BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
The course
- UCAS code
- C6SS
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
New BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science for September 2022. Our degree combines cutting edge teaching with world-leading sports performance facilities – The Oriam. Study, Play, Grow.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
We have launched a new degree in Sport and Exercise Science for 2022. Our Sports and Exercise Science undergraduate degree combines cutting edge teaching with world-leading sports performance facilities – Oriam. Study, play and grow; this flexible degree will ensure you are ready to achieve the sporting career you are looking for.
Studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences at Heriot-Watt, a mix of core and optional modules enables you to explore traditional sport, exercise and health science disciplines. This programme comprises a core of sport and exercise science with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and well-being, such as biology, nutrition, physiology, and psychology. These themes are developed together throughout the programme, with some flexibility in programme structure and design, according to your interests or career aspirations.
Oriam: Scotland's Sports Performance Centre
Based on Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus, is Oriam - Scotland's Sports Performance Centre. Along with providing excellent teaching facilities for this programme, Oriam is the training facility for elite sports teams such as; Scottish Rugby Union, the Scottish Football Association, Heart of Midlothian F.C. and Scottish Squash, who all use the facility for senior team training and (where applicable) to run their respective academies.
Elite Sports and Exercise Facilities
Students will benefit from the excellent facilities for the study of human physiological function and exercise performance at Heriot-Watt and Oriam.
For strength testing, we have systems to measure isometric and isokinetic strength. We can measure oxygen consumption at base level through to maximal exercise on a treadmill or arm and leg cycle ergometers. These measurements can be complemented with automated blood pressure measurement and EMG capabilities.
Body composition can be measured using air displacement plethysmography, while a full diagnostic testing system for lung function provides the ability to make both static and ambulatory cardio-respiratory measurements.
Students can simulate altitude with a hypoxic generator and elevate inspired oxygen concentration. We can even measure biochemical parameters to study changes in metabolism during exercise, including blood gases, pH, lactate, sodium and potassium ions, haematocrit, glucose and cholesterol,
The sport and exercise psychology resources include questionnaires and interviewing equipment. Additionally, exercise physiology labs can be used to perform psycho-physiological research. Our molecular exercise physiology laboratories have:
- RNA and molecular biology laboratories
- human cell culture facilities
- human performance laboratory
- advanced proteomics detection methods (MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer)
- equipment for studying immune cell function (flow cytometry)
- general equipment for carrying out molecular sciences (plate readers, real-time qPCR and confocal microscopy)
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Students will have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications embedded in the course modules. We aim to introduce the Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate and the Level 3 Personal Trainer Certificate delivered in partnership with Oriam. As well as this there will be placement opportunities within Oriam and Heriot-Watt's sporting partners in second semester of Third Year.
Sports +
At Heriot-Watt we have a well-established Sports Union who offer a large group of Sports Clubs; over 30 sports clubs ranging from traditional Football/Soccer and Rugby to Mountaineering and Ultimate Frisbee. The sports clubs offer you the opportunity to grow in your sport, meet likeminded friends and make use of the first class facilities available.
Sport Scholarships Programme
For elite athletes we offer a range of Scholarships as part of the Sport Scholarships Programme. To apply or find out more, please contact us.
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information
Course content
Year 1
Semester 1
- Introduction to biology 1
- Introduction to psychology 1
- Shaping tomorrow together A
- Principles of sport and exercise science
Semester 2
- Introduction to biology 2
- Introduction to psychology 2
- Shaping tomorrow together B
- Biology practical
Year 2
Semester 1
- Systemic Physiology and Anatomy
- Metabolism in Human Nutrition
- The Context of Sport and Exercise Science*
- Developing as a Professional in Sport and Exercise
*The Context of Sport and Exercise Science
This course puts sport and exercise into a wider context by exploring its impact on society, from a local level to an international level. You will learn how race, gender and ability can impact involvement in sport and exercise and explore the ways in which sport and exercise can impact health, community, business and the wider economy.
Semester 2
- Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Performance *
- Physical Activity and Health
- Fundamentals Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Elective
*Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Performance
This course builds upon knowledge of physiology, anatomy, and biomechanics; and contextualises it within strength and conditioning. You will develop an appreciation of effective coaching practices and have the chance to achieve UKSCA Level 2 Gym Instructors qualification, gaining a relevant industry qualification and professional experience.
Year 3
Semester 1
- Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise Performance*
- Applied Aspects of Sport and Exercise Performance
- Physiology of Sport and Exercise Performance
- Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance*
*Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise Performance
This introductory course in biomechanics will link the theoretical and practical aspects of biomechanics as they relate to human motion and performance analysis in sport. You will learn to evaluate and explain sporting techniques in relation to human motion from a kinematic and kinetic perspective. You will also learn to use 2D/ 3D motion analysis software to collect, analyse and interpret data relating to sporting technique.
*Nutrition for Sport and Exercise
This course introduces you to the physiological mechanisms that control energy metabolism during exercise. You will learn about the metabolic pathways used when macronutrients are used as fuel/ You will also examine how exercise duration and intensity may affect substrate selection, and how the recommended diet of an athlete may differ to that of a sedentary individual.
Semester 2
- Research methods
- Professional Practice in Sport and Exercise Science
- Elective
Year 4
Semester 1
- Applied Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise Performance*
- Applied Psychology of Sport and Exercise Performance*
- Applied Physiology of Sport and Exercise Performance
*Applied Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise Performance
This course will teach analysis of human movement with emphasis on practical demonstrations and laboratory-based research using 3D motion capture systems together with other performance analysis tools. You will gain key knowledge related to current practices in biomechanics, with a focus on performance, as well as the prevention and rehabilitation of common musculoskeletal injuries and dysfunctions.
*Applied Psychology of Sport and Exercise Performance
This course builds on previous psychology learning and explores how a person-centred approach can be used to help athletes, coaches and clients. You will explore how applied psychologists work with clients learn to design relevant courses of support, addressing specific client needs based on preferred sports psychology models.
Semester 2
- Research Project for Sport and Exercise Science*
- Project dissemination
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sport and Exercise Performance
*Research Project for Sports and Exercise Science
This course provides you with the opportunity to undertake a self-led independent study within your chosen area of sport and exercise science. The research project will give you the chance to demonstrate critical engagement within a chosen topic.
Examples of topics within this discipline are:
- The impact of pop music on fitness training
- Assessment of injury factors in football
- Decision making in elite netball
- Hydrating impacts of milk, water, squash
- The impact of respiratory physiology on health
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.
Employability
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £23500
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £22500
Jobs
These are the most common high skilled jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
- Natural and social science professionals
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (including a science subject, this can be psychology, sport science or physical education)
- A-Levels BBC – ABB (including a science subject)
- Int. Baccalaureate 27 points to include a science subject at Higher Level 5
- BTEC DMM (in relevant subject)
- HNC C in graded unit (in relevant HNC)
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (including a science subject at B)
- A-Levels BCC (including a science subject)
Additional information
Suitable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Psychology, Physical Education, Sport Science, Mathematics and Physics.
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Fees
| Status* | Scotland | England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | International** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £22,264 |
* 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. Find out more about tuition fees.
** '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). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
Sports scholarships
For elite athletes we offer a range of Scholarships as part of the Sport Scholarships Programme.
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.