BSc (Hons) Physical Activity and Health

Experience first-rate academic support and hands-on learning as part of Abertay's Physical Activity and Health degree. Abertay is Scotland's TOP University for overall student satisfaction in Sport and Exercise (NSS 2023).

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Award Title

BSc (Hons)

UCAS Code

C601

Why study Physical Activity and Health at Abertay?

Getting people more active is an urgent public health priority. As a physical activity specialist, you'll learn how to make a positive impact on individual and community health. This practical Physical Activity and Health degree gives you all the skills and knowledge you need.

This hands-on degree draws on the core disciplines of physiology, psychology and sociology, while you learn about the effects of physical activity and inactivity on individual health. This includes exploring the needs of general and special populations (e.g. those experiencing pregnancy, obesity and type 2 diabetes) and how to incorporate and increase physical activity at the individual, community and population levels. 

A hands-on and practical degree

You'll work on client consultations with general and/or special populations. You'll cover topics such as public health and health promotion, as well as learning how to design, implement and assess physical activity interventions through practice-based lab projects and field fitness tests. 

Work placements and internships

There is a strong emphasis on real-world industry experience, such as work placements and internships across charitable health and social care organisations. This means you get to network and explore different work options while you study, so you can discover where your interests lie from a job perspective. 

Smaller class sizes mean a personal approach. Our teaching is underpinned by research so you'll become an evidence-based physical activity and health practitioner with valuable skills. 

Everything you learn forms a crucial part of your role in improving the health and wellbeing of the general population. 

I wouldn’t have got my job without (my Abertay degree)...massively helpful.

- Alison Chapman, Special Education Teacher 

 

Two-year foundation in Sport and Exercise 

This course is flexible, and part of a portfolio of five courses covering different specialisms in sport.

For the first two years, everyone takes Sport and Exercise as a foundation. Then  you specialise in years three and four. See more in the How the course works section.

Abertay is Scotland's TOP University for overall student satisfaction in Sport and Exercise (NSS 2023).

Potential careers

You will develop valuable skills, which prepare you for a variety of professional challenges across different working environments. Our graduates go into roles such as: 

  • Active school coordinators.

  • Health promotion workers.

  • Lifestyle analysts.

  • Physical activity coordinators.

Plus, you'll have the necessary knowledge and ability to go onto postgraduate studies if you choose to.

Strong industry links

All our teaching is underpinned by research, and there’s a strong emphasis on links with industry, so work placements and internships are embedded in the curriculum.  

These work placements are an integral part of your learning process. This helps you to develop links within different sports sectors, and work towards achieving awards at the same time.  

Your teaching staff have strong research expertise, and many are members of professional societies and work in the field as well as teaching.

About your modules

All modules shown are indicative and reflect course content for the current academic year. Modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change. If you receive an offer to study with us we will send you a Programme document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme. Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.

Modules

Year 1 Core Modules

You must study and pass all six core modules​

  • Social Science for Sport and Exercise - SPS101
  • Introduction to Anatomy and Biomechanics - SPS103
  • Introduction to Physiology for Sport and Exercise - SPS102
  • Psychology of Exercise and Health - SPS104
  • Fundamentals of Coaching - SPS105
  • Abertay 101 - Being Successful at Abertay - ABE101

Year 1 MySuccess Modules

You must study and pass three MySuccess modules of your choosing. Please note: ABE111: Numbers for Everyday Life will be assigned as a core module if you do not have a minimum of a National 5 Maths qualification at grade C or an acceptable equivalent.

  • Successful Writing At Abertay - ABE102
  • Digital Skills for University and Beyond - ABE103
  • Dundee and Me - ABE104
  • Research and Enquiry Skills for the Digital Age - ABE105
  • How to Sell Your Idea - ABE106
  • Planning Your Future Career - ABE107
  • Welcome to the CommuniTAY - ABE108
  • Wellbeing Tools and Tricks - ABE109
  • Numbers for Everday Life - ABE111

Year 2 Core Modules

You must study and pass all five core modules​

  • SPS201 Psychology for Sport and Exercise
  • SPS203 Key Concepts in Sport and Exercise Physiology
  • SPS207 Placement and skill development when working with children in a physical activity context
  • SPS202 Key Concepts in Biomechanics for Sport and Exercise
  • SPS210 Physical Activity for Health and Wellbeing

Year 2 Microcredentials - Term 2

Please select a total of TWENTY credits of microcredential (ABE) modules in Semester 2.

  • ABE202 Co-create (Negotiated Studies)
  • ABE203 Anti-Racism in Professional Communications
  • ABE204 Mind Your Language: Text Mining and Qualitative Approaches to Language Analysis
  • ABE205 AWS Academy Machine Learning Foundation
  • ABE206 Sustainability 101
  • ABE207 Food for thought
  • ABE208 Optimising your professional written communication
  • ABE209 Mythbusters: Separating Breakthroughs from Fake News
  • ABE210 The Future in Work
  • ABE211 Social Enterprise: What, How and Why?
  • ABE212 Artificial Intelligence and Society
  • ABE213 My AI: Past, Present and Future
  • ABE214 Digital Safety and Cybersecurity
  • ABE215 Numbers for Success
  • ABE216 Creative China: Culture, Regulation and Business
  • ABE217 Creativity Matters: Engaging resources for Wellbeing

Year 3 Core Modules

You must study and pass all four core modules

  • Social Issues in Sport and Exercise - SPS313
  • Health Related Fitness Assessment and Programming - SPS314
  • Physical Activity and Health Promotion - SPS309
  • Research Methods - SPS312

Year 3 Option Modules

Please choose ONE option module in Term 1 and ONE option module in Term 2.

  • Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning - SPS305
  • Sport Coaching: Theory and Practice - SPS301
  • Work Placement - SPS303
  • Applied Sport Psychology - SPS306
  • Sport Development in Practice - SPS319

Year 4 Core Modules

You must study and pass all three core modules

  • Sport Research Project - SPS400
  • Physical Activity for Special Populations - SPS403
  • Lifestyle Management - SPS408

Year 4 Option Modules

Please choose ONE option module in Term 1 and ONE option module in Term 2.

  • Student Negotiated Learning - SPS444
  • Duty of Care in Sport - SPS433
  • Technology for Sports Coaching - SPS420
  • Advanced Strength and Conditioning - SPS410
  • Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology - SPS411

How the course works

This degree is part of a larger portfolio of five courses covering different specialisms in sport. The initial two-year foundation curriculum is about gaining a foundation in the core areas of Sport and Exercise Sciences and so all five of these courses cover the same curriculum. In those first two years we’ll give you an introduction to core aspects of each course so you can decide where you want to specialise. This means you’ll learn what you want to focus on, and your degree will suit your own interests and career aspirations. And, of course, we’ll advise you every step of the way. 

If you want to work in this industry or continue your studies but haven’t worked out exactly what you want to do, this is a great way to start. Our two-year foundation approach means you can keep your options open until you’ve learnt more about what really interests you. 

Keep your options open

In those first two years we’ll give you an introduction to core aspects of each course so you can decide where you want to specialise. This means you’ll learn what you want to focus on, and your degree will suit your own interests and career aspirations. And, of course, we’ll advise you every step of the way. 

Having gained two years of knowledge and discovered your own specialist area, in year three you choose from one of these pathways:

Your chosen course will be reflected in your degree title e.g. BSc (Hons) Physical Activity and Health. 

Remember, you only need to apply for ONE course, as the first two years are the same for everyone.

Shape your own learning journey

It’s all about flexibility. The first two-year common curriculum means you can keep your options open until you know which area you want to focus on. Don’t worry, our academic team will give you advice and full support when it comes to choosing what to specialise in. 

Whichever specialist path you decide on, by the time you graduate you will: 

  • Understand how to analyse the core issues behind your chosen subject

  • Have developed analytical and problem-solving skills, useful in any work environment

  • Have learned to work both independently and as part of a team

  • Be able to critically evaluate evidence, arguments, and assumptions and reach sound judgements

  • Have learned applied professional standards, ethics and responsibilities, including good decision-making

  • Developed excellent communication and digital skills so you can share your knowledge effectively across a wide range of audiences

Learning and assessment

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, practical laboratory (lab) classes, seminars/tutorials and independent study. 

The practical lab classes are where you’ll learn relevant scientific techniques first-hand and provide an opportunity to engage in research by designing experiments then collecting and analysing data. 

Our assessment strategy is aimed at developing a variety of skills highly valued by employers. The vast majority are done by innovative, coursework-related submissions, such as:  

  • Lab reports

  • Essays

  • Oral and poster presentations

  • Portfolios

  • Reflective logs

  • Practical tests

Exams only form a small part of the overall assessment (approximately 15%).

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

Please note: All new entrants are required to undertake a criminal records check (PVG) at the point of entry to the programme.

All applicants must have a pass in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4.  National 5 Lifeskills Maths/Application of Maths at C accepted in lieu of Maths. You may be eligible to take ABE111: Numbers for Everyday Life in lieu of a National 5 Maths qualification at grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or an acceptable equivalent.

Higher Application of Maths at grade C accepted.

Please visit our College Qualifications pages for suitable College courses.

Republic of Ireland applicants, click on the UK tabs and scroll down to find your Entry Requirements.

See information about studying and applying to Abertay for International students.

UK Entry to Year 1
Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Higher (standard entry) BBBC To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE‌ or Maths at C
Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry (see below). BBC To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE‌ or Maths at C
A-Level CCC To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE‌ or Maths, Sport Science and Active Leisure Industry
T Level C or higher in Core Component in one of the following:- Health, Healthcare Science or Science
Irish Highers H3H3H3H3 To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE‌ or Maths
International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) 27 Points To include at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE‌ and Maths or Analysis & Approaches at S5 or H4
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying. We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.
BTEC Extended Diploma MMM Sport/Sport and Exercise Sciences
AHEAD   Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme
SWAP Access ABB Access to: Life Sciences, Health & Life Sciences, Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University Study (to include all 4 Human Biology units)
SQA HNC/HND C Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
UK Entry to Year 2
Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Advanced Higher ABB To include PE and Biology or Chemistry or Physics
A-Level ABB To include PE and Biology or Chemistry or Physics
BTEC Extended Diploma D*DD Sport/Sport & Exercise Sciences
International Baccalaureate 34 Points To include Sports, Health & Exercise Science and Biology or Chemistry or Physics plus one other Higher
SQA HNC/HND C/CC Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
BTEC HNC M Sport
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) See next column If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
UK Entry to Year 3
Qualification Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
SQA HND C/CC Our College Qualifications pages list approved HND courses
BTEC HND M Sport

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

See next column

If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

International Entry

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants from across the world. Please select your country from the searchable list below to view different qualification entry requirements. If you have different qualifications to those listed, please contact us using the form below.

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bermuda
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Overseas Territories
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Cape Verde
  • Cayman Islands
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Comoros
  • Congo
  • Congo (Democratic Republic)
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Curacao
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • East Timor (Timor-Leste)
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Overseas Territories
  • French Polynesia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Grenada
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Guinea Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire)
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
  • Korea, Republic of
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Lao PDR
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Martinique
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia, Federated States of
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Niue
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Palau
  • Palestine, State of
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar
  • Reunion
  • Romania
  • Russian Federation
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Sint Maarten (Dutch Part)
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • St Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha
  • St Lucia
  • St Pierre And Miquelon
  • St. Kitts-Nevis
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syrian Arab Republic (Syria)
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania,United Republic of
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America
  • United States Overseas Territories
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
  • Vietnam (Viet Nam)
  • Western Sahara
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Academic Requirements


All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.

For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.

 

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.  

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.  

If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have...  

  • been in care, or are a young carer yourself

  • attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

  • are eligible for free school meals

  • are a young person estranged from your family

  • are a government-recognised refugee or have asylum seeker status

  • are a registered pupil with sustained engagement in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North  

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Ukrainian flag

Support for Ukrainian students

We're keen to offer help to Ukrainian students who may wish to transfer from their existing institution in Ukraine or to register with us as new students for intake in September. There will be no tuition fees charged for the duration of the degree programme, as those with refugee status are treated as ‘Home/Scottish’ students and will also have access to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland bursary and student loans. Our Recruitment Team can help guide applicants.

FIND OUT MORE

Fees and funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. 

More information

Find out about grants, bursaries, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs in our undergraduate fees and funding section.

 

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.

As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.

Scholarships

Abertay RUK Scholarship: Science and Social Science

A scholarship for prospective undergraduate Science and Social Science students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Abertay International Scholarship

This is an award of up to £12,000 for prospective international undergraduate students.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Get inspired

Meet some of our Physical Activity and Health graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.

Louise Johnstone

Louise is Owner of Louise's PT 4 U.

Find out more

Alison Chapman

Alison is a Special Education Teacher at Al Karamah School in Abu Dhabi.

Find out more

The Discover Uni dataset

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats) is an official source of information about higher education. It collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study.

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