2025/26 entry
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year
Why study Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- The School is designated a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (2005-2010) by the Higher Education Funding Council for England
- Taught in a 25 million state-of-the-art building with world-class laboratories and equipment
- Excellent employment prospects in elite performance or promotion of healthy lifestyles
- Option to undertake work placement of up to 12 months
- Options to study abroad for part of the degree with support from schemes such as the Go Global Fund and Erasmus+
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
About your course
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree is delivered by world-leading experts in state-of-the-art facilities in our award-winning Tom Reilly Building.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
About BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Sports scientists work either in the sports industries with athletes, coaches and governing bodies to help improve elite performance or in communities promoting healthy lifestyles.
Through the multi-disciplinary study of the behavioural, physical and life sciences, this degree prepares you for a highly rewarding career in sports or exercise contexts - including scientific support, rehabilitation, exercise training and health promotion.
The foundations and principles underpinning sport and exercise science are covered in the first two years. This provides the multi-disciplinary grounding recommended by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). In the final year there is discipline specialisation and an independent research project led by the student.
Thanks to strong links with industry partners, we have a clear understanding of the needs and expectations of employers and are able to design the course with your future employability in mind.
Formal work-related learning opportunities are provided in the final year where students will apply the skills and theory they have learnt through in an applied placement module. Many of our graduates continue onto postgraduate study to allow them to compete for the top sport and exercise science jobs in the country.
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at LJMU is one of the best places in the country to study sport and exercise science. It pioneered the first degree of its kind in 1975 and is now formally recognised as a centre for world-leading research in the field.
"I 100% believe that if I didn't come to LJMU I would have had to choose between Water Polo and my degree, but I can say I have a Commonwealth Gold Medal, captained a World University Games and achieved a 1st class degree and that is all because of LJMU!"
Professional accreditation/links
The course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme.
With membership of ASET, the UK’s leading authority on work based and placement learning, LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is committed to providing Work-based and Placement Learning (WBPL) experiences to our students that are quality assured and supported in accordance with best practice guidelines.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Employability
The diversity of careers that our graduates pursue is testament to the variety of skills they develop during their course. Some choose to pursue teaching careers, supplementing their degree with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Others continue their studies at masters level, remaining at LJMU to study sport and clinical biomechanics, sport psychology, sport and exercise physiology, sport nutrition, strength and conditioning or study for other masters degrees e.g. physiotherapy. Some also progress to doctoral level research and take up lecturing positions in universities and colleges.
Whatever your career choice, the transferable skills you will gain on the course are sought after by a wide range of employers, many of whom tell us they value our graduates because they "think differently and have excellent people skills".
Find out more about career opportunities in sport and exercise sciences.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 3
Core modules
Skills and Practice in Sport
20 credits
This module aims to examine the concepts of employability and enterprise across a range of organisations. This foundation module will develop your study skills and will inform the your understanding of your chosen career pathway.
Health and Wellbeing
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of health and wellbeing and demonstrates how increased physical activity and better nutrition can influence and improve this.
Practical Delivery in Sport and Physical Activity
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding regarding delivery of safe and effective physical activities.
Behaviours in Sport and Physical Activity
20 credits
The aim of this module is to explore psychological and social theories to inform the delivery of sport. You will be exposed to several key psychological and social frameworks allowing you to develop informed approaches to your practice.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems and metabolic processes.
Projects in Sport and Nutrition
20 credits
This module aims to enable you to develop the skills to undertake an investigation into a specific area of study that is relevant to your programme.
Level 4
Core modules
Research Methods 1
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of research methods, along with covering the basic application and interpretation of various data analysis techniques.
Exercise Physiology 1
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems, metabolic processes and discuss how these systems and processes respond to feeding and acute exercise.
Psychosocial Principles of Sport and Exercise
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial concepts that underpin the sport and exercise environment.
Human Movement
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the basic principles of human anatomy, functional movement, biomechanics, and motor skill acquisition, and to illustrate applications of these principles in sport, exercise, and health. The module also aims to introduce you to experimental methods in biomechanics and to develop skills in data handling.
Professional Practice in Sport and Exercise Science 1
20 credits
This module helps you to develop an understanding of the concepts, skills and competencies underpinning inter-disciplinary applied sport and exercise science practice. You will develop computing competency, practical skills and measurement techniques relevant to applied sport and exercise science settings.
Physical Activity and Health 1
20 credits
This module introduces you to the principles underpinning the promotion of physically active, low sedentary, healthy lifestyles. The module also aims to provide an introduction to quantitative and qualitative methodologies in physical activity and sedentary behaviour research, developing your skills of data analyses and interpretation.
Level 5
Core modules
Research Methods 2
20 credits
This module will enhance your understanding of the research process and related methodological approaches, whilst also developing your knowledge, skills and to complete investigations involving data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Exercise Physiology 2
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the cardiovascular and metabolic responses of acute and chronic exercise. This will enable you to discuss these in relation to human health and performance.
Sport and Performance Psychology
20 credits
This module will develop your ability to evaluate psychological principles associated with sport performance, motor control and learning, considering individual (e.g., personality) and environmental (e.g., culture) factors.
Professional Practice in Sport & Exercise Science 2
20 credits
This module develops your skills, knowledge and abilities as a professional practitioner in sport and exercise science. This enables you to enhance your practical skills and theoretical knowledge to allow you to audit a ‘client’s’ requirements and effectively communicate outcomes of a consultation. This module also aims to develop your understanding of the requirements for professional behaviour and how to be inclusive.
Physical Activity and Health 2
20 credits
This module develops your theoretical knowledge and understanding of socio-ecological influences on physical activity and sedentary behaviour through analysis of scientific literature in different population sub-groups. It also aims to analyse the strengths and limitations of methods to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and to equip you with the skills to conduct a brief assessment of physical activity with a client, including assessment administration, analysis and feedback.
Biomechanics
20 credits
This module aims to give you the knowledge and technical ability to describe, measure and explain human movement using the application of biomechanical principles, with the aim of improving performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Optional Modules
Sandwich Year - Sport and Exercise Science
120 credits
This module will provide you the chance to spend an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.
Study Year Abroad - Sport and Exercise Science
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Study Semester Abroad - Sport and Exercise Science
60 credits
The aim is to provide students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of their LJMU programme at level 5.This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced. Assuming successful completion of this semester, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the semester abroad.
Level 6
Core modules
Major Project
40 credits
This module will critically extend your understanding and deployment of research processes through the planning, production, analyses and report of a piece of independent research conducted in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
Applied Placement in Sport and Exercise Science
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop and reflect on your theoretical knowledge and applied practice skills by engaging in a work related learning project.
Optional Modules
Applied Motor Behaviour
20 credits
This module will provide you with a critical understanding of contemporary issues in motor behaviour, and the ability to synthesise and apply findings to sport, exercise and health settings.
Current Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology
20 credits
This module will help to develop your ability to critically evaluate contemporary issues in sport and exercise psychology that influence participants' performance, physical activity, wellbeing, health, and development.
Strength and Conditioning
20 credits
Within this module you will learn how to implement strength and conditioning concepts and principles in the applied sporting environment. Specifically, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform a needs analysis of an athlete, analyse data against theoretical norms and programme design. Alongside this, you will gain the opportunity to practise and explore the correct ways to administer safe and effective training-interventions.
Behaviour change
20 credits
This module will engage you in current behaviour change theories, concepts and applied examples across the physical activity, nutrition, sport performance and health disciplines. In doing so, you will gain a theoretical underpinning in behaviour change and insight into how to change behaviours across a range of settings/populations/disciplines.
Performance Analysis in Sport
20 credits
This module will develop your theoretical knowledge, applied understanding and skills in performance analysis of sport. In doing so, you will improve your ability to review and critique performance analysis application across sports.
This module provides an opportunity to develop your theoretical knowledge and applied skills of assessment and analysis of sport performance domains. You will develop the critical thinking skills required for performance analysis and translation of performance analysis information to the daily sport practice.
PE Teacher Education
20 credits
This module will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the current practices of Physical Education and school sport within the 14-19 National Curriculum. During the course you will also develop a critical understanding of examinations and awards within Physical Education for 14–19-year-olds. The module will enable you to plan and deliver within a 14-19 years setting thereby providing a contextual opportunity to develop personal teaching, learning and assessment approaches in Physical Education.
Interdisciplinary Coaching Science
20 credits
This module integrates a sport science and coaching interdisciplinary outlook to creating an evidence-based approach of an athletes annual training plan encompassing critical thinking around potential performance problems and solutions. This module will require you to demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the key concepts and challenges of programme design and delivery through problem-based learning. This will provide you with the knowledge to discuss how an interdisciplinary team can work together to provide bespoke performance solutions.
Sports Biomechanics
20 credits
The aim of this module is for you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate sports biomechanics in performance and injury contexts.
Physical activity across the lifecourse
20 credits
This module aims to engage you in current physical activity and health concepts linked to stages of the life course. You will gain experience of using physical activity and sedentary behaviour measurement tools via practical sessions and an understanding of the principles of intervention design, evaluation and health inequalities.
Exercise Metabolism
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the regulation of the metabolic processes by which muscles are provided with energy during exercise, as well as examining the molecular mechanisms underpinning muscle adaptation to exercise training.
Cardiovascular Physiology
20 credits
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of cardiovascular measurement techniques and exercise based tests, and their application in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease. The module explores the use of exercise as a preventive or treatment strategy for cardiovascular conditions, and examines current inequalities in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Biomechanics
20 credits
The aim of this module is for you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate (1) gait through quantitative analysis and (2) the role of muscle and tendon function and adaptation that contribute to locomotor impairments.
Physical Activity for people with long term conditions
20 credits
This module aims to engage you in key physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health intervention concepts for people with long term medical conditions. It will explore current evidence and practice related to promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time, across a range of settings/environments and the effectiveness of physical activity as a non-pharmacological management strategy.
Environmental Physiology
20 credits
This module is designed to critically examine the limitations to health and performance under various environmental stressors and will examine how these limitations can be ameliorated with appropriate adaptation strategies and exercise interventions.
Health & Performance Nutrition
20 credits
This module firstly aims to introduce fundamental knowledge in nutrition related to methods to measure energy intake/expenditure and body composition, macro- and micronutrients. This knowledge will underpin the second aim of understanding how macronutrients, micronutrients and ergogenic aids can be used effectively to enhance sports performance, training adaptation, and exercise recovery.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is via a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, one-to-one tutorials, online activities, laboratory-based practical work and group work. Guided independent study using our libraries, laboratories and the web accounts for 70-80% of each module. Web-based content is also available through our virtual learning environment.
Work-related learning
Work experience can significantly enhance your professional development and career prospects. You will therefore spend part of your final year on an applied placement, giving you the chance to practise skills and knowledge gained in the first two years of the course and giving you a head start when you come to navigate the graduate job market.You also have the opportunity to take an optional Sandwich Year placement, which is taken in your third year, providing you with a year-long work-based learning experience.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
From day one of the degree programme, you will be allocated a personal tutor and remain under their guidance throughout your time at LJMU. They will be available to discuss any academic or personal issues on a one-to-one basis as well as helping you to put together your educational and future career plans. You will also work with your personal tutor in small groups to develop study skills essential for the sport and exercise sciences programme.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. These include: written assignments (essays, lab reports, literature reviews), exams (MCQ, seen and unseen), practical work, portfolios, presentations (group and individual), and reflective practice/diaries. You will also be expected to complete a dissertation in your final year.
Your tutors will provide feedback on assessments within three weeks, allowing you to quickly identify your successes and the areas where you may need to put in more work. This is provided via our virtual learning environment, face-to-face and/or as written comments for coursework and one-to-one for exams. You are also welcome to arrange further meetings with staff to discuss your feedback.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Elizabeth Mahon
Programme Leader
Elizabeth completed her PhD at LJMU in Nutrition for Ultra-Endurance Sport, alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Nutrition with the International Olympic Committee. She is a registered nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition, with specialisms in sport and public health. Elizabeth has worked as an academic and practitioner in both of these fields and has a passion for improving the health and fitness of the general population, as well as working with performance athletes. Her research interests are primarily in sports nutrition, more specifically looking at optimising the diet and nutritional strategies of ultra-endurance athletes.
The most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of my role is seeing students' progress through their course and helping them to reach their potential. It is great to see them leave us in their final year with the confidence to enter the workplace in their chosen discipline.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
You will study in Liverpool city centre at our City Campus. Our sport and exercise sciences facilities are world-leading and feature state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for our current and future sport scientists. The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: 88 / CCD
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 1
- Is general studies acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Average A Level offer: CCD
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
BTECs
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: DD if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: MMM if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
Access awards
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: Overall Pass Required
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 24 IB Diploma Points
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 88 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
NVQ
- Are Level 3 NVQs acceptable? Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
Alternative qualifications considered
Please contact the University if you have any questions regarding the relevance of your qualifications.
Additional requirements
-
Interview required
No interview required
International requirements
-
IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Further information
-
DBS, Occupational Health requirements
Is a DBS check required?
No
Can this course be deferred?
Yes
OCR National acceptability
- National Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
-
Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.