Sport and Exercise Science

This dynamic degree prepares you for a career in the fast-growing field of sport and exercise science. On graduation, you’ll be at the forefront of laboratory-based performance evaluation, able to boost the achievements of elite athletes, devise a recovery programme for an injured amateur, as well as help people lead healthier and happier lives.

Centred around our industry-standard sport and exercise facilities at the King Alfred Campus, this innovative, science-based programme allows you to focus on the disciplines of psychology, physiology, biomechanics and research methods within the field.

Expert teaching combined with bespoke amenities, such as biomechanics, physiology and psychology laboratories, ensure you have the knowledge base to critically evaluate and engage with contemporary sport and exercise research and practice.

You also develop the necessary skills to actively initiate and conduct scientific projects linked to individuals, teams and agencies from across the wider spectrum of sport and exercise.

student performing task whilst another student reviews data Pressure sensitive mat and 3D cameras in our Biomechanics Lab on campusExercise bikes and treadmill in our Physiology Lab on campus

This course comprises four key strands: Sport and Exercise Psychology This strand enables you to make an informed assessment of those psychological factors that are thought to influence an individual's involvement and performance in sport and exercise. Specifically, you explore how elite athletes cope with the expectations and outcomes of high level competition, as well as examining what motivates the child and amateur performer.

Sport and Exercise Physiology Here, you study the underlying physiological adaptations that occur during sport and exercise and address issues pertinent to today's competitive athlete. This strand specifically addresses whole-body system integration, and looks at factors such as metabolism, nutrition, trainability and adaptation, as well as hormonal and cardiorespiratory responses.

Sports and Exercise Biomechanics This strand centres on the mechanical analysis of human movement with a focus on reducing injuries and improving performance within both competitive sporting and recreational exercise settings. You study mechanical principles of motion, kinematic and kinetic concepts, develop anatomical knowledge as well as explore a range of quantitative measurement techniques.

Research Methods in Sport and Exercise This strand seeks to develop a familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and apply these to various sporting and exercise contexts. The supervised dissertation then provides an opportunity to carry out an independent piece of research in an area you are particularly interested in.