Key information
Our three-year accelerated BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme is a great option for those who have studied A Levels and looking to fast-track their undergraduate degree.
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 3 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
This three-year accelerated BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree combines theory and applied learning to create an engaging and comprehensive program. Designed for those who have completed A-Levels, the course ensures industry relevance through our strong links and cross-disciplinary learning, offering hands-on experience ensuring our teaching is relevant in the real world, and you’ll experience what it is like to be a sport and exercise scientist working in practice.
You’ll gain knowledge in all the three core areas of sport and exercise science including biomechanics, psychology and psychology. You’ll learn to apply this knowledge and gain experience across a variety of professional settings including strength and conditioning, nutrition, data analysis and research, and understanding the impact of exercise and sport on our daily lives.
By studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Accelerated), you’ll explore evidence-based strategies for improving sport and physical performance, as well as promoting health and preventing lifestyle-related diseases and the impact this has on a variety of different populations. In addition to practical skills, you’ll develop an ability to plan, conduct, critically analyse, interpret, and communicate results of applied work in field and laboratory settings.
As well as developing expertise in sport and exercise science, our three-year programme builds sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication skills, and practical technology skills. You’ll also understand the role of sport and exercise scientists in professional fields including performance sport, exercise prescription, adherence, research, and public health.
This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, applied skills, and personal qualities required to succeed in a wide range of sport and exercise science careers and other employment sectors.
Your student experience
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research, and industry-active Sport and Exercise Science academic staff from the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES) which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS); with this supported by the experienced practitioners from the Oriam Performance Team, bringing in expertise from working with leading athletes from across Scotland.
Our staff are leading experts in the physiological effects of doping, sports engineering, swimming biomechanics, clinical exercise physiology, exercise and ageing, nutrition and ergogenic aids for sport and health, and strength and conditioning.
EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and practitioners are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses and advise on student research projects.
Go Global
There are currently no Go Global opportunities for this particular programme. However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for more information.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Students on the accelerated three-year degree will enter directly into Year 2 and not undertake Year 1 courses.
Mandatory September
- Introductory Biology 1
- Shaping Tomorrow Together A
- Principles of Sport and Exercise Science
- Introduction to Psychology 1
Mandatory January
- Shaping Tomorrow Together B
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Psychology 2
- Introductory Biology 2
Year 2
Mandatory September
- Human Physiology
- Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Fundamental Data Analytics for Sport and Exercise Science
- Metabolism in Human Nutrition
Mandatory January
- Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Physiology
- Developing as a Professional in Sport and Exercise Science
- Foundation Techniques in Strength & Conditioning
- Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
Year 3
Mandatory September
- Strength and Conditioning for Sport and Exercise
- Biomechanics of sport and exercise performance
- Applied Exercise Physiology
- Data Analytics in Sport and Exercise Performance
Mandatory January
- Professional Practice in Sport and Exercise Science
- Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance
Year 4
Mandatory September
- Scientific Research Project for Sport and Exercise Science 1
- High Performance Sport
- Clinical Exercise Science
Mandatory January
- Scientific Research Project for Sport and Exercise Science 2
Optional January
- Technology Performance and Human Factors in Sport and Exercise
- Sports Injury, Management and Rehabilitation
- Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Science
- The Female Athlete
Optional September
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,535 |
| International | £25,008 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Additional information
Sports scholarships
For elite athletes we offer a range of Scholarships as part of the Sport Scholarships Programme.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 2
As this is an accelerated programme, entry is only available for Year 2.
- Advanced Highers AB. Must include (Human) Biology (plus Year 1 Higher requirements).
- A-Levels AAB. Must include (Human) Biology.
- International Baccalaureate 34 points. Must include Biology at Higher Level 6.
- BTEC Extended Diploma not available.
- HNC not available.
- HND not available.
Additional information
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- We welcome applicants studying relevant HNC, HND or BTEC qualifications to our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme. Please visit our programme page for further information.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Sports, Natural or Social Scientist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Coaching
- Teaching
- Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Sports Management/Administration
- Researcher/Academic
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
