Skip to main content

Sport (Sports Performance) FdSc

2 years with option to progress to one-year BSc, starting in September 2024

Combine your practical sports expertise as an athlete, coach or practitioner, with the advanced study of 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 merge the study of 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, including:

  • physiology
  • psychology
  • coaching
  • 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.

Watch siblings Jasmine and Jemma talk about playing competitive netball for Team Bath while studying FdSc/BSc (Hons) Sport (Sports Performance)

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 suites, containing:

  • blood lactate monitors
  • force platforms
  • gas analysers
  • jump mats
  • motion analysis equipment
  • performance analysis systems

2024/25 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

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 2024 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 23 September 2024.


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 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Introduction to research methods

    15 credits

  • Introduction to sports coaching

    5 credits

  • Introduction to sports development

    5 credits

  • Introduction to sports performance

    10 credits

  • Introduction to sports psychology

    5 credits

  • Management of sports performance

    5 credits

  • Science of sports performance

    15 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Advanced research methods

    10 credits

  • Contemporary issues and applied professional practice

    15 credits

  • Talent identification and development

    15 credits

Options

  • Year 2 Options

    20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Dissertation

    20 credits

  • Managing the performance athlete

    10 credits

Options

  • 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.


Learning

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Presentations

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

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. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. 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.

‘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 student athletes performing at a very high standard, 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:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

CCC

CCC in three A levels.

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

28 points

International Baccalaureate Diploma

28 points overall.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

MMM or DD

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

MMM in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF).

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma

DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF).

You do not need additional study alongside you Diploma for this course.

Read more about our approach to BTEC Diplomas.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Extended Certificates.

OCR Cambridge Technical Typical offer

MMM or DD

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

MMM in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

Cambridge Technical Diploma

DD in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma.

You do not need additional study alongside you Diploma for this course.

Read more about our approach to BTEC Diplomas.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider Cambridge Technical Extended Certificates.

T Level Typical offer

Merit overall

We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Education and Childcare or Digital Production, Design and Development.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

CC

CC in two Advanced Highers.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least CCCCC in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

21 credits at Merit

A 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

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

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): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 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

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

French qualifications

General Baccalaureate (Baccalauréat Général)

12 overall

BFI (Baccalauréat Français International) or OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat) awarded prior to 2024

11 overall

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): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 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

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

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): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 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

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

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 status

These fees are for the academic year 2024/25 only. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Home students

Tuition fee for the academic year 2024/25

£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 2024/25

£22,800

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 loans

Scholarships 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 scholarships

Other 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 options

Budgeting

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


  • Course title
    Sport (Sports Performance)
  • Final award
    FdSc
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    J130
  • Institution code
    B16
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 January 2024
  • Overseas application deadline
    31 January 2024
  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • 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


Learn more about living and studying at Bath

Visit our undergraduate virtual experience

On this page

Introduction to research methods

15 credits

Acquire introductory knowledge and first-hand experience in order to conduct research in the sports performance context.

Introduction to sports coaching

5 credits

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.

Introduction to sports development

5 credits

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.

Introduction to sports performance

10 credits

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.

Introduction to sports psychology

5 credits

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.

Management of sports performance

5 credits

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.

Science of sports performance

15 credits

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.

Advanced research methods

10 credits

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.

Contemporary issues and applied professional practice

15 credits

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.

Talent identification and development

15 credits

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.

Year 2 Options

20 credits

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: 

Dissertation

20 credits

Design and undertake an independent dissertation research project on a sports performance related topic.

Managing the performance athlete

10 credits

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.

BSc (Hons) Year Options

30 credits

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.