Sport and Exercise Sciences

Turn your passion into a fulfilling and rewarding career. Inspire the next generation of sportsmen and women. Help people become healthier, play a key role in the prevention of disease and perfect your craft in our state-of-the-art laboratories.

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Courses we offer

Our Sports Sciences courses are ranked 17th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024). As well as this, we’re proud to be shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.

Our suite of Sport and Exercise Sciences degrees will help you develop skills in coaching, exercise leadership and management, introductory sports and exercise sciences, and the social contexts in which sport and exercise exists. Take a look below to find the right course for you.

Undergraduate courses

Students with SRT written on the back on their tops gathering around a student on physio bed
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Sport and Rehabilitation Therapy

This course provides an alternative path to Physiotherapy for students wishing to specialise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation especially related to sport, exercise and fitness. In addition to specialised modules in therapy theory and practice, you will study modules in sports science (Biomechanics, Physiology etc) to gain BASRaT accreditation. In addition, the opportunity exists to complete vocational qualifications leading to Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist awards.

Find out more about Sport and Rehabilitation Therapy
A group of student taking part in a practical session in the sports hall in CitySpace
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education aims to develop aspiring coaches and future educators equipped to teach in the primary, secondary and tertiary educational settings. The course is aligned to the industry standards as set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Find out more about Sports Coaching and Physical Education
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Full-time

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences

Learn about the industry in its broadest form on a course endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Study high-quality modules in physiology, injury rehabilitation, nutrition and biomechanics, using industry-standard facilities for measuring speed, agility, reactions and enzymes in the body. Take advantage of the opportunity to train as a gym instructor or personal trainer.

Find out more about Sport and Exercise Sciences
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Full-time

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences with Integrated Foundation Year

This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences course, with an integrated foundation year. Learn about the industry in its broadest form on a course endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Study high-quality modules in physiology, injury rehabilitation, nutrition and biomechanics, using industry-standard facilities for measuring speed, agility, reactions and enzymes in the body. Take advantage of the opportunity to train as a gym instructor or personal trainer.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences with Integrated Foundation Year
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Full-time

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education with Integrated Foundation Year

This is a four year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education, with an integrated foundation year. Our course aims to develop aspiring coaches and future educators equipped to teach in the primary, secondary and tertiary educational settings. The course is aligned to the industry standards as set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education with Integrated Foundation Year
A student talking to people in a sports hall using his hands to demonstrate
Full-time

FdSc (Foundation Degree) Sports Coaching

Thrive in helping people exceed their potential every day. With industry standard software at your fingertips, including 2D Dartfish and the Catapult Minimax System, help break boundaries and maybe even bring through the next Mo Farah or Usain Bolt.

Find out more about Sports Coaching
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Full-time

Certificate of Higher Education in Sports Coaching

The course aims to develop a broad understanding of sports coaching and professional skills relevant to the future workplace. You will focus on developing performance aligned to athlete development through the study and application of exercise physiology, psychology, motor skill development and coaching theory. You will have the opportunity to complete work-related experience through local and regional links with sports clubs, public and private fitness centres, gyms and schools.

Find out more about Certificate of Higher Education in Sports Coaching
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Full-time/Part-time

Customised Awards Scheme

Pick and choose the modules you want to study to build a tailor-made course. Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this course allows you to gain a qualification that closely matches your particular needs.

Find out more about Customised Awards Scheme
FdSc Exercise, Health and Fitness
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education via Study Centres

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education via Study Centres aims to develop aspiring coaches and future educators equipped to teach in primary, secondary, and tertiary educational settings. The course is aligned to the industry standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Find out more about Sports Coaching and Physical Education via Study Centres

Postgraduate courses

Clinical Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy Suite with fitness equipment
Full-time

MSc Sport and Exercise Sciences

Develop a solid grounding in measurement, evaluation, research methods, data analysis, and sport and exercise psychology. Undertake real-world internships. Build up experience with external clients and sports clubs.

Find out more about Sport and Exercise Sciences
Student in the library
Full-time/Part-time

MPhil Master of Philosophy

Take your education to the next level. Choose the areas you want to study, and which questions you want to research. Take the initiative while we support you with advice, guidance and facilities.

Find out more about MPhil Master of Philosophy
Medicine
Full-time/Part-time

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Refine your own agenda and do what you find interesting every day. Develop mastery of research methods that are appropriate to your chosen field. Discover things that no-one else has ever discovered.

Find out more about PhD Doctor of Philosophy
A book
Part-time

PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work

Take the fastest route to a PhD. Convert your previous research outputs into a qualification which will increase your employability and open up new opportunities. Progress your academic career and add credibility in applications for research funding.

Find out more about PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work
A stack of books
Part-time

Higher Doctorate

Take your academic career to the highest level. Make a very significant and sustained contribution to your subject. Gain an elite qualification that will mark you out as an outstanding contributor to your field.

Find out more about Higher Doctorate

Research courses

Partner Centres

A student talking to people in a sports hall using his hands to demonstrate
Full-time

FdSc (Foundation Degree) Sports Coaching

Thrive in helping people exceed their potential every day. With industry standard software at your fingertips, including 2D Dartfish and the Catapult Minimax System, help break boundaries and maybe even bring through the next Mo Farah or Usain Bolt.

Find out more about Sports Coaching
FdSc Exercise, Health and Fitness
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education via Study Centres

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education via Study Centres aims to develop aspiring coaches and future educators equipped to teach in primary, secondary, and tertiary educational settings. The course is aligned to the industry standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Find out more about Sports Coaching and Physical Education via Study Centres

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Join an exciting and growing sector

By studying Sport here at Sunderland, you’ll be putting your future career in the best of hands. Our innovative courses have been developed in consultation with industry and sport and exercise governing bodies, and are supported by excellent teaching.

In addition, with increasing concerns and awareness about less-active, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets and mental health, there is a drive for well-qualified and experienced sport, exercise, health and nutrition professionals. You could be one of those professionals delivering the services that are needed to get the country fit and active, ensuring that we have sportsmen and women who can compete at the highest levels.

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