Overview
The Brunel Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences with Business Studies BSc is a unique joint honours programme that combines a strong foundation in the sciences behind sport and exercise with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the business administration and management processes sought by professional organisations.
For the sports science portion of your degree, you’ll study how the human body works on physiological, biomechanical and psychological levels and how this can be applied to improve athletic development and performance and prevent injury.
You’ll develop the skills to monitor, evaluate, and enhance sport and exercise performance in laboratory and field settings and to design and conduct experiments.
The business element of your course will focus on key business disciplines including management, organisational behaviour, marketing, change management, entrepreneurship and small business ventures.
In today’s fast-growing sport and exercise market, the skills and knowledge of both the sports sciences and the world of business that you’ll gain from your Brunel degree will make you a preferred job candidate to employers across the industry.
You'll also have the opportunity to carry out a placement as part of your degree, that will give you the chance to put the theory you’ve learned into practice.
Our Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences with Business Studies BSc offers one year placement between years two and three, as part of a four year degree.
As well as our full-time degree, you have the option of studying over two years to gain a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE). You can find out more about this route and apply through UCAS
Brunel is the second-ranked university in London for Sports Science (Complete University Guide 2025)
Course content
The course is designed to give you expertise in a broad range of sport, health and exercise sciences as well as in key business disciplines including management, marketing, organisational behaviour and entrepreneurship.
The Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences with Business Studies degree consists of compulsory and optional modules and a final dissertation.
Compulsory
- Introduction to BiomechanicsThis module enables students to gain an understanding of the fundamental biomechanical principles underpinning human movement, and how measurement devices can be used to obtain key measures of movement. Students will be able to apply biomechanical principles at a basic level in sport, health and exercise scenarios, and appreciate the use and limitations of common biomechanical measurement devices.
- Introduction to Academic and Personal Development
This module supports students’ effective transition from prior learning and work-based contexts into the higher education environment and the Brunel learning community. You will reflect on and develop you study skills and learn the fundamentals of effective academic practices.
- Introduction to Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing
This module introduces students to selected theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to promoting, delivering and measuring physical activity for health and wellbeing. You will also develop your problem-solving skills as you consider approaches for improving health and wellbeing through physical activity.
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and PhysiologyThis module will provide you with a foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in relation to sport, health and exercise contexts, raise awareness of key theories, principles and processes as that you can apply to sport, health and exercise-related activities. You'll also learn to engender an appreciation of how learned theories, principles and concepts may be applied in an interdisciplinary manner.
- Introduction to the Psychology of Sport and ExerciseThis module aims to equip students with a preliminary understanding of key psychological concepts in relation to sport and exercise contexts; including how factors such as anxiety, motivation, and confidence impact sports performance. During laboratory-based sessions, students are encouraged to analyse, evaluate, create and apply knowledge to hypothetical and/or real-world scenarios.
- Organisational Behaviour
This module introduces students to the study of organisations. It outlines key sociological and psychological perspectives used to analyse organisations and occupational groups. Students encounter core topics including organisational design, bureaucracy and contingency theory. Theory and practice are linked via seminars, case study discussions and reflections on students’ experience of organisations.
- Introduction to Management Enquiry
This module introduces students to fundamentals of business and management with the focus on a number of key concepts. This includes subjects such as understanding organisational planning with a focus on the foundations of decision, organisational structure and design and managing human resources, leadership, trust, and managing communication, information and operations.
- Principles and Practice of Marketing
This module focuses on developing an understanding of concepts of marketing, marketing mix principles and practices. It also aims to develop students’ awareness of skills needed and ethical issues in marketing.
Compulsory
- Developing Research Methods and Data Analysis SkillsThe aim of this study block is to develop students’ understanding of the nature of different research models as well as their quantitative and qualitative research skills. Students will have the opportunity to formulate research questions and determine appropriate methods that are related to their final-year project.
- Graduate and Transferable SkillsThe aim of this module is to introduce a range of knowledge and skills expected within working environments. Students will develop their ability to engage in self-appraisal through a personal development plan to identify learning needs in the context of work settings.
- Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing in the Life Course
This module introduces students to selected theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to promoting, delivering and measuring physical activity for health and wellbeing. You will also develop your problem-solving skills as you consider approaches for improving health and wellbeing through physical activity.
Optional
- Biomechanics of Human MovementThis module aims to allow students to gain proficiency in calculating and explaining common biomechanical measures that are used to assess human movement. Students will be introduced to biomechanical concepts and gain hands-on experience with measurement equipment and analysis techniques related to the assessment of human movement.
- Physiology of Sport and ExerciseThe aim of this module is to provide an overview of the body’s immediate response to, and recovery from, a single bout of exercise. Students will critically analyse and interpret experimental data. This will illustrate how the physiological systems of the body respond over time and adapt to the stress of repeated bouts of exercise, including how the body adjusts to environmental extremes (e.g. heat, cold and altitude).
- The Psychology of Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity: Theory and Application
This module supports students to synthesise and critically evaluate contemporary sport and exercise psychology research. Topics covered include individual differences, exercise and cognitive function, decision-making and attention. Students also have the opportunity to showcase their own research project, for which they collect data as part of a team.
- Managing Change and CreativityCompanies that want to successfully ride the wave of the knowledge economy must always consider ideas as the most precious commodity and employees who produce them as sought after resources. There is increased recognition that the competitive advantage of organisations depends heavily on their ability to capitalise on their employees’ ideas. The value of creativity as a means of enhancing communication, promoting organisational learning, as well as helping the development of new ideas, solutions and alternatives, is therefore of high importance. With constant change becoming the accepted norm, this module will also examine how organisations cope with the process and outcomes of change.
- Marketing Communications
Embark on a transformative journey in our Master's programme in Marketing Communications, delving into the intricate processes, cutting-edge theories, and ethical dimensions that shape the dynamic field. Uncover the pivotal role each element plays in crafting compelling narratives. Gain fluency in key terms and concepts while cultivating a profound understanding of the critical and theoretical facets that drive innovation in marketing communications. Elevate your expertise for a future-ready career.
- Human Resource Management and its International Dimensions
The aim of this module is to introduce students to issues, debates, and controversies relating to the field of Human Resource Management. The module intends to develop students’ awareness of people management issues within and outside the workplace. The people management issues are set against the background of national and international issues that affect HRM policies and practices.
Compulsory
- Employability and Professional DevelopmentThe aim of this module is to continue to improve students’ professional development and employability through critical reflexive practice, personal responsibility and autonomy. Specifically, the module encourages the development of leadership and management skills that are valued in graduate-level employment contexts and enable students to produce strong applications for graduate-level jobs and/or courses of further study.
- Issues in Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing in the Life CourseThe aim of this module is to select, critically analyse and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and methods to understanding physical activity, health and wellbeing. The module encourages students to engage in detailed critical analysis of current policy research and practice in the field of physical activity, health and wellbeing.
- Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis: Final Year ProjectStudents will carry out an individual, original piece of academic work within an area of personal interest in a particular topic within the context of sport, health and exercise sciences. Students can choose their own approach to the project, which is most suited to their skills, interests and subject focus.
Optional
- Advanced Biomechanics of Sport, Exercise and Physical ActivityStudents will gain extensive hands-on experience in using the four main types of biomechanical analysis techniques (video motion analysis, force platform, electromyography, and isokinetic dynamometry). Students will develop skills in data analysis and interpretation, and graphical presentation of data through experiments carried out in the laboratory.
- Physiological Limitations to Exercise PerformanceThe aim of this module is to provide sound knowledge of the physiological determinants of exercise performance, specifically focusing on the high-performance athlete. Students engage in detailed study of the physiological limitations to exercise and critically assess the influence of environmental extremes on exercise performance.
- Applied Sport and Exercise PsychologyThe aim of this module is to familiarise students with contemporary topics in applied sport and exercise psychology (e.g. imagery, anxiety and performance and exercise as a mental health intervention), as well as encouraging deep thinking about the links between research and applied practice. The content covers relevant concepts, theories and research to derive applied interventions.
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Ventures
This module provides an integrated and critical analysis of entrepreneurship and small business management related theories and frameworks underpinning the practice and policy of entrepreneurship and small business management. It will enable you to draw on evidence and contemporary research to explore entrepreneurial value creation and capture, and the imperatives of innovative new technologies on small business growth, as well as identify and evaluate the opportunities and distinctive challenges faced by entrepreneurs and their firms.
- Gender and Organisations
This module will introduce students to the issue of gender as a critical approach to the study of organizations. The module aims to provide students with a critical insight into the impact of gender on individuals' experience of the world of work. It seeks to introduce students to a number of gender perspectives, highlighting how each perspective conceptualises the issue of gender differently, presents a distinct account of gender inequality, and proposes different "solutions" to the "problem of gender" in organizations.
- Innovation and Knowledge Management
This module is designed to give students an understanding of the role of knowledge assets as a key to corporate success and particularly in relation to innovation. It examines how organisations create, utilise and exploit knowledge in the globalising knowledge-based economy, and the wider social and economic factors affecting knowledge creation and transfer.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
You’ll graduate with a range of skills that are highly in demand in business and industry. Your understanding of business and management coupled with your knowledge of sport science will open doors to a variety of positions within sport and health related industries.
UK entry requirements
2024/25 entry
- GCE A Level AAB-BBB, including either Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Maths, Human Biology, Psychology, Sport Science, Sport Studies, Sociology, Physics, or PE.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science, Sport, Sport and Physical Activity or Sport and Exercise Science.
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in Applied Science, Sport, Sport and Physical Activity or Sport and Exercise Science with an A Level at grade B in any subject.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Distinction in Applied Science, Sport, Sport and Physical Education with two A Levels at grades BC.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points including 5 at Higher Level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Maths, Physics, Human Biology, Psychology, Sport Science, Sociology or PE. GCSE English equivalent Standard Level 5 or Higher Level 4 and Mathematics Standard Level 4 or Higher Level 4
- Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Bioscience, Health, Forensic Science, Nutrition, Psychology, Science or Sport course with 45 credits at Level 3.
- T levels : Merit overall
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 or above are also required, including English Language and Maths.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria above, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Life Sciences at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences BSc.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£21,260 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Our programmes will be delivered primarily through in-person, on-campus activities; students are expected to attend all these sessions. In-person, on-campus teaching will consist, among other elements, of interactive lectures, small class tutorials and/or seminars, workshops and lab-based practical sessions. In-person sessions will, accordingly, take place on the Brunel University London campus in Uxbridge. To promote active learning, communication and team collaboration, regular team-based activities will be a feature across our modules.
There will be occasions where online teaching takes place. Online activities may consist of synchronous (e.g. seminars) and asynchronous activities (e.g. pre-recorded and lecture-recorded materials and quizzes).
Synchronously online Lectures/seminars/tutorial/practical
The Division will deliver the core teaching content for all modules through in-person, on-campus lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Occasionally, some additional activity will be delivered online, depending on intended learning outcomes and the nature of the topic being taught. Such online sessions will likely be taught as seminars or group / individual tutorials. Where delivery is made through this approach, it is expected that you log in and engage with the tasks and any ensuing discussions. You'll also be asked to engage with other materials and tasks delivered online (such as reading, pre-recorded videos or quizzes) often with follow-up interactive activities (e.g. discussion forums, application exercises or collaborative tasks) planned to support student learning.
To supplement our full timetable of on-campus teaching, learning will be supported with a range of resources on our new Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) including (e.g. videos, interactive activities and quizzes). Module / block leaders may offer additional briefings, revision and/or Q&A sessions on online platforms where appropriate.
Feedback and Consultation Hours, Personal Tutoring Hours, and Project Supervision discussions will be offered both in-person on-campus and via online platforms. This will allow you to easily receive feedback, advice and guidance without having to travel to campus on a day that you might otherwise not be attending.
Please note that while recordings and online resources will help if you're unable to attend a particular teaching session, learning from the online materials only will not be an adequate substitute for certain aspects of the in-person learning experience. Keep in mind that this is a campus-based degree programme, not an online programme – and attendance on campus will be essential for some events (e.g. gaining hands-on experience with our equipment and learning different analysis techniques).
Coursework will be submitted via Wiseflow and exams may be on-campus, in-person invigilated written exams and/or be presented in an online open-book style.
Support / resources
Recorded materials, as well as other teaching resources (including e-textbook chapters, articles, podcasts, videos, online quizzes, etc.), will be available online (on Brightspace) prior to and/or following timetabled sessions. Post-session recording availability will depend on the nature of the taught content and will be restricted primarily to lectures.
For academic guidance and pastoral care, timetabled individual and small group tutorials will be delivered in-person on-campus or online by Personal Tutors.
During term time, all Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences lecturers will be available for in-person on-campus or online one-to-one meetings during their weekly ‘Consultation and Feedback Hours’.
Extra-curricular / Co-curricular activities
We encourage you to gain as much additional experience as possible, either independently or through our work-placement year, between Level 5 and Level 6. We encourage you to participate in Continuous Professional Development and gain additional industry-relevant qualifications (such as coaching awards) when this fits with your career aspirations. We also require you to be involved in the research taking place in the Division, particularly as part of the Level 5 module Graduate and Transferable Skills. We promote a culture of research involvement throughout levels of our degree (e.g. at Level 6 for students’ Major Project).
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Our staff have national and international reputations for their research, publications and applied work. Many of our Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences tutors are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which enables them to work with high-performance athletes from a wide variety of sports . Many of our business lecturers work as consultants for major companies worldwide and have practical and personal experience in business or have run their own companies. This means your education will be innovative, inspiring and truly up-to-date.
Your course will consist of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory and practical sessions, online leaning and computer-assisted sessions to teach quantitative data collection and analysis and computer simulation.
We constantly review our teaching methods in response to student feedback in view of developing and improving them.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
Modules are assessed by combinations of individual and group projects, oral presentations, case studies, report writing, and examinations. In the final year you are also required to write a dissertation.