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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Science of Sport Performance
Develop essential practical skills and scientific knowledge in preparation for a career in sport performance.
Course Overview
-
C610 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
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.
Development opportunities
Alongside your studies, you’ll be able to apply for professional development opportunities through the school’s internship programme, offering work experience and valuable networking opportunities that could help you to secure your first professional role after graduation.
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 will serve as guest assessors on the course, evaluating your development as a sport performance practitioner and 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.
Why study Science of Sport Performance at Leeds Beckett University
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Fully prepare for undergraduate study
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Develop the skills to work with the next generation of elite athletes
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Gain real-world experience and make connections through our new internship programme
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Study in our new £45m state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building
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Sport volunteering opportunities, which have previously included the Olympics, World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games
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.
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
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 subject, which can include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education 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.
Selection Criteria
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.
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
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.
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
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 a range of personal, professional, and research-related skills that will be useful in every module studied throughout your degree.
This module will introduce you to the broad physical, motor control, skill acquisition, psychosocial and behavioural elements of young athlete development.
This module will introduce you to the origins and foundations of sport and exercise psychology. You'll examine a range of psychological perspectives and domains that have informed the development of this fundamental sport and exercise science discipline.
Develop an understanding of food as energy. You'll study the importance of adequate nutrition in maintaining body functions during rest and activity.
What you'll learn
Enhance your understanding of biomechanical theory through the application of principles to sport performance. You'll appreciate the influence of key mechanical determinants of human movement whilst identifying methods of optimising performance.
Learn to explain and understand physiological and metabolic responses to maximal, intermittent and prolonged exercise. You'll identify and analyse the adaptations of physiological function during both aerobic and anaerobic sport performance.
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
Undertake an extended and largely independent piece of work that demonstrates research skills, critical thinking, and an awareness of ethical methodological approaches to study.
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
Develop a critical understanding of the differing demands of athletic events and learn how this knowledge influences the approach to performance evaluation and monitoring.
Explore how psychological and ethical principles inform interventions for individual performers and sports teams.
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 will challenge you to consider the impact of the environment on the performer, within talent development settings. You'll identify ways 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.
Learn from real-life contexts and case studies to understand and develop the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes required to fulfil the professional role of Performance Lifestyle Advisor.
Explore the design, justification and application of contemporary performance analysis practice.
Undertake a paid placement in a related industry for an academic year between years two and three. 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 ‘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
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.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:
- 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
- The British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) access to membership and annual student conference. 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 (from £12)
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.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.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:
- Laboratory equipment, including specialist sport and exercise science facilities and the Carnegie Research Institute
Optional Costs
- The British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) access to membership and annual student conference. 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 (from £12)
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.
94%
of students on BSc (Hons) Science of Sport Performance were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Carnegie School of Sport Biochemistry Laboratory Dr Theocharis Ispoglou talks about the biochemistry laboratory in Carnegie School of Sport, used by students to analyse the biochemical basis of health effects in exercise.
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
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.
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
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
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.
