Northumbria's sport and exercise science course blends theory, labs and industry experience for a versatile career.
The Sport and Exercise Science undergraduate programme at Northumbria University is built around a blend of scientific theory, hands-on laboratory work and extensive industry exposure. Students progress from fundamental concepts in a supportive foundation year to a research-driven final year, emerging as confident, evidence-based practitioners ready for the sporting and health sectors.
Entry routes and tuition fees
Applicants who meet the standard entry benchmark of 72 UCAS tariff points can enrol directly, while those with 56 points may qualify under contextual admissions. The course also welcomes learners who need an extra preparatory step; a foundation year provides a gateway for candidates lacking the usual qualifications.
Required GCSEs include at least a grade 4 (C) in Mathematics, Statistics or Physics and English Language. International students must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5, or an approved equivalent.
Tuition for the 2027/28 academic year is set at £10,050, aligned with the UK government fee cap, and may rise in subsequent years in line with inflationary measures such as the RPIX.
Four-year curriculum and learning format
The degree unfolds over four distinct phases. Year one establishes core knowledge of human movement, physiology, biomechanics and psychology, preparing students to translate theory into practice. Year two deepens multidisciplinary skills, focusing on performance assessment, health evaluation and optional specialist modules such as strength & conditioning or sport nutrition. Before the final stage, students may elect a full-year work placement or a study-abroad experience, gaining valuable professional insight and a broader cultural perspective. Final year culminates in an independent research project and collaborative team work, challenging students to solve authentic performance and health problems.
Key modules and assessment style
Across the programme, students encounter a mix of lectures, seminars, practical labs and work-based learning. Core modules in the foundation year include personal and academic development, sport innovation and an introduction to sport, exercise and performance. In the upper years, modules such as Energetics of Exercise, Biomechanics of Human Movement and Research Methods in Sport and Exercise equip learners with analytical and laboratory competence. Assessment blends written assignments, laboratory reports, presentations and the final dissertation, mirroring the expectations of professional sport science roles.
Facilities, accreditation and career pathways
Students train in purpose-built facilities on Northumbria’s Newcastle City Campus, including BASES-accredited physiology, biomechanics and nutrition laboratories, an indoor sprint track and an environmental chamber. A dedicated Technical Support Team ensures safe and effective use of equipment. The programme holds the CASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (CUES) and aligns with professional bodies such as HCPC, UKSCA and NSCA, laying a clear route toward future accreditation. Graduates find roles as exercise physiologists, performance analysts, strength-and-conditioning coaches, sport development officers or PE teachers, while many also pursue further study in physiotherapy or advanced sport-science research.
