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Course description

Studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences at Heriot-Watt, a mix of core and optional modules enables you to explore traditional sport, exercise and health science disciplines. This programme comprises a core of sport and exercise science with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and well-being, such as biology, nutrition, physiology, and psychology. These themes are developed together throughout the programme, with some flexibility in programme structure and design, according to your interests or career aspirations.

Based on Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus, is Oriam - Scotland's Sports Performance Centre. Along with providing excellent teaching facilities for this programme, Oriam is the training facility for elite sports teams such as; Scottish Rugby Union, the Scottish Football Association, Heart of Midlothian F.C. and Scottish Squash, who all use the facility for senior team training and (where applicable) to run their respective academies.

Students will have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications embedded in the course modules. We aim to introduce the Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate and the Level 3 Personal Trainer Certificate delivered in partnership with Oriam. As well as this there will be placement opportunities within Oriam and Heriot-Watt's sporting partners in second semester of Level 3.

At Heriot-Watt we have a well-established Sports Union who offer a large group of Sports Clubs; over 30 sports clubs ranging from traditional Football/Soccer and Rugby to Mountaineering and Ultimate Frisbee. The sports clubs offer you the opportunity to grow in your sport, meet likeminded friends and make use of the first class facilities available.

For elite athletes we offer a range of Scholarships and are part of the Talent Development programme – to apply or find out more, please contact us.

Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees’

Subjects

Community sport, Exercise and fitness, Exercise science, Sports administration, Sports science, Sports studies

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher, standard entry requirements: A,A,B,B

  • including suitable science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Sports Science, Physical Education, Physics or Psychology).

National 4/National 5, standard entry requirements: It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

Scottish Advanced Higher, standard entry requirements: A,B

  • including Biology or Human Biology plus Highers AABB for entry to Year 2.

Scottish HNC, standard entry requirements: Pass

  • HNC in relevant subject with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.

Scottish HND, standard entry requirements: Pass

  • HND in relevant subject with CC in graded units for entry to Year 1.
  • For Year 2 entry: HND in Fitness, Health & Exercise with AB in graded units.

Don't quite have the grades?

Some courses offer minimum entry requirements, asking for fewer qualifications or lower grades for entry. Universities look at other information, such as your personal experiences and challenges.

Check the course on the university website or contact their student support services.

UCAS Code: C6SS

Course options

Course Type: Full-time
Details
Date: 14/09/2026 Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
Venue details

Edinburgh Campus

Riccarton

Edinburgh

Course provider

Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh Campus
Riccarton
Edinburgh

UCAS terms of use

Course data is provided by UCAS (see their terms of use) and is offered "as is." SDS disclaims all warranties and liabilities related to the data's accuracy to the fullest extent permitted by law."