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Viewing course details for 2025-26 year of entry

How to apply
Code
C615
Attendance
Full-time, Part-time
Start
September 2025
Fees
£9,535 (UK) | £16,600 (INT)
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Course Leader
Steve Williams
Study mode
On campus
Location
Hendon campus
Entry Requirements
96 UCAS points
Placement year
Optional
School / Department
Faculty of Science and Technology
Course overview

Why study Sport and Exercise Science at Middlesex?

Our Sport and Exercise Science BSc at Middlesex combines academic excellence with hands-on experience, setting you up for a rewarding career in sports, fitness, and health. With access to world-class facilities and real-world practice, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to support athletes perform at their peak while reducing injury risks.

  • Top Ranking: The London Sport Institute is ranked as the top institution in London for Sport and Exercise Science (Guardian League Tables, 2023).
  • Access state-of-the-Art Facilities: Study at the modern StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens Rugby Club, and benefit from our £23 million redevelopment, offering state-of-the-art facilities as a top educational and high-performance centre for teaching and research excellence. With some of the most advanced equipment in the UK, you will be able to utilise the new specialist spaces, specialist labs, specialist equipment plus much more.
  • Gain expertise in Sport and Exercise Science: Learn to assess human movement, fitness, and wellbeing, explore the key principles of biomechanics and exercise physiology and motor control, understand sports psychology to learn strategies to enhance motivation, focus and recovery of athletes.  
  • Benefit from industry experience: You’ll integrate professional practice into your studies as you will complete a minimum 50 hours of work placements. This is a crucial opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge by working in the sports and exercise industry.
  • Work towards your exciting career: Graduates have gone on to work in professional sports teams, health clubs, sports development, and more. You can also choose to specialise further with postgraduate study.

This course provides the perfect foundation for a career in sports science or further academic exploration, equipping you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to excel in the field.

3 great reasons to pick this course

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Build your network

We work with prestigious sports organisations like Saracens Rugby Club, helping you build your network and study high-performance sport

95%

of Sports and Exercise Science students were positive about the academic support they received (NSS, 2024)

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Access state-of-the-art facilities

Access our StoneX Stadium, with simulation suites, specialist labs, equipment, and more

About your course

About your course

Learn and apply the scientific principles to enhance athlete performance and reduce injury risk. You’ll gain expertise in physiology, psychology, and biomechanics, with practical experience at our West Stand facility and 50+ hours of work placements throughout your degree.

This module offers you a comprehensive understanding of the essential academic skills necessary for successfully completing their undergraduate degree. You will gain insight into the core theoretical frameworks underpinning research methods and academic writing, demonstrating proficiency in data collection and analysis, literature review, sourcing academic resources, and understanding the components of research, including strengths and weaknesses.

By applying broader educational principles, you will have the opportunity to cultivate innovative skills that foster a lifelong ability to solve problems both individually and collaboratively. These skills are instrumental in promoting inclusive socio-economic development, sustaining communities, and promoting the fundamental concepts of equity, health, and wellbeing. 

The aim of this module is to introduce the underlying theoretical frameworks of health and fitness, to provide you with the confidence and practical skills to deliver effective training sessions. You will develop your coaching knowledge through a practice-led approach to a variety of topics, ranging from the benefits and risks of physical activity, the development and maintenance of health, fitness, and understand how to optimise and monitor sports performance.

The theoretical sessions will support you to undertake complex and routine practical performance tasks, orientated around developing effective coaching skills, both on an individual and group basis whilst taking a keen interest in your own health and well-being

This module aims to introduce key theoretical scientific concepts for sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology. You will use problem-solving skills to apply this knowledge to fundamental practical scenarios and develop practice-led learning and co-leadership while working with participants. Content will cover core principles of human movement, health and wellbeing and athletic performance, and how to measure these topics in a specialist lab environment. You will also cover basic sport psychology ideas and practices. 

This module provides a broad understanding of learning theories, performance analysis and coaching styles in a variety of sporting situations. You will know the underlying theoretical concepts of how to plan, deliver, evaluate and modify coaching sessions, whilst understanding the national curriculum and the differences between the pedagogy at various key stages. You will understand how to analyse performance through video and data analysis skills. You will work effectively on complex coaching sessions both individually and collaboratively as a group to enhance their interpersonal communication and leadership skills. 

This module will provide you with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis and psychological concepts and practical skills to work as an applied practitioner. Learning to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis and psychological skills can be utilised in sport and exercise. You will learn the roles and responsibilities of the performance analyst and sport psychologist, developing and adapting interpersonal and communication skills to a range of sporting scenarios and audiences. 

To provide detailed knowledge of key biomechanical and physiological theories and concepts that can affect sport and exercise. You will explore the mechanical basis of human movement and develop their understanding of the chronic physiological adaptations that occur during sport and exercise. You will interact effectively within a team through physiological and biomechanical laboratory and field-based measurements to interpret and analyse your findings through a scientific report. 

This module will provide you with the skills to analyse a range of academic information, comparing alternative methods and techniques. This will involve collecting and synthesising this information to inform a subject specific research question. You will have knowledge of well-established research methods and concepts evidenced by the awareness of inconsistencies, gaps, and limitations within literature. 

The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for both individual work and co-leadership within multidisciplinary teams, addressing the specific sport and exercise needs of diverse populations. This will be accomplished through an exploration of the aetiology, pathophysiology, indicators, and treatments of a range of prevalent cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, and metabolic conditions associated with sedentary lifestyles, physical activity, or the natural aging process. This module also emphasizes digital literacy, practice-led learning, and research-informed teaching to enhance graduate competencies and employability.  

A sport science sandwich year, also known as a placement year, is a valuable opportunity for you to gain practical work experience between your second and final year of a sport science degree. This year-long placement allows you to:

  • Apply academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, bridging the gap between theory and practice
  • Build industry insight and gain a deeper understanding of various organizations and sectors, enhancing their grasp of the professional landscape
  • Develop professional skills through company training programs, networking opportunities, and confidence-building experiences
  • Gain relevant experience that can significantly boost their future job applications, and potentially secure a graduate job offer

Additionally, a placement year can provide you with a clearer career direction, help you establish valuable industry contacts, and improve your employability by demonstrating your commitment and capability to prospective employers.

This module aims to integrate physiological and biomechanical strategies and techniques to undertake critical analysis, evaluation and outcomes in sport performance, health, and human movement. You will apply an understanding of specialist concepts to unfamiliar populations and movements. You will demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of physiology and biomechanics through successfully identifying and executing appropriate methods, analysis, evaluation, and dissemination of information through creating an applied inter-disciplinary intervention to a sporting or health scenario. 

This module aims to develop understanding of monitoring athlete performance and physical and mental wellbeing. You will learn how to use nutrition to optimise athlete performance and health, including investigating current nutrition practices and providing nutrition plans. You will apply monitoring techniques, including training load, GPS, readiness to train, overtraining and tapering. You will study the psychology of injury and burnout, as well as other mental health issues found in athletes. This module aims to provide you with key graduate skills required by the workplace. 

This module aims to cultivate your capacity to effectively apply the comprehensive knowledge and skills acquired autonomously through previous learning within a professional practice setting. You will engage in reflective practices, evaluating your working methods and embracing a problem-solving approach to practice and workplace challenges. A mandatory placement module will prompt you to take personal responsibility to pursue short-term (minimum 50 hours) work experiences in relevant Sport and Exercise Science and Sport Rehabilitation environments, overseen by a suitably qualified practitioner, as determined by the module leader. Placement suitability and supervision are determined by the program leader, while placement availability depends on collaborating organisations. 

Additionally, support mechanisms are in place to facilitate the acquisition of essential employment opportunities and required skills throughout the application. 

This module aims to synthesise existing learning from your undergraduate programme, providing an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity; requiring you to use an inquiry-based approach, and develop research skills learned in Level 5 Research Methods. You will select a topic relevant to your degree on which you wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. You will judge the reliability, validity and significance of the evidence to support conclusions and/or recommendations. 

To find out more about this course please download the BSc Sport and Exercise Science course specification (PDF).

The cutting edge of high-performance sport: Studying sport science at Middlesex video thumbnail

Who are you? Chris Bishop. Job title. Associate Professor of Strength and Conditioning. We are based over at Stonex Stadium, which is the home of Saracen's Rugby Club. Lots of universities will have similar facilities.

They won't be based or housed at a professional sports organisation. We've got a member of staff who works at Spurs Women, we've got two members of staff who work at Arsenal Academy, we've got the lead performance scientist for British Weightlifting.

Definitely puts us at the real cutting edge of high-performance sport. Probably the most important one is that every degrees got a placement module and that essentially just gives the students the opportunity to go out, apply all the underpinning theory, the science into day-to-day practice because we have a lot of alumni in these different sporting organisations.

They send us placement opportunities of various different shapes and sizes every year. The work that you're doing, seeing it come into fruition after, so learning a simple aspect whether it's to do with biomechanics or physiology or something else and then being able to apply that to something bigger.

You really see that in your mind. You're like, okay, I've learned this little thing and I can apply this to something that I care more about, whether that's strength and conditioning or physiology or psychology because sport science includes so many different niches that your learning capacity is unlimited.

Truth is the culture, you know. I think there's a real genuine appreciation of a two -way working relationship between staff and students here. We can learn just as much from them as hopefully they can from us.

Truth be told, I legitimately love what I do. The realisation of being a part of their journey that gets them to where they want to go and hopefully being a small part in helping to build their knowledge, build their skills, help develop their behaviours ready for these job roles in elite and professional sports organisations.

Seeing when they do learn those jobs has been nice to see and pretty inspiring on a personal note as well, to be honest.

The cutting edge of high-performance sport: Studying sport science at Middlesex

Teaching and learning

Innovative teaching and learning

You’ll be taught by experienced faculty through seminars and practical workshops, offering opportunities to discuss and apply your learning. With small class sizes (20–30 students), you’ll complete 120 credits per year, divided into modules of 30 credits.

You will have 12 hours of seminars, practical and lab sessions per week.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Percentage

Hours

Typical activity

24%

288

Teaching, learning and assessment

72%

912

Independent learning

5%

50

Placement

Year 2

Percentage

Hours

Typical activity

24%

288

Teaching, learning and assessment

72%

912

Independent learning

5%

50

Placement

Year 3

Percentage

Hours

Typical activity

24%

288

Teaching, learning and assessment

72%

912

Independent learning

5%

50

Placement



Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills, from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.

This course is 100% coursework-based, with assessments including essays, reports, practical sessions, presentations, and group work. You’ll receive regular feedback to support your progress.

  • Informal Tests: These occur once per module to test your understanding, with feedback provided, but they don't count toward your final grade.
  • Formal Assessments: These typically take place at the end of each module and contribute to your final grade.

Assessments are reviewed each year and may be updated based on student and external examiner feedback.

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.

Placements and work experience will give you excellent opportunities to gain hands-on and real-life experience. You will complete a minimum of 50 hours of clinical practice throughout your degree. You will receive help and support in identifying a suitable placement as well as with applications if required. The placement opportunities can take place in a multitude of sport and exercise environments such as professional sports clubs, university sports clubs, or local sports development projects.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Our specialist employability service will help you find placement opportunities.

Facilities and support
Student training on indoor track

Study at our world-class facilities: The London Sports Institute

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.

Qualifications

96 UCAS Points
including GCSE: Grade 4/C in English, mathematics and either science or PE
A-Level
CCC including a C or above in a Science subject or PE
BTEC
MMM at BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in related field DD at BTEC Level 3 Diploma in related subject
Access requirements
Overall pass in a related subject: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
Combinations
A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 96 UCAS Tariff points including 32 points from a science or PE subject

We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.

Our general entry requirements page outlines how we make offers where we have given a range (e.g. CCC in A levels), and how you will be made an offer if you are studying a combination of qualifications (e.g. BTEC and A level). In both cases, we will base this on information you’ve provided on your application. 

  • DBS Checks

    DBS (disclosure and barring service) is required for student placements. These checks will be explained and conducted during the first term. You will need a successful DNS check to participate in placements.

    Foundation year

    If you don't meet the entry requirements, why not consider our Foundation Year in Sport course to help you prepare for the full degree?

    Mature students (over 21)

    We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.

    Academic credit

    If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer courses.

    If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements. Find out more about prior learning accreditation.

    Interviews

    You won’t be required to attend an interview for this course.

We welcome students from the UK, EU and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

  • Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
  • Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
  • Work placements and networking with top London employers
  • Career support to get you where you want to go after university
  • Global alumni network and connections

Qualifications

112128 UCAS points

We accept a wide range of international qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate. You can find out more on your country's support page. If you need help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office.

English language

You'll need good English language skills to study with us. That's usually an IELTS 6.0 qualification (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections). And, if you need help, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Visas

To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.

Interviews

You won’t be required to attend an interview for this course.

Please apply via UCAS using the UCAS code C615.

Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.

Careers

Careers

How can the BSc in Sport and Exercise Science support your career?

The range of careers open to Sports and Exercise Science graduates is vast. You could find yourself working in a range of exciting settings.

  • Health and fitness industry
  • Personal training and fitness consultancy
  • Weight management
  • Health promotion
  • Personal fitness training
  • Corporate health advice
  • Sports or physical activity development
  • National Governing Bodies
  • Medical sales
  • High-performance sports
  • The armed forces
  • Teaching in schools or higher education institutions
  • Career in sport research

Graduate job roles

Previous graduates have also found success as lifestyle coaches, sports managers, sports coaches, physical trainers, sports science technicians and sports development officers.

Further study?

This degree is also the ideal basis for specialising at the postgraduate level.

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally. As an alumni, we offer you lifetime career support so we can help you as your progress.

If you want to start your own company we have the MDXcelerator student start-up support you'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

  • The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
  • A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023

Students at Middlesex span 122 countries and you will be part of our thriving global network. After you graduate, you'll join our Alumni Network. You will get access to: 

  • Lifetime careers support from the MDXworks employability service
  • A 20% discount on further postgraduate study, or 10% discount for alumni from our academic partners
  • Raise your personal profile as one of our featured alumni
  • Continued limited usage of the Sheppard Library
  • Exclusive MDX Alumni Networks to connect with your peers

 

"This course has allowed me to gain up-to-date scientific knowledge whilst also teaching me how to apply this knowledge to the real world. I have really enjoyed learning about both the theory and practical elements involved in sport and exercise science. As a regular football and gym enthusiast I am able to apply what I have learned on the course into my own training regime which has been very beneficial.

The sport facilities are amazing, especially at the newly built human movement lab where various testing occurs. These are exciting times for anyone involved in sport at Middlesex."

Christopher Varnavas

Sport and Exercise Science (Sport Performance) BSc student

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Student support Fees and Funding

Fees

The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,535*

Part-time: £79 per taught credit

*Subject to the government’s proposed increase in the tuition fee cap receiving Parliamentary approval 3

As a part of our commitment to an excellent student offer at Middlesex University, we pledge to invest the additional money from tuition fee increases into the student experience, and we are consulting at present on what these improvements will be and will follow up with further details.

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning

The following course-related costs (partially funded by the London Sport Institute) are not included in the fees, and you are required to purchase these to complete the course.

  • First Aid training ~ (£40)
  • Sport Institute Sports Kit (~£80)

If you would like to undertake additional qualifications (such as fitness instructing and personal training), there will be added costs associated. This is not a compulsory component, but can help you develop your career.

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Through our Financial Packages Support you can get help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
  • Find out more about Undergraduate Finance and all of our Scholarships and Bursaries.

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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