, understanding its impact and promoting it. Our links with external sports organisations, community groups and clubs, combined with outstanding on-campus facilities, ensure you gain in-depth knowledge alongside practical experience.
Our academic staff are leaders in their fields, producing research that improves the performance of coaches and athletes and looks at how sport and exercise can improve physical and mental health in the general population. They are also approachable and use their top-level experience to help you to choose modules that support your career ambitions.
If you would also like to gain the knowledge and skills to develop and apply sport management strategies, we offer a Sport and Exercise Science with Sport Management degree.
Dr Chris Fullerton and student Robyn Jones talk about how our Sport and Exercise Science degree could be the first step to wherever you want to go.
Sports Science at Kent scored 88% overall in The Complete University Guide 2023.
If you are already competing at county level or equivalent (at least), you can apply for a sports scholarship from the University.
The course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
You'll gain invaluable practical experience and confidence in your ability to work with clients at all levels of fitness.
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers. If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
BBC including grade B in an appropriate subject (eg Biology, Chemistry, Sport, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Mathematics, Applied Science, Human Biology)
Distinction, Merit, Merit in a sports, sports coaching or science related subject.
112 tariff points - typically H5, H5, H6 at HL including Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics, Sports, Exercise and Health Science 5 at HL or 6 at SL and Mathematics 4 at HL or SL.
Mathematics grade C / 4
N/A
Merit overall in Science with a minimum of grade B for the core components (including grade B in the core B examination) and merit overall in the occupational specialism component.
The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates for consideration. A typical offer would be to achieve 45 Credits at Level 3 with 18 credits at Distinction and 24 credits at Merit in Sports Science or Health and Applied Science. Other courses can be considered by the Admissions Officer to ensure they hold the required Level 3 science credits.
The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation:
This module provides students with an introduction to the basic principles of Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Students will explore the macronutrients and micronutrients and Fluid guidelines. A strong physiological understanding underpins much of the module content
Macronutrients: carbohydrate, protein and fat Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals, Fluid regulation, Thermoregulation and fluid guidelines, Competition nutrition.
This is an introductory module where students will study the structure and function of the different physiological systems in the human body. The principles of the maintenance of homeostasis and the physiological adaptation of the body systems to exercise will also be covered.
This module provides students with an introduction to sport and exercise psychology. This includes the learning and performance process, as well as approaches and responses to various sport and exercise situations. Indicative content includes:
• Sport and Exercise Psychology in Action
• Motor Learning and Performance
• Feedback
• Attention and Concentration
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Motivation
• Self-Confidence and Self-Efficacy
• Arousal, Stress and Anxiety
• Group and Team Dynamics
The module aims to provide students with a detailed working knowledge of the anatomy of the human musculoskeletal system and relevant supporting structures; and 2) a basic understanding of mechanical principles and their applications to sports performance and human movement in general. We will work by specifying a question about an aspect of sports performance, and then examining the mechanical principles that allow us to answer this question.
The module aims to provide students with knowledge of the foundations in research methods in sport sciences. Students will explore different data collection methods in sport sciences and how that information is presented and communicated appropriately. Research and academic study skills will be developed throughout the module.
One-on-one meetings and small group tutorials focused on academic progression and the development of key skills to support the core curriculum and future study or employment. Students meet with their Academic Advisor individually or in small groups at intervals during the academic year. Individual meetings review academic progress, support career planning etc. Themed tutorials develop transferable skills; indicative topics are essay and report writing, presentation skills, sourcing information, critical analysis etc. The tutorials are informal involving student activity and discussion. Year group events deliver general information e.g. on University resources, 4-year programmes, module selection etc.
It’s fantastic because I get to apply everything I’ve learnt and gain valuable practical experience.Rebecca Dennis, Sport and Exercise Science BSc
Module information to be confirmed.
The module explores the body’s physiological response to exercise. The module deals with the assessment and interpretation of aerobic and anaerobic fitness and performance, blood lactate and ventilatory thresholds, as well as cardiovascular control during exercise. It aims to provide a critical review of the key physiological factors that determine and thus limit exercise performance in humans. The following topics will be covered in this module are: - Energy metabolism during exercise - Oxygen uptake during exercise and recovery - Control of ventilation during exercise and rest - The role of lactate during exercise including the lactate and ventilatory thresholds - Motor unit recruitment - Physiology of strength and anaerobic power
The module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of human responses and adaptations to sport and exercise. Using a psychological approach, students acquire knowledge and understanding of sport and exercise performance and exercise adherence to promote health. Lectures and seminars provide forums for discussion and understanding of cognitions, affect and behaviour and the complex interactions between these. A key module aim is to provide an understanding of the application of theory to real ‘applied’ situations within sport and exercise settings.
This module is concerned with angular mechanics and the biomechanics of complex movements. Laboratory experimentation will provide the opportunity for students to develop practical skills in the use of a range of analysis equipment such as a force plate and computer-based motion analysis. A range of sport and exercise situations will be used to illustrate the mechanical principles considered. These could include kinematic analysis of walking; the kinetics of weight lifting; the computation of resultant joint moments and gait analysis.
This module introduces students to the analysis techniques required for their dissertation module, as well as how to develop a research idea into a formal study proposal.
The topic areas covered in this module build upon the knowledge gained in SS348 Introduction to Fitness Testing & SS570 Fitness Training Methods, which covers the fundamental aspects of exercise testing and prescription. Special populations are those groups of individuals that may need some adaptation or modification to an exercise prescription or programme, to take into consideration a limitation, whether that be physiological, biological or psychosocial. The emphasis is on promoting health, fitness and safety in exercise, as well as some consideration being given to performance environments.
The module content may include, but is not limited to; the evolution and role of sports performance analysis as a sub-discipline within the sport and exercise sciences, limitations of human memory, scientific principles governing sports performance analysis research, technical, tactical and/or physical analysis of individual and/or team sports, reliability of sports performance analysis data, and, statistical considerations in sports performance analysis. In addition, module content may include, but is not limited to; the development of performance analysis systems for the assessment of individual and/or team performance, performance analysis technologies, and, core practical competencies pertaining to the collection, analysis, interrogation and visualisation of sports performance data.
Students take the one compulsory module and then must select a total of 45 credits from a list of optional modules that will be provided by the School.
The module takes the form of an individual research study. There are taught lectures covering the management of a research project. The research projects are then conducted with the supervision of a tutor who will advise the student on issues such as methodology, analysis and presentation. It is the student’s responsibility to organise, conduct, analyse and present the research as required. The research project may comprise an experimental laboratory based dissertation, or a systematic review of the literature.
Module information to be confirmed.
This module aims to provide students with more advanced knowledge and understanding of human responses and adaptations to sport and exercise environments. Using a psychological approach, students are offered the forum for discussion and understanding of cognitions, affect and behaviour and the complex interactions between these in the various scenarios that present within a sport or exercise setting. A key module aim is to provide an understanding of the psychological approaches within real ‘applied’ situations within sport and exercise settings.
This module aims to increase the student’s knowledge and understanding of the physiology governing sports performance. Contemporary training methods will be discussed. It also further develops the skills necessary to analyse and critically assess performance. Practical sessions will also be conducted to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
In this module students will study and investigate the latest cutting edge research in sports nutrition. This will provide the opportunity to critically analyse contemporary evidence, research and practical nutritional practices in sports nutrition. Students will study nutritional ergogenic aids and nutritional strategies suggested to improve performance. Students will conduct practical sessions in order to test some of the theories and strategies studied.
Individuals from a variety of populations take part in sport and exercise. This module takes an in-depth look at 'athletic populations' and factors that impact on performance. Students will critically analyse and discuss what types of exercise are optimal for different athletes and consider the risks and benefits associated with sport and exercise activities. Students will focus on some key issues related to sports performance, e.g. managing athlete with respiratory issues? What strategies could be used to minimise musculoskeletal injury in child athletes? Should pregnant females play sport? The module utilises the expertise of staff within SSES, guest speakers and student contributions. Students will be encouraged to think about how they might work with athletes on an individual basis.
This module covers: Exercise prescription for the asymptomatic older adult; Physical activity & cardiovascular diseases; Physical activity & metabolic diseases; Physical activity & neurological impairment; Physical activity & orthopaedic diseases; Physical activity & pulmonary diseases; Exercise in cardiac rehabilitation; and Exercise psychology.
The module provides a structured opportunity to combine appropriate developmental work experience with academic study. The placement will provide the opportunity for students to develop appropriate vocational and applied academic knowledge. In order for the student to take this module they must secure a placement. The placement should be appropriate to the student's degree, experience and potential career aspirations. All placements will be subject to the module convenor's authorisation.
The module content may include, but is not limited to; Sports performance analysis as a scientific sub-discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, scientific principles governing sports performance analysis research and practice, the role(s) of an analyst, technical, tactical and/or physical analysis of individual and/or team sports, positional demands, performance profiling, ecological dynamics, feedback, the analyst-coach interface, integrity and reliability of sports performance data, development of sport-specific analysis systems, sports performance analysis technologies, video-based observational analysis, analysis, interrogation and visualisation of performance insights, communication skills, guest lectures from industry experts.
Teaching involves practical laboratory and sports-based sessions, lectures, small group seminars and private study. You will have a number of lectures and practical sessions and a series of seminars each week – depending on the optional modules you select. You may also be required to spend time developing your practical skills and experience in placement or event situations.
Methods of assessment vary depending on the module but predominantly involve coursework, observed assessment, practical tests and, where appropriate, clinical assessments. Some modules are assessed via written exams.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
For programme aims and learning outcomes please see the programme specification.
As a Sport and Exercise Science graduate, you'll leave Kent with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience. In addition, you also develop the key transferable skills sought by employers, such as:
This means that our graduates are well equipped for careers across a range of fields. They have gone on to work in sports science support for elite athletes, professional sports teams, teaching and in the NHS for physical activity, exercise referral or health promotion.
I've most enjoyed having the room to grow as a person and learn my way.
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
All students who are part of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences will receive a complimentary hoodie once they have started the course.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of A*AA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Many of our sports scholars go on to earn incredible achievements in their chosen sport. Here they tell us their favourite thing about the University of Kent.
Next steps
If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS and you do not intend to use UCAS in the future.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
Student life
Kent was ranked top 50 in the The Complete University Guide 2023 and The Times Good University Guide 2023.
Kent Sport
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
Accommodation