BSc (Hons) Sports Development
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C620
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Embark on a transformative journey with UEA’s Sports Development course. Discover how theoretical knowledge intertwines with practical application, shaping the principles of sports and physical activity development. Dive into a dynamic curriculum supported by innovative teaching methods and hands-on research, igniting your passion and preparing you for a fulfilling career.
Choose UEA for excellence in Sports Development. Our School of Education and Lifelong Learning offers a supportive environment led by staff whose expertise in sports participation, elite performance, athlete transitions, and gender equality bridge theory with practice. Our research and innovative teaching will prepare you for a successful career in sports development after graduation.
Experience a course enriched with embedded placements and empirical research, equipping you with practical skills for real-world challenges. Our teaching integrates research, industry insights, and interactive seminars. Tailor your journey and master knowledge and skills as you push boundaries to tackle inequalities through sport and nurture elite athletes to reach their full potential.
Immerse yourself in UEA's state-of-the-art SportsPark, a hub for your academic and practical learning where you’ll be supported every step of your sport development journey. You’ll encounter a unique community in Norwich and Norfolk including UEA Sport, Active Norfolk and even visits to Norwich City FC to enrich learning, build networks, and broaden horizons.
Discover diverse career paths with a BSc in Sports Development. Gain nationally accredited coaching and officiating awards plus the UEA Award for better job prospects. Graduates excel in event management, marketing, youth sport, and operations. Our dedicated careers adviser offers personalised support, guiding your professional growth and career goals.
Study and Modules
Structure
During your first year you’ll take a standard set of modules in our Physical Education, Sport and Health (PESH) cluster, giving you the opportunity to transfer to one of the following courses after your first year if you so choose:
- BSc Physical Education, Sport, and Health
- BSc Physical Activity and Health
- BSc Physical Education
During your first year, you’ll study the fundamentals of Physical Education, Sport and Health in your core modules. You'll learn about how the human body reacts to activity and how to train people to increase fitness, well-being and performance, from beginners to elite athletes. You’ll study topics such as the psychological aspects of exercise and the developmental acquisition of motor skills.
At UEA, we’re committed to making your transition into higher education a smooth one, no matter your academic background. You’ll be supported in acquiring learning skills and developing your unique professional identity.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a combination of large interactive lectures and smaller discussion-based seminars. Lectures will give you the opportunity to hone your note-taking skills and get comfortable presenting your ideas to your peers. The smaller seminars will have an emphasis on linking theory to practice. You’ll complete tasks both solo and collaboratively, working with your fellow students to refine ideas and solve problems. Seminars will also give you the perfect opportunity to practice presenting in front of a smaller group of people.
Independent Learning
You’ll be challenged to be a self-driven and independent student, actively engaging with course material. Some lecturers will ask you to complete solo or collaborative tasks which will help you integrate the skills and information you’ve learned in lectures. We’ll encourage you to be academically curious and driven to succeed.
Academic support
To help you make the most of your time at UEA our Learning Enhancement Team, based in the Student Support Service, are happy to help you with the following areas:
- Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (including how to use the library)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).
We actively seek and welcome students with disabilities, as we work for a more diverse and representative industry. If you have additional support needs please reach out to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Student-athletes
If you’re an aspiring student-athlete, UEA+Sport will support you in achieving your full potential in the classroom and on the playing field.
Assessment
You’ll encounter a variety of assessment techniques designed to help you prepare for a career or for further research and study. The wide range of methods will also work to challenge and engage you. Your assessment work will often be self-directed, giving you the option to choose your topics of focus as you develop your unique areas of expertise.
Some assessment methods may include exams, conference presentations, essays and professional portfolios with observational work.
You’ll encounter several practice assessments before you hand in anything that will be graded, so you’ll have ample opportunity to receive and implement feedback, whether verbal or written.
Structure
As you progress into Year Two, you’ll study a combination of compulsory and optional modules from different areas; exploring the organisations, policy, and practice of sport development and high-performance sport.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in sport development which will eventually become the basis for your third-year dissertation. You’ll receive an overview of common research methods used in the field, with instructional methods that blend theory and practice. To expand your practical experience even further, we’ll support you in undertaking an extended work placement with an organisation of your choice, from local to national.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your second year you’ll begin to find your academic niche, taking classes that more closely align with your specific interests. You’ll develop closer relationships with lecturers and researchers and will discuss your ideas with like-minded peers.
You’ll continue to have smaller seminar groups, with a focus on developing skills such as team-working and communication, academic reading and writing skills, higher order thinking (critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation) and bridging theory and practice. You may go on field trips, or have expert guest lecturers, helping you further solidify connections and goals that will aid you in your career.
The experiential work placement will round out your employability skills, making you stand out to future employers.
Assessment
You’ll continue to be set a wide variety of coursework-based assessment, which may include essays, reflective writing, group presentations, designing creative resources, research proposals and even more creative forms such as podcasts.
Structure
With the foundation of your first two years, you’ll start your final year ready to see your own unique research project through from inception to result. You’ll collect and analyse data, and learn how to communicate your findings through a research report.
You’ll also have a choice of advanced modules to further your research interests and professional goals.
At the end of Year Three, you’ll have an arsenal of academic, professional and personal skills and be fully prepared to embark upon your chosen career path.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll continue learning through lectures and seminars, with an emphasis on the discussion of your own research and ideas.
Alongside this, you’ll begin a sustained independent research project which will solidify your self-study skills. You’ll complete tasks such as literature searches, data collection and critical writing drafts.
You’ll also have the option of a final-year industry placement, where you’ll bring your academic knowledge into the workplace, with a view to improving your employability and critical reflective practice.
Assessment
You’ll continue to be assessed using coursework in your final year. You’ll encounter many of the previous assessment techniques, with the addition of those aimed at developing employability skills such as video production and writing funding bids. For your dissertation, you’ll have a supervisor who will support you closely throughout the process and give you regular feedback on your progress.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require GCSE grade C or 4 in Science.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level
Contextual: D plus BC at A level
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Health, Healthcare Science or Science
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require GCSE grade C or 4 in Science.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABBBTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for all forms of participation and performance sport development. You’ll be well placed to enter a range of sectors and organisations, including national governing bodies of sport, local authorities, Active Partnerships and sports coaching organisations, physical activity and health promotion, the fitness industry, business research, educational research, youth, community and charity work.
In addition, many of our graduates decide to continue their studies with postgraduate courses such as Sports Development, Sports Management and Marketing, Sports Science, Coaching Studies, Strength and Conditioning, or a Master’s by Research.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Sport development officer
- Physical activity development officer
- Sports operations and marketing
- Performance sport development
- Educational training and development
- Local authority community development
Discover more on our Careers webpages.