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Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 5 Years
  • Sandwich including foundation year
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Stag Hill
More about University of Surrey

Course options

2026-2027
Apply

Course summary

Foundation courses
A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if:

You don’t have the grades for a full degree course
You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
You’re starting university after some time away from education
You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Life as a foundation year student
During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Why choose this course
-Study a hands-on curriculum recognised by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) for providing all the skills and knowledge you need to enter the profession.

-Gain industry experience through our Professional Training placements, where you can work for a range of employers, including sports clubs, performance laboratories and nutrition companies.

-Complete nationally recognised gym instructor and personal training qualifications as part of your course, without any extra cost.

-Apply for one of our sports scholarships, designed for individuals with exceptional sporting ability, to help support your studies.

What you will study
In your first year, you’ll study topics including anatomy, biochemistry, fitness and health, physiology, kinesiology, and skills acquisition, ensuring you have a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your degree.

During your second year, you’ll apply your knowledge in a sporting context, incorporating perspectives from physiology, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics and management, with the opportunity for interdisciplinary application and the development of discipline-specific practical skills.

In your third year, you’ll select two optional modules, exploring topics such as advances in nutrition, biological rhythms, exercise referrals and prescriptions, and human movement and rehabilitation.

You’ll also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical and presentation skills you’ve developed. Current students are investigating topics like ‘The effect of New Zealand blackcurrant extracts on running performance.

Modules

To see the full range of modules for this course please visit our website – the link is under the Course contact details. You will also find full details of the programme, including programme structure, assessment methods, contact hours and Graduate prospects.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Stag Hill

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Sandwich including foundation year • 5 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
39YX
Institution code:
S85
Campus name:
Stag Hill
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University of Surrey has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
39YX
Institution code:
S85
Campus name:
Stag Hill
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

We are proud to be one of the most culturally diverse universities in the UK, with more than 140 nationalities playing a role in university life. Our International Recruitment team are here to help you throughout the application process – from advising on choosing the right course to applying for a visa and preparing for your first few weeks at Surrey. You can contact them via international@surrey.ac.uk

Applicants who require a Student Visa to study in the UK:
To apply for a Student Visa, you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) for the University you wish to study at. This is a unique number which will enable you to apply for your visa. The University is under no legal obligation to sponsor any individual and exercises caution with respect to issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to avoid risking its status as a Student sponsor. Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) will be issued in accordance with the Student Route and CAS Issuing Policy, available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/policies

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year at University of Surrey: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Ida

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    Hi! I’m a Norwegian international student who has done my whole higher education abroad. As could be guessed from my degree I love reading, and I’d love to one day work in the publishing industry. I’d love to chat about the course, experiences, hobbies and uni social life😊

  • Imane

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    Modern Languages (French and Spanish) BA (Hons)
    I am a 3rd-year languages student on placement at the University of Surrey studying French and Spanish. Feel free to ask my questions on what's it like to study languages here or stuff to do with university accommodation where relevant. I aim to respond to messages in 24 hours, however if it’s been 48 hours since you’ve messaged me or 48 hours since I’ve told you that I’d get back to you/give more information then message again as reminder. All communication with me shall happen on Unibuddy or The Student Room (TSR) so please don’t give offsite chat details that isn’t TSR. I can’t communicate with you via Email, Social Media or Text (excluding Unibuddy and TSR where I’m happy to message you).

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    I am currently in my 4th year (final year) of my course. After completing a placement in a firm specialising in Family Law and Commerical Litigation. I am an aspiring family law solicitor and have plans to do a masters in preparation for the solicitors qualifying exams.

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    Previously, I studied Maths, Biology and Law as A levels. I am currently studying Biomedical science with a foundation year at the University of Surrey. I enjoy spending time with my friends and love summertime as my home town is a 5 minute walk from the beach.

  • Chloe

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    Hi, I'm Chloe! A Media and Communications student at Surrey. I am currently in a house share walking distance from campus with 3 of my friends. In my spare time I love hiking, yoga and going out with friends. I am currently treasurer for the Sociology Society and vice president of the Yoga Society which keeps me very busy. As well as completing my course, I am taking an additional module called the Sustainable Futures Award, which I attend once a week.

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  • Gurtaran

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    Hi! I’m Taran, a Civil Engineering MEng student at the University of Surrey. I have completed a year in industry, having gained experience through a placement year and summer placements at large engineering consultancies. These opportunities have helped me understand what civil engineering looks like in practice, especially within the water and infrastructure sectors, and confirmed my interest in building a strong technical career after graduation. I’m particularly interested in how civil engineering projects shape communities and manage real-world challenges like flooding, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. At university, I’ve enjoyed the balance between technical problem-solving and practical, software-based coursework, and I’ve learned a lot about managing workload, exams, and placements alongside personal goals. I know choosing a degree (and a university) can feel overwhelming, so I’m happy to chat about civil engineering, placements, the MEng route, student life at Surrey, or anything else you’re unsure about. Feel free to message me — I’m always happy to help!

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    BSc Accounting and Finance student with Industrial Placement year experience with BDO UK. I studied A-level Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Chemistry. In the future, I hope to be on a graduate scheme working in Audit/Assurance for a public accounting firm. Please feel free to ask me anything (I aim to reply within 48 hours).

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    Big Enthusiast regarding Travelling(especially solo-travelling), learning about new things, supporting and mentoring individuals, and learning how cook different things.

  • Keziah

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    I am a final year chemist with an interest in inorganics and materials chemistry while also being an Ambassador for the University of Surrey for other events.

  • Izzie

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    Business Management and French BSc (Hons)
    Hello! I’m a second-year Business Management and French student at the University of Surrey. I have a strong interest in public relations and hope to pursue a career in crisis PR in the future. Alongside my studies, I currently work in marketing for a destination wedding company. If you’re thinking about studying business, languages, or any arts-related subject, feel free to ask me any questions. I’m also happy to chat about student life and studying at Surrey. Don’t hesitate to get in touch! <3
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Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - CCC

Overall: CCC We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking in our offers. Required subjects: a science subject. Students not taking a science A-level but are performance athletes, as identified by the Team Surrey coaching team can be considered for Sports and Exercise Science with Foundation Year BSc. If you are an athlete competing at a national or international level, please contact performance@teamsurrey.co.uk to discuss whether you would qualify.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM

Overall: MMM in Applied Science. Required subjects: Please contact us to discuss suitability. Students not taking BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science but are performance athletes, as identified by the Team Surrey coaching team can be considered for Sports and Exercise Science with Foundation Year BSc. If you are an athlete competing at a national or international level, please contact performance@teamsurrey.co.uk to discuss whether you would qualify.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 21 credits M: 3 credits P: 21 credits

Overall: QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 21 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and and 21 at Pass Required subjects: Modules must be in relevant subjects. Access content will be assessed by Faculty. GCSE or Equivalent: Inclusion of GCSE English and Mathematics equivalent within Access programme

Scottish Higher - BBBCC

Overall: BBBCC Required subjects: A science subject. Students not taking a Scottish Higher in a science subject but are performance athletes, as identified by the Team Surrey coaching team can be considered for Sports and Exercise Science with Foundation Year BSc. If you are an athlete competing at a national or international level, please contact performance@teamsurrey.co.uk to discuss whether you would qualify. GCSE or Equivalent: Scottish National 5: English Language and Mathematics grade C

Scottish Advanced Higher - CCC

Overall: CCC Required subjects: A science subject. GCSE or Equivalent: Scottish National 5: English Language and Mathematics grade C

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points

Overall: 29 Required subjects: a science subject HL4/SL6. GCSE or Equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Mathematics (either course) HL4/SL4.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Overall: Pass overall with CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels. Applicants taking an A level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass the practical element. Required subjects: An A-level in a science subject. Students not taking a science A-level but are performance athletes, as identified by the Team Surrey coaching team can be considered for Sports and Exercise Science with Foundation Year BSc. If you are an athlete competing at a national or international level, please contact performance@teamsurrey.co.uk to discuss whether you would qualify. A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).

Extended Project - A

Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects. Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

English and Mathematics grade C (4) (or equivalents may be considered).

T Level - P

Overall: Pass Required subjects: Science. GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).

Applications are considered on an individual basis, taking into account qualifications achieved, predicted grades, personal statement and academic reference. Conditional offers are specified in terms of required grades; we do not make offers in terms of overall UCAS tariff.

We understand that predicted grades are an estimate and will consider applicants who have predicted grades that are a little lower than our published requirement. Any offers we make will align with the grades shown above unless a grade reduction can be offered under our Contextual Admissions policy or our In2Surrey scheme. Details can be found here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/schools-colleges/contextual-admissions-policy

Applicants with a mixed qualification profile (e.g. those taking A-levels and BTEC qualifications) are encouraged to contact admissions@surrey.ac.uk for guidance on the grades accepted.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element

View the other English language qualifications that we accept: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/international/english-language-requirements

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 7 other biological and sport sciences (foundation only) courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Surrey, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
CCD Most common
  1. BBB
  2. Highest grades
  3. CDD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

82% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for up-to-date information on our fees for 2026/27:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/undergraduate-2026-entry

Sponsorship information

The University of Surrey offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support our students, please visit https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries for more details.

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