BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science University of Lincoln

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Sports scientists combine theoretical knowledge with the practical application of scientific principles and technology to help individuals maximise their sports performance.

This multi-disciplinary degree has been developed in response to the growing prominence of sport and exercise science in athletic performance, and the role that sport and physical activity can play in improving health.

The programme aims to develop student's knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in key areas of physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, in order to understand their impact on sports performance, physical activity, and health. A number of elective modules are aligned to relevant professional standards which means that students are able to apply for industry-recognised standalone certification in Gym Instruction, Personal Training, and/or Exercise Referral at an additional cost.

CIMPSA Endorsed programme

This programme is endorsed by The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for Health Navigators, Gym Instructors, and Personal Trainers. This endorsement demonstrates the University's commitment to ensuring students' teaching and learning is aligned with industry standards.

For a student to register with CIMSPA and arrange certification for professional standards gained during this degree, a small administration charge would be required. Please visit the CIMPSA website above for details.

BASES Endorsed-programme

This programme is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), the UK's professional body for sport and exercise sciences. This BASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (BUES) accreditation recognises degrees which incorporate the knowledge, skills and professional development opportunities that are considered essential for sport and exercise science students to succeed in the industry. BUES accreditation gives future employers added confidence that our students are among some of the best prepared in the UK for the next step in their careers.

How You Study

This degree reflects current research-informed teaching and innovation within the sector.

The first year of the programme is designed to provide the essential foundations of sport and exercise science theory, with students completing four sport science-specific modules across the key disciplines of biomechanics, psychology, physiology and nutrition, and one broader module to develop their research skills.

Whilst these disciplines continue into the second year of study, the context of each module becomes even more applied than the first year as the emphasis shifts towards students converting their knowledge of theory into applied practice. There is also the opportunity to start to individualise the specific mix of modules taken relating to physiology and nutrition depending on each student's preferences and longer-term plans - selecting three options from Applied Health Physiology, Applied Exercise Physiology, Exercise Instruction and Nutrition for Health and Performance.

In the third year, students can tailor the degree to their own preferences and future plans, and choose three from a selection of seven optional modules to study across a range of disciplines and contexts. This is alongside the completion of their final year dissertation which gives students the chance to apply research skills developed in their first two years, to plan and complete a specific research project relating to a topic they are interested in.

We want to ensure our students become the best graduates they can be, and in addition to interactive lectures and seminars, weekly laboratory and/or practical sessions, guest speakers, web-based activities, and staff-student research projects, we encourage students to deliver sports science workshops to school groups and sports clubs, and undertake their own independent research ideas (e.g. dissertation), and offer a wide range of voluntarily applied sports science roles.

Each of our students is also paired up with a member of staff as their personal tutor from the very first week of enrolment, in order to help them settle in, discuss issues or questions they have, and to help guide and develop their academic growth and extracurricular experience towards any post-degree plans they may have.

Modules

First Year

• Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement (Core)
• Foundations in Human Nutrition (Core)
• Fundamentals of Human Physiology (Core)
• Introduction to Psychological Principles. (Core)
• Research Skills (Core)

Second Year

• Advanced Research Skills (Core)
• Applied Movement Analysis (Core)
• Sport and Exercise Psychology (Core)
• Applied Exercise Physiology (Option)†
• Applied Health Physiology (Option)†
• Exercise Instruction (Option)†
• Nutrition for Health and Performance (Option)†
• Study Abroad (Option)†
• Work Placement Year (Option)†

Third Year

• Dissertation (Core)
• Advanced Biomechanical Analysis (Option)†
• Advanced Sport and Exercise Nutrition (Option)†
• Advanced Sports Physiology (Option)†
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (Option)†
• Exercise Prescription for Health (Option)†
• Personal Training (Option)†
• Sport and Exercise Nutrition (Option)†
• Strength and Conditioning (Option)†

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

How You Are Assessed

The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.

Facilities

The University of Lincoln’s Human Performance Centre offers excellent facilities to meet the academic needs of our students. Our experienced staff have academic and professional expertise in a range of areas including sport and exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, sports psychology, coach education, and sports nutrition. Each key discipline has its own dedicated laboratory or practical space, with each housing a wide range of modern equipment and tools associated with applied sports science practice.

Students can access specialist equipment in the Centre, which contains multiple sports laboratories and an ‘endless pool’. High-profile sports organisations have used the facilities, including British Canoeing and British Ice Skating.

Features

Resources include physiology and biochemistry laboratories, a biomechanics laboratory, a motor control laboratory incorporating a golf-specific analysis area, a coach education suite, an interview and consultation suite, and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited staff.

Placements

At the end of their second year, students have the option to apply to complete a ‘study abroad’ or ‘placement’ year in industry (e.g. professional sports club) as part of the degree. Students will be responsible for covering the costs associated with placements, including travel, accommodation, and cost of living.

“I felt I was seen as an individual instead of a number… lecturers make an effort to know all their students as individuals and go above and beyond to help us.”



Lauren Oram, Sport and Exercise Science student

Scholarships

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

• A Level: BBB (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Distinction, Merit or equivalent
• T Level: Merit
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points
• A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.
• Applicants will also need at least Five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non-UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

"My degree has helped me to develop my career. I learned valuable sports-based knowledge and made connections which have enabled me to progress into a management role."



Trevor Mealing, Sport and Exercise Science graduate