Work placements

There’s a mandatory six-week (minimum) placement in an appropriate setting, which is a significant component of the course. Here you’ll have the opportunity to apply theory to real-world practice, further enhancing your employability and professional skills. You'll also have chances to undertake additional placements, internships and volunteer roles. 

There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities – with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.  

Previous students have worked as 

• physical activity referral specialists 
• community health assistants 
• gym instructors 
• cardiac rehabilitation assistants 
• project assistants at the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

In your foundation year, you will study 4 modules that have been specially designed to prepare you for the degree pathway in your chosen area. The assessments for the course have also been designed with flexibility in mind and allow you to complete assessments on topics that you are interested in and relate closely to your chosen degree pathway.

You're taught by a team of skilled lecturers who offer industry and academic experience. Staff have published work and have experience on the psychology of motivation in exercise and health, physical activity participation in older adults, the effects of exercise and physical activity on multiple disease, as well as perceptions and participation in physical activity for people with long term conditions. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct your own enquiries into a range of themes around physical activity.

You learn through

• lectures
• seminars and workshops
• laboratory practical classes
• sport and fitness practical classes
• online learning activities
• off-site visits (physical activity organisations, schools)
• work placements
• research projects

• Physiology laboratories
• Biomedical laboratories
• Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC)
• Exercise Fitness Suite
• Experience “Life in a Different Body” using bariatric suits and simulated aging equipment.

UCAS points

• 112

From at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications one of which must be in Physical Education, Sport Studies or a Science subject (such as Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology). We do not accept General Studies . For example:

• BBC at A Level including relevant subject(s).
• DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject(s).
• A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s) and may include AS Levels or EPQ.

GCSE

• English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
• Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

• Approved Access to HE Diploma in a sport science or science-based course. Normally we require 15 of the level 3 credits to be graded at distinction level with 6 of these distinctions from science units.

You also need to demonstrate an ability to
• study academic subjects at degree level
• debate topics and issues
• draw on conclusions from written material
• study independently as well as a member of a group
• use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
• successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations

This is normally achieved by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.

* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent

• equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.