Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This top-up year builds on prior vocational study and practical experience to develop advanced, applied sport science knowledge and skills. Teaching is focused on real-world application and typically combines specialist modules with a sizeable independent research or consultancy project.

• Applied Research Project: a major independent investigation or applied consultancy project that develops research design, data collection, analysis and communication skills relevant to sport science practice.
• Performance Analysis and Monitoring: methods for quantifying and interpreting athlete performance, including video analysis, notational analysis, GPS and wearable technologies, and the translation of data into coaching feedback.
• Strength, Conditioning and Training Prescription: contemporary principles for planning, delivering and evaluating strength and conditioning programmes for different populations and performance goals.
• Exercise Physiology and Testing in Applied Contexts: practical laboratory and field-based testing procedures for assessing fitness, fatigue and adaptation, and using results to inform athlete preparation.
• Biomechanics and Movement Analysis: applied biomechanical approaches to improve technique, reduce injury risk and inform equipment or training interventions.
• Applied Sport Psychology and Coaching Support: psychological approaches to performance, including goal setting, arousal regulation and communication strategies used within coaching support teams.
• Work-based Learning and Professional Development: opportunities to consolidate learning through placement activity, live briefs with partner organisations, or professional practice modules that emphasise employability and ethical practice.

Teaching methods combine lectures, practical laboratory sessions, group work, seminars and workplace-based assessment. Assessment is typically a mixture of practical assessments, portfolios, reports, presentations and the final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised HND, foundation degree or equivalent qualification in sport science, sport coaching, exercise science, sports performance or a closely related vocational area. Successful applicants normally demonstrate a strong practical background and evidence of relevant experience in sport or exercise settings.

• Academic evidence of a completed higher-level vocational qualification in a relevant subject.
• A personal statement that explains motivation, prior experience and suitability for top-up study.
• One academic or professional reference supporting the application.
• Mature applicants or those with substantial industry experience are welcome; admission may be considered on the basis of experiential learning and a portfolio.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with enhanced applied skills and an honours degree that supports progression into a variety of roles across sport, health and exercise sectors or onto postgraduate study. Typical career destinations include:

• Performance analyst or applied performance support roles within clubs, academies and governing bodies.
• Assistant sport scientist, strength and conditioning assistant or fitness testing technician.
• Coaching and technical support roles with schools, colleges, community sport programmes and private coaching providers.
• Exercise referral coordinator, rehabilitation support roles and positions in commercial health and fitness settings.
• Research assistant roles or progression to postgraduate study (such as MSc) in sport science, strength & conditioning, physiotherapy or related disciplines.

Many graduates combine professional experience with industry qualifications and professional registration pathways to specialise further (for example in strength & conditioning, performance analysis or clinical roles).

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers applied sport science education emphasising hands-on learning in specialist facilities and strong links with local, regional and national sport organisations. The programme is designed for students who value practical experience and employer engagement, with opportunities for placement activity, live projects and collaborative work with coaches and clubs.

Students benefit from dedicated sport science laboratories, biomechanics and physiology testing environments, and strength and conditioning suites which support practical learning and research. Academic staff combine research and industry experience, enabling curriculum content to reflect current practice and emerging technologies in sport performance and athlete support.

The institution places a strong emphasis on employability, professional development and preparing graduates to work effectively in multidisciplinary performance teams or to continue into specialised postgraduate study.