A level Typical offer
CCCCCC in three A levels.
Sport (Sports Performance) FdSc
2 years with option to progress to one-year BSc, starting in September 2023
Combine your practical sports expertise as an athlete, coach or practitioner, with advanced study of the factors that influence high performance sport.
If you have experience of, and aspirations to work in, high-performance sport, this course is designed for you.
You’ll combine studying high-performance sport with your own experience as an athlete, coach or practitioner. This will develop your theoretical knowledge of the subject alongside building your practical skills and experience at one the UK’s top sports universities.
Throughout the FdSc, you’ll explore sports performance subjects, such as physiology, psychology, coaching and sports development. This will develop your knowledge in areas such as training principles, sport career transitions, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning.
BSc (Hons) one year
On successful completion of the FdSc, you will have the option to continue your studies and progress to the one-year BSc (Hons) Sport (Sports Performance) course.
This builds on the FdSc, allowing you to develop analytical and reflective skills often valued by employers. You'll continue to use your own experiences, as either an athlete, coach or practitioner, as you critically analyse sports performance.
Should you decide not to continue your studies, you will graduate with an FdSc Sport (Sports Performance).
Taking part in our sports
The University of Bath is home to many athletes and competitors across a range of sports, as well as National Governing Bodies (NGBs). Many students compete within our priority sports teams, and have shown exceptional achievement and potential in both their academic and sporting performance.
Acceptance to this FdSc does not guarantee you a place within our priority sports teams. If you take part in a non-priority sport, then you may consider joining any of the existing Students’ Union sports clubs.
Develop your professional skills
We work to provide you with the skills and support to prepare you for employment and further study, such as:
- communication and interview skills
- CV and cover letter writing
- networking
- career planning
Informed teaching to advance your learning
You’ll learn from experts in sports performance and sports science. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.
Staff across our Department for Health have specialisms in areas such as:
- sport and exercise science
- nutrition and metabolism
- sport management, marketing and media
- coaching and sport performance
- sport policy and international development
- health and physical activity
- research methods
Prepare for your future
Many of our sport, exercise and health graduates have gone on to work in sport science, public health, exercise medicine and rehabilitation, sports management and sports coaching.
They've worked for organisations such as:
- BUPA
- Cambridge Medical Robotics
- Coaches Voice
- Hawk-Eye Innovations
- MoveGB
- Department of Health & Social Care
- professional rugby union and football clubs
Find out what our graduates go on to do
Specialist facilities for your learning and training
Our £35 million Sports Training Village contains some of the UK’s best sport and exercise facilities, accommodating more than 50 sports. We regularly host major international competitions and provide a dedicated sports training space.
You’ll have access to our biomechanics and physiology labs, containing:
- gas analysers
- blood lactate monitors
- performance analysis systems
- force platforms
- jump mats
2023/24 Academic Year
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
Course structure
This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2023 and ends in 2025. Welcome week starts on 25 September 2023.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. 60 credits are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
Year 1
Compulsory units
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Introduction to research methods
15 credits
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Introduction to sports coaching
5 credits
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Introduction to sports development
5 credits
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Introduction to sports performance
10 credits
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Introduction to sports psychology
5 credits
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Management of sports performance
5 credits
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Science of sports performance
15 credits
Year 2
Compulsory units
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Advanced research methods
10 credits
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Contemporary issues and applied professional practice
15 credits
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Talent identification and development
15 credits
Options
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Year 2 Options
20 credits
Year 3
Compulsory units
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Dissertation
20 credits
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Managing the performance athlete
10 credits
Options
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BSc (Hons) Year Options
30 credits
Learning and assessment
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
Learning and teaching
Contact hours
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of laboratory sessions, lectures, practical sessions, seminars, tutorials and workshops, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 11 and 12 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. A small proportion of these contact hours may be delivered online, with the significant majority taught on campus. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
Independent learning
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 25 to 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year. You’ll be expected to work both on your own and as part of a group.
Assessment breakdown
You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.
In the FdSc, 80% to 90% of assessment will be through coursework, this may include written assignments and presentations. The remaining 10% to 20% will be through examinations.
In the BSc year, 100% of assessment will be through coursework. This will include written assignments, oral presentations, and your dissertation.
The balance of assessment methods may vary throughout your degree.
You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
The United Kingdom currently subscribes to The Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ) Directive. The MRPQ Directive provides a reciprocal framework of rules which enables European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals to have their professional qualifications recognised in a state other than the one in which the qualification was obtained. In the event of a no deal Brexit, from 1 January 2021, the MRPQ Directive will no longer apply to the UK. However, it is anticipated that there will be a new system for recognising professional qualifications between the UK, EEA, and Switzerland.
‘I'd never seen a facility like the Sports Training Village. The gyms, pitches, running tracks... I knew this would be what I needed to excel in my career.’
—
Tom Doughty
BSc Sport (Sports Performance) (Graduating year, 2019)
Entry requirements
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying sports performance.
As this course is intended for students who are performing at a very high standard in their chosen sport, and your performance in sport will form part of the selection decision. Your application should include details of your current sporting level in your chosen sport(s).
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
- our contextual admissions process, including our Access to Bath programme
- our approach to considering mitigating circumstances
Origin of qualifications
British qualifications
International Baccalaureate Typical offer
28 pointsInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
28 points overall.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual components studied. For this course you will typically need to study a combination of IB Higher Level courses and appropriate vocational study equivalent to three A levels. This vocational study can be any qualification we accept, such as a BTEC National Diploma (RQF) or two BTEC National Extended Certificates (RQF). If you are studying a BTEC National Diploma or a BTEC National Extended Diploma (RQF) we may be able to consider you on the basis of that alone - please see our Pearson Edexcel BTEC requirements.
Our typical offer will including individual grades in the relevant components - please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice before you apply.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer
MMM or DDMMM in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF).
We may also be able to consider you if you study a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma, in which case our typical offer is:
DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF).
See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC QCF Typical offer
MMM or DDMMM in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF).
We may also be able to consider you if you study a BTEC Level 3 Diploma, in which case our typical offer is:
DD in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF).
See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.
OCR Cambridge Technical Typical offer
MMM or DDMMM in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma.
We may also be able to consider you if you study a Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma, in which case our typical offer is:
DD in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma.
See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.
T Level Typical offer
Merit overallWe are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Education and Childcare or Digital Production, Design and Development.
Cambridge Pre-U Typical offer
M3, M3, M3M3, M3, M3 in three principal subjects.
Access to HE Diploma Typical offer
21 credits at MeritA pass the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 21 credits awarded at Merit or Distinction.
Open University credits Typical offer
Pass units worth 90 credits including a minimum of a Pass 3 (55%) in a relevant unit.
Typically, we would be looking for you to have studied units worth at least 90 credits. This information is a guide and we consider students applying with Open University Credits on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.
Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.
Combinations of qualifications Typical offer
Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects that you are taking.
We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, such as A levels and a BTEC:
- CC in two A levels plus M in the BTEC National Extended Certificate (RQF) or Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (RQF)
- C in one A level subject plus MM in the BTEC National Diploma (RQF)
- CC in two A levels plus M3 in a Pre-U principal subject
- CCC in two A levels (excluding Accounting) and the LIBF Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS)
We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications if they are in the same subject area.
GCSE requirements
- GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)
You do not need the required grade in Mathematics if you study a higher level qualification in Mathematics or Statistics (such as an A level, AS level or a Core Mathematics qualification).
English language requirements
Category C
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
- TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Duolingo: 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
- LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
French qualifications
French Baccalaureate
A score of 12 overall.
Our requirements for the French Baccalaureate are the same for students studying the International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) for this course.
A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
European Baccalaureate
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
English language requirements
Category C
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
- TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Duolingo: 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
- LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Irish qualifications
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate.
A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
European Baccalaureate
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
English language requirements
Category C
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
- TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Duolingo: 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
- LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Sport (Sports Performance) FdSc with option to progress to one-year BSc
Fees
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusThese fees are for the academic year 2023/24 only. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
Home students
Tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24
£9,250
Legal information
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval.
Overseas students
Tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24
£21,100
Legal information
You should budget for an increase of up to 5% each year for every further year of study; we will not increase your fees each year by more than this percentage and the amount will be set out on our fee page in December for the following academic year.
If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.
Extra costs
The following course-related costs are not included in your fees:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
You may be required to pay for a DBS check depending on any week long work placements you undertake. This will be payable at the end of the first year at an approximate cost of £40.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansScholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsOther payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsBudgeting
You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.
Application information
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Course titleSport (Sports Performance)
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Final awardFdSc
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Mode of studyFull-time
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Course codeJ130
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Institution codeB16
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Department
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LocationUniversity of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY -
Regulator
Selection process
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application, including details of your sporting performance. You may be invited to attend a trial for your chosen sport as part of your application.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Immigration requirements
If you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will not be able to join this course.
If you are an EU or EEA national (except an Irish citizen), you will only be able to join this course if you have Settled or Pre-Settled status in the UK (or hold other relevant immigration permission that allows you to study without a Student Visa). If you join this course on immigration permission which subsequently expires and you are unable to secure a suitable alternative, you may be unable to complete your course or receive a final qualification.
If you have any concerns regarding this please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice.
Course enquiries
Undergraduate Selection
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