Sport and Health at UEA
Find out more about studying Sport and Health at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (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 2026
Other Start Dates
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Other Start Dates
Scroll For More
Why you should choose us
95%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Turn your sporting passion into a dynamic career with UEA’s BSc Sports Development course. Dive into our unique curriculum, supported by innovative teaching methods, hands-on research, and practical experience, to ignite your passion and prepare you for a successful career in sports development.
This course blends theory with practice to equip you with valuable skills. You’ll build a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of physical education, sport, and health, while studying the human body and the positive impact of physical activity on wellbeing. You’ll also explore the principles of sport and physical activity development, learn how to tackle inequalities through sport, and discover how to nurture elite athletes to reach their full potential.
Hands-on research and real-world experience are emphasised, and you’ll undertake a rewarding extended work placement to enhance your skills and employability in an area of your choice. You’ll be part of a unique community in Norwich and Norfolk, including UEA Sport, Active Norfolk, and even visits to Norwich City FC, all designed to enrich your learning, build networks, and broaden your horizons.
The course is taught by experts in sports participation, elite performance, athlete transitions, and gender equality, bridging theory with practice to offer cutting-edge insights. You’ll benefit from our state-of-the-art facilities, including the world-class Sportspark at the heart of our Active Campus. Additionally, you can enrich your studies with off-site trips to the stunning North Norfolk Coast, Thetford Forest, and local health and physical activity providers.
Upon graduation, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue a wide variety of careers, including sports coaching, sports development, sports performance, marketing, education, event management, or government roles. Whatever your career ambitions, we’ll support you every step of the way to unleash your potential at UEA.
)
Study and Modules
Structure
We operate a common suite of year one modules across our Physical Education, Sport and Health (PESH) courses, which means you’ll have the flexibility to transfer to one of the following courses after year one if you choose:
In your first year, you’ll explore the fundamental principles of physical education, sport and health. You'll discover how the human body responds to sport and physical activity, examining fitness parameters and training principles—both for general wellbeing and elite performance. You’ll also be introduced to sport and exercise psychology, gaining insight into how we acquire and develop motor skills.
No matter your academic background, we’ll support you in developing your own professional identity in PESH, enhancing your learning skills, and ensuring a smooth transition into higher education.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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 provide you with the opportunity to hone your note-taking skills and become more confident in presenting your ideas to your peers. Seminars are smaller and will focus on linking theory to practice. You’ll complete tasks both individually and collaboratively, working with your fellow students to refine ideas and solve problems. Seminars will also give you the opportunity to practise presenting in front of a smaller group.
Independent Learning
You’ll be challenged to become a self-driven and independent student, actively engaging with the course material. Some lecturers will ask you to complete individual or collaborative tasks, helping you integrate the skills and knowledge you've gained in lectures. We’ll encourage you to be academically curious and motivated to succeed.
Academic support
- To help you make the most of your time at UEA, our Learning Enhancement Team, based in the Student Services, 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’ve additional support needs, please reach out to our Student 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 prepare you for a career or further research and study. Assessment methods may include exams, conference presentations, essays, and professional portfolios with observational work. You’ll complete practice assessments before submitting graded work, giving you the 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 across different areas, exploring the organisations, policies, and practices of sport development and high-performance sport.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in sport development, which will form the basis for your third-year dissertation. You’ll also receive an overview of common research methods used in the field, with teaching that blends theory and practice. To further expand your practical experience, we’ll support you in undertaking an extended work placement with an organisation of your choice, ranging from local to national.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
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 be able to choose classes that more closely align with your specific interests. You’ll develop closer relationships with lecturers and researchers and engage in discussions with like-minded peers.
You’ll continue to participate in smaller seminar groups, focusing on developing key skills such as teamwork, communication, academic reading and writing, higher-order thinking (critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation), and bridging theory and practice. You may also go on field trips or have expert guest lecturers, helping you solidify connections and goals that will support your future career.
Your work placement will further enhance your employability skills, helping you stand out to potential employers.
Assessment
You’ll continue to complete a wide variety of coursework-based assessments, which may include essays, reflective writing, group presentations, designing creative resources, research proposals, and even more creative formats such as podcasts.
Structure
Building on the foundation of your first two years, you’ll enter your final year ready to see your own unique research project through from inception to completion. You’ll collect and analyse data, learning how to communicate your findings through a research report.
You’ll also have the opportunity to choose advanced modules that align with your research interests and professional goals.
By the end of year three, you’ll have developed a strong arsenal of academic, professional, and personal skills, fully preparing you to embark on your chosen career path.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
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 a strong emphasis on discussing your own research and ideas.
In addition, you’ll begin an independent research project, undertaking tasks such as literature searches, data collection, and writing critical drafts.
You’ll also have the option of a final-year industry placement, where you can apply your academic knowledge in the workplace, helping to enhance your employability and critical reflective practice.
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll continue to be assessed through coursework. You’ll encounter many of the previous assessment techniques, along with those aimed at developing employability skills, such as video production and writing funding bids. For your dissertation, you’ll be assigned a supervisor who will support you closely throughout the process and provide regular feedback on your progress.
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, or 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.
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
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
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit
- 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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
ABBInternational 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.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre 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, UEA International Study Centre 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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: