Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences with Foundation year BSc (Hons)

100% of students on this course say that teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2025).

Benefit from subsidised industry-relevant professional qualifications in strength and conditioning and in supporting people with long-term health conditions.

Learn the latest evidence-based practice with research informed teaching.

Overview
Course Content
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

A supportive, career-focused degree that develops the next generation of health, exercise and sport professionals.

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year provides students with an alternative route into the undergraduate degree programme if the entry requirements for the BSc cannot be met. The Foundation Year will develop academically confident “level 4 ready” students through the provision of a supportive learning environment at Foundation Level that nurtures the development of the theoretical knowledge, and academic and practical skills necessary to successfully study the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree.

This 4-year course will develop both a detailed understanding of the subject areas that underpin sport and exercise performance and relevant employability skills and competencies through the embedding of a cohesive blend of professional and academic skills and the provision of career support. There are also opportunities for volunteering and engaging in extra-curricular activities at university.

Several of the modules in the foundation year are shared with other courses enabling you to learn about other subjects. If at the end of semester 1 you wish to change your specialism you can do so.

Sport and Exercise Science uses human movement facilities enhance physiology and athletic performance

BSc Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at LSBU

Is this course right for me?

If you’re passionate about understanding how the human body moves, performs, and recovers, and how this knowledge can improve lives, then this course is for you. If you’re ready to apply your curiosity and drive to real-world challenges in sport, exercise, and health, then this course is for you. If you want to be part of a community that supports, challenges, and inspires each other, helping to make the world of sport and health more inclusive and impactful, then this course is for you.

Above all though, if you’re hungry to create your own version of success then LSBU is right for you. Because the making of you doesn’t begin and end with just your degree, everything that’s brought you here today is part of your story; your experiences, the life you’ve lived, the skills you’ve gained and the goals you’re chasing.

Not only do we see this, but we value that in you. We’re not in the business of forcing you into moulds, instead we’re here to help you break them. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of hard work, fulfilment and self-discovery, then Sport Rehabilitation at LSBU is definitely right for you.

Does this sound like the right fit for you? Then read on to discover our course content.

Course Content

What will I learn?

At foundation level the course will develop the scientific disciplines which underpinning the study of sport and exercise science (biology; chemistry and physics) and the role of sport and exercise science in the development of athlete populations and the promotion of health and wellbeing. The different sub-disciplines of sport and exercise science, their role in supporting athlete development and health and well being will be introduced in the foundation year.

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and human movement, alongside core skills in coaching, exercise testing, and client consultation. You’ll explore how the body functions, responds to exercise, and recovers from stress and injury, while developing practical techniques in musculoskeletal assessment, sports massage, and goal-driven programme design. Modules in nutrition and sport psychology introduce the role of diet, behaviour, and coaching in supporting health, performance, and well-being, preparing you to apply theory confidently in real-world settings.

Year two focuses on applying your knowledge to real-world sport and rehabilitation contexts. You’ll deepen your understanding of biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and neuro-musculoskeletal rehabilitation, while developing practical skills through structured placements in our sports clinics and performance facilities. You’ll also advance your research and analytical skills, exploring physical activity, health, and psychology, and begin planning your independent research project. This year bridges the gap between theory and professional practice, equipping you with the experience, critical thinking, and professional competencies needed to work safely and effectively in sport and rehabilitation settings.

In your final year, you’ll refine your skills as a confident, work-ready practitioner. You’ll complete an independent research project and study advanced modules in strength and conditioning, applied sport psychology, and exercise prescription for special populations. Environmental exercise physiology develops your understanding of how external factors influence performance and recovery. Alongside practical placements, you’ll consolidate your clinical, coaching, and assessment skills, preparing you to support athletes and clients safely and effectively, and to enter the sport, exercise, and rehabilitation profession as a highly skilled specialist.

This module provides an introduction to the skills needed for undergraduate academic study, with a particular focus on those of writing, to ensure a successful entry into level 4 of the BSc programmes of the School of Applied Sciences.

This module is designed to provide students with the mathematical knowledge and skills necessary for transition to level 4 study of science subjects. The module is designed for a mixed cohort of students with some prior learning experience and students with below A-level mathematical background.

This module is designed to introduce the fundamental principles of biology at a foundational level. It serves as a preparatory module for students who plan to undertake a science-based degree programme. Areas of study will include the organisation of living things, control and coordination of biological processes and genetics.

This module builds on the concepts and skills introduced in semester 1, at a level between GCSE and Advanced level. It builds knowledge of basic chemistry elements and continues building on the mathematical understanding developed in semester 1. It serves as a preparatory module for students intending to undertake science-based undergraduate degree courses in the university.

This module will deliver foundation knowledge in nutrition, covering the basics of the science of nutrition, supporting students to progress to study baking, bioscience, biomedical, forensic science, sports science or psychology. The module will provide both scientific information and skills required to interpret nutritional guidelines into practical recommendations.

This module serves as a preparatory module for students intending to go on to study Sport and Exercise Science at undergraduate level. It will horizontally align itself with other S-level modules by introducing the subject area with respect to the basic and interdisciplinary sciences; and therefore, develop students’ knowledge of the role of biology, chemistry, physics and psychology in sports performance.

This module builds foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and energy systems to support effective exercise programming. It introduces students to the professional responsibilities of a Gym Instructor, aligned with CIMSPA standards, and equips them with practical skills in client consultation, pre-exercise screening, and health-related fitness assessment. Students will also learn to interpret assessment data and design tailored, goal-driven exercise programmes with confidence and competence.

This module introduces the scientific foundations of human movement, including musculoskeletal anatomy, anatomical terminology, and core principles of kinesiology and biomechanics. It also develops students’ practical skills in anatomical palpation for clinical application.

This module introduces students to the integrated functions of the human body. It develops foundational knowledge in cellular, tissue, and organ system physiology, introduces key concepts in exercise physiology, and equips students with analytical skills for interpreting laboratory data in health and exercise contexts.

This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of human nutrition as a multidisciplinary perspective relating to human health and wellbeing, with an introduction to the role of nutrition in sport and exercise. Key concepts of nutritional requirements, food chemistry, macro and micronutrient functions will be explored, and dietary recommendations for the maintenance of health and well-being examined. The role of nutrition in the context of physical activity will be introduced.

This module explores sport psychology and coaching through an ecological dynamics perspective whilst introducing the application of psychological concepts in exercise and performance. Students develop knowledge of factors that are important for the development and optimisation of sports performance, whilst also learning to design and deliver coaching sessions that promote positive, inclusive, and challenging environments. Emphasis is placed on practical coaching experience, critical analysis, and reflective practice, enabling students to integrate theory and evidence into real-world coaching.

This module will introduce students to the mechanical principles that underpin sports performance and common movement patterns. Students will then apply this knowledge to a real-world context (eg, sports injury) throughout the semester. There will be a series of problem-based learning tasks, each focussing on applying an experimental technique/equipment to the context in question. At the end of this module, students will have enhanced their foundational knowledge of kinesiology and biomechanics and further developed their analytical and digital literacy skills.

This module will develop students’ knowledge of training theory and advance their understanding of training programme design. It will focus on how to optimise physiological responses and adaptations to exercise training, including the use of nutritional ergogenic strategies. The module will also give coaching and technical knowledge in weightlifting and other training methodologies.

This placement module provides an opportunity for students to gain essential practice-based experience within the in-house sports clinics (for students on the Sport Rehabilitation pathway) and the Human Performance Centre (for students on the Sport, Exercise and Health pathway).
It will advance students’ theoretical understanding and practical skills to safely and autonomously deliver therapy and/or fitness and health assessments, and introduce evidenced based therapeutic techniques used in the treatment of acute and chronic neuromusculoskeletal injuries. In addition, students will be upskilled in employability techniques and develop their professional competencies required within the sport, exercise and health sector.

This module provides a foundational introduction to statistics and research methods, equipping students with essential digital literacy skills using tools like Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Students will gain practical experience in organizing, analyzing, visualizing, and interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data. The curriculum also explores the full research process—from study design to writing experimental reports—while fostering critical engagement with academic literature and promoting awareness of ethical considerations and workplace risk assessment. By the end of the module, students will have chosen a research project title which they will work on in their self-managed time with their allocated supervisor during semester 2 and into Level 6.

This module explores the role of physical activity in promoting health and wellbeing throughout life. It advances students’ understanding of human physiology and examines the scientific and public health foundations of current activity guidelines, the risks of inactivity, and methods for assessing physical activity and behaviour change. Students will also investigate how social, environmental, and policy factors influence participation and health literacy, using evidence to inform effective practice.

This module advances students’ understanding of sport and exercise psychology by exploring psychological factors influencing performance and overall well-being. It emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and applied practice, with a strong focus on the biopsychosocial model of health. Students will engage in practical learning through three structured experiments that illustrate key psychological principles in sport and exercise contexts. Alongside these practicals, students will critically evaluate psychological strategies for enhancing performance. The module prepares students for professional roles in sport, and exercise science.

This module requires students to plan, carry out, report and defend an extended piece of research in a chosen topic within sport, exercise and health sciences. Students’ knowledge and understanding of the entire research process and their particular chosen topic will be further developed from Research Methods in Level 5 with timetabled classes, self-managed time in laboratories, field or clinic environments, and through scheduled meetings with their supervisor. A pre-requisite for experimental work is successful approval of an ethics application.

This module deepens students’ understanding of the scientific foundations of strength and conditioning, while fostering the ability to critically evaluate and design evidence-based programmes and recovery strategies. It emphasizes athlete assessment and monitoring, alongside the development of technical and instructional skills. Students also cultivate reflective interpersonal and professional competencies essential for working effectively with individual athletes and teams.

This module provides the opportunity for students to further their knowledge of the biopsychosocial model of health. It develops skills in assessment and clinical decision-making to address psychological contributors to health, while equipping students with strategies to improve participation, enjoyment, and recovery. Key areas include the psychological role in injury rehabilitation, return-to-play, and long-term wellness, as well as managing pain behaviours and performance issues through evidence-based psychological approaches.

This module explores the role of exercise in supporting special populations, framed by current policy, evidence, and professional standards. Students will develop their knowledge of health and behaviour change and further understand the physiological, psychological, and social factors influencing participation. They will go on to explore epidemiology and health research and learn how common pathologies and chronic illnesses impact on the body and how they can be managed with the suitable prescription of exercise. This module is mapped to the professional standard of ‘working with people with long-term conditions’ allowing students to be a specialized exercise practitioner upon completion of their studies.

This module focuses on building a scientific understanding of how environmental conditions and travel impact human physiology, particularly in athletic and performance contexts. Students will critically assess ergogenic aids and technologies aimed at enhancing recovery and performance under such challenges. Through hands-on experience, they will refine practical skills in physiological testing and gain confidence in interpreting data to deliver clear, evidence-based recommendations.

* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

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Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

The course delivery includes blended learning which allows you to experience the same high-quality teaching, but with flexible modes of delivery of online and on campus.

Study hours

All modules carry 200 notational hours (20 credits) of study apart from Research Project which carries 400 notional hours(40 credits). Face-to-face (synchronous) contact time for a given module is typically 39 hours; therefore, students are expected to dedicate in excess of 150 hours of self-directed learning.

Support

We will support you throughout your studies. The University provides all students access to the virtual learning environment, Moodle, so materials and online support are available when you need them.

We provide one-to-one support via our professional tutoring system. Your tutor will help you understand coursework feedback, offer guidance as you plan your career, and advise you on work experience to ensure you get the most out of the course.

Teaching is also supported through seminars, online learning environments and specialist advice sessions for topics such as statistics and research methods. In addition to the facilities provided by the university, our laboratories have dedicated computing and experimental equipment.

Percentage of time spent in different learning activities
	Time spent in lectures and seminars	Self-directed learning
Year 1	29%	71%
Year 2	26%	74%
Year 3	24%	76%

Assessment

The course uses a blend of formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment provides structured feedback to support students in the summative task; therefore, scaffolding the approach to assessment and ensuring appropriate development of critical thinking, academic writing, practical and technical comprehension, and creativity.

Most modules are assessed by coursework only, using a blended approach to assessment (written essays, lab reports, oral presentations, oral defences). At level 4, knowledge and understanding is typically assessed via written reports and multiple choice questionnaires. As students progress through the course, their transferrable skills are scrutinised more with oral presentations becoming a more common form of assessment. Each module has a 20 credit accumulation and transfer apart from Research Project in Level 6, which has 40 credits assigned to it for student study hours.

In order to obtain an award, students must pass modules and gain the required number of credits as stated in the LSBU regulations for taught BSc programmes.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate Applied Sciences student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

In your first semester you will attend a series of weekly personal tutor group sessions to introduce you to elements such as the module structure and the Moodle site, as well as workshops on assessment expectations.

Key topics and skills

Students will develop their intellectual skills such that they are able to:

Evaluate and analyse problems relating to human performance and suggest appropriate solutions in the context of academic study.
Apply subject-specific concepts.
Appraise the effects of intervention on sport and exercise performance.
Critically reflect upon personal and observed practices.

Students will acquire and develop practical skills such that they are able to:

Undertake laboratory and field work competently and safely.
Recognise and respond to ethical, moral, health and safety and other issues.
Execute a piece of independent work using appropriate media to communicate the findings in a way which demonstrates the ability to synthesise information and knowledge.
Design and implement training and/or exercise regimes.
Act upon the outcome of the reflective analysis of a practical or professional skill.

Students will acquire and develop transferrable skills such that they are able to:

Manage and be able to adapt to a study schedule.
Effectively communicate ideas, arguments and concepts via a range of media to a variety of audiences.
Use the full range of sources of information, citing references properly.
Demonstrate appropriate numerical skills.
Be competent in the use of information technology e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, internet).

Careers

What’s in it for me?

This is your future. Your career. Your success. And we’re here for it.

Going to university might just be the biggest investment you ever make, but with us by your side you can turn a degree into a bright future, full of purpose, passion and career you can be proud of (which may be why our graduates earn the highest average salaries across London Modern universities).

With Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at LSBU, you’ll get:

Employability embedded throughout this course. From practical, skills-based modules at every level to a dedicated Level 5 work-based placement, you’ll build the professional expertise that employers value.
The chance to boost your CV with nationally recognised professional qualifications, subsidised by the course, and gain hands-on experience through research internships.
The LearnWell programme lets you apply your skills in real-world environments, working with University sports teams, external clubs, and community organisations. You can also join the Sports Ambassador programme, earning money while contributing to local sport projects.

Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences graduates typically go on to careers in:

Elite sport and performance
Clinical exercise, health, and wellbeing
Research, teaching, coaching, and sport development

This course is designed to prepare you for all three pathways, giving you the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed in your chosen field.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

The course has employability embedded within its curriculum. Additional to the practical skills-based modules in all levels of study, you will take a work-based module in Level 5 to develop your practitioner skills; and then in Level 6 you have the option to choose a Placement module, which has been designed to empower you to pursue a specialist area of knowledge within the Sport and Exercise sector. In addition, you can boost your CV by gaining extra curricular nationally recognised sporting qualifications such as UK Coaching Certificates and Gym and Personal Trainer awards, which are taught by LSBU Active's Academy of Sport at the University.

Three typical career pathways for a Sport and Exercise Science graduate are: I) Elite Sport and Performance; ii) Clinical Exercise, Health and Fitness and iii) Research, Teaching, Coaching and Sport Development.

For most job roles within these pathways (e.g Coach, School Teacher, Higher Education Lecturer, Research Fellow, Physiotherapist, Sports Therapist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer, Sports Scientist) a post-graduate or professional qualification is required. Our Master’s programme in Sport and Exercise Science has been designed with these career pathways in mind and has 40 credit specialist areas of study embedded within the curriculum to allow students to advance their knowledge and professional competencies towards their intended career pathway.

Others have developed their own sports-related businesses, or have taken postgraduate teacher training qualifications.

Every year a professional panel is invited to speak with the students about the career paths they took following their graduation and are invited to make internships and placements available to our students.

Partners

We work with leading partners including:

Active Communities Network
British Cycling
European Space Agency
Lanserhof London
SilverFit
The Altitude Centre

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

The entry requirements below are for 2027 entry. Want to start your course this September? Call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

To be considered for entry to the course applicants would normally need at least 1 A level in a science subject or a minimum of 64 UCAS points from an equivalent L3 qualification as follows:

BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma) but may not have achieved the appropriate grades to immediately join the BSc Programme.
English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent).

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Additional Info

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Full-time	4 years	September	C61F	UCAS

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

How to Apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.

Fees

United Kingdom

£9790

Tuition fees for home students

International

£17400

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

full-time

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Full-time Year 1 - All Available Courses

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (With Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT

The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9790	International fee: £17400
AOS/LSBU code: 5930	Session code: 1FS00

Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £39160

International: £69600

Full-time Year 2 - All Available Courses

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (With Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 2 FT Southwark SEPT

The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9790	International fee: £17400
AOS/LSBU code: 5930	Session code: 2FS00

Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £39160

International: £69600

Full-time Year 3 - All Available Courses

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (With Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 3 FT Southwark SEPT

The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9790	International fee: £17400
AOS/LSBU code: 5930	Session code: 3FS00

Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £39160

International: £69600

Full-time Year 4 - All Available Courses

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (With Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 4 FT Southwark SEPT

The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9790	International fee: £17400
AOS/LSBU code: 5930	Session code: 4FS00

Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £39160

International: £69600

Note: Extra costs may be incurred for coaching awards not typically delivered by LSBU Active's Academy of Sport.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.