Sport and Exercise Science
Sport and exercise science is the application of physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and nutrition science to the systematic study of how the human body responds to physical activity and how those responses can be optimised for performance and health. It is a discipline that has matured significantly in recent decades as elite sport has professionalised and as the evidence for exercise's role in preventing and treating chronic disease has grown. Sport and exercise scientists contribute to performance improvement, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and public health, and the range of contexts in which they work continues to expand.
At St Mark and St John University, this three-year full-time programme is taught using state-of-the-art sport and exercise science equipment and a laboratory accredited by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Science. This accreditation is a meaningful marker of quality, indicating that the facilities and teaching meet the professional standards of the principal body for sport and exercise science in the UK. You will study exercise physiology, sport psychology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and research methods, developing both the theoretical understanding and the practical skills that careers in the field demand.
Work-based learning options are available, giving you exposure to applied sport science settings alongside your academic studies.
You will develop competence in physiological testing, data collection and analysis, and the design and evaluation of exercise and performance programmes. The ability to communicate scientific findings to athletes, coaches, and clients is developed throughout the degree.
Graduates go on to work as sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, exercise physiologists, fitness professionals, and performance analysts in professional sport, healthcare, national governing bodies, and the corporate wellbeing sector. Many pursue further qualifications or postgraduate study in sport science, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, or public health.