A practice‑led BSc in sport and exercise science that prepares graduates for careers with athletes or the wider public, featuring CASES accreditation and an optional placement year.
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science offered by Birmingham City University equips students with the expertise required to thrive as practitioners in the rapidly expanding sport and exercise sector. Whether your ambition is to boost elite athletes’ performance or to promote healthier lifestyles across diverse communities, the programme blends theory, research and hands-on experience.
Course structure and learning pathways
Across three (or four, if you add a sandwich year) academic years, students complete a series of core modules totalling 320 credits, alongside optional modules that allow specialization in biomechanics, physiology, psychology or nutrition. The first year introduces foundational concepts and an academic-skills module (Level 4) to smooth the transition into higher-education study.
In the second year, students deepen their knowledge through discipline-specific units, while the final year focuses on advanced topics and a research dissertation. An optional professional placement year follows the second year, giving students a chance to work for a sports club, health organisation or research institute, either in the UK or abroad.
Accreditation, industry links and placement opportunities
The degree is fully accredited by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) ensuring that curriculum content aligns with current professional standards. Throughout the programme, guest lecturers from leading organisations share real-world insights, and the university’s extensive employer network supports placement searches. Students who secure a placement may transfer to the “with professional placement year” variant, paying a reduced tuition fee equivalent to 20 % of the full-time rate for that year.
Facilities, resources and student support
Learning takes place across the Edgbaston campus and the newly-renovated Alexander Stadium, where £5 million has been invested in state-of-the-art physiology labs, an environmental chamber and cutting-edge digital technologies. Each student receives a sport-t-shirt, shorts and a half-zip top, plus access to Microsoft Office 365, SPSS and Nvivo software. The university also provides a £5 print credit per year, free field-trip travel costs, and optional memberships to professional bodies such as the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science.
Admissions, fees and clearing
For the September 2026 intake, the minimum entry requirement in the clearing process is 64 UCAS tariff points (or equivalent). Standard offers normally require 112 points, while the Accelerate route considers 80 points. Tuition fees for UK full-time students are £18 570 for the 2026/27 academic year; part-time fees are calculated at £1 632 per 20 credits. International fees follow the same structure but are set at the prevailing overseas rate. A dedicated clearing hotline (0121 331 6777) operates Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-4 pm and Sun 10 am-2 pm, with an additional opening from 7.30 am on Thursday 13 August.
Why choose this degree?
According to the 2026 National Student Survey, 92 % of students rated teaching as good or very good. The programme’s blend of scientific rigor, practical placement options and CASES endorsement equips graduates for roles in elite sport, public health, research and consultancy. Alumni often return to their placement organisations after graduation, demonstrating the lasting impact of the university’s industry connections.
