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Sport science is the application of scientific principles to human performance via the interdisciplinary approaches of physiology, psychology and biomechanics.
  • This degree programme is endorsed by British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES).
  • Facilities include the Performance Education Centre, physiology, psychology labs and environmental chamber.
  • Opportunities to work with professional sports teams and affiliated societies.
  • Rose 27 places in the 2023 Complete University Guide

Why study Sport and Exercise Science?

The Sport and Exercise Science degree offers you the opportunity to study one of the most popular degree subjects in the country. 

You'll benefit from studying at a university with a long and unique association with sport that also has good access to professional sports clubs. Your Sport and Exercise Science degree takes our long experience in this area and uses it to provide an applied focus, exploring the factors that contribute to enhanced sports performance.

A 2019 report by the Physiological Society found that students get £5.50 back in higher wages for each £1 spent on a Sport and Exercise Science degree. This would give you an extra £667,000 in earnings across your working life, compared to if you finished your education after your A Levels.

There are opportunities to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.

Why St Mary's?

We have a good reputation for sport and strive to continually improve this and our excellent teaching standards. In this vibrant and exciting programme you will study a range of academic disciplines related to understanding and improving sports performance.

St Mary’s has a long tradition of excellence in sport-related degrees. Our Sport and Exercise Science degree is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES) (pathway specific) and many staff are active professional members of BASES.

The academic and applied expertise of our staff closely informs teaching across the degrees, and is supported by research, ensuring excellence in our teaching.

Our degree structure provides a stepping-stone to careers in sport-related fields and equips you with a range of skills valued by all graduate employers.

Foundation year

The undergraduate degree with foundation year programme offers applicants without traditional qualifications or grades an alternative route to studying Sport and Exercise Science.

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Useful information

Course lead

Rishi Patel
Lecturer - Sport Science (Physiologist)

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Combine Sport and Exercise Science with another degree

Sport and Exercise Science can be combined with any of the following courses to create a joint honours degree programme:

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Entry requirements

96-112UCAS points required

Check how many points your grades are worth

Calculate your total UCAS points

80 UCAS points should include at least two B grades at A Level (or equivalent). One A Level (or equivalent) should be a science subject - this includes PE. 

We will make you an offer if you are within the tariff band range and you meet subject-specific requirements (where applicable).

For undergraduate programmes we will take into account subjects studied at Level 3, your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile, relevant non-academic achievements outlined in your personal statement, references and your motivation for study.

GCSEs

Grade 4/C in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science (or equivalent) is preferred. We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.

International requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).

Sport and Exercise Science with a foundation year

The undergraduate degree with foundation year programme offers applicants without traditional qualifications or grades an alternative route to studying Sport and Exercise Science.

UCAS Personal statement support

Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.

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Course content

Year one

  •  Core
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Year two

  •  Core
  •  Optional
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Year three

  •  Core
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Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

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Career opportunities

As a Sport and Exercise Science graduate, you will be highly sought after by employers in a rapidly growing market place both nationally and globally. Sport and Exercise Science students are in increasing demand and our students have gone into many different careers in this new period of professionalism within sport.

These areas of employment includes:

  • Exercise physiologists
  • Sports psychologists
  • Lecturing
  • PE teaching
  • Sports development officers
  • Health physiologists
  • Personal trainers
  • Graduate training schemes (including companies unrelated to sport)

The Careers Service has more information on careers and postgraduate study options available to Sport and Exercise Science students who have started their studies at St Mary’s.

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What our students say...

Ashika

Coming here for the first time I had apprehensions, I was worried, but not for long. The people here are really amazing and I feel at home.

Read Ashika's story

How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

The modular structure of the degree allows you to tailor your degree to suit your needs and ambitions.

We're committed to providing the very best teaching and look to continually use new, innovative approaches alongside more traditional methods.

Teaching breakdown

Learning on the course is made up through a combination of:

  • Contact time: 20%
  • Independent study: 80%

Independent study is a key feature of your degree and is crucial to furthering your knowledge.

You will receive your timetable a week before teaching is due to start at the latest.

Assessment methods

We use a wide range of assessments that helps develop key skills for both academic and employability purposes.

Assessment methods include essays, poster presentations, web-based assessments, oral presentations, and practical and written exams.

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within three weeks.

See how your final degree mark is calculated...

Compensated passes

Please refer to the information on compensated passes throughout your degree as outlined in the academic regulations.

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Facilities

View all facilities
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Fees and funding

2023/24 fees

  • Home: £9,250
  • International: £14,850

*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Governments review of Higher Education Funding

Information about tuition fees, student loans and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage. 

Scholarships

A range of scholarships and bursaries are available to new undergraduate students. This includes:

Living costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

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Meet your lecturers

Meet the team

Academic spotlight

Dr Jade Salim (Head of Department - Sport and Exercise Science )

Dr Jade Salim

I love standing up in front of the class and being able to disseminate my knowledge to others. I get such a buzz when seeing the students interested in my topic and wanting to take part.

Outside the classroom is where some of the most important work happens. Learning about the students and supporting them through not only their studies, but also their everyday lives. I really enjoy getting to know the students and watching them grow through their degree and even beyond that. 

Read Jade's story

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Further information


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Visit the campus

Upcoming open days

Attending an open day is a fantastic opportunity to get an insight into what life is like as a St Mary's student. During the day you'll have the chance to:

  • Speak to current students to hear about their experiences so far
  • Meet your future academics to put a name and a face to who you'll be learning from
  • Take a tour of the University and the on-campus accommodation options
  • Get involved with activities going on across campus as you explore new surroundings

Book your place now

Campus tours

There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore the campus, even if you can't make it to an Open Day. We run campus tours every Wednesday at 12pm. If you'd like to join us for one of these tours please register your place for your preferred day.

Virtual tour

We know that for it's important to you to see where you'll be living and studying before you make your decision. However, we also know that for many people it's not always easy to make it to the campus.

That's why we've developed a virtual tour of campus, allowing you to explore that facilities and the beautiful views that we have to offer.

Launch the virtual tour

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UCAS Application Timeline

1

UCAS Apply Opens

You will be able to register and begin your application, but won't yet be able to submit it.

May (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
2

Completed applications can be submitted to UCAS

From September you'll be able to submit your UCAS application. Universities will start making decisions on applications.

September (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
3

UCAS application deadline

You will need to submit your application by this date.

January 26th

Find out more about the application process
4

UCAS Extra opens

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, you might be able to add another choice.

Late February

Find out more about UCAS Extra
5

Replying to offers

Your deadline for replying to your offers depends on when you received all your decisions by. If you miss your deadline, UCAS will automatically decline all your offers

Spring/Summer

Find out more about the application process
6

Late applications are entered into Clearing

If your application is received after 30th June, it will be entered into Clearing.

30th June

Find out more about Clearing
7

UCAS Extra application deadline

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, this will be your last chance to add an Extra choice.

Early July

Find out more about UCAS Extra
8

Clearing Opens

Clearing vacancies will be displayed in the UCAS search tool.

Early July

Find out more about Clearing
9

Clearing hotline opens

On A-Level results day, we open our Clearing hotline. If you're eligible to apply through Clearing, you'll be able to apply to us via phone.

Mid-August

Find out more about Clearing
10

Adjustment opens

If you've exceeded the conditions of your firm choice, you may be able to apply for an alternative course.

Mid-August

Find out more about the application process
11

Final application deadline

This is the final opportunity to apply for a course beginning in that year.

September

Find out more about Clearing
12

Clearing closes

This is your final chance to apply through Clearing. Please note: you will not be able to apply for Primary Education beyond mid-September.

October

Find out more about Clearing