BSc Sports and Exercise Science
About this course
BSc in Sports and Exercise Science, a sport and exercise sciences degree centred on the study of human physiological responses and adaptations to physical activity. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students may optionally undertake a year abroad during their studies. The first year covers foundational concepts through Introduction to Medical Sciences, Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health, The Cell, and Fitness, Performance and Survival. The second year advances into Physiology of Human Cells, Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences, The Science of Sports Performance, and Physiology of Human Organ Systems. The third year builds specialist knowledge through Integrative Physiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, and Biochemistry & Nutrition of Exercise. The final year involves advanced study via Medical Science Data Analysis Paper, Medical Science General Essay Paper, Staying Alive - Adaptation in Physiological Systems, and Research Topics in Sport and Exercise Science, alongside a compulsory Medical Sciences Honours Research Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Sports and fitness occupations: 25%
- Caring personal services: 20%
- Medical Practitioners: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Health associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 3%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 73%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Introduction to Medical Sciences
- Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health
- The Cell
- Fitness, Performance and Survival
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2
- Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences
- The Science of Sports Performance
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences
- Exercise and Health
- Energy for Life (BI25M7)
- Integrative Physiology
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry & Nutrition of Exercise
- Medical Science Data Analysis Paper
- Medical Science General Essay Paper
- Medical Sciences Honours Research Project
- Staying Alive - Adaptation in Physiological Systems
- Research Topics in Sport and Exercise Science
- Exercise Physiology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Sports and Exercise Science at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,000 and £41,500. The £32,000 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Sport and exercise sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Sports and Exercise Science at University of Aberdeen do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Sports and Exercise Science at University of Aberdeen?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Sports and Exercise Science at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 159 UCAS points.
Does BSc Sports and Exercise Science at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Sports and Exercise Science at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.