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University of Essex homepage Course Finder Sport and exercise
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Sport and exercise

Impatient to develop sporting potential?

Sport and exercise
Undergraduate Masters Research

What makes a good coach? What is the secret behind the world’s fastest sprinter?

Fitness and health are both issues prevalent on the current public agenda, consequently society needs trained professionals to analyse the impact of lifestyle choices, as well as explore the science to help the body perform to its full potential. 

Our BSc Sports and Exercise Science combines learning from biology, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and psychology in a science-based programme. With sport playing such a huge role in society, opportunities at both recreational and elite sporting level will turn your passion for fitness and health into a career.

Our BSc Sports Performance and Coaching course is ideal for those who want to coach people of a variety of levels and ages. With our links with national governing bodies such as Volleyball England, Basketball England, Rugby Football Union and Lawn Tennis Association, you will gain valuable experience working as a coach, and coaching education workshops and courses. 

 
Why study here?
  • We’re 27th in the UK for Sports Science in the Guardian University Guide 2024.
  • 92% of our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023).
  • We are 23rd in the UK for research power in sport and exercise sciences (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). 
Sports science and Human Performance Unit students working together using strength and conditioning equipment

Sports science and Human Performance Unit students working together using strength and conditioning equipment

Sport science students conducting practical tests using a resistance machine

Sport science students conducting practical tests using a resistance machine

Research students conducting experiments in one of our sport science labs

Research students conducting experiments in one of our sport science labs

Student running across a pressure pad as part of a research experiment

Student running across a pressure pad as part of a research experiment

Sports science and Human Performance Unit students working with an academic on a research experiment

Sports science and Human Performance Unit students working with an academic on a research experiment

"All academics are extremely helpful and incredibly knowledgeable in a wide variety of areas. Their expertise, experience and enthusiasm really enables students to develop and grow throughout their university career."
Nikki Twine BSc Sport and Exercise Science
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Find out more about undergraduate study in Sports Therapy, including how we support your degree through partnerships with SU sports teams and local events.
Subject area: Biological sciences
Find out more about our range of biological sciences degrees, plus placement year and year abroad options.
Subject area: Psychology
Find out more about psychology at Essex and our range of undergraduate degrees.

Make a difference to the lives of people of all ages.

Fitness and health are both issues prevalent on the current public agenda, consequently society needs trained professionals to analyse the impact of lifestyle choices, as well as explore the science to help the body perform to its full potential. 

Sport and exercise science combines learning from biology, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and psychology in a science based programme. With sport playing such a huge role in society, opportunities at both recreational and elite sporting level will turn your passion for fitness and health into a career.

Postgraduate study will allow you to work alongside internationally recognised academics by collaborating on research on campus, using facilities such as our Human Performance Unit. Our multidisciplinary approach also means that you will be able to work in the field with external partners and other departments.  

Why study here?
  • Join our Health, Exercise and Active Lifestyle Unit (HEAL) group to conduct innovative and world-leading research in areas such as green exercise.
  • Research the performance of elite athletes with our staff in the Sports Performance and Fatigue Unit (SPF).
  • We are 23rd in the UK for research power in sport and exercise sciences (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). 
Postgraduate degrees
Learn more about postgraduate study in our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences
SRES Facilities
Check out all of the facilities you will have access to as a student of the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences
How to apply
We make applying to Essex as simple as possible. Our online application takes about 20 minutes and our Admissions team offer advice on what you'll need and what happens after you apply.

Make a difference to the lives of people of all ages.

Fitness and health are both issues prevalent on the current public agenda, consequently society needs trained professionals to analyse the impact of lifestyle choices, as well as explore the science to help the body perform to its full potential. 

Sport and exercise science combines learning from biology, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and psychology in a science based programme. With sport playing such a huge role in society, opportunities at both recreational and elite sporting level will turn your passion for fitness and health into a career.

Postgraduate study will allow you to work alongside internationally recognised academics by collaborating on research on campus, using facilities such as our Human Performance Unit. Our multidisciplinary approach also means that you will be able to work in the field with external partners and other departments.  

 
Why study here?
  • Join our Health, Exercise and Active Lifestyle Unit (HEAL) to conduct innovative and world-leading research in areas such as green exercise.
  • Research the performance of elite athletes with our staff in the Sports Performance and Fatigue Unit (SPF).
  • Develop skills using state-of-the-art equipment in biomechanics, physiology, psychology and biochemistry.
"I came to Essex to undertake multiple applied research projects with elite athlete populations, present my work at international conferences, and develop my critical thinking and research skills. As a result of this, I was able to secure a role as a Senior Performance Pathway Scientist, working within UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport, where my role involved providing technical and research support across multiple Olympic and Paralympic sports. I am currently Senior Talent Pathway Scientist at the FA."
Catherine Hesford PhD Sport and Exercise Science
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Explore our research

Discover cutting edge research from the University of Essex. Browse our site to find relevant publications, projects, groups, centres, postgraduate opportunities for research supervision and wider areas of interest. Simply search our site to find information relating to your subject.

Search our research
Human Performance
Professional Practice
Research degrees in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences
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We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.



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