Sport and Physical Activity

Sport and physical activity is a discipline that examines the scientific, social and educational dimensions of participation in sport and movement, asking both how physical activity affects the body and mind and how it functions as a social institution shaping communities, identities and educational outcomes. It draws on sports science, psychology, sociology, education and health to develop a rounded understanding of why sport and physical activity matter and how they can be promoted, delivered and managed most effectively for different populations and purposes.

At the University of Strathclyde this four-year, full-time programme combines scientific grounding in exercise physiology, biomechanics and sport psychology with the social and educational dimensions of sport, including sport policy, community sport development, health promotion and physical education. The degree includes a year abroad, which may involve study at an international university in a different educational and sporting culture, and there are opportunities for school placement and involvement in extra-curricular sport activities throughout the programme. The combination of academic rigour and practical experience prepares you for a wide range of careers in and around sport and physical activity.

Graduates pursue careers in physical education teaching with appropriate further qualification, sport development and community sport, coaching and performance support, sport management and administration, health promotion, corporate wellbeing, sport marketing and communications, sports science support and sport policy. The combination of scientific understanding and social awareness the degree develops is valued across public, voluntary and commercial organisations working to increase participation in physical activity and improve population health. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in sport science, physical education, public health or sport management.