Sport & Exercise Science

Sport and exercise science applies the tools of physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition to understand human performance and physical activity. It is a discipline that asks how the body responds to exercise, how performance can be optimised, how sport affects mental health and wellbeing, and how physical activity can be used to prevent and manage disease. These questions sit at the intersection of biological science, social science and applied practice, and the answers matter not only in elite sport but in public health, rehabilitation and everyday physical wellbeing.

At the University of the West of Scotland, this four-year programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study at an international partner institution and gain exposure to sport and exercise science in a different national context. You will study exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, sports psychology, strength and conditioning, research methods and data analysis, and the sociology and policy dimensions of sport and physical activity. Laboratory and practical work are central to the programme, and you will develop the ability to assess and monitor performance, design training interventions and interpret research evidence critically.

The typical entry tariff is 136 UCAS points.

Graduates work as strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists, exercise physiologists, sport psychologists (with further study), fitness instructors, physical education teachers (with appropriate PGDE or PGCE training), personal trainers, rehabilitation specialists and health improvement practitioners. The public health sector, NHS allied health professions, elite sport programmes, leisure industry operators and sports development organisations all recruit sport and exercise science graduates. Many also continue to postgraduate study in areas such as sports coaching, exercise physiology, sport psychology or physical education.