Sport and Fitness BSc (Hons)

Course code C600

What is special about this course?

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness is designed to be a diverse sport and fitness qualification with a focus on practical application of skills that enables you to put theory into practice.

This course will provide scientific underpinning knowledge and technical skills in this specialist field, as well as a solid formation for a career in the sport and fitness industry.

Special features

  • A key feature of this programme is the opportunity to personalise your own modules for any sport or physical activity you are interested in, allowing you to build a strong portfolio of personal interest areas.
  • You will also focus on the practical application of skills enabling you to put what you have learned into practice and develop relevant job skills.
  • A large number of volunteering opportunities are available which will support you in building strong vocational experiences alongside your academic profile
  • The university is a Higher Education Associate Partner with CIMSPA and the BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness is a named Associated Course. The partnership also offers many benefits for students studying this course. We are one of only two institutions in Scotland to hold this.

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
  • 2 A Levels at grade BC or above
  • Applicants without the standard entry requirements but with relevant industry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis
  • Advanced entry to year 2 may be possible if you have completed a relevant HNC such as HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise or HNC Sports Coaching and Development, or equivalent
  • Advanced entry to year 3 may be possible if you have completed the HND Fitness Health and Exercise or HND Sports Coaching and Development, or equivalent
  • This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
  • You must also attend an interview

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

For International students requiring Student Route sponsorship
Please note that international students with a Student Route visa can only take part in sports activities or as part of a work placement, as an amateur and not as a professional or semi-professional. You will not be allowed to become a member of a professional sports association while a student. This is due to ‘professional sportsperson’ restrictions imposed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as outlined in their Student Route Policy Guidance.

Year 1 - CertHE

Core modules are:

  • Human structure and function
  • Professional skills and knowledge
  • Mechanics of human movement
  • Principles of sport and exercise psychology 
  • Practical exercise instruction
  • Introduction to sports coaching and leadership

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

  • Introduction to research methods
  • Sport and exercise physiology
  • Nutrition for performance and health
  • Movement analysis

Plus two option modules, which may include:

  • Physical activity and health
  • Applied coaching and leadership
  • Work placement 1 – team working and communication
  • Principles of sport and exercise psychology

Year 3 - BSc

You will study the following two core modules:

  • The professional practitioner – ethics, policy and practice
  • Research methods (sport and fitness)

You will also choose one further module from the following: 

  • Design, manage and evaluate human fitness and physical performance
  • Work placement: industry-specific skills

Plus three option modules which may include: 

  • Applied sport and exercise psychology
  • Sport and exercise science: a critical analysis
  • Sport nutrition and dietary considerations
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Analysing physical activity, lifestyle and adherence

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

You will choose two of the following core modules:

  • Advanced applications of coaching and instruction
  • Delivering physical activities and sport development programmes
  • Work placement: professional practice

Plus two option modules from the following:

  • Physical activity for all
  • Sports and exercise psychology
  • Sports and exercise rehabilitation
  • Legal issues in sport and fitness
  • Small business planning

You must also complete a dissertation.

How will I study my course?

  • Full-time
  • Part-time (structured)
  • Part-time (unstructured)
  • You will learn through a combination of practical sessions, group-working, face-to-face and video conference lectures in the classroom as well as individual online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), supported by tutors and classmates

How long will my course last?

  • Full-time: 4 years
  • Part-time: 8 years

 

Where can I study my course?

  • Inverness - years 2, 3 and 4 only*
  • Moray - years 2, 3 and 4 only*
  • Perth - years 1, 3 and 4 only**

*For year 1 study at Inverness and Moray, please see HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise or HNC Sports Coaching and Development.

**For year 2 study at Perth, please see HND Fitness, Health and Exercise or HND Sports Coaching and Development.

Start date

  • September
  • January (part-time study only)

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

  • EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Study Mode 2023-24 2024-25
Full-time (120 credit modules) per year £1,820 £1,820
Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year £915 £915
Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) £305 £305

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:

Year Level 2023-24 Full-time 2024-25 Full-time
Year 1 CertHE £9,250 £9,250
Year 2 DipHE £9,250 £9,250
Year 3 Degree £9,250 £9,250
Year 4 Honours free free

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes.  Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Year Level 2023-24 Full-time With scholarship 2024-25 Full-time With scholarship
Year 1 CertHE £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 2 DipHE £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 3 Degree £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 4 Honours £15,360 Free £15,996 Free

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Study Mode 2023-24 2024-25
Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year £15,360 £15,996
Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year £7,680 £7,998
Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) £2,560 £2,666

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

It is highly recommended that you invest in your own career development by making an allowance for the following:

  • Purchase of our branded polo/t-shirt (approximately £23)
  • Membership of the CIMSPA - £5
  • Cost of any vocational qualifications, approx £200, although these costs will vary depending on your specialism 

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers as:

  • Active schools co-ordinator
  • Sports development officer
  • Health promotions officer
  • Physical activity initiative officer
  • Research officer
  • Project officer PCS and school sport lecturer
  • Programme administration and liaison manager 
  • Policy officer (health inequalities programme)

There are opportunities in local authorities, national governing bodies (NGBs), small businesses, private sector, self-employment and voluntary organisations.

Is there more information available online?

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What makes the course special is the small class sizes and the way you can build up good relationships with the lecturers. They are very supportive and easy to communicate with. The course is ideal for opening your eyes to the different opportunities sport and fitness has to offer. It’s a great pathway to my future career. 

Iona studies BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness at UHI Perth. 

The quality of teaching and support from the lecturers is something that really stands out. Tutors make lessons interactive, interesting and ensure that every student is on the right path to understand the topic. Support from them is never questionable, as they are always available to help on an individual level. Their support does not just stop regarding academic skills. Tutors are happy to discuss any other situations that can affect the studies and help you get back on track. 

With dedication, hard work and support from UHI staff, you will accomplish your goals. You do not feel like just another student, as every staff member ensures that you can do your work correctly and support is available at any time. Also, the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing with the Fitness facilities is an excellent learning facility- after you finish with the day, you can get a great workout too. 

Tadej studied BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness at UHI Perth. 

The way the course is structured and delivered by the lecturers is efficient, supportive, and fully adaptable. The lecturers try their best to get you through the course with the best possible results. The facilities are outstanding, and the sports department have a specialist in every aspect of the sporting industry and are willing to help anyone who’s interested, to achieve their goals. The opportunities the surroundings have to offer, with indoor and outdoor education.

I have been supported the whole way by UHI and have come out on top. I have now secured myself two jobs in two different independent schools and work for the best gymnastics club in Perth and Kinross. If I did not go to UHI, I would not have gained the knowledge and experience I have to this day. 

Iain studied BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness at UHI Perth.  

Apply for Sport and Fitness BSc (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2024 or Jan/Feb 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.