Course summary

The importance and appeal of sport and exercise is universal. From improving public physical and mental health and wellbeing, to working with professional athletes, there are many specialisms and career opportunities out there. And when it comes to jumping higher, swimming faster, burning more calories or living longer, understanding the science of sport and exercise matters.   On this course you'll gain an advanced, scientific understanding of the impact of sport and exercise. As part of our Institute of Sport, you’ll have opportunities to draw on the expertise of our academics and sport professionals from many disciplines. You’ll also benefit from being part of a large and diverse sporting community actively learning and researching specialist areas. For example, at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, our academics played a key role in supporting Team GB, contributing to 32 Paralympic and 12 Olympic medals across swimming, cycling, triathlon, taekwondo, and rowing. Based in Manchester, you’re in the heart of a city that is a major hub for sport, home to many leading sports clubs and national sporting bodies – many of which we hold strong, long-standing partnerships with.  In addition to core modules, you'll have the opportunity to study two option modules dedicated to the main sciences within sport and exercise; psychology, physiology and biomechanics. Whatever you choose, you’ll be gaining strong skills in all aspects of carrying out and evaluating scientific research.  You’ll also advance your knowledge on a wide range of topics, for example, the role of our metabolism, of the cardiovascular system, biomechanics and the impact of trauma. You’ll be taught by experts and have access to specialist clinical equipment and advanced sport and exercise facilities.  And if you’re seeking further professional experience, we’ve got that covered with a work placement module. You might shadow a senior researcher, a hospital clinician, or work with a coach at a professional sports club.  Whatever your ambition within sport and exercise science, this course gives you a strong set of transferable skills to help you take the next step. Features and Benefits:

• Learn alongside leading researchers – We're 6th in the UK for the power of our research in Sport and Exercise Science. Plus, 95% of our research outputs in Sport and Exercise Science are rated world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021).  Our researchers are addressing some of the biggest challenges in the sporting world today, spanning genetics in elite performance, injury prevention and healthy ageing.

• Join a thriving sports community – Studying in the heart of a city that lives and breathes sport offers you unrivalled access to a diverse community; giving you the springboard needed to launch your career.

• Tailored to your passions – You’ll have the freedom to choose an area of specialism that aligns with your interests and career aspirations, diving deeper into physiology, biomechanics or psychology.

• World-class sporting facilities – 100% of our research environment in sport and exercise science is rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). This is thanks to huge investment into the Institute of Sport – our Manchester-based hub for all things sport. You'll learn in cutting-edge teaching spaces, with access to a range of specialist facilities including a 3D motion analysis laboratory, environmental chamber, and 3 Tesla MRI scanner for advanced imaging.

• Gain professional experience – Elevate your CV and industry contacts with a work placement, giving you the opportunity to get an insight into the sport science career path that most interests you.

• Championing diversity – Become confident on issues around inclusion, equality and diversity in sport; all major priorities in professional practice. You’ll learn how to train and consult people from all walks of life.