Take a hands-on route into careers in elite sport, rehabilitation or community health with a CASES-endorsed sport and exercise science degree
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Staffordshire blends laboratory study with field practice to prepare graduates for work in elite sport, clinical settings and community programmes. Students learn core disciplines such as exercise physiology, biomechanics and sport psychology while developing applied skills in strength development, movement analysis and performance monitoring.
Practical learning takes place across dedicated facilities and through supervised client-facing activities, so students gain the kind of experience employers expect. The programme also carries professional recognition, which supports progression into specialist roles and postgraduate study.
From the outset the course emphasises employability: students complete a meaningful placement to practise assessment, coaching and rehabilitation techniques in real-world contexts.
The degree offers two award routes: the broad-based Sport and Exercise Science and the specialist Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning). Both routes lead to a BSc (Hons) award and incorporate applied assessments, independent research and opportunities to support live projects led by academic staff.
Technology-enhanced learning and industry-standard software are embedded across teaching, ensuring graduates are digitally competent as well as technically proficient.
Course structure and pathways
The curriculum is organised across three academic levels with progressive depth in both theory and application. In year one you will establish foundational knowledge in physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and sport psychology, along with introductory training principles and coaching. Year two advances these topics and introduces applied monitoring, screening and periodisation for those on the specialist route. In year three students complete independent research and study contemporary issues in performance, rehabilitation and wellbeing. The modular format uses 20 and 40 credit units, and final degree classification is based on level 5 and 6 marks. The full-time programme has a September start point.
Traditional sport and exercise science pathway
The traditional route provides a broad delivery of the core sport science disciplines and supports students aiming for careers in sport psychology, research or multidisciplinary sport science roles. It includes modules that prepare learners for postgraduate study such as an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology and subsequent routes to professional accreditation like the Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR). Emphasis is placed on research methods, performance analysis and applied psychology for competitive contexts, equipping students with transferable skills for teaching, laboratory roles and clinical exercise settings.
Strength and conditioning specialist pathway
The specialist pathway focuses on optimisation of human performance through tailored training and rehabilitation strategies. Modules cover advanced strength and conditioning, endurance programming, screening and athlete monitoring, and work to the competency frameworks of the UKSCA and the IUSCA. Students learn to design evidence-based programmes, implement periodisation models and adapt interventions for special populations. The pathway is also endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES), reflecting alignment with national professional standards for applied practice and professional development.
Practical learning, placements and facilities
Hands-on experience is a central feature of the programme and is supported by specialist facilities including a Strength and Conditioning Laboratory, Gait Analysis Laboratory, Body Composition Lab, Exercise Physiology and Bodily Fluids Laboratory, plus access to the Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre. Students can work in the university Peak Condition Service under accredited supervision, delivering testing and training to athletes and members of the public. Practical assessment opportunities are delivered in both lab and field environments using motion capture, force platforms, body composition analysis and performance testing equipment.
Placement partners and international experience
The course supports student placements with a range of partners from professional clubs to healthcare providers. Recent on-site opportunities have included work with Stoke City FC and Port Vale FC academies and women s teams, Birmingham City FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC and Huddersfield Giants RLFC, together with clinical placements in cardiac rehabilitation. Competitive international placements have seen students at Georgetown University in Washington DC, University of California in Los Angeles, University of North Carolina, Nippon Sport Science University in Japan and ILEPS in Paris. Volunteering with the Sports Academy also enables delivery of community workshops and school-based activity.
Assessment, support and career outcomes
Assessment blends practical demonstrations, coursework, exams and a dissertation project, with feedback provided on coursework within 20 working days. Teaching combines lectures, seminars and supervised practicals delivered by academics and industry practitioners, supported by digital platforms such as Office 365 and Blackboard. Students receive academic skills support, including study techniques, academic writing and referencing, and the Student Inclusion Service offers tailored support for additional needs. Entry offers are made after individual assessment and standard requirements include UCAS tariff points, equivalent qualifications and recognised diplomas, with advice available for applicants who need extra guidance.
Graduates move into roles across elite sport, coaching, rehabilitation, clinical exercise physiology, research and private practice. Many continue to postgraduate study or gain professional posts such as sport scientist, strength and conditioning coach, lab technician, cardiac physiologist or HCPC registered practitioner following further accreditation. Tuition fee details for the course starting on 21 September 2026 are published on the university website, and prospective students are encouraged to explore scholarship and funding options, including sport-specific awards through the High Performance Academy.
