STUDY OPTIONS

OVERVIEW

STUDY LEVELS

Cert HE

UCAS CODE

C901

DURATION

1 Year

START DATE(S)

Sep / Nov / Jan / Feb / Apr

ENTRY YEAR

2026/27 | 2027/28

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

64

What Will You Learn?

Covering the core foundations of sport and exercise science, our 1-year Sports and Exercise Science Cert HE is a university-level course, equivalent to the first year of a degree.

Study the anatomy and physiology of the human body and understand the important role of nutrition.
Get to grips with sports and exercise psychology and discover the fascinating world of biomechanics – the study of human movement.
Using the newest technologies to develop practical skills, explore athletic development, and understand how to support others to achieve their goals.
Build your confidence through our partnerships with big sports names like Manchester United and Lancashire Cricket Club.

If you’re looking for a sports performance course in Manchester, check out our 1-year Sports and Exercise Science Cert HE and unlock your greatness at UA92.

How You Will Study

Course
breakdown

24 weeks of
study

4 x 6-week blocks per year

1 subject module per block

Subject Module
Breakdown

250 hours of
study per module

80 hrs face-to-face (32%)

20 hrs Digital Wednesdays (8%)

150 hrs independent study (60%)

Assessment
Breakdown

No traditional
end-of-year exams

100% coursework

Your course modules

Module 1: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

This module introduces you to the anatomy and physiology of the body’s major systems, including the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. You’ll learn how these systems respond to exercise, and how this knowledge applies to sport, education, and physical activity. Through practical workshops and applied tasks, you’ll develop the skills to collect, analyse, and interpret physiological data.

Module 2: Introduction to Biomechanics

This module introduces you to the science of biomechanics – the study of human movement. You’ll uncover the principles behind motion, forces, and technique, while also gaining hands-on experience with data collection and analysis. From Newton’s laws to movement screening, you’ll build a strong foundation to understand and improve performance in sport, exercise, and health.

Module 3: Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology

This module introduces you to the psychological principles that shape sport, exercise, and physical activity. You’ll explore topics such as motivation, confidence, stress, behaviour change, and the benefits of physical activity for wellbeing. Through practical tasks and applied case studies, you’ll learn how psychology supports performance, participation, and health.

Module 4: Developing Active Lifestyles

This module introduces you to the key principles behind creating and sustaining healthy, active lifestyles. You’ll explore how physical activity supports both physical and mental wellbeing, learn the fundamentals of movement skills, and discover how to inspire lifelong participation in sport and exercise. With a strong focus on physical literacy, you’ll see how active living can help people thrive in education, sport, and everyday life.

What is the 92 Programme?

It’s more than a degree, it’s preparation for life.

Alongside your course modules, you will engage with the 92 Programme, which is built into every degree and tailored to each subject area.

Engaging with the 92 Programme is a requirement for all students and will count towards your overall grade.

Through taught sessions, immersive experiences and coaching, you will build confidence, resilience, wellness, self-reflection and professionalism, skills designed to support your future success.

Find out more about how we prepare students for future career success.

Why the 92 Programme is part of your course?

In a recent study*, 78% of employers believe graduates do not arrive in the workplace fully equipped with the skills they need to be work-ready.

Another study conducted by the World Economic Forum** identified ‘10 Skills You Need for the Future of Work’. These skills include:

Emotional intelligence (EQ)
Analytical (critical) thinking
Active learning with a growth mindset
Interpersonal communication skills
Leadership skills
Technology skills

At UA92, we prepare you for life after graduation and equip you with the skills employers value most. You may not realise it, but developing these skills now, will get you set for career success and could land you that dream job in the future.

*CMI Report: Work Ready Graduates

**World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Report 2023

How is the 92 Programme assessed?

Assessment takes the form of a Professional Diary, which is a log capturing evidence of your learning, activities and reflections. This can be videos, photos or even audio.

This is supplemented with a reflective account, which links your experiences to your personal growth.

92.2%

Name: Sports and Exercise Science Cert HE
Availability: InStock

said they felt supported with their learning.

NSS Results 2026

UA92 scored higher than all Greater Manchester universities for Academic Support in the National Student Survey 2026.*

*compares UA92’s results against the 4 Universities in Greater Manchester: Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, The University of Greater Manchester and The University of Manchester.

THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT...

UA92 Campus, Old Trafford Manchester

Our Campus in Old Trafford Manchester has teaching facilities across our Main Campus, Old Trafford Stadium (home of Manchester United) and Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground (home of Lancashire Cricket).

Depending on your course, you may have classes across all our teaching facilities. All sites are within walking distance of each other and easily accessible by public transport.

Inside our Main Campus there’s a fully equipped Sports Performance Centre, Media Studio and Digital Academy as well as a gym, grab-and-go cafe and social spaces. The tram stop is just a 1 minute walk, which gets you into the heart of Manchester city-centre in under 10 minutes.

Open in maps

Old Trafford Campus and the local community

a red wall showing the text welcome to ua92

View of football pitch at Old Trafford Stadium

Sports Facilities

Multi-Purpose Performance Lab

Our ‘Performance Lab’ is an inclusive space in our Old Trafford Campus that accommodates teaching and research. Students have access to high-spec strength and conditioning equipment, sport science technology and performance analysis apparatus.

Fitness Zone

‘The Fitness Zone’ is the gym-space located in our Old Trafford Campus. The state-of-the-art equipment and weights section includes two Elite Racks, Performance Flooring and a range of Sports Science equipment.

Movement Studio

The ‘Movement Studio’ is a multi-purpose, inclusive space in our Old Trafford campus for students to use outside of their study hours, with exercise classes for everyone and anyone to take part in.

Digital Academy

Our Digital Academy is home to a range of cool tech that sports students can use to enhance their learning, including our Rezzil Virtual Reality equipment and a 360 degree immersive audio and video environment.

Careers in Sports Performance

What’s next?

This 1-year course is the perfect stepping stone for a full Sports and Exercise Science degree. If you pass the Cert HE successfully, you will be eligible to apply for the second year of the 3-year degree programme.

If you choose to leave after the 1-year Cert HE, you’ll walk away with a valuable Level 4 qualification which will support your job applications in the sector.

Whatever you decide, you’re on the right path for a wide range of sports, fitness, and health careers. Whether you’re keen to become a sports scientist, a personal trainer, a physiologist, an applied discipline specific practitioner or want to go on to further research or study, UA92 is the perfect springboard for success.

91%

of graduates are engaged in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

FIND OUT MORE

UA92 is above the national average for graduate outcomes. The Graduate Outcomes survey is the biggest annual survey that captures the status of recent graduates who completed their studies at a higher education institution in the UK.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey Results released in 2025. National Average is 88%.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

We have over 100 industry connections who support our mission to develop career-ready graduates. These partnerships provide you with access to industry-leading expertise, mentorship opportunities and work-place experiences.

Our industry partners play a vital role in shaping both the curriculum you study and your student experience. From delivering guest lectures and masterclasses to providing internships and graduate roles.

Find out more

Where are they now?

Emily

BA (Hons) Physical Education

Emily went on to do a Masters’ degree in Journalism and is currently teaching English in Suzhou, China and focusing on her music career in her free time. 

“In April, I was invited to the BBC Radio Nottingham studio by Dean Jackson to discuss my song “City Nights.” The confidence I now have to speak on the radio is thanks to the presentation-based assignments at UA92. These experiences prepared me for public speaking, a crucial aspect of my music career. UA92 not only provided me with degree-specific skills but also transferable ones, enhancing my confidence and belief in my abilities.”

Hannah

BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science

Hannah is a Sports Scientist and founder of VERSUS PERFORMANCE. After studying Sports and Exercise Science at UA92, she completed a master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning and is currently working towards CASES accreditation.

“Before coming to UA92, I had experience in the fitness industry but wanted to move into professional sport. As a mature student, I needed structure, and UA92’s fixed timetable allowed me to organise a busy life around my studies and fully commit. It didn’t feel like a typical university where you’re just another number. The staff actually know you, you can have proper conversations, and as a neurodivergent student, that made a big difference to how I learned and developed.

During my time at UA92, I completed placements in elite football and cricket and, with the support of encouraging staff, brought in my American football team for dissertation testing, producing work that was later published in the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching.

UA92 didn’t just develop my academic knowledge, it shaped who I am. I built lasting friendships and connections within sport and left with a real drive to continue my academic development. Since graduating, I have interned at British Cycling, worked as an assistant biomechanics researcher, presented at conferences, and founded VERSUS PERFORMANCE, where I coach athletes daily across a range of sports. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to fully commit to the experience. UA92 will provide you with amazing opportunities, but it’s up to you to embrace them.”

Keshap

BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science

Keshap is a Hospitality and Sales Executive at Lancashire Cricket Club, after graduating from UA92 in 2025 with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science.

“My time at UA92 was amazing and was filled with so many different opportunities, such as my internship at Lancashire Cricket within the Commercial Partnerships and Events team. The experience taught me so much about communication and organisation, and I was amazed at just how much happens behind the scenes in a sports club.”

Luke

BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science

Luke studied Sports and Exercise Science at UA92, graduating in 2024, before starting his Masters in Clinical Science (Cardiac) at Newcastle University. As part of his Masters, he is a Student Cardiac Physiologist on the Scientific Training Programme (STP) at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, where he is training to deliver expert cardiac diagnostic services.

“My time studying Sport and Exercise Science at UA92 played a significant role in preparing me for my current role as a Cardiac Physiologist. The high-quality facilities, alongside the expertise and support of the lecturers and staff, helped me grow both academically and professionally. The strong focus on practical, hands-on learning allowed me to confidently apply theory to real-world and clinical settings, making the transition into healthcare feel natural and well supported”

Naomi

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching

Naomi is a full-time personal trainer with her own coaching business. She graduated from UA92 in 2025 with a degree in Sports Coaching.

“I was 2025’s recipient of the Greatness Unlocked Award. Originally, I didn’t think Uni was for me. I was very focused on work and wanted to start my career in Sports as soon as possible. However, I decided to apply and stick to it because there was something about UA92’s deliberately different approach that I really liked – and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made! During my time at UA92 I had so many opportunities, such as placements with Manchester Storm, Salford Red Devils and Swinton Rugby club, presenting at the Lancaster International Conference, and even speaking on fitness podcasts.”