Sport and Fitness BSc (Hons)

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

You will study all of the following modules:

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

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

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

Plus two option modules, which may include:

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

Year 3 - BSc

You will study the following two core modules:

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

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: 

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

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:

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

You must also complete a dissertation.

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.

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:

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 (see the Funding section opposite).

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.

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:

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