About the degree programme

Applied Sport Science is the study of human responses to sports. This involves the application of scientific principles to the promotion, maintenance and enhancement of sport and exercise-related behaviours. 

Our programme is centred on four key disciplines:

  • physiology
  • biomechanics
  • psychology
  • skill acquisition

You will develop an understanding of the factors that influence participation and performance in sport and exercise.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years.

A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.

This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.

Programme rankings

Ranked in Europe's top 6 universities for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Programme benefits

  • We have state-of-the-art research equipment and excellent facilities, including a specialised building in the city centre with sports biomechanics and exercise physiology labs.
  • Many of our students have managed to combine studying with successful sporting careers. Professional athletes who have studied with us include:
    • Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic gold medallist
    • Kelly Brown, former Scotland Rugby Captain
    • Sarah Adlington, Commonwealth gold medallist
    • Grace Reid, Olympic diver

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science

View the tuition fees for one academic year of BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science.

Additional costs

There are some additional costs if you enrol on this programme. 

Costs will depend on the courses and the type of research and/or placement you choose. 

For example, you may be required to apply to the Scottish government's Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme if you want to work with children or vulnerable adults.

This currently costs between £18 and £59.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

What you will study

You will study the key disciplines of sport and exercise science and select from a range of option courses across the University.

Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Building on Year 1, Year 2 further develops knowledge and skills in key sport science disciplines while also exploring research methods and information skills.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In this year, your study of the key sport and exercise science disciplines will continue, and you will begin research methods training and research project work. 

You will start to specialise in performance sport or physical activity for health options, such as:

  • Applying Sport Science
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Physical Activity, Exercise, Fitness and Health
  • Psychology of Physical Activity
  • Workplace Attachment
Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In Year 4, you will study two of the four key sport science disciplines and two option courses. 

Options include:

  • Sport and Exercise Medicine
  • Exercise Prescription for Rehabilitation
  • Research Attachment

You will also complete an honours dissertation in sport or physical activity for health.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad through exchange programmes during Year 3. 

What are my options for going abroad?

Placements

Placements are not compulsory. However, you will have the opportunity to do a workplace or research attachment with a body external to the University, such as Sportscotland. 

Sportscotland

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • site visits
  • practical work
  • laboratory-based experimental work
  • seminars

Assessment

You will be assessed through written exams and a range of coursework, including:

  • assignments
  • presentations
  • posters
  • web pages
  • reports
  • laboratory work

Coursework includes both individual and group work.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

Where you will study

Study location

In Years 1 and 2, depending on your choice of option courses, your teaching may take place at Moray House School of Education and Sport and the King's Buildings campus. 

Most of your teaching in Year 3 and Year 4 will take place at Moray House School of Education and Sport within the Holyrood campus. The Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences is based here.

Academic facilities

At the Moray House School of Education and Sport, you can access:

  • IT labs
  • library
  • state-of-the-art sport science labs
  • research swimming pool

You can also access the University's other computer facilities and libraries.

Facilities for sport-related teaching and research

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at Moray House School of Education and Sport and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Take a virtual tour of Moray House School of Education and Sport

Accreditation

Our programme is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

Career paths

Many of our graduates enter sport-related careers, including roles with:

  • elite sports clubs
  • performance sports centres
  • national or international sporting bodies
  • the fitness industry

Some enter health-related careers. For example, working with local authorities or NHS-funded exercise and health initiatives. 

Others go on to work in sports marketing, tourism or events or gain graduate management and business posts.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Further study

Some graduates pursue postgraduate study to focus their career towards certain areas, including:

  • teaching
  • physiotherapy
  • sports nutrition
  • public health

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment