Two students using testing equipment in a sports science laboratory
BSc (Hons)

Sport Science for Health

Explore the scientific principles and techniques that underpin health, wellbeing and sporting performance with our degree course in Writtle.

Turn your love of sport and fitness into a fulfilling career. Study at ARU in Writtle and focus on anatomy, physiology, nutrition – and the promotion of active lifestyles. Explore lifelong engagement in physical activity and exercise, including Physical Literacy development in youth and exercise rehabilitation for adults with specific needs.

The course will broaden your knowledge of human performance; how the body operates when engaged in sport and exercise; and how to interpret and evaluate its responses.

You’ll take part in practical sessions using specialist sports facilities, gaining skills that are in demand from top level clubs, sporting organisations and in clinical practice.

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 experiential learning, with sport, health and exercise industry practitioners based on campus.

  • 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 (30 credits)
  • Applied Professional Skills (30 credits)
  • Psychological Fundamentals in Sport and Exercise (30 credits)
  • Active Lives and Physical Literacy (15 credits) *
  • Enhancing Physical Capabilities in Youth Populations (15 credits) *
Year 2
  • Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
  • Nutrition for Sport, Health and Exercise (15 credits)
  • Research Skills in Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)
  • Ruskin Module
  • Strength and Conditioning (15 credits)
  • Skills for the Exercise Referral Practitioner (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)
  • Exercise Rehabilitation for Chronic Health Conditions (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

Whether you want to encourage and support people to take up or re-start sports and exercise, or help propel them to peak performance, this course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to do so. There are plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience, with internship opportunities or working alongside some of the industry practitioners on our campus, as well as an optional applied work placement module in your final year.

What can you do with a Sport Science for Heath degree?

Sport science graduates are in demand, not only because of their knowledge and understanding, but also because of the personal and interpersonal skills they develop while studying. When you graduate, you'll be ready to work in the UK’s burgeoning sport and fitness industry. Possible careers include:

  • Clinical Cardiac Physiologist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Fitness Consultant
  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Lecturer/Teacher
  • Nutritionist
  • Outdoor Instructor or Leader
  • Personal Trainer
  • Physical Activity Development Manager
  • Rehabilitation Physiologist
  • Respiratory Physiologist
  • Sports Development Officer
  • Sports Coach
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach

You may also decide to continue your learning journey 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.

Zachary Churn

Zachary Churn

"I would not be the person I am today without the wisdom of my lecturers. They have helped me realise that there is no limit to what I can achieve and experience in the future."

Zachary Churn

Entry requirements

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Aerial view of campus buildings and grounds in Writtle

Life in Writtle

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

Explore the Writtle campus