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Sports Performance

BSc (Hons)

Unlock your potential with our BSc (Hons) Sports Performance programme, designed for those passionate about a career in the professional sports industry. This dynamic course combines professional practice, research, and performance-oriented modules, equipping you for success, while fostering a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be a well-rounded professional.

With a focus on real-world application and industry connections, this programme will help you achieve a minimum of 190 hours of industry experience, where you can align your sport performance interests and gain key employability skills. Opportunities can include working across our Sports Academy as part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as gaining experience working with one of our key professional sport partners.

 

Subject to validation.

Key Information

Course Duration: 3 or 4 years full time; part-time available
UC UCAS Code: C617
Part or Full Time: Full Time
Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees
Placement Year: Optional
Typical Offer: 72-80 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

This BSc (Hons) Sports Performance is designed to prepare and empower you for a career in the professional sports industry. Throughout the course, you will develop a solid foundation in professional practice through modules that encourage you to explore and reflect on your own perspective of professionals in your sport. You will develop an understanding of what it’s like to be in the world of professional sport. This is complimented by developing a range of skillsets through industry experience in a professional practice area of your choice. You will have the opportunity to develop your employability network, as well as explore modules in a range of areas such as Psychology, Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, Performance Analysis and Sport Injuries to enhance your ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.

  • UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 72-80 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.

 

  • GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSEs A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.

 

  • A-Level | Typical offer is DDD-CDD or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels.

 

  • Vocational Award | Typical offer is a MMP-MPP in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

 

  • Access | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

 

  • IB | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of one Higher at H3 or above.
    This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

 

  • Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. You must have completed two years of study at Higher Level.

 

  • Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers.

 

  • T Level | An overall grade of Pass, to include grade C or above in the Core component. 

 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21) with industry experience. We will also consider other relevant level 3 qualifications, such as Personal Training. We may interview as part of the application process. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are completing a Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) in combination with an additional level 3 qualification such as A Level, Level 3 Extended Certificate, Level 3 Diploma.

We will consider combinations of Level 3 qualifications. The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 64 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Please contact us for further information.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placement and experience

Throughout your course, you will have the chance to complete several on-campus opportunities, ranging from working with one of our Sports Academy teams as a coach or as an analyst. With these being just two examples of roles you may undertake, you can also utilise your own passions and interests as a performer to support your assessments within your modules. Each year, you'll be required to complete a specific number of hours of industry experience which you can use to enhance your employability links for after you graduate.

Graduate destinations

As a graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Sports Performance, you may progress into a variety of industries and sport performance roles, including for clubs or teams, or the fitness and health industry. Further opportunities within postgraduate study are also available at Hartpury in a range of areas you would have experience with.

You’ll also gain the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare you for employment.

Possible graduate destinations may include:

  • Professional Coach
  • Professional Player
  • Performance Analyst
  • Sports Consultant
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Postgraduate Study
Success Stories

Duration

3 or 4 years full-time 

You will study full-time and subsequently complete within 3 years, or you can also complete an optional placement year, bringing your course to 4 years. The module contact during semester 1 and 2 will be approximately 12 hours at Level 4 and Level 5. Level 6 will include more independent learning due to the nature of the modules.

There will be opportunities for independent study within all modules. You will need to utilise this to complete reading materials to support your learning on the module, make progress with assessment, and develop your knowledge and understanding further.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your understanding of topics, lectures, workshops, practical sessions, placements and tutorials.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, which will focus on different industry topics to provide you with an understanding of the professional practice industry in sport. This will help you develop your own portfolio of knowledge and understanding, skills and experience, ready for the career you choose within professional sport.

Course information

Overview

This BSc (Hons) Sports Performance is designed to prepare and empower you for a career in the professional sports industry. Throughout the course, you will develop a solid foundation in professional practice through modules that encourage you to explore and reflect on your own perspective of professionals in your sport. You will develop an understanding of what it’s like to be in the world of professional sport. This is complimented by developing a range of skillsets through industry experience in a professional practice area of your choice. You will have the opportunity to develop your employability network, as well as explore modules in a range of areas such as Psychology, Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, Performance Analysis and Sport Injuries to enhance your ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.

Entry requirements

  • UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 72-80 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.

 

  • GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSEs A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.

 

  • A-Level | Typical offer is DDD-CDD or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels.

 

  • Vocational Award | Typical offer is a MMP-MPP in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

 

  • Access | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

 

  • IB | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of one Higher at H3 or above.
    This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

 

  • Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. You must have completed two years of study at Higher Level.

 

  • Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 72-80 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers.

 

  • T Level | An overall grade of Pass, to include grade C or above in the Core component. 

 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21) with industry experience. We will also consider other relevant level 3 qualifications, such as Personal Training. We may interview as part of the application process. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are completing a Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) in combination with an additional level 3 qualification such as A Level, Level 3 Extended Certificate, Level 3 Diploma.

We will consider combinations of Level 3 qualifications. The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 64 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placement and experience

Throughout your course, you will have the chance to complete several on-campus opportunities, ranging from working with one of our Sports Academy teams as a coach or as an analyst. With these being just two examples of roles you may undertake, you can also utilise your own passions and interests as a performer to support your assessments within your modules. Each year, you'll be required to complete a specific number of hours of industry experience which you can use to enhance your employability links for after you graduate.

Graduate destinations

As a graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Sports Performance, you may progress into a variety of industries and sport performance roles, including for clubs or teams, or the fitness and health industry. Further opportunities within postgraduate study are also available at Hartpury in a range of areas you would have experience with.

You’ll also gain the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare you for employment.

Possible graduate destinations may include:

  • Professional Coach
  • Professional Player
  • Performance Analyst
  • Sports Consultant
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Postgraduate Study

How you'll study

Duration

3 or 4 years full-time 

You will study full-time and subsequently complete within 3 years, or you can also complete an optional placement year, bringing your course to 4 years. The module contact during semester 1 and 2 will be approximately 12 hours at Level 4 and Level 5. Level 6 will include more independent learning due to the nature of the modules.

There will be opportunities for independent study within all modules. You will need to utilise this to complete reading materials to support your learning on the module, make progress with assessment, and develop your knowledge and understanding further.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your understanding of topics, lectures, workshops, practical sessions, placements and tutorials.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, which will focus on different industry topics to provide you with an understanding of the professional practice industry in sport. This will help you develop your own portfolio of knowledge and understanding, skills and experience, ready for the career you choose within professional sport.

Modules

What you'll study

Over the duration of the course, you'll benefit from lectures, seminars, workshops, professional industry experience, and tutorials. You'll work individually and with your peers and professionals to explore the professional sports industry. You'll have opportunities to discuss concepts and develop skills in a range of areas, such as professional skills, contemporary issues and high performing teams to build a holistic view of the growing needs of highly skills professionals in a range of areas within professional sport.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second year may contribute towards your final degree classification.

In your first year, you will cover a series of specialist modules focused on Sports Psychology, Exercise Physiology and Principles of Strength and Conditioning. These will be underpinned by an academic skills and professional practice module where you will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like in the professional industry through 60 hours of industry experience.

Compulsory Modules 

Introduction to Professional Practice in Sport

An introduction to professional practice in advance sport settings, acquiring 60 hours of pre-approved industry experience.

Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise Scientists

This module will allow you to develop a range of key academic and professional skills which will be invaluable for success in your studies and serve as ideal preparation for a future career in sport.    

Research and Data Skills in Sport

During this module you will develop a wide range of fundamental research and data analysis skills, ensuring that you are well-prepared to apply these skills across a range of other modules later in your programme and for your future career in sport. 

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport and exercise psychology.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise. 

Principles of Strength and Conditioning

Focuses on the basics of performance training, and its physiological effect on the body.

In your second year, you will build on your knowledge of the first year of your studies and there will be further opportunity to follow specialisms in your studies. You will study subjects such as Performance Analysis, Sports Nutrition and Sport Injuries to compliment the underpinning research and professional practice modules that you will study. You will be required to gain a further 80 hours of industry experience in this academic year.

Compulsory Modules 

Applied Professional Practice in Sport

Through real-world experiences in work placement, students will explore what makes a sports performance environment successful, considering an interdisciplinary approach.  

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

The Sport and Exercise Researcher

Understand the research process and create a research proposal required for a research project. 

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition

The basics of nutritional requirements for exercise, including metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Injuries in Sport and Exercise

Unlock a greater understanding of anatomy and it’s vital connection to sports injuries with this module, where you’ll study musculoskeletal injuries, mechanisms and general management within sport and physical activity.

In your third and final year, you will have some opportunity to choose at least two modules which you prefer to specialise in. You will learn about advanced professional practice concepts to help support you within industry, including gaining your final 50 hours of industry experience in that module. You will also develop a research project aligned with your own interests.

Compulsory Modules 

Advanced Professional Practice in Sport

Providing students with the industry and practical knowledge to thrive in advanced sports settings. 

Sport Research Project

Your opportunity to independently research a topic related to your programme of study and develop a range of graduate skills.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Optional Modules

Performance Analysis in Practice

Develop your practical skills within performance analysis and evaluation.

Performance Nutrition

This module will provide students the opportunity to explore nutrition concepts and topics related to performance in elite sport.

Sport and Social Media

This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research. 

Sport Sponsorship and Brand Development

This module allows students to explore the role and significance of sponsorship within the sports industry. They will have the opportunity to align theory with practice by developing a new sponsorship proposal for a chosen sports property.

Developing the Young Athlete

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Over the duration of the course, you'll benefit from lectures, seminars, workshops, professional industry experience, and tutorials. You'll work individually and with your peers and professionals to explore the professional sports industry. You'll have opportunities to discuss concepts and develop skills in a range of areas, such as professional skills, contemporary issues and high performing teams to build a holistic view of the growing needs of highly skills professionals in a range of areas within professional sport.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second year may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Level four (year one)

In your first year, you will cover a series of specialist modules focused on Sports Psychology, Exercise Physiology and Principles of Strength and Conditioning. These will be underpinned by an academic skills and professional practice module where you will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like in the professional industry through 60 hours of industry experience.

Compulsory Modules 

Introduction to Professional Practice in Sport

An introduction to professional practice in advance sport settings, acquiring 60 hours of pre-approved industry experience.

Academic Skills for Sport and Exercise Scientists

This module will allow you to develop a range of key academic and professional skills which will be invaluable for success in your studies and serve as ideal preparation for a future career in sport.    

Research and Data Skills in Sport

During this module you will develop a wide range of fundamental research and data analysis skills, ensuring that you are well-prepared to apply these skills across a range of other modules later in your programme and for your future career in sport. 

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport and exercise psychology.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise. 

Principles of Strength and Conditioning

Focuses on the basics of performance training, and its physiological effect on the body.

Level five (year two)

In your second year, you will build on your knowledge of the first year of your studies and there will be further opportunity to follow specialisms in your studies. You will study subjects such as Performance Analysis, Sports Nutrition and Sport Injuries to compliment the underpinning research and professional practice modules that you will study. You will be required to gain a further 80 hours of industry experience in this academic year.

Compulsory Modules 

Applied Professional Practice in Sport

Through real-world experiences in work placement, students will explore what makes a sports performance environment successful, considering an interdisciplinary approach.  

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

The Sport and Exercise Researcher

Understand the research process and create a research proposal required for a research project. 

Applied Performance Analysis

Students actively collect, analyse and feedback performance analysis data.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition

The basics of nutritional requirements for exercise, including metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Injuries in Sport and Exercise

Unlock a greater understanding of anatomy and it’s vital connection to sports injuries with this module, where you’ll study musculoskeletal injuries, mechanisms and general management within sport and physical activity.

Level six (year three)

In your third and final year, you will have some opportunity to choose at least two modules which you prefer to specialise in. You will learn about advanced professional practice concepts to help support you within industry, including gaining your final 50 hours of industry experience in that module. You will also develop a research project aligned with your own interests.

Compulsory Modules 

Advanced Professional Practice in Sport

Providing students with the industry and practical knowledge to thrive in advanced sports settings. 

Sport Research Project

Your opportunity to independently research a topic related to your programme of study and develop a range of graduate skills.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Optional Modules

Performance Analysis in Practice

Develop your practical skills within performance analysis and evaluation.

Performance Nutrition

This module will provide students the opportunity to explore nutrition concepts and topics related to performance in elite sport.

Sport and Social Media

This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research. 

Sport Sponsorship and Brand Development

This module allows students to explore the role and significance of sponsorship within the sports industry. They will have the opportunity to align theory with practice by developing a new sponsorship proposal for a chosen sports property.

Developing the Young Athlete

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

The modules will contain a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical learning in taught contact hours.  Alongside this, students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour.

A key requirement of the course is that students complete a minimum of 190 hours work placement throughout their three years.

Year Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
Level four (year one) 19% 5% 76%
Level five (year two) 18% 7% 75%
Level six (year three) 14% 4% 82%

You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given within four working weeks to allow students to reflect on work submitted.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level four (year one) 25% 65% 10%
Level five (year two) 18% 38% 44%
Level six (year three) 19% 43% 38%

 

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

  • Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
  • Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
  • Work placements may entail different days and hours
  • Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
  • Timetables are available during enrolment week
View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide.

Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

Additional costs

In the module of the course, students are expected to source industry experiences. This may have additional travel costs.

Hartpury University may host various extra-curricular activities and courses, prices may vary dependent on the nature and duration of the course and external provider, but these are not compulsory.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Hartpury College Mens Football Academy

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hartpury University Accommodation

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Hartpury University Finance
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TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

GUG 2025 Top 10 Teaching Quality Landscape

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

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Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024). 

Nss 2024 Top 10 Academic Support

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

Ed Williams
“In terms of an effective learning environment, I believe Hartpury is unrivalled. The facilities and support that’s available at Hartpury are more exceptional than professional environments that I have been a part of.”
Ed Williams
FdSc Sport Performance and Coaching

Sport matters

When you have passion, you're far more likely to achieve your goals – especially when you study that passion in a place that shares it.

We're home to top-level coaches, sport and exercise scientists, nutritionists, conditioners, medics and athletes, across our Sports Academy programmes and student-led teams. Our students graduate with valuable skills to succeed in a range of different careers.

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Get in touch

Sports Students Laying Cones

Meet our academic team

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.