The Sport & Exercise Science program at the University of Glasgow offers both BSc and MSci degrees, designed for students interested in understanding how exercise impacts health, improving athletic performance, or exploring the physiology behind physical activity. The program empowers students to serve in roles such as research, teaching, coaching, and counselling. The degree includes practical opportunities like internships with sports professionals or health providers, and there’s a unique chance to gain funding through the Cathcart Scholarship, which allows students to work with elite sports organisations globally at no personal cost. The course is flexible, with a potential study abroad component, and aims to develop students’ knowledge in exercise physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, psychology, and injury management.
Why this course is highly recommended
This course is ideal for those passionate about understanding the science behind physical activity and sports performance. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including internships and international study opportunities. The inclusion of a funded placement with elite sports organisations makes it particularly attractive for students aspiring to careers in high-performance sport, research, or public health. Additionally, the programme's strong reputation—being ranked prominently in UK subject league tables—makes it a compelling choice for prospective students aiming for a high-quality education with excellent career prospects.
Students studying Sport & Exercise Science can focus on areas such as elite performance, injury causes and management, nutrition, public health, and the physiological and psychological aspects of sport and exercise. In Years 3 and 4, students choose from a wide course catalogue including options like cardiovascular science, advanced exercise physiology, performance enhancing techniques, and sports-specific performance monitoring. The program also includes a supervised research project or internship, providing practical and industry experience.
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
31.92L
Living cost
Applicants typically need at least AAB in their A-levels, including Biology or Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications such as IB (34 points with HL Biology or Chemistry) or Scottish Highers (ABBB) with Biology or Chemistry. For advanced entry, grades like AAA in Advanced Highers or A*AA in A-levels are needed, with specific subjects. International applicants should meet the specified English language proficiency levels, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no subtest below 6.0. The application deadlines are October 15 for early applicants (like those applying for Medicine or Dentistry), January 29 for most UK students, and June 30 for international students.

English language test
Graduates from this program find roles in professional sports clubs, national institutes like the Scottish and English Institutes of Sport, universities for teaching and research, and in testing or advising athletes and fitness professionals. The course prepares students for diverse careers in sports science, health and fitness, research, and education, with recent alumni working in elite sport performance departments, academia, and health sectors. The program's focus on practical experience and industry links aims to enhance employability in these competitive fields.