Empower individuals to lead healthier and more active lives: explore the scientific foundations of movement, physical activity, and well-being to enhance individual and community health outcomes.
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.
1st
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Develop strong foundations in the sciences of movement, physical activity, and well-being; essential knowledge to enhance individual and community health outcomes.
You’ll gain a clear understanding of the scientific principles connecting exercise, physiological adaptations, disease prevention, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle across the lifespan.
Learning in small class groups, you’ll benefit from individual attention and the specialist facilities available at ARU Peterborough and you’ll apply your learning in practical scenarios and projects.
This course is subject to validation; details may change.
Why ARU?
Develop practical skills in exercise testing, prescription, and health promotion strategies.
Prepare for a range of careers in the health, fitness and science industries
Develop valuable knowledge in the fields of exercise science, behavioural science and public health
Learn in specialist teaching facilities at ARU Peterborough
Your employability after graduation is central to this course and you will be supported to understand the wealth of graduate opportunities available to you.
You’ll prepare for your future career through a personalised career development planning process including networking events, cv building and interview and communication skills, supporting you to apply for roles in areas such as health promotion, health policy, exercise physiology, community sports/exercise, exercise rehabilitation and data analysis.
Successful completion of this degree will prepare you for a rewarding career in hospital or community settings, lab-based roles or a gym environment. You’ll graduate with the specialist skills demanded in this field and broader, transferable skills, such as; critical problem solving, communication and project planning, all valued by employers.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might choose to stay at ARU and study for a Masters degree, such as our MSc Public Health. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
We want you to be a step ahead when you graduate, so we offer:
We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.
The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
This course features a range of core modules supporting the four main pillars of Anatomy and Physiology, Research and Academic Skills, Nutrition and Psychology and Behavioural Science. Modules develop across the course, building on prior learning and enhancing your knowledge and understanding as well as practical skills. You will learn to work safely and ethically as an exercise and health scientist.
All modules were designed with industry input and collaboration to provide a wealth of applied knowledge and skills, with the opportunity to specialise in year 2 to enhance your knowledge of either behavioural science and community management, or nutrition and health.
Our teaching is in small groups and we encourage you all to participate, bringing challenge and debate in equal measure. You will get hands on experience working with members of the public Staff are readily available between lectures to discuss your learning and support needs.
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
Maths for Biosciences (15 credits)
Academic Skills for Exercise and Health Science (30 credits)
General Microbiology
Health, Fitness and Training (30 credits)
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Year 2
Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Epidemiology and Physical Activity (15 credits)
Applied Physiology (30 credits)
Research in Exercise and Health Science (30 credits)
Behavioural Science for Exercise and Health (15 credits) *
Metabolism and its Control *
Nutrition, Health and Disease (15 credits) *
Healthy Spaces (15 credits) *
Year 3
The Science of Aging (30 credits)
Clinical Exercise Prescription (30 credits)
Contemporary Issues in Exercise and Health (30 credits)
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.
Assessment methods include those which employ specific tools and strategies used in the sector, such as digital storytelling, written reports and applied lab-based sessions. We also include live assessment briefs from employers within the sector to present you with real-world experiences.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
You’ll learn in our specialist biomedical sciences lab, category 2 microbiology lab and tissue-culture lab.
These are some of the newest facilities in the country, equipped with the latest industry-standard equipment, ensuring you graduate well-used to the kit used in employers’ labs.
Entry requirements
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals benefiting from citizens’ rights under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.
£4,895UK students starting 2026/27 (part-time, per year)
Part-time fee notes
Part-time course fees assume that you’re studying at half the rate of a full-time student (50% intensity, or 60 credits per year). Course fees will be different if you study over a longer period, or for more credits. All fees are for guidance purposes only. Your offer letter will contain full details of credits and fees, or you can contact us if you'd like more information.
Paying your tuition fees If you're a UK student, you don't need the money to pay for university now.
If you accept an offer to study at university, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your course fees.
Both full-time and part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. You'll start repaying the loan in the April after you graduate.
Our Money Advice Service is on hand if you’d like to chat about living costs, budgets and managing your money. You can also find out more about student finance at one of our Open Days.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university.
If you're eligible for a scholarship, you'll generally receive it automatically – there's no need to apply.
Our campus employment bureau, ARU Temps, can help you find part-time work that fits around your studies (including any time you may spend on placements). It's a great chance to enhance your CV and boost your income while you study.
Dr William Humphries
Andi Seago
Dr Ian Tennant