Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme begins with a foundation year that develops academic skills and introduces key subject knowledge, before students progress to the main degree components in later years. Typical foundation-year subjects include study skills and academic literacy, introductory anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of health and wellbeing, basic statistics and research methods, and practical sport and exercise sessions to build transferable practical skills.

On the full honours pathway, core areas covered include exercise physiology, biomechanics, behaviour change and health psychology, public health principles, health promotion strategies, exercise prescription for clinical and community populations, and applied research methods. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals and supervised practical placements or community projects, with opportunities to develop communication, risk assessment and programme design skills.

Assessment routes commonly include written assignments, practical assessments, portfolios, presentations and a research project or dissertation in the later years. Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on translating theory into practice, reflective professional development and evidencing impact in community or clinical settings.

Entry requirements

The foundation year is designed for applicants who do not meet direct entry requirements for the honours degree, including those with fewer formal qualifications, vocational qualifications or a gap in study. Typical successful applicants will hold a combination of GCSEs (including Maths and English at a pass level) and either A-levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or relevant work experience; exact offers are made on an individual basis.

Applicants are usually required to provide a personal statement and a reference. Mature applicants and those with professional or community experience in sport, health or education are welcomed and considered on their merits. International applicants must demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency through an approved test or qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates progress into a broad range of roles across the public, private and third sectors. Typical career paths include health promotion officer, exercise referral or physical activity coordinator, community development officer, wellbeing advisor, workplace health consultant, and roles in leisure and sports development. Graduates also go on to work in allied health support roles, commissioning and policy teams in local authorities or NHS settings, and charities focused on physical activity and long-term conditions.

The degree also provides a route into postgraduate study and professional conversion courses in fields such as public health, physiotherapy (where entry requirements are met), health psychology and research degrees. Employers value the programme’s applied skillset, evidenced placement experience and ability to design and evaluate intervention programmes.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers an applied, practice-focused approach with small-group teaching and strong emphasis on employability. Students benefit from modern teaching facilities, practical laboratories and dedicated sports and exercise spaces, alongside opportunities for placements with local NHS trusts, public health teams and community organisations.

The university is known for supporting students through personalised academic guidance during the foundation year and beyond, with resources for study skills, careers guidance and mentorship. The programme’s links to local partners and a commitment to community-engaged learning help students gain relevant experience and build professional networks that support transition into the workplace or further study.