Exercise, Health and Rehabilitation Science

A Brighton Exercise, Health and Rehabilitation Science degree prepares you for a variety of rewarding careers where you’ll help people to overcome challenges and play a crucial role in promoting health and wellbeing.

The course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) – the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. CIMSPA endorsement confirms that the course meets industry standards and will provide you with the knowledge and skills that employers have identified as most valuable.

You’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. The course is packed with opportunities to gain real-world experience, including an optional paid placement year, working with real clients in the community, plus hands-on experience throughout your degree in our exercise rehabilitation gym and sport science labs. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Brighton graduates work in both the NHS and private sector as health and wellbeing advisers, cardiac scientists and respiratory and cardiac physiologists.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

• Sport courses at Brighton have received the 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for quality from CIMSPA.

• Practical hands-on experience in our accredited labs and sport and exercise facilities.

• Work placement opportunities allow you to gain professional experience and make valuable industry contacts.

• Opportunities to work directly with clients.

• Choice of option modules to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations.

• Develop the expertise to work with people with varied needs, including those with long-term conditions, sports injuries and disabilities.

• Learn with experts and innovative researchers.

• Brighton is 8th in the UK for sport science courses – Guardian University Guide 2025.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Exercise, Health and Rehabilitation Science
Brighton is less than an hour from central London, and Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s stadium is right next door to our Falmer campus where you’ll be studying. The city hosts many large-scale sporting events, including the UK’s third largest marathon, and was chosen as a host city for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Brighton is named one of the best cities on the planet and the third best city in the UK by Time Out.

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in the science behind sport, exercise and rehabilitation, exploring how physical activity can improve health, wellbeing and performance. You’ll study key topics including physiology, psychology, biomechanics and musculoskeletal anatomy, while developing practical skills in lab techniques, communication and research. Through engaging modules, you’ll begin to understand how to design effective exercise interventions and promote long-term behaviour change in diverse populations.

Core modules
Principles of Health and Rehabilitation
Integrated and Applied Studies
The Scientific Study of Sport and Exercise
Foundations of Physiology for Sport and Exercise
Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Fundamental Biomechanics
Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll deepen your expertise in sport and exercise science through hands-on lab work, advanced research methods and real-world applications in rehabilitation and performance. You’ll explore how psychological, physiological and environmental factors influence health and athletic performance, while gaining practical experience in designing tailored exercise programmes for people with differing needs. Optional modules allow you to specialise in areas like nutrition, strength and conditioning or sport psychology, helping you shape your future career path.

Core modules
Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Exercise Referral and Rehabilitation
Data Analysis and Research Methods

Options*
Healthy Mind, Healthy Body: Physical Education and Wellbeing
Nutrition for Physical Activity
Performance in Environmental Extremes
Sport Psychology in Action
Performance Assessment and Training Prescription in Strength and Conditioning
Performance Analysis

Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in industry – testing your skills in real projects, making professional connections and returning to your final year with valuable experience that sets you apart.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll take on an independent research project through your dissertation, applying everything you’ve learned to investigate a topic that inspires you. You’ll gain real-world experience in professional sport and exercise environments, while deepening your understanding of injury, rehabilitation and advanced training techniques. Option modules let you specialise in areas like sports nutrition, performance analysis, psychology or entrepreneurship, helping you refine your expertise and prepare for a successful career.

Core modules
Dissertation
Personal and Professional Development
Injury and Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise Science

Options*
Applied Sport Psychology
Applied Exercise and Health Psychology
Physiological Aspects of Exercise, Health and Nutrition
Exercise and the Brain
Science of Physical Training
The Study of Physical Training
Advanced Strength and Conditioning
Advanced Performance Analysis
Sports Nutrition
Sport Business Entrepreneurship

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.