Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health

Human physiology, physical activity and health sits at the intersection of biological science and public health, examining how the body works, how it responds to exercise and how physical activity contributes to health and wellbeing across the lifespan. The links between exercise and health are well established, but understanding them in depth, knowing the mechanisms by which physical activity reduces the risk of chronic disease, how the body adapts to training, and how exercise can be used as medicine, requires a sophisticated scientific education. At the University of Leeds, this three-year full-time degree develops that understanding alongside substantial professional experience.

The programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you a combination of scientific rigour and real-world professional exposure before you graduate. You will study cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, musculoskeletal function, exercise metabolism, the neuroscience of movement, nutrition and physical performance, public health and epidemiology, behaviour change theory and the clinical applications of exercise in rehabilitation and chronic disease management. You will develop laboratory and applied skills alongside your theoretical understanding, and the placement year deepens your professional experience in a health, sport or research setting.

Graduates move into careers in exercise physiology, sport science, cardiac rehabilitation, public health, health promotion, clinical exercise practice and research. Many work in hospitals, community health services, professional sport, sports science support and public health organisations. The degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in exercise physiology, sports science, physiotherapy, nutrition or public health, and for further professional qualifications in health and exercise practice.