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A Sport and Exercise Science student monitors a cyclist's performance data on a computer monitor

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Accelerated)

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

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

Fees and funding

intake tuition fees
StatusFee
ScotlandPaid 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.

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.

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

This is what our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Accelerated) students are doing 15 months after graduating:
75%
are working
10%
are studying
10%
are studying and working

Salary

£25000
The average salary of students 15 months after graduating
£23000
The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

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

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