Physiology, Sports Science & Nutrition

The importance of nutrition in sports and exercise science is increasingly recognised. This degree programme emphasises the scientific study of human performance in sport and exercise.

There are very few programmes of this kind available at undergraduate level.

Programme structure

There are three main strands to this programme – physiology, psychology and biomechanics. You will be taught by physiologists and sports scientists, while other experts provide additional teaching in drugs in sport, statistics, nutrition, and the contribution of exercise to public health.

Year 1

In your first year you will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and taught general scientific skills.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

In second year, you will be introduced to the study of human physiology and anatomy, pharmacology and neuroscience, as well as choosing from a wide range of other courses.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours, in third year you will     study the physiological adaptations to exercise, nutrition and energetics, focusing on the cardio-respiratory and skeletomuscular systems, and     complete specialist courses in statistics and molecular biology techniques.

In fourth year, you will specialise in nutrition, and sports and exercise nutrition. Courses include

  • Food and nutrient requirements through the lifecycle
  • Digestion, absorption and nutritional metabolism
  • Exercise and sports nutrition
  • Dietary assessment and nutritional epidemiology.

You will also carry out a substantial research project. Much of the fourth year course is designed to be self-directed learning and you will be given opportunities to increase your critical, statistical, computing and communication skills. Team work is also a major theme.

Special features

You can take this programme as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year, between the third and final years of the degree. This is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation in the UK or overseas.

Our international links

You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. The Erasmus Exchange Scheme offers the chance to study at a major European university, for three to 12 months, with some financial support from the EU. The International Exchange Programme allows you to spend a year or a semester in one of our partner institutions in Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, or the USA.

Career prospects

This degree will provide you with a variety of career opportunities in sports science and/or nutrition. You may choose to go into health promotion, the food and nutrition support industry, fitness testing, lifestyle consultancy or research. A wide range of other graduate careers available includes accountancy and teaching. Several of our graduates have gone on to undertake postgraduate study in dietetics, physiotherapy or other specialist training, or to study for a PhD.

Glasgow International College

For international students entry to this programme is supported by courses from GIC.

Note

Sporting proficiency is not essential for admission to the programme, nor does the programme involve you directly in sport.

BSc

  • Physiology, Sports Science & Nutrition: BC46

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

BSc, MSci

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed. 

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results may be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer. 

A-levels: AAB including one, preferably two, science subjects. AS Level in either Biology or Chemistry. All Biology students study a minimum level of Chemistry in first year.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

  • overall score 7.0
  • no sub-test less than 7.0
  • or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
     

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

  • ibTOEFL: 100; no sub-test less than 24
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): A minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): B minimum
  • PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 68minimum 60 in writing

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

my academic qualifications are below the requirements?

Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

How to apply ...