BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health (Top Up)

You will need:

• A relevant Level 5 qualification in a sport and exercise-related subject.
• A minimum of grade 4 (or equivalent) in GCSE English and maths, or a science subject.
• Evidence of an interest in, and experience of, a relevant sport and/or exercise field.
• Successful completion of an interview with the Programme Leader.

As part of the application process, you’ll meet with a member of the course team for a friendly and informal interview. You’ll be asked a set of standard questions about your experience, interests and suitability for the course.

Please bring your relevant qualifications with you to the interview.

When you arrive at New College Durham, please report to the NCD University Centre seating area, where you’ll be directed to the interview.

Develop the knowledge and skills to progress your career

This programme is designed to help you build the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to progress into employment within the sport and exercise sector. You’ll have opportunities to apply your learning to relevant situations, develop transferable skills and build the confidence needed for continued professional and personal development.

Throughout the programme, you will:

Develop knowledge and understanding of a range of sport and exercise topics relevant to career opportunities across the sector, including within the North East of England. Develop professional and work-related skills, including an understanding of ethical practice, health and safety, relevant legislation and professional codes of conduct. Develop your ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise information relating to sport and exercise. Build transferable employability skills that can support your career and lifelong learning. Develop your ability to reflect on and evaluate your own performance, while becoming a confident and independent learner.

The course combines academic study with practical application, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge of sport, exercise and health while building the professional skills needed for your future career.

Research Project Develop your research skills by investigating a topic relevant to sport, exercise or health. You’ll learn how to identify a research question, gather and evaluate information, and use appropriate methods to explore your chosen area. This module will help you develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and independent study skills valued by employers and further study.

Health & Exercise Intervention Explore how exercise can be used to support health and wellbeing. You’ll develop your understanding of exercise interventions and how they can be designed to meet the needs of different individuals or groups. You’ll learn to apply scientific knowledge to real-world health and exercise scenarios, helping you develop skills relevant to roles across the health, fitness and exercise sectors.

Applied Sport & Exercise Support Develop your ability to apply sport and exercise knowledge in practical settings. You’ll explore how to support individuals and groups in achieving their sport, exercise and wellbeing goals, while considering professional practice, communication and safe working. This module will help you build confidence in applying your knowledge in an industry-focused environment.

The Promotion of Sport & Exercise Explore how sport and physical activity can be promoted to encourage participation and improve health and wellbeing. You’ll consider different approaches to engaging individuals and communities, as well as the factors that influence participation in sport and exercise. You’ll develop communication, planning and promotional skills that can be applied across a range of sport and leisure careers.

The Reflective Practitioner Develop your ability to reflect on your own performance, experiences and professional development. You’ll learn how to identify your strengths, recognise areas for improvement and use reflection to enhance your practice. This module will help you become a more confident, self-aware and independent practitioner, preparing you for continued professional development throughout your career.

The programme is delivered face to face at New College Durham, giving you the opportunity to learn alongside your peers and engage directly with your course team.

Your timetable and specific teaching times will be confirmed when you enrol on the programme.

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

You’ll experience a varied approach to learning that combines academic study, practical activities and opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world sport and exercise scenarios. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to help you develop both your subject knowledge and the professional skills needed for your future career.

You’ll be assessed through a range of methods, including:

Written reports and assignments Portfolios of evidence Practical assessments Poster presentations Research and project-based work

Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to take an active role in your learning. You’ll engage in academic discussions, undertake independent research and receive regular formative feedback to help you monitor your progress and identify areas for development.

Where appropriate, you’ll use contemporary equipment and resources to apply your knowledge in areas such as coaching, fitness and conditioning, exercise psychology and sports marketing. You’ll learn to use evidence to inform the design and delivery of projects, drawing on your understanding of physiology, psychology and coaching before evaluating the outcomes of your work.

You’ll also benefit from peer feedback and one-to-one tutorials with your course leader, giving you opportunities to discuss your progress, receive individual guidance and build confidence in your academic and professional development.

The programme is designed to help you connect your academic learning with the demands of the sport, exercise and health sector. You’ll have opportunities to develop your professional practice and apply your knowledge in areas such as sports coaching, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, and health promotion.

By developing practical, industry-relevant skills alongside your academic knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to explore career opportunities across the sport, exercise, health and leisure sectors.

You’ll be encouraged to take advantage of relevant work placement opportunities, giving you the chance to put your learning into practice in a real working environment.

A placement can help you build practical, professional and interpersonal skills, gain valuable experience of the sport and exercise sector, and develop a greater understanding of the career opportunities available to you.

The Open University Student Guide 2026-2027

Completing this degree can open the door to a range of opportunities across the sport, exercise, health and recreation sectors. You could progress into graduate-level roles or use your degree as a stepping stone towards further study, including a master’s degree.

The knowledge, practical experience and transferable skills you develop throughout the course can help you take the next step towards your chosen career or continue your academic journey.