Sport and Exercise Science

Understand human potential in facilities used by Olympians with our Sports Science degree

The Sport and Exercise Science degree at St Mary's London immerses you in sport, preparing you for a dynamic career in sport, exercise, and health-related fields. By blending rigorous academic knowledge with hands-on professional skills, this degree offers added flexibility to tailor your studies.

You'll explore scientific principles such as physiology, psychology, and biomechanics to enhance sports performance. Our comprehensive curriculum covers human anatomy, exercise physiology, and the social influences on performance, providing a holistic understanding of the field.

With access to world-class facilities and guidance from experts in sports science and exercise, you'll gain both the theoretical insights and practical experience needed to excel in your chosen career path.

Our vibrant and exciting programme is endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (CASES). Many of our staff are also active professional CASES members.

Optional modules to shape your sports science career

Our wide range of optional modules lets you discover your passion and tailor your degree to your future goals. In the second and third years, you'll only need to take one core module along with optional modules.

Designed with practical skills application in mind, our varied assessments, including project-based assessments, VIVAs, lab skills tests, and presentations, help develop skills that employers value. Engage in hands-on activities like biomechanics analysis, physiological assessments, and data collection techniques to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the optional Work Placement Module offers you the chance to complete 50 hours in a sports-related setting, gaining valuable industry work experience and professional networking opportunities that enhance employability.

It's no wonder 96% of SMU graduates are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2024).

Share world-class facilities with Olympians

You will share our world-class facilities with Olympians, other students, and the community. Some of our facilities include:

• environmental chamber

• performance education centre

• strength and conditioning facility

• specialist physiology laboratories

• biomechanics laboratories.

These facilities support practical sessions where you can develop technical skills needed in careers like sports science, coaching, and health practitioner roles.

Hear from our students

James Akhurst, Sport and Exercise Science student – “This program offers great opportunity for practical application, the structure of the course links theory-based lectures, to real-world laboratory testing.”

Modules

Year 1 – Provides a foundation in all aspects of Sport Science, as well as the contexts in which they may be applied. The first foundations of research and investigation are also laid at this stage, as are the study skills necessary for degree level work.

Year 2 - You are required to probe more deeply into relevant theory and practice in order to understand the context of Sport Science and to develop skills of investigating and reporting. The key disciplines identified by BASES are all offered, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary study and work experience.

Year 3 - Advanced issues and research are explored through theoretical, practical, and laboratory work. You will take greater responsibility for constructing a specialised programme according to your interests and you will have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project under the supervision of a member of staff with relevant expertise. The focus throughout is on applied sport science.

Year 1 – Provides a foundation in all aspects of Sport Science, as well as the contexts in which they may be applied. The first foundations of research and investigation are also laid at this stage, as are the study skills necessary for degree level work. Year 2 - You are required to probe more deeply into relevant theory and practice in order to understand the context of Sport Science and to develop skills of investigating and reporting. The key disciplines identified by BASES are all offered, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary study and work experience. Year 3 - Advanced issues and research are explored through theoretical, practical, and laboratory work. You will take greater responsibility for constructing a specialised programme according to your interests and you will have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project under the supervision of a member of staff with relevant expertise. The focus throughout is on applied sport science.