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.
Courses we offer
Our Sports Sciences courses are ranked 17th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 SchemePostgraduate courses
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
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
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
DProf Professional Doctorate
Study for a doctoral qualification based on your professional role. Reflect on contemporary issues in the workplace.
Find out more about DProf Professional Doctorate
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
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 DoctorateResearch courses
Partner Centres
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 CoachingOnline
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.