About This Course
The BSc Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year) programme combines a foundation year with the three year Honours Degree to create an integrated four year programme. The programme provides an excellent introduction to studying a sport science subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to study at degree-level. The Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year programme is ideal for applicants who do not quite meet the entry requirements for the three year degree or who would benefit from further a further year’s study in relation to studying a science subject.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will see you progress to Year 1 of the BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree or students can choose to transfer to BSc Adventure Sport Science, BSc Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education, BSc Sport Science: Strength and Conditioning or BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology.
From the marginal gains philosophy of elite sport to the increasing number of bioapps and fitness trackers that pervade the health and lifestyle domain, it is clear that the sport and exercise science sector is booming. The Sport and Exercise Science degree at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ will bring the science underpinning such innovations to life.
In addition to covering the core areas of psychology, physiology, biomechanics and skill learning, a modern innovation of our degree is the inclusion of the latest psychophysiological and neuroscientific research in sport and exercise. This allows you to bridge the traditional boundaries between disciplines and graduate with an appreciation of how the many areas of sport and exercise science inter-relate. This skillset is exactly what the modern, forward-thinking, sport and exercise scientist needs for a successful professional career, be that in elite sport, business, exercise, rehabilitation, or health.
You’ll be taught by staff who are recognised internationally for their cutting-edge scientific research. Our staff are also applied practitioners and they will share their experiences of working as sport and exercise scientists in high-profile organizations (e.g., NHS, military, UK Sport, Sport Wales, Premier League football teams, England and Wales Cricket Board) and with world-leading athletes and teams. North Wales offers a stunning natural environment for your studies, and our department, which was established in 1978, is proud to call itself one of the original and longest serving Sport and Exercise Science providers in the world.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement YearÌýoption where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider.ÌýYou would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year.ÌýPlacements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.Ìý
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider thisÌýoptionÌýwhen you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto thisÌýpathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch. Ìý
This course is available with an International Experience YearÌýoption where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year.Ìý You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.
Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æing abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons.ÌýWith international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinationsÌýand partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.Ìý
You will have the opportunity to fully consider thisÌýoption at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.Ìý
Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on theÌýStudent Exchanges section of our website.
Course Content
The Foundation Year component of the programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. You will study a range of modules focused on your developing your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, ahead of progressing to Year 1 of the programme. You will complete modules focusing on IT and Communication Skills, Essential Mathematics and Biology and develop a range of skills through a subject specific research project.
In subsequent years, you will follow the same modules as BSc Sport and Exercise Science or whichever route you transfer to if you decide to pursue one of the other sports science related degrees.
Each year you study a total of 120 credits and the modules build up over the years to provide both breadth and depth of understanding in wide-ranging areas of sport and exercise science, ultimately tailored by you to your interests and career plans.
As you progress into the first year of your chosen degree you’ll learn via a blend of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies, group assignments and independent study. Each module typically involves one lecture per week, followed up (where appropriate), with lab classes, discussion groups and tutorials. This means that a typical week on this degree will contain six lectures, two or three practicals or seminars, advertised time for tutorials with module leaders / personal tutors and protected time for independent study. Your independent study time is expected to involve reading scientific research, writing essays and reports, practicing vocational competencies, gathering information and data, working on group projects and preparing verbal and poster presentations. These activities form the basis of authentic assessment opportunities to help you prepare for future employment e.g., practical examinations, presentations, case studies, written reports and critiques of research.
Our approach allows our students have close contact with lecturers and tutors, and all our students have access to regular one-to-one meetings with staff.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Sport and Exercise Science (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Facilities
Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences facilities
- £1M teaching lab
- an altitude (hypoxia) chamber
- multiple 3D motion analysis labs
- a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole body scanner
- exercise testing and rehabilitation labs
- an environmental chamber
- psychology, psychomotor and psychophysiology testing suites
- biochemistry and cell biology labs
- 3 x Psychomotor control/testing labs
- Psychology testing labsÌý
- 1 x Driving simulator lab
- 1 x Live-in/Social Psychology labÌý
- 1 x Water immersion testing lab
Physiology Research Labs
Testing takes place with external clients e.g., we have tested members of the Welsh National Kayaking and Sailing Squads, patients suffering from various conditions – breast cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, renal, diabetes, obesity, members of the fire service, elite athletes, military personnel, and mountaineers to name but a few. The equipment in these labs includes:
- Online Breath by Breath analysers – measure maximal aerobic fitness, energy expenditure, ventilation. They are more a sophisticated version of the Douglas bag system also seen in this lab and the teaching lab.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine – 12 lead suitable for monitoring during exercise or rest.Ìý
- YSI lactate/glucose analyserÌý
- Treadmill with 30km speed, reverse belt to allow downhill running, safety arch for downhill and sprint running.
- GEM - Blood Gas Analyser - measures gas concentrations in blood e.g.Ìýoxygen and carbon dioxide and acids e.g., lactic acid.
- Osmometer: for measuring salt content in urine (hydration status).
- Reflatron – photometer that allows measurement of capillary blood, cholesterol, uric acid, glucose, HDL (high density lipoproteins i.e., good cholesterol). Ìý
Environmental Chamber Ìý Ìý
- Temperature can be varied up to 40º and down to -20º, plus 5-95% variations in humidity.
- Used to measure reactions when body going through extreme stress, for example dehydration. Psychological testing can also take place when exercising under stress conditions, for example cognitive functioning when dehydrated.
- Recent testing involved a new method of recording temperatures using sensors/data loggers taped to the skin of subjects which feed data directly to a computer. We also have the capacity to take skin and rectal temperatures while subjects are undergoing testing in the chamber. Ìý Ìý
Altitude Chamber
The chamber allows manipulation of the environment from 21% oxygen (0 m) to 7% oxygen (8,900 m, summit of Everest) using a unit which acts as a molecular sieve to remove oxygen from the air. It controls temperature and humidity accurate to 0.1 oC and 1%, respectively. The School also has two portable units with a tent system to allow at home altitude training, sleeping and acclimatisation. By using this chamber in combination with the fMRI scanner (based within Psychology), it is possible to image the brain and determine why people get serious and often life threatening mountain sickness and headaches. Studies combining the use of the chamber with exercise have helped to determine if simulated altitude can help people lose weight.Ìý
- Keystone - more sophisticated version of the lung volume machine (spirometer) in the teaching lab. It measures most lung capacity and volume functions e.g.Ìýresidual volume (the volume left in the lungs after normal expiration) – measured by re-breathing helium mixed gas, and measures strength of respiratory muscles and efficiency of gas exchange in the lung.
- Haemocue – photometer that measures haemoglobin from capillary blood.
- Physio Flow – stoke volume and cardiac output i.e., how much blood is being pumped by the heart with each beat and each minute.
- Tango - automated blood pressure during exercise.
- + RPE (Ratings of Perceived Exertion) cards – used to assess effort during exercise. Important because perceived exertion controls exercise intensity in athletes and normal people exercising. ÌýÌý
DXA LAB (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scanner)Ìý
We were the first Sports Science School in the UK to install a DXA scanner and use it for research. It is able to measure bone density and provide measurements of tissue – fat; lean and mass/muscle composition. Other equipment within the department such as electrical impedance measurement instruments, the underwater weighing tank and skin fold callipers can also assess body composition.Ìý
£1m Canolfan PAWB* Centre (*Physical Activity for Health and Wellbeing) Teaching Lab
This state of the art physiology teaching lab (costing in excess of £1 million) is designed to allow students to effectively develop their practical skills and includes equipment such as: Ìý
- Lung volume machine.
- Douglas Bags for collecting gas during various exercises and a machine to analyse these gases for Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide content which is used to determine aerobic fitness levels and energy expenditure.
- Wingate machine – tests maximal anaerobic capacity. Most people who use this will get a build-up of the by-product of exercise (lactic acid).
- Bikes and treadmills – these are used to induce an exercise situation to measure physiological, biochemical and psychological parameters.Ìý
- Two rowing machines – standard rower and kayak machine.
- Blood pressure machines.
- Back/leg dynamometer.
- Skin-fold callipers.
- Teaching ECG system.Ìý
Exercise Testing & Rehabilitation Labs ÌýÌý
- Isokinetic/Isometric Dynamometer – measures all kinds of joint action and muscular strength. The dynamometer can also be used for rehabilitation from injuries and can be used in conjunction with Trunk Flexion Extension.Ìý
- Trunk Flexion Extension – added to the dynamometer to measure back strength and related muscles groups.ÌýÌý
- Electromyography (EMG) machine – 19 channels plus conduction velocity. Measures electrical signals in the muscle, looking at the firing rate of muscles and if they fatigue during exercise.Ìý
- Ultrasound – looks at what goes on in muscles while exercising and will show scar tissue andÌýcan measure blood flow in vessels and heart as well can investigate heart function and morphology.
- °Õ°ù±ð²¹»å³¾¾±±ô±ô.Ìý
- Ergometers – Monarch bikes (patient testing bikes), Concept rower.Ìý
- Lode Corival.Ìý
Psychology and Psychophysiology Laboratories
- Electroencephalography (EEG) systems to measure brain activity via recording of the electrical activity on the scalp.
- Biofeedback machines and software to display psychophysiological signals (e.g.Ìýbrainwaves, heart rate variability) in real-time and help individuals learn how to take control of their psychophysiological state.
- Mobile eye-trackers to measure eye movements during sport and exercise participation.
- Force and accelerometery sensors to measure movement profiles and develop understanding of how technique develops with learning and is impacted by psychological stress.
- High-definition video cameras and high specification computers to monitor human responses in psychology experiments and to allow the completion of online questionnaires about psychological state.
Psychomotor and Motor Control and Learning Laboratories
- There are 5 of these in total and the housed equipment is used to monitor, measure, and understand human movement and action control from simple fine motor skills to full body explosive sports actions; under unlimited psychological, physiological, and environmental manipulations.
- 12 Camera Vicon 3D motion analysis laboratory.Ìý
- Optotrack motion analysis laboratory.
- Upper limb Manipulandum's complete with accelerometers.Ìý
- High resolution 2D Graphics tablets.Ìý
- Mobile eye tracking system to measure eye movements during sport and exercise.
- Occlusion goggles to directly manipulate field of vision in real time during human movement.
- High definition video camera and high specification computers to monitor and analyse skill movement.Ìý
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.Ìý
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.Ìý
Course Costs
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,250 per year (2025/26).
- The fee for all integrated study abroad years is Ìý£1,385 (2025/26).
- The fee for an integrated year in industry as part of a sandwich programme is £1,850 (2025/26).
More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
GCSE:Ìý grade C/4 in GCSE Maths (or equivalent) required.Ìý
Offers are tariff based, 72 -120 tariff points, from Level 3 qualification(s)* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate: accepted
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): accepted
- BTEC:Ìý Diplomas and Certificate acceptedÌý
- Cambridge Technical:Ìý Diplomas and Certificates accepted
- City & Guilds: Advanced Technical Diplomas accepted
- Welsh Baccalaureate: accepted
- Scottish Highers: accepted
- Irish Leaving Certificate: accepted
- T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis
We also welcome applications from mature applicants. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go toÌý.
International ApplicantsÌý ÌýWe are currently unable to accept applications from international students for this course.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College. Successful completion of Year 0 of the equivalent International programme guarantees entry to Year 1 of the same Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ degree programme. Through this route, Year 0 is delivered at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ International College (BUIC) located at the heart of our University Campus and run by our partner, Oxford International Education Group.
For more information, visitÌýÂ鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ's International CollegeÌý±è²¹²µ±ð²õ.
Ìý
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please seeÌý.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.ÌýAll students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.ÌýAs part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see ourÌýÂ鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æing at BangorÌýsection of the website.ÌýÌýÌý
GCSE:Ìý grade C/4 in GCSE Maths (or equivalent) required.Ìý
Offers are tariff based, 72 -112 tariff points, from Level 3 qualification(s)* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate: accepted
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): accepted
- BTEC:Ìý Diplomas and Certificate acceptedÌý
- Cambridge Technical:Ìý Diplomas and Certificates accepted
- City & Guilds: Advanced Technical Diplomas accepted
- Welsh Baccalaureate: accepted
- Scottish Highers: accepted
- Irish Leaving Certificate: accepted
- T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis
We also welcome applications from mature applicants. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go toÌý.
International ApplicantsÌý ÌýWe are currently unable to accept applications from international students for this course.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College. Successful completion of Year 0 of the equivalent International programme guarantees entry to Year 1 of the same Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ degree programme. Through this route, Year 0 is delivered at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ International College (BUIC) located at the heart of our University Campus and run by our partner, Oxford International Education Group.
For more information, visitÌýÂ鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ's International CollegeÌý±è²¹²µ±ð²õ.
Ìý
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please seeÌý.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.ÌýAll students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.ÌýAs part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see ourÌýÂ鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æing at BangorÌýsection of the website.ÌýÌýÌý
Careers
This foundation year is integrated into BSc Sport and Exercise Science but you can also use it to access other sport science degrees and you can find career information on those course pages depending on which degree route you intend to follow.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.Ìý
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA)
The BEA is a comprehensive online course that you can work through at your own pace, taking you through all the steps you need to take to explore, prepare and apply for your dream career.
Internships
Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about volunteering on the .
