Sport and Exercise Science (Hons) Heriot-Watt University

Overview

Sport and Exercise Science (Hons) from Heriot-Watt University combines theory and applied learning to create an inherently interesting and broadly defined university degree. Our industry links and cross-disciplinary learning ensures our teaching is relevant in the real world, and you’ll experience what it is like to be a sport and exercise scientist working in practice.  

You’ll gain knowledge in all the three core areas of sport and exercise science including physiology, psychology, and biomechanics. You’ll learn to apply this knowledge and gain experience across a variety of professional settings including strength and conditioning, nutrition, data analysis and research, understanding the impact of exercise and sport, and sport and exercise science on our daily lives.  

By studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, you’ll explore evidence-based strategies for promoting health and preventing lifestyle-related diseases and the impact this has on a variety of different populations. Throughout your studies, you’ll develop practical skills as well as the ability to plan, conduct, critically analyse, and interpret results of practical work in the field and laboratory. 

As well as developing expertise in sport and exercise science, our programme builds sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication skills, and practical technology skills. You’ll also understand the role of sport and exercise scientists in professional fields including performance sport, exercise prescription, adherence, research, and public health.  

This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within sport and exercise science or other employment sectors. 

Your learning environment  

Our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme is taught though a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, projects, placements, and laboratory and field practicals, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers. You’ll be assessed by a combination of examination and coursework.  

During your studies, you’ll benefit from and have access to our specialist facilities and equipment as well as facilities within Oriam: Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre. Oriam is a leading centre of sporting excellence, research collaboration, and community engagement. It supports athletes, coaches, researchers, and students in their pursuit of greatness in sports performance and provides a platform for innovation and development in the field of sports science. 

Customise your learning 

You’ll take eight mandatory courses in year one where you will be introduced to the principles of sport and exercise science, introductory biology, psychology, musculoskeletal anatomy, and physiology. You’ll also take a course designed to inspire awareness of the contribution of your discipline to tackling global challenges and its connection to other disciplines. You’ll work in teams, learn to cope with complexity, gain core study skills, and thrive on ambiguity.  

In year two, you’ll take seven mandatory courses to develop your fundamentals of sport and exercise biomechanics, and physiology and psychology, as well aiding your development as a professional in sport and exercise science. You’ll increase your experience of analysing sport and exercise science data and be introduced to concepts of metabolism in human nutrition. You can customise your learning by choosing one optional course in semester two. You can also gain a CIMSPA Endorsed qualification as a Personal Trainer, delivered in partnership with Oriam.  

Year three will see you enhance your applied sport and exercise biomechanics, physiology, and psychology skills and knowledge, taking seven mandatory courses and choosing one course from a list of options. You’ll also undertake a compulsory placement during one of your mandatory year three courses, with options to be based at Oriam, potentially with one of our various sporting partners such as  Scottish Rugby Union, the Scottish Football Association, Heart of Midlothian FC, and Scottish Squash. 

In year four, you’ll continue to increase your applied skills in the biomechanics, physiology and psychology of sport and exercise performance. Through this, you’ll be exposed to the interdisciplinary nature of sport and exercise science, working on real world problems that are facing athletes, practitioners, and professionals working in sport and exercise science. You’ll also start your journey as an independent researcher, allowing you to develop skills in research methods, ethics, and project management to complete your research project on a topic of interest to you. 

Industry  

Based within Oriam, we work closely with industry, including partner organisations such as Scottish Rugby, the Scottish Football Association and Heart of Midlothian Football Club, to ensure our programme content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.