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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Applied Sport Studies
Explore your sporting passion as a competing athlete as you build real-life professional experience. You’ll work with us and our partnership organisations in your chosen sport.
Course Overview
-
C640 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
15 Sep 2025
If you’re an athlete competing at national or international level, or you have significant coaching experience, this degree will enable you to build your professional experience in your chosen field of sport.
As part of this course, you'll:
- Study four key areas: sport performance, sport management, sport coaching and contemporary issues
- Develop academic and professional skills, applying these into your chosen sport
- Work with our industry partners including key employers, for example, Leeds Rhinos (rugby and netball), Leeds United and British Athletics
- Apply your learning around these areas of study to your chosen sport setting
- Gain breadth and depth of work experience from day one through modules, volunteering, coaching qualifications and paid employment
- Decide whether to focus on one discipline area, or maintain a breadth as you progress through your degree
Placements and work experience
You'll work with various companies or clubs in the Leeds region to build up valuable industry experience throughout your course. In both your first and second years you'll complete a minimum of 100 hours’ formal work-based learning. In your third year, you'll continue your sport-specific learning alongside tailored personal tutor sessions that will enable you to directly consider your next steps after graduation. Your Final Year Project will be relevant to both your intended career and employers’ needs.
Build your portfolio
Throughout your course you'll have the opportunity to build and present evidence of your experience and planning through your personal and professional development portfolio whilst also gaining key employability experiences. Your portfolio will be a record of experiences you have engaged with both within modules and wider University opportunities and will range from those hosted by our sport-specific partners, to other activities closely aligned with possible employment options.
Breadth of learning
Your learning will be informed by current policy, high standards in professional practice and applied theory so you'll graduate with the skills you'll need to work in the sports industry. You'll learn in a group with fellow students studying the same area of sporting and professional interest, with opportunities to enhance your learning through sharing across sporting contexts. This means you'll be ready for roles within the sports industry aligned to your area of specialism and beyond.
Your Carnegie School of Sport community
As a Carnegie School of Sport student, you'll join an inclusive, supportive and caring community. Your learning will be facilitated by expert tutors, alongside professionals within your chosen sport setting with a wealth of industry experience and have access to specialist facilities in the Carnegie School of Sport Building at Headingley Campus.
Why study Applied Sports Studies at Leeds Beckett University...
- Developed in partnership with sports industry organisations
- Strong focus on employability
- Build up work-based learning experiences immediately
- Breadth of specialist facilities
- Develop skills and knowledge that are in-demand in professional contexts and with employers
Explore videos and blogs
Why Leeds for Sport? Discover what the city of Leeds has to offer and why it’s a great choice for students studying sport.
Student opportunities and research in sport Jamie French, course tutor for our physical education course at Leeds Beckett University and a qualified UK Athletics Coach Education Tutor, talks about the variety of subjects available to study within sport, the exciting facilities our students get to experience and how his research is helping athletes to get the most out of their performance.
Carnegie School of Sport Sport students from Leeds Beckett University share their experiences of making friends in their first year, studying in a £45 million state-of-the-art building, and learning alongside athletes, coaches, and industry professionals.
Carnegie School of Sport Heritage We have a long history in sports education stretching back to 1933 and the prestigious Carnegie College of Physical Training. Today, alumni of this college and its successor institutions are leaders in national and international sport.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104-120
points required
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
104-120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104-120 points required.
(Minimum 64-80 from two A Levels or equivalent, e.g. BTEC Nationals or Cambridge Technicals, excluding General Studies. Applicants to this course should normally have significant experience of taking part in sport either through competing at a national or international level or through coaching. Alternatively applicants who are involved in administering the business side of sport are also welcome to apply. You should include details of your experience and suitability for the course in your personal statement).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with 104-120 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-120 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
104-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
104-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
104-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
104-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
This module will introduce key concepts in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology that will serve as a base for further studies and practice within sports performance. You'll explore important mechanical and physiological principles as they apply to the human motion in sport, as well as functional anatomy. You'll also study the structure and function of the body, which will support and enhance your understanding of human motion in sport.
Build an understanding of the key priorities, principles, and issues related to physical activity provision in the community. This module will provide a theoretical introduction to community-based sport and recreation. You'll conduct community-based learning to further explore inclusive practice.
This module will introduce you to the key threshold concepts of sports management. It will cover the role and nature of public, commercial and voluntary sectors in the provision of sport and physical activity. You'll understand the concepts and principles that underpin sport management. By the end of the module, you'll demonstrate the ability to apply basic concepts and principles to enhance the management of sport.
Study the key theories of learning and teaching you'll need to plan and deliver coaching activities and achieve specific learning objectives. You'll consider how coaching, performed by the coach, and learning, performed by the learner, are connected. Subsequently you'll reflect upon how these concepts interact with your own personal values.
This module will support your early engagement in and development of self-regulatory, study, research and employability skills.
This module will introduce you to the range of career options within sport. You'll receive career guidance and support, which will help you to decide on a specific career focus. You'll also cover employability skills such as job searching, writing applications and interview skills. In addition, you'll be encouraged to spend time in a sports work environment where you'll identify the skills required within sport, performance and management settings.
What you'll learn
Practise creating training schedules to instigate physiological, anatomical or mechanical change. These changes will be for either health or performance gains.
Enhance your understanding of the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social demands of different sport types. You'll plan and deliver multiple coaching sessions to participants at different ages and stages of development. Primarily, you'll make connections between the 'who' and 'what' of the coach decision-making model. This will then inform your 'plan' and 'do' actions.
This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of strategic management within the sport industry. You'll examine environmental analysis and gain an understanding of micro, meso, macro and institutional aspects of business operation, and management models. Using these models will enable the organisation to develop a greater appreciation of their operations and strategic direction.
You could choose to enhance your understanding of sport types by designing a conceptual model linked to technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social demands. You'll plan and deliver coaching sessions, within a medium-term plan, for different sport types. Alternatively, you'll develop a multi-skill programme that is aligned to the age and development of your participants. You'll then collect evidence of the development of your participants using appropriate data collection tools and methods.
Build on the research and study skills you gained in year one to prepare for your Final Year Project in your chosen topic. You'll learn to search for and apply relevant literature and/or theory, choose research designs to address research enquiries, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative empirical data, and present research findings in your specific field.
Increase your awareness of the industry profile and employment landscape in sport, performance and management. You'll have opportunities to enhance your employability by developing transferable and specific skills as well as broadening your network of contacts. You'll audit and reflect upon the employability skills, expectations and requirements that will support your development as a sport-specific professional graduate.
What you'll learn
Undertake an extended and largely independent piece of work that demonstrates your research skills, critical thinking, and an awareness of ethical methodological approaches to study.
Option modules may include
Apply scientific analysis to a variety of different sports performances. You'll be introduced to a range of scientific discipline analysis tools to analyse different sports or individual athlete needs. You'll then use this analysis to identify potential interventions to improve performance.
Gain an understanding of sport for development theory and practice. You'll study the practicalities of using sport as a development tool in the alleviation of social issues in diverse UK and international settings.
Develop knowledge and skills essential for the management of sport projects. You'll undertake an authentic event management experience, where you’ll use project management principles and practice.
Develop a strong applied understanding of all facets of the coach decision-making model, especially the connections between the three main knowledge domains – who, what and how. You'll create long-term developmental plans or curricula that are well-informed and delivered with a high degree of fidelity. You'll develop the knowledge and expertise you'll need for a head coaching role.
Gain an understanding of Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) as it relates to Physical Education (PE). During this module, you'll have the opportunity to experience a teaching environment where you could assist with the delivery of SEND in PE. You'll critically analyse issues related to pupils with differing abilities and needs in special and mainstream schools. Furthermore, you'll recognise the potential for all pupils to achieve success at their own levels across the practical areas of PE. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of working towards inclusion within PE.
Examine and demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of sport and exercise science within the context of extreme environments.
Gain an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of obesity. You'll apply your knowledge by designing an appropriate lifestyle programme for an individual to manage their weight. You'll also critique contemporary approaches to obesity management.
Learn to plan, organise, market, deliver and critically evaluate a sport or leisure event. You'll have the opportunity to engage and work with external partners in delivering events. You'll then be able to critically reflect on this work.
Fees & Funding hellooo
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet confirmed.
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
This course is unique as it will offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in all areas of work within your chosen sport setting. No other course offers the breath of discipline and focus, in such a diverse set of sporting contexts.
Jamie French
Course Director
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
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Your Beckett experience
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