UCAS code
N881Mode of Study
Full-time with year abroadDuration
4 years full-time with a year abroadStart date
September 2023, September 2024Accredited
Yes
Overview
If you see yourself turning your passion for sport and exercise into an exciting global career, this BSc (Hons) Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences dual degree course is for you.
Based in Portsmouth and Perth, Western Australia, you'll explore areas such as sports psychology, biomechanics and exercise physiology, and develop skills to help everyone – from elite athletes looking to set new records to those who play sports for fun – get the most out of exercise.
You'll experience another culture, get access to further expertise and high-tech equipment, and gain an international perspective that will help set you apart when you embark on your career.
Sports science at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 3rd of all post-1992 universities for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Course highlights
- Build practical experience using industry-standard tech in our labs, including an immersion pool and swimming flume, motion capture systems and climatic chambers for manipulating temperature, humidity and altitude – one at sub-zero temperatures for polar preparation
- Explore new aspects of sport and exercise science while studying in Australia, such as clinical and rehabilitation techniques essential for careers in healthcare
-
Be able to get specialist qualifications that match your career aspirations in areas such as first aid, coaching and gym instruction
-
Put what you learn into practice using links to local sports and healthcare providers
-
Learn from expert staff who are actively engaged in research projects that inform the future of sport and exercise science
Why do a dual degree?
This course is a dual degree (also known as a double degree).
When you complete the course successfully, you'll have 2 degrees – one from the University of Portsmouth and one from Edith Cowan University.
Dual degrees allow you to achieve 2 degrees in 3.5 or 4 years rather than 6 years.
You'll benefit from a global education experience and the high-calibre teaching expertise, latest research and modern facilities at two universities. You'll also develop a more comprehensive knowledge of communication and media than on a single degree and gain an understanding of different cultures, which will help you work more effectively with people from different backgrounds.
All of this will help you stand out in a competitive job market after you graduate.
You'll be based in Portsmouth in years 1 and 2, and for 6 months at the end of the course. You'll spend year 3 in Perth, Western Australia at Edith Cowan University.
You'll get support with travel arrangements, visas, finding accommodation and accessing loans and other funding that can help pay for your study and living costs when you're in Australia.
Edith Cowan University is one of the top 100 young universities in the world one of the top 100 universities in the Asia-Pacific regions (Times Higher Education 2019 and 2020). The Good Universities Guide 2021 gives the University 5 out of 5 stars for its learner resources, student support, teaching quality and overall experience.
Like Portsmouth, Perth offers a mix of city and outdoor living. It's a great base for exploring Western Australia and beyond.
What is a dual degree?
Learn about our dual degree programmes with Edith Cowan University in Australia.
Chris Chang: We have a strategic partnership with Edith Cowan University in Australia, particularly for students who have not travelled abroad or lived abroad, that gives them the opportunity to experience a dual degree. The design of our programmes means that we have developed the programme from the ground up, which doesn't require you to study that much more time for a degree programme.
Heather Massey: There's lots of reasons why people might want to come and study this dual award course at the University of Portsmouth. Learning in a different environment from different tutors and the facilities that they have at Edith Cowan are absolutely first-class.
Chris Chang: Students have the opportunity to travel for a year and the question that some students will have is "how will I be able to afford this?" Now the UK Government has launched the Turing programme and what this programme does is fund them to do study abroad, internships, placements. It makes it accessible to all students from different groups, whether they are international students or students from the UK.
Dr Sarah Reynolds: Experiencing life in a different country. You would mature and develop your confidence during that time and definitely walk out of the degree, I think standing up a bit taller than if you hadn't.
Chris Chang: Now the benefits of this is that you can actually show to employers that you have two degrees from two different universities in two different countries. Jobs these days have changed quite substantially. Your future job may not be in the UK and employers are looking for the kind of employees that are able to work in different contexts, different cultures be able to work in multidisciplinary and multinational teams.
One of the other benefits of this programme is that you can actually travel around, not just, Australia but around the ASEAN region because from Perth it's a very short flight to Hong Kong; to Singapore; to Malaysia.
Heather Massey: It's an amazing opportunity to learn both from experts in their field, but also learn about how different people in a different culture operate.
Chris Chang: There are inter-semester breaks of two-three months and you should use that opportunity to see the world. The other thing that you have is having studied a year abroad, you will make friends who could in the future be your supporters, be your allies, and be your collaborators of the future.
Dr Leah Fox: Even though they're geographically away. They'll still be able to get access to that same level of support as they were getting in Portsmouth. They'll have access to wellbeing, they'll have access to financial services, they'll have access to personal tutoring.
Chris Chang: These courses that we have delivered so far: Global Sport Management, Cybersecurity, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, Environmental Science and Management are all in very specialist and niche areas. Means that wherever you end up working or living, you're prepared for it. The demand for these courses are high, so we want highly motivated students who will benefit from this programme and benefit from a year abroad.
Dr Leah Fox: We're looking for an applicant who wants to make a change, who is open minded and prepared to be confronted with a number of challenges. But overall, someone who is curious and wants to learn.
Endorsed by
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES).
BSc (Hons) Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (Dual Degree) – Overview
Watch this video to meet Senior Lecturer, Heather Massey and discover the benefits of a dual degree as you take a look at some of the modern equipment and facilities you'll use on this Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences course.
Heather Massey:
The dual award course for Sports, Health and Exercise science is a four year degree, which involves three years at the University of Portsmouth and a year working in Perth in Australia at Edith Cowan University.
There's lots of reasons why people might want to come and study this dual award course at the University of Portsmouth. We have a great facility here at Portsmouth for studying Sports and Exercise Science such as the Extreme Environments Laboratory. But we also have the opportunity for you to study in Australia for that third year of your degree. They'll learn a lot about some of the rehabilitation science, improve their knowledge within sport and exercise science as well. But more than that, they're also going to gain the opportunity of learning in a different environment from different tutors and the facilities that they have at Edith Cowan are absolutely first
class. So it's an amazing opportunity to learn both from experts in their field, but also learn about how different people in a different culture operate.
This dual degree is accredited by BASES the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, and it allows students then to go into a range of different professional roles that might be related to sport, both at elite level and also grassroots, into education so sports teaching. Or, science teaching and then possibly into the healthcare sector, either physiotherapy, physical therapy and leading to further degrees in medical science or medicine as well.
I really, really enjoy this course. I think the whole idea of being able to learn both from tutors in the UK and also tutors in Australia and combine that knowledge is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for our graduates and all students.
Entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – AAA–AAB
- UCAS points – 136-144 Points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels, or equivalents, with 32 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Distinction (acceptable T level subjects include Health, Healthcare Science, Science)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD (must be in a Sports-related subject)
- International Baccalaureate – 27–28
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will need to attend an interview in support of their application
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–ABB
- UCAS points – 128-136 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, PE, Physics, Psychology or Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry or Sports Studies) (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit–Destinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 26–27
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Biomechanics Laboratory
Use equipment including force plates, pressure plates and our electromyography system to explore the impact of exercise on the body in this lab, from the limits of human endurance to the effects of chronic health conditions.
Dr Alex Milligan Research Laboratory
A flexible work space featuring a Polhemus motion tracking system for tracking athletes' movement in 3D and a DEXA scanner for measuring body fat.
Extreme environments laboratories
See how altitude and humidity affect people's comfort, performance and survival. Features an immersion pool and swimming flume, which acts like a treadmill for swimmers.
Gym and classes
Ravelin Sports Centre has all you need for cardio, resistance and weight training, complete with air-conditioning and BT Sport. Membership includes a range of fitness classes too.
Our £50m sports centre
Train and play in one of the UK's greenest sports centres, including an 8-lane swimming pool, virtual skiing, climbing wall and more.
Sports and human performance testing
Analyse sports performance and environmental physiology, and use some of the best extreme environments facilities in the UK.
Careers and opportunities
Sport, health and exercise science focuses on the scientific principles behind exercise performance. It combines physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition management skills to examine the relationship between exercise and the human body, revolutionising the way sportspeople train and condition themselves.
A report by The Physiological Society found that over the course of their careers, sport and exercise science graduates earn on average £667,000 more than their non-graduate peers. What's more, the experience you gain during your year at Edith Cowan University in Australia will be invaluable to your employment prospects.
Gain a global perspective on sport and exercise science
As part of this thriving industry, you'll have the skills to develop and rehabilitate athletes of all ages, or take a non-scientific career route such as teaching, sports journalism, sports marketing or advertising.
You could also study sport, health and exercise science further at postgraduate level, such as with our Sports Performance MSc or Applied Exercise Physiology MSc.
What areas can you work in with a sport, health and exercise sciences degree?
When you graduate, you could work in areas such as:
- health and fitness training
- teaching and education
- strength and conditioning
- sports therapy
- physiotherapy
- sport science support (UK Sport, EIS, professional clubs)
- cardiac rehabilitation
- postgraduate study or research
Potential roles
Roles you could take on include:
- PE teacher
- fitness instructor
- NVQ coordinator
- sports development officer
- sports and exercise scientist
- sports therapist and physiotherapist
- cardiac rehabilitation technician
- clinical exercise psychologist
Ongoing careers support
To give you the best chance of securing the ideal job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability Service can help you find relevant work experience during your course.
We'll work with you to identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies and allow you to use the skills you've learnt.
We'll also be available to help, advise and support you for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.
Sport, health and exercise science work experience
This course includes a work-based learning core module. You'll complete 20 hours of work experience across a range of industry sectors related to sport, health and exercise science, with direct mentorship from academic members of staff.
You'll get to see a range of career journey presentations from alumni and subject experts and we'll use these links to encourage work based activities across the sectors of sport, health and exercise science.
What you'll study
Each module on this course is worth 15, 20 or 40 credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
In your final year, you'll complete your dissertation worth 40 credits, alongside taught modules worth 80 credits.
Modules
You'll study at Portsmouth in year 1.
Core modules in this year include:
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Biomechanics – 40 credits
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology – 40 credits
- Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology – 40 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
You'll study at Portsmouth in year 2.
Core modules in this year include:
- Advanced Exercise Physiology – 20 credits
- Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise – 20 credits
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise – 20 credits
- Work-based Learning – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Exercise in Different Environments – 20 credits
- Nutrition for Sport, Exercise and Health – 20 credits
- Physical Activity and Exercise for Healthy Ageing – 20 credits
- Principles of Performance Analysis – 20 credits
- Principles of Skill Acquisition – 20 credits
- Strength and Conditioning for Sport, Exercise and Health – 20 credits
You'll study at Edith Cowan University in year 3.
Core modules in this year include:
- Conditioning For Team Sport Athletes – 15 credits
- Exercise Rehabilitation – 15 credits
- Lifespan Growth and Development – 15 credits
- Motor Learning and Control – 15 credits
- Motor Learning and Control – 15 credits
- Sports Injury Prevention and Management – 15 credits
- Statistical Research Methods – 15 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Advanced Resistance Training – 15 credits
- Exercise Delivery – 15 credits
- Performance Analysis and Player Monitoring – 15 credits
- Principles and Practices of Resistance Training – 15 credits
You'll study at Portsmouth in year 4.
Core modules in this year include:
- Project – 40 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Advanced Strength and Conditioning – 20 credits
- Advanced Sports Nutrition – 20 credits
- Applications of Exercise Physiology – 20 credits
- Applications of Sport and Exercise Psychology – 20 credits
- Applied Skill Acquisition – 20 credits
- Biomechanics in Practice – 20 credits
- Biopsychosocial Approaches to Physical Activity and Health Promotion – 20 credits
- Environmental Physiology – 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- practical assessments
- client reports
- video submissions
- blogs
- infographics
- essays
- portfolios
- presentations
- exams
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- lab-based activities
The course also uses a range of blended and flipped learning techniques throughout information technology infrastructure at both the University of Portsmouth and Edith Cowan University.
Teaching staff at Portsmouth and ECU have a range of academic and professional experience which brings added value to the course. Examples of professional memberships include:
- British Association of Sport and Exercise Science
- British Psychological Society
- The Health and Care Professions Council
- Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
- UK Science Council
- The American College of Sports Medicine
- Exercise and Sports Science Australia
Teaching staff at both universities are also engaged in research. This means you'll learn about the latest theories and concepts from academics at the forefront of sports and exercise science research and innovation.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your dual degree.
In your first year, you'll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and workshops for about 7–9 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2, 3 and 4 but this depends which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term times
University of Portsmouth (years 1, 2 and 4)
The academic year at University of Portsmouth runs from September to early June with breaks at Christmas and Easter. It's divided into 2 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods:
- September to December – teaching block 1
- January – assessment period 1
- January to May – teaching block 2 (includes Easter break)
- May to June – assessment period 2
Edith Cowan University (year 3)
The academic year at Edith Cowan University runs from February to November with breaks at Easter and in June. It's divided into 2 semesters and 2 exam periods:
- February to May – semester 1 (includes Easter break)
- June – exam period 1
- July to October – semester 2
- November – exam period 2
You'll start year 3 at ECU in semester 2 in July, finishing in semester 1 in May.
Where you'll study (year 3)
You'll study at Edith Cowan University's Joondalup Campus during your third year and student accommodation is available on the Mount Lawley Campus. Both campuses offer a library, computer labs, cafes, bars, a fitness centre, student support and counselling services.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get face-to-face support from teaching and support staff when you need it. These include the following people and services.
You'll also have full access to all of these Portsmouth University support services while you're in Australia.
Types of support
You'll have a personal tutor from the University of Portsmouth and a country link tutor from Edith Cowan University when you're studying in Perth in year 3.
Your personal tutors help you make the transition to independent study and give you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You’ll have regular contact with them in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support. They'll be available virtually in year 3 when you're in Australia.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- Years 1, 2 and 4 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
Fees may be subject to annual increase.
- Years 1, 2 and 4 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
Includes Transition Scholarship. Fees may be subject to annual increase.
- Year 1, 2 and 4 – £17,200 a year
- Year 3 – £1,900
Fees may be subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- Years 1, 2 and 4 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
Fees may be subject to annual increase.
- Years 1, 2 and 4 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
Includes Transition Scholarship. Fees may be subject to annual increase.
- Year 1, 2 and 4 – £18,100 a year
- Year 3 – £2,000
Fees may be subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You'll need to cover your living costs and pay additional costs of £3,000–£4,000 to cover travel to and from Australia in year 3. You can cover these costs using a UK Government student loan.
The Edith Cowan University website has information on your accommodation options.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N881
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
Don't worry if you change your mind about studying abroad after you start the course. It's easy to transfer to a similar course once you're at Portsmouth or study this course as a single degree if you decide not to attend Edith Cowan University in year 3.
Come to an Open Day
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N881
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.