Sport and Exercise Sciences

Sport and exercise science applies the principles of physiology, biomechanics and psychology to understanding human physical performance and how it can be developed, maintained and optimised. It spans a remarkable range of contexts, from the elite athlete seeking marginal performance gains to the sedentary individual whose health depends on becoming more active: as the University of Leeds' own description notes, sport and exercise science has an important role in society ranging from improving performance in elite athletes to reducing the burden of disease associated with physical inactivity in modern lifestyles.

At the University of Leeds, this three-year programme covers the breadth of the discipline across its three core domains. You will study exercise physiology, examining how the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems respond to and adapt through physical training. Biomechanics explores how forces act on the human body during movement and how technique can be analysed and improved.

Sport and exercise psychology examines motivation, mental skills, exercise adherence and the psychological dimensions of performance. Laboratory work is central throughout, developing your practical skills in measurement, data collection and analysis. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and work placements, providing structured routes to develop professional experience and international perspective.

Leeds's research-active sport and exercise science department means you will engage with live questions in the discipline, not only settled knowledge, and the international year broadens your exposure to sport science practice in different national contexts.

Graduates go on to careers in strength and conditioning, performance analysis, sport science in professional clubs and national governing bodies, exercise physiology, health promotion, rehabilitation and coaching. Further study at masters level in sport science, sports rehabilitation, performance analysis or strength and conditioning is a common route for those seeking specialist professional accreditation.