Our BSc Sports and Exercise Science (including foundation year) will be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entrance requirements for the three-year version of this course, and you want a programme that increases your subject knowledge, as well as improves your skills to support your academic performance. This four-year course includes a foundation year (Year Zero), followed by a further three years of study. During your Year Zero, you study three academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory academic skills module, with additional English language for non-English speakers. After successful completion of Year Zero in our Essex Pathways Department, you progress to complete your course with our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences. Studying sports and exercise science with a science-based approach will help you to understand the physiology, biomechanics and psychology of sport, exercise and physical activity. You study topics including:

How and why different energy systems are deployed at different exercise intensities

How the principles of mechanics determine the flight of a javelin

How mind and body interact to influence performance

How exercise can reduce the risk of getting cancer

How the body responds and adapts to exercise

Modules

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.

How to apply

This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.

15Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: C611

Institution code:: E70

Campus name:: Colchester Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 72 points

To include 2 full A-levels (or equivalent), one of which must be in a Science or Mathematics. For this course we require either Level 3 (i.e. A-level, BTEC, etc.) scientific study. Considered science subjects from all qualifications include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Maths, Geography, Sports Science and Applied Science. or Two GCSEs from Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at grade B/6 (or equivalent). Other science-related GCSE subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in an OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.

A level - DDD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP

Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points

Including Standard Level Mathematics or Maths Studies grade 4 or above (if not taken at Higher Level). Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. To include Maths and Science. One of these needs to be at Higher Level grade 3, and the other to be at least Standard Level grade 4. We will accept GCSE Maths or Science grade C/4 or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths or Science in place of Maths or Science Standard Level grade 4 in the IB Diploma. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

T Level - D

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.essex.ac.uk/undergraduate/applying-to-essex

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£20475	Year 1
International	£20475	Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ

Course contact details

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Location	Qualification	Study mode	Duration	Start date	Apply
Colchester Campus	BSc (Hons) - Bachelor of Science (with Honours)	Full-time	4 years	October 2026	Closed to Apply	Course option 46bcb942-38cd-44bd-9b70-78414c02e21c

Sports and Exercise Science (Including Foundation Year) at University of Essex - UCAS

Degree level: Undergraduate

Sports and Exercise Science (Including Foundation Year)

Course options

Open days

Course summary