Come along to one of our autumn Open Days in October and November. Hear from staff and students about our courses, find out about our accommodation and see our stunning campuses for yourself.
This unique degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to boost the performance of elite athletes and to work with members of the public including children, older people and those adapting to illness and injuries, to improve their quality of life.
Our expert lecturers are active researchers and have practical experience of working in areas such as sports management and policy, sport marketing and leadership, nutrition, sport psychology and sport science, and their research underpins our teaching, ensuring you learn about the latest thinking in the field.
Dr Geoffrey Kohe talks about our Sport Management pathways and how they could be the first step to wherever you want to go.
Sports Science at Kent scored 85% overall in The Complete University Guide 2024.
If you are already competing at county level or equivalent (at least), you can apply for a sports scholarship from the University.
The School of Sport and Exercise Science has close working relationships with Science in Sport, Team Sky, the NHS and the Ministry of Defence.
You'll gain invaluable real-world experience in our laboratories and clinics.
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.
CDD including either a Science subject (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Sport, Psychology, Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics, Geography or Sociology, at grade D, OR CCC including at least two subjects from the following areas: humanities, computing, art and design, English language or literature.
MMP in Applied Science, Biomedical Science, Medical Science, Sport or Sports Coaching. All other subjects are considered on a case by case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances.
24 points overall or 11 points from three HL subjects including HL Science subject, Sport, Psychology, Maths, Economics or Geography at 4 or SL Science subject, Sport, Psychology, Maths, Economics or Geography at 5
Maths and English Language at grade 4/C
N/A
Pass overall in Science with C or more in the core components.
The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates for consideration. A typical offer may require you to obtain a proportion of Level 3 credits in relevant subjects at merit grade or above.
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.
Compulsory modules
SPOR3380 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology (30 credits)
SPOR3440 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (15 credits)
SPOR3450 Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics (30 credits)
SPOR3500 Introduction to Sport Industries (15 credits)
SPOR3550 Research in Sport & Exercise Sciences (30 credits)
Compulsory modules
SPOR5300 Sport and Exercise Leadership (15 credits)
SPOR5550 Principles of Sport Marketing (30 credits)
SPOR5670 Sport and Exercise Promotion (30 credits)
SPOR5920 Research Methods, Design & Planning (30 credits)
Optional modules
Students must select a total of 15 credits from a list of optional modules that will be provided.
Compulsory modules
SPOR5230 Exercise Prescription, Referral and Rehabilitation (30 credits)
SPOR5660 Research Study in Sport Science (45 credits)
Students must select ONE of the following modules:
SPOR5780 Event Management (30 credits)
SPOR5790 Industry Placement (30 credits)
Optional modules
Students must select a total of 15 credits from a list of optional modules that will be provided.
This module will introduce students to the fundamental components of life. Students will be introduced to the function of key cellular components and their organisation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Through the study of cellular processes, students will develop an appreciation and understanding of the key biological processes underpinning living organisms.
This module will cover chemical concepts and principles. Through lectures and workshops, student will learn about atoms and states of matter, valence and bonding, basic chemical reactions, molecular shapes and isomerism, writing chemical equations and thermodynamics. The application of these principles in chemistry, forensic science, biological and exercise science will be explored in workshops, illustrating their fundamental importance in the natural sciences.
This module will provide a fundamental academic framework the support students in the study of Natural Sciences. The curriculum will address the study of science in a higher education environment and support students in the transition to university. Within the context of the Natural Science subjects, students will undertake laboratory investigations, developing skills and confidence in experimental work. Student will also learn how to find and evaluate information relevant to scientific investigation and use key software packages and databases to do so. The module will provide training in the use of mathematics to develop skills and confidence in numeracy, mathematical and statistical evaluation and graphical presentation of quantitative information.
This module draws together different strands of biological, chemical, physiological and human sciences to explore how scientific investigations can address major global challenges. Practical experimental work involving equipment used in research investigations, creative and critical thinking workshops, and guided group work will explore the role of the natural sciences in addressing some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The module will provide insight into the degree pathways available after completion of the foundation year.
This module will build upon fundamental biological principles and processes and place them in the context of key human physiological systems. The function of human tissues will be explained and discussed. The module will explore key principles of genetic inheritance and the drivers of genetic variation. These key areas will provide the foundations for exploring homeostasis in humans, the maintenance of health and the onset of disease.
This module will introduce students to the scientific applications of fundamental sport and exercise sciences topics. This will include anatomy and physiology, as applied to sport, exercise and physical activity; the musculoskeletal system; biomechanics of human movements; psychology in sport and exercise; and how physical fitness, or components of fitness, are assessed in an objective and scientific way.
This module will cover chemical concepts and principles. Through lectures and workshops, student will learn about how chemical reactions occur and the fundamentals and uses of common transformations. This will be accompanied by an introduction to the methods by which these can be studied. The application of these concepts and techniques in chemistry, forensic science, biological and exercise science will be explored in workshops, illustrating their fundamental importance in the natural sciences.
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.
Sport in the United Kingdom.
Participation in sport
Sport sectors and structures (voluntary, professional and public)
Rational for sport provision and sport policies
From grassroots to gold – the pathways for athletes, coaches and officials.
Core activities of a sports organisation
Multisport Games (Olympic, Commonwealth)
Challenges that face sport
Establishing competitive advantage.
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.
Module information to be confirmed.
The course has taught me so many things, so there are quite a few career areas I could go into.Carys Morgan
Module information to be confirmed.
Leadership in the context of sport and exercise is becoming increasingly recognised as providing the 'spark' that drives successful sport organisations. In this module, students will become more aware of styles of leadership and types of communication used in the sporting context. This module is important for establishing the necessary academic and specific sport management skills that students will need to complete a successful third year at University.
Indicative content:
The structure of the sports industryThe structure of a situational analysis, including the micro and macro environment.Market segmentation and targeting.The 7 P's Marketing Mix.Primary and secondary research within a business context.Construction of a market research plan.Cultural, social, personal and psychological factors relating to consumer behaviour.Evaluate a range of marketing campaigns.
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.
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.
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.
The programme aims to:
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
You gain the intellectual skills to:
You gain subject-specific skills in the following areas:
You gain transferable skills in:
Our focus is to help you follow your passion and give you the best possible start to your future. You’ll graduate with extensive knowledge and skills to help you pursue a successful career as a qualified practitioner.
You’ll have an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive experience, as well as a toolbox of transferable skills highly sought after by employers. These include communication and problem-solving skills; analytical thinking; effective time management; and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Our graduates are well equipped for careers across a range of fields. Typical graduate destinations include:
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
