Person using strength and conditioning area accompanied by a personal trainer
BSc (Hons)

Applied Sport Science

Develop your knowledge of sports science - exploring areas such as health, wellbeing and performance - on our Applied Sport Science degree in Writtle.

Our course offers a comprehensive sport science experience. You'll explore how the human body functions when engaged in sport and exercise, and how to evaluate its responses to physical challenges.

As part of your degree, you’ll learn to work with athletic populations, applying the four key subdisciplines of sport science: physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition. There are opportunities to be involved in activities from strength and conditioning training for team sport players, to testing the VO2 max of elite runners.

As a graduate, you'll be ready to work safely and ethically as an applied sport scientist.

Why ARU?
  • Train and work in our Centre for Sport and Health, with its sports laboratory, and strength and conditioning suite.

  • Learn from staff with high-level sports or industry experience.

  • Benefit from a blend of lectures and practical sessions.

  • Gain skills relating to the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles across the lifespan.

  • Get industry experience through work placement, volunteering and shadowing opportunities.

  • Graduate ready to work in sport, health or exercise roles.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Introduction to Human Physiological Systems (15 credits)
  • Applied Professional Skills (30 credits)
  • Psychological Fundamentals in Sport and Exercise (30 credits)
  • Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance (15 credits) *
  • Sport-specific Athlete Testing (15 credits) *
Year 2
  • Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
  • Nutrition for Sport, Health and Exercise
  • Research Skills in Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)
  • Ruskin Module
  • Strength and Conditioning (15 credits)
  • Analysis of Human Movement and Performance (30 credits) *
Year 3
  • Applied Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
  • Performance and Exercise Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Major Project or Work Placement (30 credits)
  • Sport and Exercise Medicine (30 credits)
  • Applied Inclusive Practice (30 credits) *
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

Study a sports degree at ARU in Writtle and get hands-on experience in our Centre for Sport and Health, with its sports laboratory, strength and conditioning suite, and consulting rooms.

You can also:

  • use facilities including a sports hall, gym, and extensive sports grounds
  • take part in a range of social sport on campus
  • join one of our sports clubs and potentially represent ARU in competitions.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Careers

With its focus on applying scientific principles to real-world challenges, sport science is the perfect way to combine your love of sport with a rewarding and impactful career.

You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body performs during physical activity, and the skills to analyse and enhance athletic performance, promote health and fitness, and prevent or rehabilitate injuries.

As a graduate, you'll be ready to pursue opportunities in areas such as coaching, sports science, personal training, physiotherapy, and sports management.

What can you do with an Applied Sport Science degree?

An Applied Sport Science degree offers a range of career opportunities in athletic performance, health, and wellness. Graduates can work as sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches or biomechanists, helping athletes improve performance and reduce injury risk. In health and rehabilitation, roles such as exercise physiologist or rehabilitation specialist focus on aiding recovery and enhancing physical well-being.

Our degree also opens pathways in coaching, fitness training, and sports technology, where scientific principles are applied to optimise performance. Additionally, it provides a solid foundation for further study in fields like physiotherapy, sports medicine, or academic research.

Possible careers include:

  • Biomechanist 
  • Clinical Cardiac Physiologist 
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Lecturer/Teacher 
  • Nutritionist
  • Performance Analyst
  • Personal Trainer
  • Rehabilitation Physiologist
  • Respiratory Physiologist
  • Sports Coach
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach

You may also decide to continue to postgraduate study, where you can further refine your knowledge and skills.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Four students - one using an exercise bike and the others monitoring performance - in a sport science centre

Matthew Scannell

"As a result of studying at Writtle, I have been fortunate to secure graduate employment as a biomedical assistant in a hospital laboratory. Be it through practical learning opportunities, varied teaching styles or individual mentoring, studying here provided a great foundation to develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are required in the workplace."

Matthew Scannell

Entry requirements

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Life in Writtle

Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.

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