Physiology, Sports Science & Nutrition BSc
AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Biology or Chemistry; graduates earn a median £26,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB – BBB
A-level Biology or Chemistry · 90% of entrants came with A levels · 90% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Biology or Chemistry
Who actually got in: 90% with A levels, 10% via Access courses. 60% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 25 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications2
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAAminimum from S5: ABBB | Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either). |
| IB | 34 (6,5,5) | HL Biology or Chemistry. |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
4compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 66% · mathematics & statistics 24% · transversal skills 6% · green & sustainability 4%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 4 core · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Biology 1A
What you learn (8)
- distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures
- describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular system
- describe the structure and function of the respiratory system
- describe the structure and function of the nervous and immune systems
- explain fundamental concepts underlying ecological relationships
- interpret scientific data sets to draw valid conclusions
- critically appraise scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques safely and accurately
- Biology 1B
What you learn (12)
- describe the structure and function of major biological molecules
- describe the biochemical process of photosynthesis in plants
- describe the stages of cellular respiration
- explain patterns of genetic inheritance
- describe causes and mechanisms of genetic disease
- discuss competing theories explaining evolutionary change
- discuss recent advances in plant biotechnology
- discuss the role of biotechnology in addressing food security
- interpret scientific data presented in graphs and tables
- evaluate findings reported in scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques used in biological research
- record and report experimental results accurately
- Chemistry 1
What you learn (4)
- describe fundamental facts and experimental foundations of modern chemistry
- solve basic numerical problems in chemistry contexts
- solve basic logical problems in chemistry contexts
- perform standard chemical laboratory techniques
- Science Fundamentals-1X
What you learn (6)
- explain the role of si units and appropriate approximation in calculations
- perform arithmetic and proportion calculations without a calculator
- solve linear and simultaneous equations and derive line equations
- draw molecular structures and identify types of isomerism
- explain the role of lone pairs in molecular shape and reactivity
- identify functional groups and relate them to compound names
Year 2 · 6 core · 180 credits ≈ 1,800 hours
- Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
What you learn (6)
- apply core biological theories and concepts to relevant scenarios
- describe biological processes ranging from molecular to ecosystem level
- illustrate biological concepts using examples such as ageing, genomics and immunity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data including laboratory-derived results
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (9)
- describe the cellular and tissue organisation of selected body systems
- relate structural features of tissues to their physiological function
- explain the concept of homeostasis in human physiology
- explain how neural and endocrine systems coordinate physiological responses
- interpret biological data relating to human health and disease
- apply biological data to explain system responses in health and disease scenarios
- explain how practical techniques are applied in research and clinical practice
- communicate human biology concepts using terminology suited to the audience
- reflect on personal graduate attributes within a scientific context
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key topics in evolutionary biology, physiology, zoology and ecology
- describe principles of terrestrial and aquatic conservation
- evaluate patterns of biological diversity across species
- evaluate ecological and evolutionary processes shaping diversity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data collected in laboratory settings
- analyse scientific data collected in field environments
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key mechanisms in biochemistry
- describe fundamental concepts in genetics
- describe core principles of molecular and cellular biology
- evaluate experimental approaches for addressing scientific questions
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific datasets including laboratory-generated data
- solve quantitative problems relevant to biological sciences
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to others
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (6)
- explain features of human structure and function in applied scenarios
- apply numerical and statistical methods to analyse data
- interpret data to draw evidence-based conclusions
- communicate human biology concepts using suitable terminology for the audience
- evaluate ethical and sustainable practice in biological investigation
- reflect on personal graduate skills relevant to employability
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
What you learn (6)
- describe fundamental concepts underlying microbial biology
- explain how immune components interact to prevent infection
- explain how immune system dysfunction contributes to disease
- extract relevant findings from scientific literature
- analyse laboratory-generated scientific data
- present scientific ideas clearly to an audience
Year 3 · 2 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Sport and Exercise Science 3A
What you learn (17)
- describe respiratory function during rest and exercise
- describe cardiovascular function during rest and exercise
- explain how muscles function and are controlled by the nervous system
- explain the biomechanical principles underlying basic human movements
- solve numerical problems related to exercise physiology and biomechanics
- solve logical problems related to exercise physiology and biomechanics
- perform fundamental laboratory techniques in exercise science
- present results obtained from laboratory techniques
- interpret results obtained from laboratory techniques
- apply appropriate statistical methods to analyse experimental data
- communicate scientific information clearly in written reports
- communicate scientific information clearly in oral presentations
- locate original scientific literature using library resources
- analyse data from scientific literature
- use computer software to prepare written documents
- use computer software to create graphs and diagrams
- search online databases for relevant scientific information
- Sport and Exercise Science 3B
What you learn (14)
- explain how the body produces and uses energy during exercise
- describe metabolic responses to different physiological states
- explain psychological theories used to encourage physical activity
- describe psychological strategies used to prepare athletes mentally for competition
- identify ethical issues arising in sport and exercise science research
- solve numerical and logical problems relevant to exercise science
- perform core laboratory techniques used in exercise science
- apply statistical methods to analyse experimental data
- present analysed results in appropriate formats
- communicate scientific information clearly in written reports
- present scientific information clearly through oral presentation
- locate relevant original scientific publications on a topic
- summarise key findings from scientific research papers
- use online databases to retrieve academic information
Year 4 · 14 core · 360 credits ≈ 3,600 hours
- Cardiovascular Science 4A option
What you learn (6)
- evaluate current theories of cardiac muscle contraction
- evaluate current theories of cardiac electrical activity
- evaluate current theories explaining vasomotor regulation of blood vessels
- critique limitations in existing cardiovascular theories
- identify gaps in current scientific understanding of cardiovascular events
- explain the rationale for using reductionist approaches in cardiovascular research
- Advanced Exercise Physiology 4C option
What you learn (6)
- compare cellular, tissue and organ responses to exercise
- evaluate experimental methods used to assess exercise effects on physiology
- propose mechanisms explaining enhanced oxygen transport during exercise
- propose mechanisms explaining enhanced oxygen transport after exercise
- evaluate adaptive processes triggered by different exercise types
- differentiate exercise-induced adaptations from those caused by other stressors
- Physical Activity and Public Health 4Y option
What you learn (4)
- evaluate research literature on physical activity and public health
- construct evidence-based oral presentations on physical activity research
- compose evidence-based written reports on physical activity research
- critically appraise current research and policy on physical activity in public health
- Cardiometabolic Health & Physical Activity 4B option
What you learn (10)
- evaluate epidemiological evidence linking physical activity to health outcomes
- evaluate how physical activity affects lipid metabolism and insulin resistance
- evaluate how physical activity influences vascular and metabolic risk factors
- evaluate the influence of physical activity and diet on adiposity
- evaluate the efficacy of physical activity interventions on health outcomes
- evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on health outcomes
- evaluate strengths and limitations of individual research studies
- evaluate the overall body of evidence in physical activity for health research
- identify gaps and uncertainties in physical activity for health research
- design a research study to address identified gaps in knowledge
- Performance Enhancing Techniques 4D option
What you learn (7)
- evaluate how metabolic substrates affect athletic performance
- critically assess strategies used to enhance sporting performance
- evaluate physiological adaptations resulting from traditional and new training methods
- critique methods used to measure the impact of training strategies
- appraise psychological factors affecting sporting performance
- critique techniques used to measure psychological performance factors
- evaluate methods for manipulating psychological factors to improve performance
- Physiological Determinants of Performance 4X core
What you learn (3)
- explain how body shape classification affects athletic performance
- evaluate common methods used to measure body composition
- analyse the physiological requirements of different exercise types
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
What you learn (11)
- design a structured plan for a research investigation
- carry out a research project following the planned approach
- critically appraise existing scientific literature
- summarise key findings from previous studies
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific results in relation to the research question
- relate research findings to existing scientific knowledge
- propose directions for future research based on findings
- compose a coherent scientific report meeting specified guidelines
- deliver a clear oral presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an investigation to address a focused research question
- carry out an investigation using relevant literature sources
- devise a strategic plan for selecting evidence sources within a topic
- apply systematic search techniques to bibliographic databases
- combine data gathered from multiple sources
- critically evaluate data drawn from different sources
- form reasoned conclusions supported by available evidence
- produce a coherent written report in an appropriate scientific format
- design an oral presentation to communicate research findings
- deliver a clear presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an outreach activity to communicate scientific findings
- deliver an outreach activity to a non-specialist audience
- evaluate the effectiveness of an outreach activity
- critically appraise published research papers in the subject field
- summarise key findings from scientific literature
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific data to draw conclusions
- compose a coherent written research report
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- summarise existing research literature on a topic
- evaluate the quality and relevance of prior research
- analyse scientific data to identify patterns and trends
- interpret scientific data to draw valid conclusions
- evaluate the reliability and significance of scientific data
- produce a coherent written report following specified guidelines
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings to peers
- explain the scientific principles and methods applied during the internship
- explain the relevance of the internship project to the workplace
- reflect on how the internship contributed to personal development
- Monitoring Sports Specific Performance 4Y option
What you learn (10)
- design a performance monitoring system tailored to a specific sport
- align monitoring system design with performance decision-making needs
- organise sport performance data appropriately for analysis
- apply descriptive statistical tests to a performance dataset
- apply inferential statistical tests to a performance dataset
- interpret quantitative performance data accounting for variability
- interpret performance data within contextual constraints
- translate performance data into actionable insights for improvement
- communicate sport science conclusions orally
- communicate sport science conclusions in written and digital formats
- Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 1) 4Y option
What you learn (11)
- organise raw data into formats suitable for statistical analysis
- use R software to visualise datasets
- apply R packages to analyse datasets
- carry out descriptive and inferential statistical tests on data
- evaluate the appropriateness and assumptions of statistical tests
- explain the reasoning behind selecting a statistical test
- apply model selection criteria to choose appropriate statistical models
- present statistical and graphical results in a written scientific report
- critique experimental design and statistical methods in published research
- describe the algebraic structure underlying general linear models
- interpret output generated by statistical tests
- Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 2) 4E option
What you learn (13)
- organise raw data into a structured format suitable for analysis
- use R software to create visual representations of datasets
- apply R packages to analyse statistical datasets
- perform descriptive statistical calculations on biological data
- perform inferential statistical tests on biological data
- evaluate the suitability and assumptions of statistical tests used
- explain the criteria for selecting an appropriate statistical test
- apply model selection methods to a given dataset
- present statistical findings and visualisations in a scientific report
- critique the experimental design used in published life science studies
- critique the statistical methods used in published life science studies
- describe the algebraic structure underlying general linear models
- interpret the output generated by statistical tests
- Essential Skills for Working in Sport and Exercise 4A Option
What you learn (6)
- apply practical techniques to support athletes in sport settings
- critically appraise current research literature in sport and exercise
- deliver evidence-based support tailored to individual client needs
- analyse complex real-world problems in sport and exercise practice
- propose solutions to practical challenges in sport and exercise settings
- evaluate own professional practice to identify areas for improvement
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£26,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£22k
Median£27k
Upper quarter£33k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 170 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 11, 14, 24, 21
Half of graduates earned between £21,500 and £33,000. Five years on, the median is £33,000. 87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 65% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 110% left | 90% | 25 |
| In work or study, 15 months on16% studying | 87% | 85 |
| Professional or managerial job | 65% | 50 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £30,500 | 35 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £26,500 | 170 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £33,000 | 165 |
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
75%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 59% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 25 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 1; lowest: 38% on question 13.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 100% |
| Question 2 | 96% |
| Question 3 | 92% |
| Question 4 | 96% |
| Question 5 | 100% |
| Question 6 | 96% |
| Question 7 | 71% |
| Question 8 | 88% |
| Question 9 | 96% |
| Question 10 | 75% |
| Question 11 | 88% |
| Question 12 | 92% |
| Question 13 | 38% |
| Question 14 | 67% |
| Question 15 | 96% |
| Question 16 | 100% |
| Question 17 | 100% |
| Question 18 | 96% |
| Question 19 | 92% |
| Question 20 | 87% |
| Question 21 | 92% |
| Question 22 | 92% |
| Question 23 | 88% |
| Question 24 | 75% |
| Question 25 | 75% |
| Question 26 | 75% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Glasgow’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.