Overview
Sport and exercise scientists make a valuable contribution to people’s lives. They have an important part to play at all levels of sport. At the community level they encourage better health and wellbeing for all. Their skills are also required to enhance athletic performance at the elite level of sport.
The professional body for sport and exercise science in the UK was awarded a Royal Charter in 2024. This recognised the field as distinct, important and of significant public value. You'll be joining a profession crucial to society. At Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we use all our expertise to help give you the best possible preparation for a future career in sport and exercise science.
You’ll learn:
- the physiology, biomechanics and psychology of exercise and sports performance;
- how people learn and enhance motor skills, the role of nutrition and supplements, and the importance of interval and endurance training;
- human anatomy and fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics;
- the latest research in sport and exercise science, from hydration to neuromuscular function;
- how sport can positively impact individuals, communities and the wider economy.
Why study Sport and Exercise Science at Stirling?
Our Sport and Exercise Science course is endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. You’ll learn in a world-class environment at sports facilities ranked among the best in the UK. Our research and teaching laboratories enable you to develop your scientific and practical skills as you work with the latest technology in sport and exercise research. You'll conduct lab tests related to aerobic capacity, anaerobic function, body composition and more.
Our world class sports facilities include a 50 metre swimming pool, athletics tracks, grass and artificial pitches, tennis courts, multiple fitness suites and more.
Work with elite athletes and build connections to sporting organisations
Sport is in our DNA at Stirling. We’re home to one of the largest sports-performance programmes in the UK. We work with elite athletes including those performing at Olympic Games. You'll benefit from our close ties to various important sporting organisations such as:
- sportscotland
- National Swimming Academy
- GB National Tennis Academy
- Triathlon Scotland
Our experts are at the cutting-edge of sport and exercise research. Their knowledge helps to shape a course that prepares you for the professional field. 80% of our research in Sport and Exercise Sciences is classed as world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
Your final project will give you a chance to take a deep dive on an area of sport and exercise science you’re passionate about. From designing your original project to carrying out in-depth research and presenting your findings, you’ll have a chance to put all your learning to work.
You’ll also benefit from a range of guest lectures and our sport-specific careers event. This event brings together alumni, professional partners and stakeholders from the world of sport to help you take your next step as a qualified sport and exercise scientist.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
Our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree is endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES).
Faculty Facilities
Take a tour of our Sport and Exercise teaching facilities
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
AABB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
The following HNC/HND's can be considered for entry:
- Applied Biological Science
- Applied Science
- Applied Biomedical Science.
If you do not have an HNC/HND in one of these subjects then you are required to have a Higher at Grade B in Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
The course provides you with the knowledge and experience to become a sport and exercise scientist and work in areas such as sport, health or science disciplines, or to pursue a career in research or teaching. Take a closer look at the modules you'll study:
Modules
Course details
Teaching
The University of Stirling achieved five stars for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024. In addition to conventional lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and laboratory practical sessions, web-based technology is used to support the teaching course.
Assessment
Assessment is by a combination of coursework, group project work, group and individual presentations and examination.
Mode of study
Full-time (three modules per semester).
Part-time (one or two modules per semester).
Flexible learning
Our flexible degree structure means you can study the following modules from the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science individually as stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses:
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study for a semester abroad through Stirling's well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
Sports scholarships
Our International Sports Scholarship Programme is one of the largest high-performance sports programmes in the UK.
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Students who graduate from our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree are prepared for many career opportunities working in sport, exercise, science and beyond. Employers who have benefitted from Stirling graduate expertise include local authorities, commercial and voluntary sport organisations and governing bodies of sport. Some graduates have gone on to postgraduate taught (Masters/MSc) and research degrees (MPhil/PhD).
/filters:format(webp)/filters:no_upscale()/prod01/cdn/media/stirling/testimonials/graduate-stories/images/2019/Markus-Van-Der-Westhuizen-700X600.jpg)
/filters:format(webp)/filters:no_upscale()/prod01/cdn/media/stirling/testimonials/health-sciences-and-sport/James-Ross-700X600.jpg)