Health and Exercise Science
Health and exercise science is a discipline that applies the principles of biology, physiology, and psychology to understand how the human body responds to physical activity and how that knowledge can be used to improve health, treat disease, and optimise performance. Exercise is one of the most powerful interventions available for a wide range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, and mental health difficulties. Understanding precisely how exercise produces these benefits, at what dose, for which populations, and under what conditions, requires rigorous scientific training across multiple related disciplines.
At Manchester Metropolitan University, this three-year full-time BSc develops that multidisciplinary scientific foundation. You will study human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and health psychology, building an integrated understanding of how the body functions during exercise and how exercise affects health outcomes. The programme pays particular attention to the application of exercise science in clinical and health contexts, examining how training needs to be adapted when health conditions alter a person's capacity to exercise, and how exercise interventions are designed and evaluated in rehabilitation and population health settings.
A sandwich year with work placement is embedded in the programme, giving you direct applied experience in a professional health, sport, or exercise context before you complete the degree.
Graduates of health and exercise science enter careers across sport, health, fitness, and the allied health professions. Common roles include exercise physiologist, health and exercise consultant, strength and conditioning coach, clinical exercise specialist, and physical activity coordinator in public health settings. Many graduates pursue postgraduate professional training to qualify as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or healthcare scientists, using the degree as a scientific foundation for clinical registration.
Others continue to postgraduate research in exercise physiology, sports science, or public health, building specialist expertise for academic or applied research careers.