BSc (Hons) Physical Activity & Health 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Edinburgh Napier University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

20,310 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

30 Jun, 2026Application Deadline

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Anatomy and Physiology

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

A 2012 study in the Lancet highlighted that inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for non-communicable, chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, types of cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes and accounts for over 3 million preventable deaths per year. This includes depressive symptoms and poor mental well-being. 
The NHS is overrun with these diseases, but in many cases they can be effectively prevented or managed through physical activity. Yet, in 2020, 54% of adults in Scotland were not achieving the minimum levels of physical activity, based on our government guidelines. Our degree has been developed to teach our students how physical activity and exercise can do this.
There is the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of this course.

We have developed this multidisciplinary degree in line with the professional standards set out by CIMSPA and it delivers exactly what employers are looking for. We will help you develop your scientific understanding and practical skills for a successful career in the health and fitness industry or postgraduate study.

Our Physical Activity and Health course has been developed with you in mind. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills to study and analyse the various aspects of physical activity/exercise and health in relation to different population groups, ensuring that you'll have both a firm theoretical and vocational grounding in the subjects that underpin the health and exercise industry.

You'll learn about the impact of physical inactivity on health and disease, and the methods for tackling health-related issues in non-exercise populations and the attached benefits. 

There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of theoretical knowledge and the course has CIMSPA endorsed vocational standards embedded within it covering:

CIMSPA professional standard - gym instructor CIMSPA professional standard – personal trainer CIMSPA professional standard – working with people with long-term conditions CIMSPA professional standard - health navigator CIMSPA professional standard – safeguarding and protecting children CIMSPA professional standard – safeguarding adults and adults at risk

These are traditionally known as level 2 gym instructor, level 3 personal trainer and exercise referral. Therefore, as well as a science degree that focuses on physical activity and health, students are provided with all the knowledge, skills and behaviours to meet minimum deployment standards in the health and fitness industry.   
You'll also gain independent study habits, academic and employability skills and volunteer opportunities that will develop your understanding and skills in the area of physical activity and health.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Anatomy and Physiology

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

A 2012 study in the Lancet highlighted that inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for non-communicable, chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, types of cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes and accounts for over 3 million preventable deaths per year. This includes depressive symptoms and poor mental well-being. 
The NHS is overrun with these diseases, but in many cases they can be effectively prevented or managed through physical activity. Yet, in 2020, 54% of adults in Scotland were not achieving the minimum levels of physical activity, based on our government guidelines. Our degree has been developed to teach our students how physical activity and exercise can do this.
There is the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of this course.

We have developed this multidisciplinary degree in line with the professional standards set out by CIMSPA and it delivers exactly what employers are looking for. We will help you develop your scientific understanding and practical skills for a successful career in the health and fitness industry or postgraduate study.

Our Physical Activity and Health course has been developed with you in mind. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills to study and analyse the various aspects of physical activity/exercise and health in relation to different population groups, ensuring that you'll have both a firm theoretical and vocational grounding in the subjects that underpin the health and exercise industry.

You'll learn about the impact of physical inactivity on health and disease, and the methods for tackling health-related issues in non-exercise populations and the attached benefits. 

There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of theoretical knowledge and the course has CIMSPA endorsed vocational standards embedded within it covering:

CIMSPA professional standard - gym instructor CIMSPA professional standard – personal trainer CIMSPA professional standard – working with people with long-term conditions CIMSPA professional standard - health navigator CIMSPA professional standard – safeguarding and protecting children CIMSPA professional standard – safeguarding adults and adults at risk

These are traditionally known as level 2 gym instructor, level 3 personal trainer and exercise referral. Therefore, as well as a science degree that focuses on physical activity and health, students are provided with all the knowledge, skills and behaviours to meet minimum deployment standards in the health and fitness industry.   
You'll also gain independent study habits, academic and employability skills and volunteer opportunities that will develop your understanding and skills in the area of physical activity and health.

Admission Requirements

169+
28+
104+
6+
56+
4+

Minimum Year 1

Scottish Higher


Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB including Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or PE or Psychology. National 5 C in Maths  (including Applications of Maths).

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCCC including Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or PE or Psychology at Grade C. National 5 C in Maths (including Applications of Maths).

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies


A Level


BCC including Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or PE.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths.

Irish Leaving Certificate


Grades H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level including Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or PE.

Ordinary Level Grade 04 in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3


Minimum grades DMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths.


BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level


Minimum grades DM (Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

A Level grade C

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma


Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or PE) at minimum grade 5.

4 points in SL Maths (excluding Maths Studies).

T Level 


Grade M

T Level must be completed in a Science subject or A Level Science may be required. Please contact [email protected] to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths.

30 Jun 2026
4 Years
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
1,820 GBP
International
20,310 GBP

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