Understand the science of human performance in sport and exercise. The degree offers flexibility with module choices and the opportunity to pursue one or a mix of three specialist pathways; sports performance, exercise and health and nutrition.

You’ll learn from a team of practising professionals, either accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They are at the forefront of global research, with 71% of our sport and exercise research achieving internationally excellent or world-leading in the REF 2014.

Students develop skills through placements with professional teams and individuals undertaking challenging outdoor expeditions. They support training phases by measuring VO2max and lactate threshold testing, and work with coaches and athletes to individualise training programmes for maximum performance. Students could also experience clinical work placements or work as part of cardiac rehabilitation programmes. In these placements they would work in the community to support improved health and disease prevention programmes. This is a growing employment area.

All three pathways include the study of biomechanics, physiology and psychology. Key themes include exploring the body’s physiological adaptation to exercise, understanding the mechanics of movement and how they influence performance, and examining the psychological aspects of performance and health.

You’ll develop advanced skills in scientific research methods, undertaking a research project in your final year in an area that interests you. You’ll learn in fully equipped sports science, physiology and biomechanics labs and suites – frequently used by professional teams and athletes – including an environmental chamber, CV exercise stations, online CPX gas analysis, eye-tracking technology, hematology lab, lung function and spirometry equipment. You can see these facilities at our open day.