Sport and Exercise Science
Sport and exercise science is the application of scientific principles from physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition to the understanding of human physical performance and health. It is a discipline that asks fundamental questions about how the body responds and adapts to exercise, how those responses can be enhanced through training, and how physical activity promotes long-term health across populations. The knowledge it generates is applied in elite sport, clinical rehabilitation, public health, and the growing field of physical activity promotion.
At Sheffield Hallam University this three-year programme includes a foundation year option for students who need additional scientific preparation, and includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you substantial professional experience in sport and exercise environments before you graduate. You will develop your scientific and analytical understanding of sport and exercise, studying the physiology of training, the biomechanics of movement, the psychology of performance, and the nutritional support of athletic development. Sheffield Hallam has strong links with the sport and leisure industry, national governing bodies, and sporting organisations in the Sheffield city region, giving the programme a professional orientation and strong placement opportunities.
Graduates work in strength and conditioning, sport performance analysis, exercise physiology, fitness and health promotion, personal training and coaching, sports rehabilitation (with further study), sport development, and the growing field of physical activity and public health. National governing bodies, professional clubs, gyms and leisure facilities, health trusts, schools, and local authorities all employ sport and exercise science graduates. Many go on to postgraduate study in sport science, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or public health nutrition, building on the scientific foundation the degree provides and developing specialist expertise for professional practice.