Physical Activity, Sport and Health

Physical activity, sport, and health is a discipline concerned with the relationships between movement, exercise, and human wellbeing. It draws on physiology, psychology, public health, nutrition, and sport science to understand how physical activity affects the body and mind across the lifespan, and how that knowledge can be applied to promote health, support sport performance, and design effective exercise programmes. These questions are increasingly urgent at a population level, as evidence accumulates about the health consequences of sedentary behaviour and the potential of active lifestyles to reduce the burden of chronic disease.

Sheffield Hallam University's three-year full-time Physical Activity, Sport and Health programme begins with a foundation year, which prepares you for degree-level study by building the academic and scientific skills you will need to engage with the core curriculum. The foundation year makes the programme accessible to students who may not have the typical A-level profile for direct entry to a science-based sports degree, and it gives you a robust basis before you move into the main degree content. From there, you will study exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, public health principles, physical activity promotion, motor control, and research methods, developing the scientific literacy and applied understanding that careers in health and sport require.

The programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich year, and a work placement, meaning you will have substantial opportunities to experience professional environments in health, sport, or exercise settings before you graduate. Sheffield Hallam has particular strength in applied sport and health sciences, with strong connections to sport organisations, NHS trusts, and community health programmes.

Graduates pursue careers as exercise professionals, health promotion specialists, physical activity coordinators, sport development officers, personal trainers, and wellbeing practitioners across the NHS, local government, community sport, and commercial fitness sectors. Postgraduate routes include sport and exercise science, physiotherapy, public health, and sports coaching.