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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Health and Exercise Science
Explore how health and exercise science principles can be used to address global health priorities and improve people’s lives.
Course Overview
-
C611 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
15 Sep 2025
This applied course has been developed to meet the need for health and exercise practitioners who will work with communities to improve their health and wellbeing. It will equip you with the knowledge, experience and skills to thrive in the field of health and exercise science.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Study in a supportive learning environment
- Examine the key disciplines of health and exercise sciences
- Learn about global health priorities and the role of health and exercise practitioners in enhancing population health and wellbeing
- Explore interventions which promote and enhance the nation's health through prevention and treatment
- Learn to design and deliver your own exercise and health programmes that can have a lasting and positive impact on people's lives
Enhance your degree
As part of your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake industry recognised health and fitness-related qualifications, in addition to achieving your degree. Extra industry qualifications will enhance your opportunities within the employment market and help you stand out.
Study to suit you
With flexible study options, you can shape the course to suit your career aspirations. You could undertake work placements through our networks in local authorities, the NHS, fitness clubs, schools or with another of our many industry links.
Work ready skills
You’ll develop the key skills sought by employers. These could include communication, information technology, personal development, problem solving and teamwork.
Furthermore, you’ll gain the leadership and planning skills to design your own public health interventions. Your ideas will effectively prescribe and promote healthy lifestyle initiatives to tackle key health priorities, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Previous students have worked on exciting and beneficial projects. These have included investigations into:
- The promotion of men's health through premier league football clubs
- The effectiveness of programmes designed to impact risk factors for diabetes or obesity
- Physical activity and health programmes in the workplace
Work experience
This course focuses on planning your future career and developing an impressive CV. Through our extensive industry networks, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake work experience opportunities to best suit your future career ambitions. Previous students have:
- Taught in primary and secondary schools
- Coached groups from different backgrounds
- Worked on healthy eating initiatives and research projects
- Completed placements abroad at weight loss clinics and camps
Why study Health & Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University...
- Train for a career that will make a real difference and benefit a wide range of people
- Learn how to encourage healthy habits across the lifespan, from childhood and adolescence into adulthood and old age
- Work directly with people from all age groups to develop skills that work in real-life scenarios
- Access to the university’s state-of-the-art £45m Carnegie School of Sport building
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.
Helping people overcome negative feelings about exercise to improve their mental health Past memories of sport and exercise, when negative, can cause huge problems for many people who suffer with poor physical and mental health. Dr Jackie Hargreaves, senior Lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at Leeds Beckett University, is determined to help people get over this barrier.
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.
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
112-128
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
112-128
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112-128 points required.
(Minimum 72 - 80 from two A Levels or equivalent, e.g. BTEC Nationals or Cambridge Technicals, excluding General Studies. At least one of these should normally be from a science-related science subject, which can include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education, Psychology or Sociology. If you are studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics to meet this requirement you must also achieve a 'Pass' in the practical assessment, where that practical assessment is separated (from 2017)).
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 112-128 UCAS tariff points in a relevant subject.T Levels
112-128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 4 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above and should include at least one science subject.Scottish Awards
112-128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above and should include at least one science subject.Irish Leaving Certificate
112-128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above and should include at least one science subject.International baccalaureate
112-128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above and should include at least one science subject.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.
Selection Criteria
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements
DBS Check
An enhanced criminal history (DBS) check maybe required for certain modules which involve working with children and/or vulnerable others. The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks, therefore international applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency will therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country before undertaking work with children and/or vulnerable others
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.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
112-128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above and should include at least one science subject.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.
Selection Criteria
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements
DBS Check
An enhanced criminal history (DBS) check maybe required for certain modules which involve working with children and/or vulnerable others. The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks, therefore international applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency will therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country before undertaking work with children and/or vulnerable others
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.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
Gain the knowledge and comprehension of sport and exercise physiology. It will equip you with relevant skills to apply knowledge and understanding during measurement of physiological function.
Explore the qualitative and quantitative methods used in biomechanics research and practice which describe the structures, functions, and mechanical bases of human movement.
Study the psychology of sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and exercise. You'll discover how psychology can play a pivotal role in helping individuals from key priority groups lead a physically active lifestyle. You'll also explore psychological principles to understand concepts such as well-being, mental health, and cognition, and the associated measurements of these concepts. This module will encourage you to develop your self-management skills.
Explore the fundamentals of nutrition for health and performance. You'll gain an understanding of nutritional biochemistry and energy metabolism. On completion of this module, you'll understand the concept of energy and how the body utilises energy. By studying metabolism and the process of energy utilisation, you'll develop an appreciation of food as energy. You'll also begin to understand the importance of adequate nutrition in maintaining body functions during rest and activity.
What you'll learn
Option modules may include
Develop an understanding of behaviour changes associated with health exercise and nutrition. You'll discuss key behaviour change theories and techniques which can enable individuals to live a healthier lifestyle. This module will provide the opportunity to develop communication skills and behaviour change skills, whilst considering the needs of a variety of populations.
Investigate the role of food and nutrition in health, sport and exercise throughout the life span. You'll apply your knowledge of nutrition to specific populations whilst developing the skills required for the assessment and interpretation of nutritional intake and status.
What you'll learn
Option modules may include
Build an understanding of the structure and function of biological materials and their response to external loading. You'll explore the underlying factors in health and injury, including postural stability, individual differences and external risk factors. This module will include laboratory-based activities that improve your biomechanical skills. This work will enable you to undertake a deeper analysis of important aspects of health and injury.
This module introduces the clinical use of exercise physiology techniques by considering the pathophysiology of several chronic diseases, the mechanism of action of commonly used medications for special clinical populations and concepts of clinical exercise testing.
Develop an information intervention to engage individuals in physical activity. This will be supported by behavioural science and critical discussion of literature on physical activity and mental health. You'll study how physical activity might be beneficial for mental health and cognition amongst a variety of populations. You'll also discuss exercise dependence and possible negative mental health outcomes of physical activity.
Using real-world settings, you'll critically examine key issues relating to public health nutrition. By studying data and literature, you'll explore the links between diet, physical activity and disease for the promotion of health and wellbeing.
Undertake a paid placement in a related industry for an academic year between years 2 and 3. This will allow you to take responsibility for your own development and learning and reflect on your progress. The placement experience aims to enhance your employability and future career prospects. You'll have the opportunity to develop business contacts and professional networks as well as build key employability and professional skills.
Gain an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of obesity. You'll apply your knowledge to design an appropriate lifestyle programme for an individual to manage their weight, and to critique contemporary approaches to obesity management.
Gain in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, medical assessment and therapeutic procedures, and study the role of exercise, nutrition and psychological interventions within the multi-disciplinary management of rehabilitation and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Learn to critically review a variety of contemporary health issues and critique the role physical activity and nutrition can play within the regulation and or rehabilitation of stages of disease.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be 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
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Access to: laboratory equipment, including specialist sport and exercise science facilities and the Carnegie Research Institute.
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.
Optional Costs
- Course branded sportswear (from £24).
- Additional qualifications awarded by the YMCA which allow you to be registered to REPS,include: L2 Gym Instructor Award and L2 Leading Exercise and Physical Activity for Children (costs for these qualifications will vary and are subject to annual review).
- Membership of The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA) (£36 per year).
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.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be 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.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Access to: laboratory equipment, including specialist sport and exercise science facilities and the Carnegie Research Institute.
Optional Costs
- Course branded sportswear (from £24).
- Additional qualifications awarded by the YMCA which allow you to be registered to REPS,include: L2 Gym Instructor Award and L2 Leading Exercise and Physical Activity for Children (costs for these qualifications will vary and are subject to annual review).
- Membership of The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA) (£36 per year).
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.
Human Movement Laboratory Course Director Dr Gareth Nicholson highlights the key features of the Human Movement Laboratory, including an instrumented treadmill that analyses athlete performance and injury risk, and how the facility is used by professional sports clubs including Leeds United FC.
This multidisciplinary applied programme facilitates the development of 'complete' health and exercise practitioners. Our teaching team will help you to build the graduate skills that will prepare you for employment.
Dr Adam Gledhill
Course Director
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
You’ll be equipped with knowledge of contemporary advances in the field and the experience of working in professional settings. The multidisciplinary nature of the course lends itself to a wide variety of careers, such as:
- Lifestyle coaching
- Teaching
- Exercise referral
- Weight management
- Physical activity promotion
- Postgraduate education
With our University's track record of helping students gain employment after graduation, we’re confident that we’ll prepare you to stand out from the crowd. Future jobs could include:
- Health & wellbeing coach
- Public health specialist
- NHS Scientist Training Programme
- Exercise referral officer
Dr Adam Gledhill
Course Director / Carnegie School Of Sport
Adam is a Course Director: Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. He is also a Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), a Chartered Scientist and a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist.
Sport Exercise and Health Sciences - Employability Day Find out about our annual employability event and how your dissertation can help you secure employment. A range of employers spoke to our students, this event included registered Sport Nutritionist Ted Munson.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
