A level Typical offer
CCCCCC in three A levels.
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.
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).
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.
We work to provide you with the skills and support to prepare you for employment and further study, such as:
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:
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:
Find out what our graduates go on to do
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:
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.
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.
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.
15 credits
5 credits
5 credits
10 credits
5 credits
5 credits
15 credits
10 credits
15 credits
15 credits
20 credits
20 credits
10 credits
30 credits
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.’
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:
CCC in three A levels.
28 points overall.
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.
MMM 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.
MMM 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.
MMM 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.
We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Education and Childcare or Digital Production, Design and Development.
M3, M3, M3 in three principal subjects.
A pass the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 21 credits awarded at Merit or Distinction.
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.
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:
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.
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).
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
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.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for Sport (Sports Performance) FdSc with option to progress to one-year BSc
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.
£9,250
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval.
£21,100
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.
The following course-related costs are not included in your fees:
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.
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 loansYou 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 scholarshipsYou 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 optionsYou 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.
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.
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.
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experienceAcquire introductory knowledge and first-hand experience in order to conduct research in the sports performance context.
Explore introductory topics related to sport coaching. You will also explore the fundamental factors which relate to sport coaching from pedagogical, psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives.
Explore the concept of sports development and associated processes, policies and practices of sports development.
You will specifically focus on community sports development and how organisations and policies influence the development of sport in this context.
Develop the academic skills required to undertake the Sports Performance FdDSc course.
You will learn transferable skills that will develop your communication and application of multidisciplinary scientific content.
Explore introductory topics in psychology and, in particular, sports psychology.
You will be introduced to the academic discipline of psychology, providing you with the opportunity to familiarise yourself with dominant theoretical approaches and foundational psychological concepts.
Explore a range of topics related to the effective management of elite sports performance.
You will be introduced to academic literature examining contemporary challenges faced by athletes, coaches, and practitioners engaging in high performance sport.
Explore key concepts related to anatomy and physiology, nutrition, training principles and needs analysis.
This will allow you to perform a critical analysis of the role of sport science in supporting elite athlete development.
Develop the skills necessary to conduct a small-scale research study in the sports performance context.
You will consider basic designs, approaches and conduct of research in applied contexts. This experience will be used to propose an academic research project that will advance our knowledge of the sports performance environment.
Explore contemporary issues within sport and develop your understanding of key issues relating to professional practice in high performance sport.
You will undertake a personal skills audit and will engage in opportunities for the development of, and reflection on, transferable graduate skills.
Critically examine the key factors contributing to the identification and development of talented athletes across a range of sporting contexts.
You will explore a range of disciplines (e.g., physiology, genetics, psychology, and sociology) and use relevant research to evaluate talent identification and development strategies.
In your FdSc Year 2, you will study 20 credits of optional units. You will study two 5 credit optional units in semester 1 and two 5 credit optional units in semester 2.
These options will cover a range of sport, exercise and health topics, such as:
Design and undertake an independent dissertation research project on a sports performance related topic.
Develop conceptual and contextual knowledge and understanding of multidisciplinary sports science support teams in the context of managing performance athletes.
You will critically examine the roles of applied practitioners and their work with athletes and coaches to manage and enhance performance.
If you choose to continue to the BSc year, you will study 30 credits of optional units. You will select three all-year 10 credit optional units.
These options will cover a range of sport, exercise and health topics, such as:
The options available to you may depend on the optional units you studied during the FdSc.