Sport and Exercise undergraduate student using an h/p/cosmos speed training machine

Sport and Exercise Science

Sport and exercise science addresses all issues underpinning human performance and adaptation in the context of sport. It also embraces major public health issues, such as sedentariness, deconditioning, mental health and ageing, all of which associate strongly with chronic disease progression.

Sport and exercise scientists understand how the human body interacts with and changes to its environment. They use this knowledge to maximise improvements in performance and physical and mental health across sport, exercise and clinical settings.

More about our Sport and Exercise Science BSc

Why study with us?

11th in the UK for Sports Science (Complete University Guide 2025)
Shared facilities with medical students including the anatomy suite, exercise testing facilities, MRI scanner and wet labs
Highly scientific course content to give you practical working knowledge of biomechanics
Learn high-end techniques from internationally recognised academics, who specialise in associated sport, medical, health and engineering fields
Develop transferable and industry-relevant skills through interactive and practical sessions
Personal Development Portfolio to help you stand out: students will complete 100 hours of placement and profession-related activities tailored to individual career goals. You'll get support every step of the way from a dedicated placements manager

Assistant Professor Paul Harlow and third year student Daniel talk about the Sport and Exercise Science course at the University of Nottingham.

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About our courses

We use a variety of teaching methods to provide you with a diverse learning experience. Topics are introduced through lectures and explored in more depth through seminars and practical classes.

Small-group teaching is also used to maximise your time with lecturers and give you an opportunity to discuss the subject with your peers. Theory is put into practice through laboratory classes and field-based practical classes.You will study in the Medical School, Faculty of Engineering and the David Ross Sports Village.

When you start the course you will be assigned a personal tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support throughout the course.

Sport and exercise science graduates will be well prepared for a number of careers in sectors including professional sports clubs, the health service, education and clinical research.

Due to our enhanced scientific content, you will also be in a good position to undertake further study such as an MSc or PhD in human health and disease and a number of allied topics. Graduate entry medicine (GEM) is an additional option.

There may be Erasmus or Universitas 21 opportunities in your second year.

Study abroad opportunities

No matter your course, the majority of University of Nottingham students have the opportunity to have an international experience during their university career.

Nottingham has 200 university partners in 40 different countries spanning six different continents across three different exchange programmes. These include Inter-campus exchange, International exchange and International summer schools.

Discover more about our university-wide study abroad options.

Please note: In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Offers are usually made without interview. Please note that students with non-standard entry qualifications, including mature students, may be invited for an interview.

We follow the university's flexible admissions policy and take educational and personal circumstances into consideration. Further details are available on our applying pages.

Watch the video below:

Join us and be guided by our Admissions Manager, Maryam. With her expert guidance, you'll discover some common myths we hear from potential students. From your reference worries to your predicted grades, and everything in between, Maryam clears up some key points you need to know to start your university experience.

Alternative Entry Qualifications

Those who wish to apply for this course, but do not meet the entry requirements or have alternative qualifications to A-Levels, should consider applying for the Science Foundation Year. This additional year will give you the necessary academic knowledge to progress onto a science course of your choosing, including Sport and Exercise Science BSc.

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Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences