We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.
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1st for Teaching quality (Sports Science)
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2025)
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1st for Student satisfaction (Sport Science)
The Complete University Guide (2025)
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8th for Sport Science (joint 8th)
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2025)
Our Sports and Exercise BSc will offer you the knowledge, skills and values required to become a confident, competent and analytical sports and exercise scientist of the future.
Led by experts in their field at Lancaster Medical School, you will be set up to succeed in a supportive and forward-thinking environment with excellent lab facilities.
Do you dream of working with elite athletes or sports teams to enable them to reach peak performance?
Perhaps you see your purpose in supporting people to live active, healthy lives following illness or injury.
Whatever your aspirations, our Sports and Exercise Science BSc will offer you the tools and knowledge to support people to achieve their potential through physical activity.
This is a degree that you can tailor to suit your passions and interests.
You will graduate equipped with a professional profile ready to embark on a successful career or further study.
As a student of Sports and Exercise Science at Lancaster you’ll join a supportive and thriving community with high levels of student satisfaction.
Our academics will get to know you as an individual and small-group practical sessions are a great way to make friends with your fellow students.
Our Sports and Exercise Science BSc is one of only a few courses of its kind delivered within a medical school. This means:
You will get practical experience from the start of your studies with us.
Our world-class facilities are located across our £25m sports centre, new Health Innovation Campus building and life sciences laboratories.
From gym to lab, you will learn to use advanced equipment, tests and techniques to maximise performance and improve health outcomes.
You will gain the skills to capture and analyse physiological and biomechanical data and explore psychological interventions to maximise performance and improve health outcomes.
In addition to practical sessions, you will learn through lectures, seminars, presentations, case studies, exams and coursework.
Lancaster University's Sports and Exercise Science degree programmes are endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES), the professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK. You can read about the benefits of choosing a CASES-endorsed degree course on the CASES website.
CASES websiteOur students show you Sports and Exercise Science's focus on people - in sports and beyond, how they are supported and nurtured by our academic team, and how studying at Lancaster has given them the confidence to take their studies wherever they want.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years studying sports science at Lancaster, so much so that I decided to stay for an additional year to pursue a master’s by research in medical sciences. What drew me to Lancaster was the unique opportunity to explore both medical and sports career paths, thanks to the course’s strong affiliation with the medical school. The staff's connections across various fields also inspired me to take every opportunity that came my way. Their support has been key in making my experience both enjoyable and successful.
A degree in Sports and Exercise Science can open up a wide range of careers in the health sector and sports industry, including:
You may also pursue further postgraduate study here at Lancaster Medical School or embark on a research career.
Our course has been carefully designed with employability at its heart, both through the content of our taught modules and the professional development opportunities available.
This means you will graduate with a strong scientific understanding of sports and exercise science, as well as the mindset, confidence and workplace experience to stand out in the competitive world of employment.
Our teaching and assessment styles replicate professional environments meaning our graduates have significant experience in applying their knowledge. Tutorials and workshops on career planning are also integral parts of your degree. You will undertake professional practice modules, giving you excellent preparation for applying to graduate-level jobs and graduate schemes.
Our graduates have embarked on exciting careers in the sporting, health and associated industries, working with big-name organisations including Manchester United and the NHS.
Some recent graduate jobs include:
Roles at professional and national sporting organisations:
• Player Recruitment operations at City Football Group
• First Team Analyst for Morecambe Football Club
• Fitness and Sports Instructor with the Canadian Forces
Health-based roles such as:
• Physician Associate
• Physiotherapist
• Trainee Vascular Scientist
• Senior Assistant Clinical Cardiac Physiologist
Careers in broader fields, including:
• Product specialist at Stryker Orthopaedics, a medical technology company
• Marketing Coordinator
• Science teaching roles
Some of our graduates have also gone on to postgraduate study, taking a deeper dive into areas such as:
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury mitigation at Manchester United
• Nutritional supplementation for cognitive and physical performance in elite athletes and surgeons with Team Nutrition
• Attitudes towards and perceptions of concussion in rugby
Employability at Lancaster: preparing you for the world of work
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring that you gain a highly reputable degree. We are also committed to ensuring that you graduate with relevant life and work-based skills.
Because professional skills are embedded throughout our curriculum, you will develop wider expertise valued by employers including communication, teamworking and negotiation skills, project management and problem-solving skills, ethical and environmental awareness.
We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award, which offers you the opportunity to complete activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development.
A BSc Sports and Exercise Science from Lancaster University will open doors to a career in the sports industry or beyond. It could lead to employment in the private and public sectors, including the NHS, local authorities, national sporting associations, sports governing bodies, education, professional sports clubs, public sports and recreation facilities, and the community.
These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.
ABB. This should include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology.
Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to meet the subject requirements.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.
DDM in Applied Science, Sport and Exercise Science, or Sporting Excellence and Performance
Our typical requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements, either with a science A level or a BTEC in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology or Applied Psychology.
32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in one HL science subject from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Sports, Exercise and Health Science
We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.
T level in Science considered on a case-by-case basis, with Distinction overall, and with an A in the core component
If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.
We also have more details on our website about:
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.
We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
This module offers an exciting and in-depth exploration of the structural and mechanical principles that govern human movement. You will jump into key anatomical concepts, including the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems and develop an understanding of how bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons interact to enable smooth joint movement. Theoretical study will be enhanced by hands-on practise and problem-based learning using a range of biomechanical equipment and state-of-the-art technology. You’ll explore these fundamental biomechanical principles from the perspectives of performance enhancement and injury reduction across a variety of athletic and health-based contexts, widening your employability potential.
The correct nutrition forms the foundation for optimal performance, providing the essential fuel to work, recover, repair and build. In this module you will gain knowledge and understanding of how the food we consume impacts our body and explore the biochemistry of nutrients and their vital roles in health. You will discover the relationship between diet and disease prevention with insights into current public health challenges. By focusing on the importance of key macro- and micro-nutrients you will learn to perform dietary analysis, use specialist software, and apply evidence-based nutritional advice in real-world contexts.
In this future-focused module you will explore the exciting innovations in technology that are transforming exercise prescription across many populations. With a hands-on, practical focus you will gain an understanding of the underpinning theory and research of how technology and exercise science work together to further the potential contribution sports and exercise scientists can make. Combining insights from industry professionals and academics you will delve into the key components of exercise programming and training principles and develop the employability skills of client consultation and individualised programming. You will critically review cutting-edge technologies, the data they produce and their impact in real-world settings.
Designed to equip you with the essential academic knowledge, skills and values needed to thrive in higher education while avoiding the pitfalls of poor practice. You will develop powerful presentation, communication, group work and digital skills that boost your employability, all while developing critical reading, writing and research skills for academic success. Mastering Professional Practice works alongside your studies to ensure you can progress towards becoming a Sports and Exercise Scientist who strives for continuous development and upholds the values of the profession.
In this interactive and engaging module, you will blend theory with hands-on practice to develop your understanding of how the body’s key physiological systems work together at rest and in response to exercise. You’ll dive into the biochemical reactions that help to build muscle, boost fitness and optimise performance. A focus of this module is time in the Human Performance Laboratory where you will gain technical skills such as competency in pre-exercise screening, fingertip blood sampling, and exercise testing. You will not only see firsthand how the body responds and adapts to the challenge of physical activity but also measure and analyse real-life physiological responses and understand the science behind them.
How does a tennis player who is behind in a match keep focussed and fight back to win? Why do 100m sprinters visualise in their mind the race they are about to run? Why is breaking a bad habit, such as not exercising, so difficult? This module takes you on an exciting journey into the fascinating discipline of Psychology and starts to answer these important questions in Sports and Exercise Science. You will delve into theories of behaviour change, the power of motivation, visualisation and the effects of pressure on athletic performance. You will not only be able to explain key psychological principles but also understand and start to interpret the research underpinning psychological concepts supporting individuals to unlock their full potential.
This module will elevate your understanding of biomechanics, taking your knowledge to the next level. Developing skills in the analysis and critical appraisal of the biomechanical principles of human movement, you will focus on optimising function in the real-world whether this be working in a sporting or health setting. You will use state of the art 3D motion capture to assess how forces and movement at joints in the human body influence performance outcomes and evaluate the mechanisms and risk factors that contribute to different injuries and their reconditioning. By collecting and processing biomechanical data using both laboratory and field-based techniques you will gain invaluable experience in data analysis and interpretation in sport performance, injury, disease and health contexts.
Concussion – is the evidence not convincing enough for rule change? Do we treat female athletes as ‘little men’? To HIIT or not to HIIT – is it all it’s cracked up to be? Just a few of the thought-provoking questions faced by Sports and Exercise Scientists. In this module you will open your mind to groundbreaking ideas and concepts that challenge the way we think about sports and exercise science and its impact on both the public and athletes. You will need to assess your critical outlook and participate in current debates with a calm, progressive, and evidence-based mindset. You will sharpen the essential skills of critical reading, critical writing, collaboration, communication, and argumentation. Get ready to expand your horizons and shape your perspective as a future sports and exercise scientist.
Become empowered to evaluate information critically, examine sport and exercise science research, make informed decisions and deliver actionable outcomes. You will learn qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches to research study design, develop key data processing and analysis techniques, and become competent with statistical software packages. Developing key skills in statistical analysis, interpretation and reporting will enable you to make valid conclusions, add credibility to your work and become an evidence-based practitioner. This practically-focussed module will enable you to design high quality research of your own with confidence and apply research findings to real-world athletic and health contexts.
Reach further into metabolism, find out more about exercise performance, and fully grasp the integrative nature of physiology in this engaging module. You will focus on the measurement and evaluation of physiological and metabolic responses to exercise, conquering technical laboratory and field-based skills. Through hands-on learning you will master how to test human economy, efficiency and resistance to fatigue. Moving beyond stand-alone physiological tests, you will engage in a more experimental approach, applying your knowledge to real-world sport and health-based scenarios.
This dynamic module offers a deep exploration into how exercise shapes our well-being and the vital role health plays in the athletic world. You will investigate a range of exciting and current topics such as appraising prevention strategies for head trauma and concussion in contact sports to engaging with people living with medical conditions to uncover real-life challenges. With stimulating and specific case studies you will examine key medical issues from doping in sport and therapeutic use exemptions to the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases. You will gain an appreciation for the crucial role a sport and exercise scientist plays in both public health and athlete care, all while developing an evidence-based approach grounded in the expertise of Lancaster Medical School.
This module delves into the fascinating social, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional processes that shape sport and exercise environments, highlighting how they interact to impact both performance and wellbeing. You will gain the skills to communicate these complex interactions effectively to influence both performance and wellbeing in sport and health populations. Taking the next step to understand advanced psychological concepts, you will explore topics such as applied psychophysiology, psychological team dynamics, cognition in sport and exercise, and mental health considerations. Throughout the module you will analyse and critically appraise these advanced principles, while considering their application in real-world settings.
Designed to empower you to apply your knowledge, skills and values in your very own unique research project. Working alongside an expert supervisor you will be immersed in every aspect of the research process, from design and data collection to the analysis and interpretation process. All with the aim of answering a specific question of your choice from the field of sports and exercise science. Throughout, you will integrate and apply discipline-specific expertise with critical thinking, problem-solving and exceptional organisation and management skills that set you apart. By the end of the module, you will not only have a polished research project but also the confidence to showcase your skills and communicate your findings with impact.
Unlock the power of science communication and become a catalyst for change in the field of sports and exercise science. This module provides an exciting opportunity to develop a spark for informing, educating and raising awareness, allowing you to make a real impact on public understanding. You will design and deliver your own science communication production gaining valuable employability skills in strategic communication, creating accessible content, and collaborating as part of a dynamic team. You will enhance and expand your professional profile making you stand out when entering the competitive job market.
Take a deep dive into the fascinating and complex biomechanical principles underpinning human movement, explored from diverse perspectives such as elite vs non-elite, injured vs uninjured, and ageing populations. Designed for you to apply these principles in practice to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and optimise the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injured individuals, you will use state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge methodology for biomechanical analysis, developing a keen ability to translate data into practical solutions that enhance movement. By honing both theoretical knowledge and applied skills you will cement the ability to interpret data and apply evidence-based insights to real-world scenarios. This module will challenge your critical thinking and help you become a well-rounded, research-informed practitioner.
This module examines the diverse range of sport, exercise and performance psychology practices, exploring how different techniques are applied in real-world contexts. You will judge and actively engage in applying psychological processes, tools and techniques gaining hands-on experience, and review the unique challenges associated with applying different psychological skills to meet the needs of individual clients. Through this journey you will consolidate your understanding of how sport and exercise psychologists navigate organisational cultures, adapt to change, and operate in the real-world to improve athlete development and promoting mental health.
How do you run a marathon in 40°C heat or prepare a footballer for a tournament at 3000 m above sea-level? Can an astronaut’s musculoskeletal system withstand the challenges of extended spaceflight and what does that tell us about the ageing body? During this module you will examine the physiological and practical challenges of maintaining health and performance in extreme environments. You will apply your physiological understanding to the complexities of exercise in conditions such as heat stress, cold water immersion, high altitude, microgravity or in specific disease states. This module provides a hands-on opportunity to apply data collection techniques in the toughest of environments and prepares you for the wide-ranging careers a sport and exercise physiologist may have.
Are you passionate about working with elite athletes? Are you eager to unlock those marginal gains to maximise performance? This advanced and applied module sees the integration of cutting-edge strategies and evidence-based practices across multiple sport science discipline areas to optimise athletic performance in both training and competition. Harnessing the expertise of leading sports scientists, coaches and athletes you will cement the importance of how a cohesive sports science support team can propel athletes to sustainable success. With strong emphasis on real world application, you will engage in client consultation, effective communication, performance testing and evidence-driven decision-making. Providing feedback to the client will demand the application of your knowledge and understanding to real-life scenarios and allow you to make a real impact in the world of sports performance.
Do you want to make a difference to people’s lives? Are you excited by the opportunity to grasp the applied approaches to preventing, reversing and managing health conditions? This insightful module has authenticity and employability in a health setting as a priority. It will open your eyes to real-life programmes and interventions that strive to optimise the health of individual patients, through to local communities, and the wider population, whilst gaining valuable appreciation of the challenges and considerations to really see success.
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.
As a guide, our fees in 2025/26 were:
| Home | International |
|---|---|
| £9,535 | £29,820 |
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. International fees (including EU) are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will also be charged in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.
Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.
You can use our scholarships for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.
Our brand new Human Performance Lab gives you access to specialised sports facilities featuring cutting-edge technology used by today’s elite athletes. These include our HP Cosmos treadmill, Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, Cortex online gas analysis system, electronically braked cycle ergometers, and our Optojump performance assessment system, to name just a few.
In the Strength and Conditioning Room, you'll have the opportunity to train to a high level of performance, with a GHD bench, ski ergometers, watt bikes, assault bikes, and Technogym skillmills, skillruns, skillbikes and skillrows.
Our students also experience teaching and learning in our outstanding biomedical science teaching labs. In your first year, you will use these to complete dissections as part of Fundamental Anatomy and will use them during practical elements of Molecules of Life and Cell Structure and Function that are studied alongside biomedical science students.
As well as a purpose built facility for your Sports and Exercise Science studies, you'll have access to the Lancaster University Sports Centre.
Facilities include a 25 metre swimming pool with eight lanes; a climbing wall and bouldering cave designed by mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington; a high-performance strength and conditioning room; sauna and steam rooms; a sports hall with eight badminton courts; four squash courts; and a state-of-the art 100 station gym.
Lancaster's sports centre
I wanted to study abroad and immerse myself in a brand-new culture and education system.
I knew it would enable me to see my studies through a different lens and enhance my CV by showing my passion for sports and exercise science and my willingness to step outside my comfort zone.
Being able to experience a new culture and meet people from a different background has been a good experience. From day one, I made friends with people from many different countries. I also visited places around the US that I may not have visited if I hadn’t done this program.
Studying abroad hasn’t changed my career aspirations of working in elite sports, but it has opened my eyes to more options, such as the research sector of the sports science industry.
George - Sports and Exercise Science (Study Abroad BSc)
The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. Find out more about our Charter and student policies.
Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.
Undergraduate Open Days
Take five minutes and we'll show you what our Top 10 UK university has to offer, from beautiful green campus to colleges, teaching and sports facilities.
Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find award-winning accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.
Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the world-famous English Lake District.
