Contact Us
Find Us
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Science of Sport Performance
Combine knowledge from a range of scientific fields to develop the essential practical skills and sport science expertise for a career in sport performance.
Course overview
-
UCAS code
C610 -
Institution code
L27 -
Main location
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Attendance
Full-Time -
Duration
3 Years -
Start date
21 Sep 2026
Immerse yourself in the science of sport to help develop the high-performance athletes of today and tomorrow. Your studies will allow you to develop the essential knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in sport performance.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Develop expertise in the interdisciplinary sciences of sport performance, drawing on disciplines including biomechanics, nutrition, physiology and psychology
- Advance practical and research techniques and have the confidence to use performance-measuring equipment and technologies to evaluate athletes at all stages of their development
- Study performance approaches within individual and team contexts and learn to apply these models to virtually any sport
- Engage in work-related learning and practical placements in multiple sport settings
Refine your practitioner skills
This course is one of the few undergraduate programmes in the UK that focuses on using multi and interdisciplinary science to augment performance in a range of client groups.
As you apply your knowledge, you'll refine your self-awareness, becoming a sport performance practitioner capable of understanding and responding to your clients' individual needs so they can achieve their performance objectives while also maintaining or enhancing their health and wellbeing needs.
Sporting expertise
As a student in the Carnegie School of Sport, you’ll be able to draw on 20 years of expertise in delivering sport education programmes.
Your studies will be bolstered by a rich sporting infrastructure here at Leeds Beckett. During all three years of study, you'll be provided with a wide range of work-based learning opportunities. These could involve providing support to student athletes competing at BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) level or being immersed in real-world placements with professional organisations and partners such as Yorkshire Carnegie, Leeds Rhinos, or Perform Group.
Representatives from our sporting partners have had input into the design of many of your assessments on this course, ensuring your learning experience is as authentic as possible.
Boost your experience
You'll also have the opportunity to gain additional experience and qualifications through vocational involvement with our university's Sport & Active Lifestyles schemes that provide fitness, physical activity, and coaching programmes for our staff and students.
International recognition
We've been ranked in the top 100 institutions in the world for Sports-Related Subjects in QS's World University Rankings by Subject. QS are an international higher education benchmarking agency.
Why study the BSc Science of Sport Performance course at Leeds Beckett University?
-
97% of students on BSc (Hons) Science of Sport Performance were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*
-
Develop the skills to work with the next generation of elite athletes
-
Varied work placement opportunities
-
Study in our £45m state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building
-
Sport volunteering opportunities, which have previously included the Olympics, World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games
*National Student Survey 2025
Explore videos and blogs
Curiosity needs you | Why you should study Science of Sport Performance at Leeds Beckett University Jess tells us how her course is developing unique skills to help with her future career, and how studying sports sciences at Leeds Beckett has helped her grow as a person.
Why Leeds for Sport? Discover what the city of Leeds has to offer and why it’s a great choice for students studying sport.
Carnegie School of Sport Physiology Sports Performance Laboratory Dr Barney Wainwright, Senior Research Fellow, explains how research students, athletes and coaches can get the most out of the Carnegie School of Sport’s state-of-the-art Sports Performance Laboratory.
The sports performance lab is specifically designed to help us understand what underpins sports performance across a whole number of sports. In this lab, we can work with athletes and coaches and help them kind of peel back the layers of their performance and understand what their strengths and weaknesses are and how we can go about improving their performance.
With the equipment here, it allows us to measure different metabolic thresholds and movement efficiencies so we can really start to unpick what drives performance, but also importantly, we can start to understand how an athlete responds to their training and therefore the effectiveness of training as well.
The services we have here are very high quality and give us some great capabilities to offer coaches, athletes, and also our research students some great facilities in which to further the work they're doing.
The treadmill itself, as you can see, is a very large treadmill. It's sunk into the floor, which allows us to wheel on bikes and wheelchairs as well very easily, and it's large enough to accommodate those, so for running, cross-country skiing as well, we have rowing ergometers and an array of different bicycle ergometers, so there's a large variety of exercises and sports that we can measure and monitor in here.
We can do things independently in the lab, but we also can link in with the other labs we have in the building such as biochemistry, strength and conditioning, cardiovascular lab, body composition suite as well, as well as our environmental chamber, so based through the activities you can see here in the lab, we can also add additional stresses in, and also take lots of other types of analysis and measurements.
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
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
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.
BSc (Hons)
Science of Sport Performance
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 subject, which can include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education, Sociology or Psychology. 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
Pass overall with 112-128 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core, in a relevant 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.
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.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
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).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.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 4 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.
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.
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.Modules, teaching and learning
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.
BSc (Hons)
Science of Sport Performance
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Discover the key concepts in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology that will serve as a solid 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.
This module will cover four fundamental areas in sport and exercise physiology; cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal muscle and energy metabolism. It will teach you about the functionality of each of these topics. You'll build your understanding of how human performance can be tested and how exercise training theory is applied to improve exercise capacity. You'll also develop laboratory and practical skills in data collection and analysis.
Develop your knowledge, understanding and application of personal, professional, and research-related skills that will help you successfully complete your degree. You'll build a range of transferable skills, including written communication, basic research methods, critical thinking and self-reflection that will be useful in every module you study.
The development of young athletes, specifically growth through and for sport, is an increasingly hot topic in the science of sports performance. Athlete identification, development and optimisation processes have significant implications for health, wellbeing and performance of young athletes; yet they remain the subject of significant confusion. This module delves into the various physical, motor control, skill acquisition, psychosocial and behavioural elements of young athlete development. You'll explore the relationships between talent identification, development and optimisation in youth sport environments, equipping you to construct strong, evidence-informed arguments.
Develop your understanding of key psychological theories and research in sport, exercise, and health settings. You'll explore how thoughts, emotions, and motivation influence participation and performance, and how physical activity affects mental health, wellbeing, and cognitive function. Through discussion of foundational and contemporary perspectives in sport and exercise psychology, you'll examine how individuals shape, and are shaped by, their sport and health behaviours. By the end of the module, you'll be able to explain the psychological factors that influence engagement in physical activity and their impact on mental wellbeing.
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.
Discover the key concepts in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology that will serve as a solid 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.
This module will cover four fundamental areas in sport and exercise physiology; cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal muscle and energy metabolism. It will teach you about the functionality of each of these topics. You'll build your understanding of how human performance can be tested and how exercise training theory is applied to improve exercise capacity. You'll also develop laboratory and practical skills in data collection and analysis.
Develop your knowledge, understanding and application of personal, professional, and research-related skills that will help you successfully complete your degree. You'll build a range of transferable skills, including written communication, basic research methods, critical thinking and self-reflection that will be useful in every module you study.
The development of young athletes, specifically growth through and for sport, is an increasingly hot topic in the science of sports performance. Athlete identification, development and optimisation processes have significant implications for health, wellbeing and performance of young athletes; yet they remain the subject of significant confusion. This module delves into the various physical, motor control, skill acquisition, psychosocial and behavioural elements of young athlete development. You'll explore the relationships between talent identification, development and optimisation in youth sport environments, equipping you to construct strong, evidence-informed arguments.
Develop your understanding of key psychological theories and research in sport, exercise, and health settings. You'll explore how thoughts, emotions, and motivation influence participation and performance, and how physical activity affects mental health, wellbeing, and cognitive function. Through discussion of foundational and contemporary perspectives in sport and exercise psychology, you'll examine how individuals shape, and are shaped by, their sport and health behaviours. By the end of the module, you'll be able to explain the psychological factors that influence engagement in physical activity and their impact on mental wellbeing.
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
Enhance your understanding of biomechanical theory by applying its principles to sport performance. This module introduces the concepts of notational and tactical evaluation while further developing your skills in laboratory data collection and analysis. You'll explore the mechanical determinants of key activities, such as sprinting, in sports performance. By the end of the module, you'll be able to identify optimisation strategies for enhancing performance.
Learn to explain and understand the physiological and metabolic responses to maximal, intermittent and prolonged exercise. You'll start to identify and analyse the adaptations of physiological functions during both aerobic and anaerobic sport performance. Upon completion, you'll demonstrate your understanding of theoretical perspectives of human physiology in relation to exercise, sport performance, recovery, and associated longer-term adaptations.
This module will enhance your knowledge and skills, support the development of your professional profile, and create solid foundations for you to work towards achieving your career aspirations. It will enable you to enhance your employability through the development of context-specific and transferable skills. You’ll be supported to audit, select, engage in, and complete work-based learning activities to help boost your career prospects.
Build on your research and study skills acquired in year one. You'll become a consumer of research which will help prepare you for other second-year modules and your Final Year Project. By the end of the module, you'll be able to search for and apply relevant literature and theory, choose research designs to address research enquiries, analyse and interpret empirical data, and present research findings. You'll achieve this by participating in practical sessions that apply theory to practice.
Study how key lifestyle factors influence athletes' health, performance and career development, and support the work of performance lifestyle practitioners. You'll learn about the importance of multi and inter-disciplinary support and the principles behind the design and delivery of education workshops relevant to performance athletes.
Explore the core training, testing and coaching practices utilised within the field of strength and conditioning. You'll develop training programmes that enhance physical performance. And you'll analyse the needs of different events and sporting movements, as well as the physical needs at differing levels of performance (e.g., amateur, semi-professional and elite).
Enhance your understanding of biomechanical theory by applying its principles to sport performance. This module introduces the concepts of notational and tactical evaluation while further developing your skills in laboratory data collection and analysis. You'll explore the mechanical determinants of key activities, such as sprinting, in sports performance. By the end of the module, you'll be able to identify optimisation strategies for enhancing performance.
Learn to explain and understand the physiological and metabolic responses to maximal, intermittent and prolonged exercise. You'll start to identify and analyse the adaptations of physiological functions during both aerobic and anaerobic sport performance. Upon completion, you'll demonstrate your understanding of theoretical perspectives of human physiology in relation to exercise, sport performance, recovery, and associated longer-term adaptations.
This module will enhance your knowledge and skills, support the development of your professional profile, and create solid foundations for you to work towards achieving your career aspirations. It will enable you to enhance your employability through the development of context-specific and transferable skills. You’ll be supported to audit, select, engage in, and complete work-based learning activities to help boost your career prospects.
Build on your research and study skills acquired in year one. You'll become a consumer of research which will help prepare you for other second-year modules and your Final Year Project. By the end of the module, you'll be able to search for and apply relevant literature and theory, choose research designs to address research enquiries, analyse and interpret empirical data, and present research findings. You'll achieve this by participating in practical sessions that apply theory to practice.
Study how key lifestyle factors influence athletes' health, performance and career development, and support the work of performance lifestyle practitioners. You'll learn about the importance of multi and inter-disciplinary support and the principles behind the design and delivery of education workshops relevant to performance athletes.
Explore the core training, testing and coaching practices utilised within the field of strength and conditioning. You'll develop training programmes that enhance physical performance. And you'll analyse the needs of different events and sporting movements, as well as the physical needs at differing levels of performance (e.g., amateur, semi-professional and elite).
What you'll learn
This module will challenge you to undertake an extended and largely independent piece of project work. You'll demonstrate your research and critical thinking skills, and your understanding of ethical methodological approaches to study. You'll choose a project type that reflects the key knowledge, skills and attributes you've developed across your course. Your overall aim in completing this module will be to generate new knowledge that has practical value. The experience you'll gain on this module and the output you'll generate will prepare you for a career in your chosen field.
Demonstrate critical evaluation of the crucial role environments play in influencing performance variables as you draw upon relevant theoretical models from sport science literature. You'll begin to understand the interactive relationships between core sport science disciplines across dynamic environments within training and competition settings. These disciplines will include physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and psychology.
Build on your research and study skills acquired in years one and two. You'll then apply these skills to support the completion of your Final Year Project. By the end of the module, you'll be able to search for and apply relevant literature and theory, choose research designs to address research enquiries, analyse and interpret empirical data (qualitative and quantitative), and present research findings relevant to sport performance contexts. You'll achieve this by participating in practical sessions that apply theory into practice.
This module will challenge you to undertake an extended and largely independent piece of project work. You'll demonstrate your research and critical thinking skills, and your understanding of ethical methodological approaches to study. You'll choose a project type that reflects the key knowledge, skills and attributes you've developed across your course. Your overall aim in completing this module will be to generate new knowledge that has practical value. The experience you'll gain on this module and the output you'll generate will prepare you for a career in your chosen field.
Demonstrate critical evaluation of the crucial role environments play in influencing performance variables as you draw upon relevant theoretical models from sport science literature. You'll begin to understand the interactive relationships between core sport science disciplines across dynamic environments within training and competition settings. These disciplines will include physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and psychology.
Build on your research and study skills acquired in years one and two. You'll then apply these skills to support the completion of your Final Year Project. By the end of the module, you'll be able to search for and apply relevant literature and theory, choose research designs to address research enquiries, analyse and interpret empirical data (qualitative and quantitative), and present research findings relevant to sport performance contexts. You'll achieve this by participating in practical sessions that apply theory into practice.
Option modules may include
The importance of the sports physiologist in maximising potential in athletic performance is now widely recognised as essential within the field. This module explores the role that sports physiologists play in understanding demands of athletic events, evaluating and monitoring athletic performance and interpreting performance data. During your study, you'll develop the laboratory and field-based skills required to monitor performance and prescription of scientifically justified sports training programmes.
This module will help to develop your critical understanding of sport psychology practice. You'll explore how psychological and ethical principles inform interventions for individual performers and sports teams. Upon completion, you'll be able to apply psychological principles to individuals or groups as well as critically evaluate and design evidence-based interventions in sport.
Explore the latest biomechanical developments in sports technology. You'll study the technology that underpins devices for analysing sports performance and develop evaluation skills in the reliability of these systems. Your skills and knowledge will be used to examine contemporary issues in sports performance. In addition, you'll evaluate the utility of different technological systems in different real-world environments.
This module challenges you to think about the impact of the environment on the performer within talent development settings. We'll explore how coaching practices and environments may be interpreted by sports performers. You'll then develop evidence-based strategies to promote enhancements in high-quality talent development environments.
Develop evidence-based training programmes that enhance physical performance. You'll critically analyse the needs of different events and sporting movements, as well as the needs of special populations. In addition, you'll assess and use a variety of measurement processes to evaluate exercise prescription and the regulation of the training process.
This module is designed to prepare you for work as a professional performance lifestyle advisor. Drawing from real-life scenarios and case studies, you'll develop the knowledge and necessary skill set to give advice and support to athletes in performance environments. You'll understand the importance of establishing boundaries between practitioner and athlete, maintaining health and wellbeing as a practitioner, and signposting talented athletes to relevant support agencies.
Learn to critically appraise commonly used performance analysis methods. In this module, you'll design and justify performance indicators tailored to different sporting performers. You'll capture, analyse and feedback data from an athlete or sports team to inform decision-making frameworks within an interdisciplinary team.
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.
The importance of the sports physiologist in maximising potential in athletic performance is now widely recognised as essential within the field. This module explores the role that sports physiologists play in understanding demands of athletic events, evaluating and monitoring athletic performance and interpreting performance data. During your study, you'll develop the laboratory and field-based skills required to monitor performance and prescription of scientifically justified sports training programmes.
This module will help to develop your critical understanding of sport psychology practice. You'll explore how psychological and ethical principles inform interventions for individual performers and sports teams. Upon completion, you'll be able to apply psychological principles to individuals or groups as well as critically evaluate and design evidence-based interventions in sport.
Explore the latest biomechanical developments in sports technology. You'll study the technology that underpins devices for analysing sports performance and develop evaluation skills in the reliability of these systems. Your skills and knowledge will be used to examine contemporary issues in sports performance. In addition, you'll evaluate the utility of different technological systems in different real-world environments.
This module challenges you to think about the impact of the environment on the performer within talent development settings. We'll explore how coaching practices and environments may be interpreted by sports performers. You'll then develop evidence-based strategies to promote enhancements in high-quality talent development environments.
Develop evidence-based training programmes that enhance physical performance. You'll critically analyse the needs of different events and sporting movements, as well as the needs of special populations. In addition, you'll assess and use a variety of measurement processes to evaluate exercise prescription and the regulation of the training process.
This module is designed to prepare you for work as a professional performance lifestyle advisor. Drawing from real-life scenarios and case studies, you'll develop the knowledge and necessary skill set to give advice and support to athletes in performance environments. You'll understand the importance of establishing boundaries between practitioner and athlete, maintaining health and wellbeing as a practitioner, and signposting talented athletes to relevant support agencies.
Learn to critically appraise commonly used performance analysis methods. In this module, you'll design and justify performance indicators tailored to different sporting performers. You'll capture, analyse and feedback data from an athlete or sports team to inform decision-making frameworks within an interdisciplinary team.
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.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ 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 and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement 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 and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement 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.
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.
BSc (Hons)
Science of Sport Performance
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement 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
- Access to membership and annual student conference of The British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES). Annual student membership (£24 for a Direct Debit and £29 for non-Direct Debit).
- General membership with the British Psychological Society (£5-7 per annum).
- Course branded sportswear (prices start from £17.96). All first-year undergraduate students will receive a free hoody.
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.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.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
- Access to membership and annual student conference of The British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES). Annual student membership (£24 for a Direct Debit and £29 for non-Direct Debit).
- General membership with the British Psychological Society (£5-7 per annum).
- Course branded sportswear (prices start from £17.96). All first-year undergraduate students will receive a free hoody.
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.
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.
97%
of students on BSc (Hons) Science of Sport Performance were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
National Student Survey 2025
-
Facilities | Carnegie School of Sport
We're committed to being the place where people can learn how to revolutionise sports coaching and performance. In our new £45million Carnegie School of Sport building, you'll be able to access state-of-the-art learning, activity and laboratory spaces.
Take the tour -
Facilities | Athletics Performance Centre
A 60m, four lane, indoor track with high performance flooring, allowing athletes to wear spiked footwear anywhere in this area.
-
Facilities | Sport performance lab
With a customised treadmill able to accommodate runners, cyclists, skiers as well as those using a wheelchair, this lab allows for high performance sport and exercise physiology testing. Additionally, our biochemistry analyser provides us with accurate, instant measures of blood glucose and lactate with the capacity to analyse many other chemistries and performance indicators.
-
Facilities | Igloo shared immersive environment
A custom built 180 degree immersive space, it provides a state-of-the-art simulation and visualisation facility. It integrates with sports equipment, including treadmills and exercise bikes.
-
Facilities | Exercise studio
A multi-purpose space that allows for a range of activities to be undertaken, including dance and fitness classes, circuit training and exercise rehabilitation programmes.
-
Facilities | Physiology labs
These labs have ergometers which are used to perform exercise tests and can be controlled to enable workload and physiological data such as heart rates for complete assessment of cycling or running performance.
-
Facilities | Biomechanics lab
This lab has equipment to monitor physical activity and assess sporting performance through measuring heart rate, oxygen consumption and blood lactate responses during exercise to establish VO2max as well as analysing muscle strength and movement patterns.
-
Facilities | Psychology labs
These labs contain Wattbike Icon exercise bikes, each featuring a high-definition performance touchscreen which includes workouts, plans, tests and the brand-new interval builder, allowing riders to create the ultimate personalised workout.
-
Facilities | Human movement lab
This lab is designed to allow complete biomechanical analysis of athletic performance. Cameras around the lab facilitate 3D motion capture allowing the examination of every detail of human movement which is then used to adapt technique and training programmes to improve performance.
-
Facilities | Strength and conditioning suite
Advanced training facility that features 12 Olympic standard lifting platforms which provide immediate training feedback in areas including strength, speed and agility.
-
Facilities | Sports Hall
The facility is marked for various sports and can be split into two smaller halls. It has excellent acoustics and climate control.
-
Facilities | Outdoor track
The outdoor running track is 400m long and has 8 lanes.
-
Facilities | IT suite
The IT labs will support PC based analysis of sport performance as well as other standard IT needs.
-
Facilities | Lecture theatre
This modern lecture theatre with grouped seating allows students to work in pairs or clusters. There are in built microphones on tables and screens placed around the room so that students can participate and can be heard by their peers.
-
Facilities | Headingley Library
Our iconic Grade II James Graham Building houses many of our lecture theatres, teaching spaces and studios as well as the Headingley Library. Our libraries provide you with access to a range of support and resources to support your studies.
360° tour -
Facilities | Headingley campus gym
Our multi-functional gym offers a range of cardio equipment, weights and squat racks.
360° tour
Career prospects
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
Whether you want to pursue a career in high-performance sport as a performance analyst, strength and conditioning coach, performance lifestyle coordinator, or one of the many other professional roles aligned to sport and exercise science, the flexible and interdisciplinary nature of this degree will enable you to take your career in a number of directions. You could also choose to progress your expertise with a masters programme in an aligned discipline, such as physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, or strength and conditioning.
- Performance analyst
- Performance lifestyle advisor
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Sport and exercise scientist
The Carnegie School of Sport is fantastic, it really does make you feel part of a community and the lecturers really support you. With this degree and the experience, I’ll gain, I believe that I will be employable with all my new skills, and my goal is to work for the English Institute of Sport or British Triathlon as a Performance Lifestyle Advisor.
Meagan Botha
BSc Science of Sport Performance
The opportunity to learn a dynamic and informative applied science degree, gaining insights into practitioner roles and acquiring placement opportunities, is an exciting prospect for students wishing to work within sport performance environments.
Dr Emily Williams
Course Director
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
We are ranked 13th Best UK University for Careers Service
(Student Crowd Awards, 2024 – the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
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.
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.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
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.
next steps
Start your journey
Need help making up your mind?