Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Pushing boundaries. Breaking records. Competing in extreme environments. On this BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree, you’ll learn to apply scientific principles that help athletes perform at their best.But it's not just elite sportspeople who will benefit from your knowledge and skills. Become a passionate advocate for the essential role sports science plays in society as you uncover ways everyone can use physical activity to boost their health and wellbeing.- Put your learning into practice in our advanced sports science facilities including three climatic chambers, a swimming flume and motion capture systems- Be taught by expert staff who are actively engaged in research projects that inform the future of sport and exercise science- Enhance your CV as you gain valuable experience through our ties with local sports and healthcare providers- Gain first aid, national coaching and specialised gym instructor qualifications- Set yourself up for a career in professional sport, healthcare or education

In today's health-conscious world, the sports and health industries continue to expand. Sport and exercise scientists have a vital role in keeping sportspeople, athletes and the general population in peak physical health.

Roles our graduates have gone onto include:- PE teacher- personal trainer- clinical physiologist- NVQ coordinator- sports development officer- sports and exercise scientist- sports therapist and physiotherapist- cardiac rehabilitation technician

Organisations our graduates have gone on to work in, include:- Crystal Palace Football Club- Portsmouth Tennis Academy- Bupa- Nuffield Health

Either before or following your third year, you have the option to choose a work placement year to gain valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.

Previous students have taken on placement roles including:- sport for development project officer- performance analyst- assistant sports therapist- women's sport engagement officer- physical technician- academy coach- PE teacher- physiotherapist assistant- rugby development coach- nutritionist

Previous students have completed placements in the following organisations:- Reading FC- Pompey in the Community- Exeter City FC- Sussex County Cricket Club- Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)