Sport and Exercise Science

Sport and exercise science examines the physiological, psychological and biomechanical processes that underlie human physical performance and the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing across the lifespan. It is a discipline that uses the methods of science to address questions with immediate practical relevance: how do muscles adapt to training, what determines endurance capacity, how do sport psychologists improve performance under pressure, and what role does exercise play in preventing and treating chronic disease? At the University of Surrey, this three-year full-time degree prepares you for careers and further study in sport, health, exercise and related fields, with digital and analytical skills integrated throughout.

You will study exercise physiology, sport psychology, biomechanics, anatomy and nutrition, developing both theoretical understanding and practical skills in laboratory and field settings. The programme uses sport science methods including physiological testing, motion analysis and psychological assessment to develop your ability to design, implement and evaluate interventions for athletes and active populations. Surrey's explicit integration of AI and digital tools into the curriculum reflects the changing nature of the profession, where data literacy and the ability to use technology to support coaching and health decisions are increasingly expected.

A typical tariff of around 120 points is expected for entry.

Graduates pursue careers as sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, performance analysts, personal trainers, health and fitness professionals, sport development officers and NHS-based exercise specialists. The discipline also provides strong preparation for postgraduate routes in physiotherapy, sports medicine, clinical exercise physiology or exercise psychology. The growing recognition of physical activity as a healthcare intervention ensures sustained demand for well-trained sport and exercise scientists in both the sporting and health sectors.